Fifty years ago, an odd man made a very odd film which could never be reproduced, but that doesn’t mean nobody’s going to try. Ed Wood’s Plan 9 From Outer Space is quite possibly the worst movie ever made, yet it is looked at with affection by science fiction and horror fans around the world. (Haven’t seen it? You can watch the entire film here) Technically the first ‘zombie’ movie, Plan 9 gained cult film status with its kitschy low-budget effects that easily outdoes any Hammer Studios film, and the obvious enthusiasm of eccentric director Ed Wood, whose life is itself the basis for a film (Ed Wood, 1994).
It seems that to attempt a remake of this iconic film is a recipe for disaster, as it would not have the Wood’s directing style or horrible 1950’s horror film studio effects to redeem it. However, director John Johnson (Skeleton Key) with the help of Ed Wood, Jr. is going to try. They are attempting, according to the movie’s official site, to pay “homage to the spirit of Wood’s film without resorting to camp or parody” as “Wood’s plan was to make a very scary sci-fi/horror film” but was “bound by the technical limitations of filmmakers 50 years ago.”
Plan 9 Teaser Trailer from Darkstone Entertainment on Vimeo.
The concept of remaking Plan 9 was a little more successful than the Rocky Horror Picture Show remake, which was canceled after its announcement last fall, most likely due to the huge outrage of remaking such a classic film.
What do you think of cult film remakes? What movies would you never see a remake of?
Sources: BD Horror News, Plan 9 Official Website, The Wrap