Craig Gillespie in Talks to Direct Fright Night Remake
03.08.10 By: Mike Bracken
Dreamworks has been threatening us with a Fright Night remake for quite awhile now, but those threats have mostly been empty. That could be changing, as the LA Times is reporting the project has been moved on to the high priority fast track.As proof that this isn't just Dreamworks blowing more smoke, the article breaks news that Craig Gillespie is now in negotiations to take the reins on the remake. Reports indicate that the studio was mulling over several filmmakers, but decided Gillespie was their man and began serious negotiations on Friday. The director is best known for the romantic comedy Lars and the Real Girl and the Billy Bob Thornton vehicle Mr. Woodcock. Buffy the Vampire Slayer scribe Marti Noxon is working on the screenplay.
The original Fright Night found a teenaged horror film fan Charley Brewster (William Ragsdale) teaming up with creature feature host Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowall) to battle a vampire who's moved in next door and set his sights on Charley's girlfriend. Directed by Tom Holland, it's one of the better examples of how to mix horror and comedy without alienating either audience.
If Gillespie does sign on for the project, the next big step would appear to be casting. I don't particularly care who plays Charley in a remake, but I do care about who they get to play Peter Vincent. McDowall will be a tough act to follow--who would you cast in that pivotal role?
Filed under: News/Reactions
Reader Comments (1 of 2)
Bryanat 3-08-2010
How about Kenneth Branagh? I think he would do the role justice, and have just the right amount of campiness as the TV "vampire hunter" turned coward turned real life vampire hunter.
Mike Brackenat 3-08-2010
Wow, Branagh is actually a really interesting idea. All I had was Bill Moseley or Bruce Campbell. :p
robertat 3-09-2010
Wow, what a dilemma! Roddy McDowall was always one of my favorite actors and I was deeply saddened by his passing. He, like Vincent Price, had a uniqueness about him that cannot be copied nor equalled. That being said, Bryan and Mike have given excellent choices for the role. It would probably be best if the actor hasn't had a lot of screen time as of late, that way he'll better fit into this particular character. You could choose from a vast array of actors, from John Cleese to Kevin Kline to Tom Baker (the best pre-millinium Dr. Who). And, going along those lines, brings us another fine choice (although he currently has lots of screen time), David Tennant ( the current best Dr. Who). He has a lot of similar qualities as the late Mr. McDowall, a sort of eternal boyish innocence and charm, a personality that is very unique and yet runs parallel with Mr. McDowall. Or if you want to go the opposite route, there's always Patrick Stewart or Ian McKellen. Campy or classical? Tough choice.
robertat 3-09-2010
Here's a funny thought, have the soundtrack done by Vampire Weekend. A great band and a very appropriate name. Muse could do the film justice as well.
richardat 3-09-2010
gary oldman
Marsat 3-09-2010
Gary Oldman, I like that. I agree with you, he has a very dry sense of humor, that I think would be impressive in a more modern version of this movie. Another thought might be Ricky Gervais. I can see him as well, if they are looking for someone that can do job as good as McDowell's portrayal. I think he could be the good guy who knows he needs to do the right thing, but is scared to do it, and then gets the brass to get it done.
Ginaat 3-09-2010
Please leave the old movies alone. It's bad to remake them because when they don't turn out to be good people get mad because they spend their money to see it. Leave Fright Night alone I love that movie and I don't think they could make it any better, just like the Step Father all 3 were timeless please leave it alone. Please come up with new and original ideals of your own.
marandaat 3-09-2010
that was my first thought, too, it just won't be the same, leave it
pnut166at 3-09-2010
BRUCE CAMPBELL ALL THE WAY !!!!
Anneat 3-09-2010
Peter O'Toole, although he might be a bit too long in tooth. Or Steve Martin. I'm a bit surprised that you haven't mentioned the casting of the new Jerry Dandridge. You have to get the right mixture of dangerous and vulnerability to love, not to mention dead sexy. I'd suggest Gerard Butler, but he has already played a vampire. *sigh* Think George Clooney would be interested in a 'fun' movie?
duffhessian1776at 3-09-2010
here's an idea: DON"T!!!! is there no one out there with an original thought? is hollywood completely lacking andy REAL talent? make an original movie; stop re-making old ones.
samwise246at 3-09-2010
Someone once said that there are only 5 stories and all movies can do is rehash them. Think about it and you realize it is true. As long as they don't pick the teen idol du jour to play Charlie or get Megan fox to play Amy, it might be good. They could get Cheech Marin to play Peter Vincent. Bruce Campbell would be great as the vampire's Renfield.
Debbieat 3-09-2010
I agree with Robert, David Tennant gets my vote for all the reasons he stated in his post.....
He would have all the right moves and the right voice..i dearly love his work!
Anneat 3-09-2010
A-ha! Just thought of a perfect Jerry Dandridge........Clive Owen!
Dustinat 3-09-2010
Any one else getting tired of all the unoriginal movies that have been coming out? Horror or otherwise?
Paulaat 3-09-2010
Bring Chris Sarandon back as a new neighbor with Kenneth Branagh (love him!)as the vampire hunter. Continue the story. You can't redo a classic people!
amandaat 3-09-2010
I loved the old one if they remake it I hope it doesn't suck I'm so sick and tired of people remaking movies and they totally suck
Tracieat 3-09-2010
Tim Curry
Anneat 3-09-2010
Tim Curry......how perfect that would be!
Patriotat 3-16-2010
Danny DeVito. He was great in "Jack the Bear" as an alcoholic/TV personality/Late Night Horror Host. It would be nice to see the role revived.