It’s been a while since we heard anything about the long-rumored remake of cult classic horror comedy An American Werewolf in London, but the last substantial update we got said that the project was finally moving forward at Universal Pictures, with a director attached: none other than Jon Landis’ always outspoken son, Max.
Landis Jr. has signed on to direct and write the movie, with The Walking Dead‘s David Alpert and Robert Kirkman producing through their Skybound Entertainment. Jon Landis is apparently also on board as an executive producer.
For those unfamiliar, the original ’80s flick told the story of a pair of American tourists who are attacked by a monster while trekking across the Yorkshire moors, one of whom also becomes a werewolf at the next full moon. As he struggles to come to terms with the terrible truth and endures regular visits from his recently deceased (and increasingly decaying) pal, he also falls for the nurse that looked after him when he first arrived in hospital.
An American Werewolf in London is generally regarded as one of the greatest horror comedies ever because of its effortless blend of scares, gags and at times, genuine poignancy. It remains to be seen if Max Landis can replicate some of that magic for his own interpretation, but while speaking in a recent interview, the writer/director gave a brief update on the status of the project, saying:
“I’m going to write it, and I think I’m going to direct it. I like the script I wrote; you know, I’m halfway through it right now. I hope it turns out great.”
So, not much to go on then and frankly, at the pace that the production has been moving at, we don’t expect to hear anything substantial for a while. This one’s been brewing in development for years now and again, no real tangible progress has been made. Still, it’s nice to know that Landis remains committed to it and with any luck, the American Werewolf in London remake will begin to take shape before the year’s out.