Christopher Landon Reveals Vision for His ‘Arachnophobia’ Remake

Christopher Landon was getting ready to adapt a legendary creature flick before he started production on his most recent movie, ‘Drop’. James Wan’s Atomic Monster and Amblin Partners were to produce the 2022 reimagining of ‘Arachnophobia’, and directed by the director of ‘Happy Death Day.’ 

The project felt like the ideal fit for him because of his skill at fusing comedy with horror.  His idea for the movie, nevertheless, will never be realized.  In a recent interview with TheWrap, Landon revealed his take on the spider-filled horror tale and confirmed his exit from the movie.

The 1990 film ‘Arachnophobia’, which was directed by Frank Marshall, tells the story of a deadly spider that travels from Venezuela to a small California hamlet.  ‘Arachnophobia’ physician Ross Jennings (Jeff Daniels) discovers the horrifying reality when unexplained fatalities happen, and he joins forces with exterminator Delbert McClintock (John Goodman) to halt the invasion. 

Image Courtesy: Yahoo Movies

In addition to adding a subplot outside of the spider infestation, Landon’s adaptation of the movie went further toward body horror.  Though he thought it was one of his best scripts, the project failed due to creative disagreements.  He clarified that although he had a distinct perspective, disagreements eventually led to an amicable and reciprocal split.

Instead of taking place in California, Landon’s version would have taken place in West Texas and included a political plot involving a vicious mayoral candidate from a powerful oil family.  This subplot would have given the story more depth before the terrifying spider attacks caused mayhem.  Horrible visions of spiders eating into victims and depositing eggs inside their bodies were part of his vision.  He also planned to bring back John Goodman’s character, Delbert McClintock, if the actor consented.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

 Although there are plans to remake ‘Arachnophobia’, Landon’s version will never be produced.  He is instead concentrating on ‘Drop’, a thriller about a mother who receives enigmatic AirDrop messages and becomes entangled in a fatal game.

–Farheen Ali