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. Â 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. Â (Haven’t seen it? Â You can watch the entire film here) Â 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. Â However, director John Johnson (Skeleton Key) with the help of Ed Wood, Jr. Â is going to try. Â 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? Â What movies would you never see a remake of?
Sources: BD Horror News, Plan 9 Official Website, The Wrap