The Hollywood Reporterexclusively revealed today that Amblin Partners is planning a remake for the 1990 horror-comedyArachnophobiaand thatChristopher Landon, the director behindHappy Death Day, has been tapped to write and direct the new film.
The originalArachnophobiawas directed by Amblin Entertainment co-founderFrank Marshallin his directorial debut from a script byDon JakobyandWesley Strickbased on a story by Jakoby andAl Williams. It followed the story of a family who moves out of the city in search of the idyllic small-town life. However, they soon find the town is being terrorized by deadly South American spiders. It starredJeff Daniels,John Goodman,Julian Sands, andHarley Jane Kozak. It is unknown at this time how much of the plot of the original Landon intends to preserve for the remake.
Landon seems like a natural pick to helm this remake as his roots are firmly planted in both the horror and horror-comedy worlds. In the world of horror, Landon has written five of the seven installments of theParanormal Activityfranchise. He also directed the fifth film in the seriesParanormal Activity: The Marked Ones. Landon’s past work in horror-comedy includes him directingHappy Death Dayand writing and directing its sequel,Happy Death Day 2U. He also directed and co-wroteScouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse. Additionally, Landon has a new film calledWe Have A GhoststarringAnthony Mackie,David Harbour,Tig Notaro, andJennifer Coolidgeexpected to premiere on Netflix later this year.
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ThisArachnophobiaremake will see Amblin teaming up with the iconic horror directorJames Wan(The Conjuring) and his production banner Atomic Monster to produce. Wan will produce the remake with his producing partnerMichael Clear. The film will also see Marshall serving as a producer after directing the original. Marshall is a co-founder of Amblin Entertainment, who has served as a producer on a number of films under the Amblin banner like theJurassic ParkandIndiana Jonesfranchises, and he has been nominated for five Academy Awards for Best Picture.Jeb Brody, the president of production for Amblin, will be overseeing the film with executive VPLauren Abrahamsand senior VPMia Maniscalco.
Currently, no casting or expected production start has been announced for the film. Stay tuned to Collider for any future updates onArachnophobia.
