Dimension Films, writer/director John Landis has confirmed, has attained the rights to remake the 1981 comedic horror favorite The American Werewolf in London. Aside from being an exemplary fusion of horror and comedy, Landis’ film proved historic as it was the first film that the AMPAS recognized in an official category for Best Makeup (for make-up/effects maven Rick Baker). Whether or not the film will be set in the titular city of London or be relocated to another site (as in the ill-fated American Werewolf in Paris) is yet to be known. And it seems Landis has few qualms if any, essentially using this as an apt advert for his blu-ray edition of the original due out this summer. “I was afraid the digital cleaning of the negative would result in too clear a picture and hurt Baker’s makup, when in fact the incredibly crisp detail makes Rick’s stuff look even better” He adds about the idea of a new version, “perhaps someone will make a brilliant movie out of it.” Of course we have our doubts of remaking any horror classic, but we’ll reserve critique until later, like when we know who is cast. Stay tuned.
