Despite his recent resurgence with Wednesday and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Tim Burton has issued some caution about reports of his remaking a sci-fi classic. Burton is best known for his work in gothic-style filmmaking, having quickly established the genre penchant with 1988’s Beetlejuice and carrying it on in everything from the Oscar-nominated Edward Scissorhands to his producing the stop-motion hits The Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride.
In addition to his original storytelling, Burton has also frequently found himself in the director’s chair for remakes and reimaginings of iconic movies and novels. Beginning with his 1999 adaptation of Sleepy Hollow, the filmmaker has largely found financial success with his takes on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Alice in Wonderland, though all have seen a variety of responses from critics. Even still, that hasn’t stopped him from eyeing bringing his vision to another iconic property.
The Filmmaker Also Offers An Emotional Reflection On Not Talking About It Yet
Burton was said to be lined up to remake Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman. The 1958 sci-fi classic told the story of a woman who grows massively in size and power following an alien encounter, and has been hailed as a cult classic in the years since it came out, with one remake being made in 1993 led by Daryl Hannah and helmed by Emmy winner Christopher Guest, though nearly as well received. It was reported in February 2024 that Burton would be teaming with Gone Girl‘s Gillian Flynn for an Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman remake.
Now, per Deadline, Burton spoke candidly about his career at the Marrakech Film Festival, including the chances of the Attack of the FIfty Foot Woman remake. The filmmaker was careful in looking to the future, revealing he has “no real projects at the moment“, while also explaining that getting ahead of himself with projects that don’t go anywhere has led to some “quite traumatic” experiences. See what Burton shared below:
I have no real projects at the moment. One thing I learned very early on is that until I’m on the set doing something I don’t know if I’m doing it. I’ve had projects, I was doing a Superman [movie] once, I did another project that I worked for a year upon, and it didn’t happen. When those things happen, it’s quite traumatic, it’s quite emotional. So, I’m very protective of myself. In Hollywood, when you’re doing something, you may think you’re doing something, until they tell you you’re not doing something. You get quite traumatized by those situations, so I wait until I’m on the set, and then I will tell you, “Yes,” because I’m actually doing it. But before then, I don’t know.
There Might Still Be A Possibility Of A Remake
Burton’s comments highlight the emotional hurdles of navigating Hollywood, but they don’t entirely rule out the possibility of him being involved in a remake of Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman. His cautious approach to addressing unconfirmed projects originates from his experiences devoting time and energy to films that never materialized, such as his unfinished Superman Lives film. However, his denial does not mean he cannot still direct the remake, as he also kept his cards close to his chest regarding this year’s blockbuster Beetlejuice Beetlejuice until he finally made it.
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Tim Burton’s Next Movie, A Remake Of A 66-Year-Old Sci-Fi, Has To Buck A Career Trend To Continue His Comeback After Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s success proves that Tim Burton is back, but his next movie will need to end a career-length trend to continue this success.
On the other hand, the director’s candid remarks demonstrate how unpredictable the filmmaking process can be, even for an acclaimed director with a distinct artistic vision. His fears are not unfounded, as one of the most recent examples of Hollywood’s irregular attitude is DC’s Batgirl movie, which was deemed “unreleasable” after the film was almost completed. This, and Burton’s own experiences, emphasizes his need for caution when pursuing new projects. But ultimately, his involvement in such a remake may result in an exciting imaginative take on the cult classic, combining his love of gothic whimsy with retro sci-fi themes.
A Justified Approach To Filmmaking
Tim Burton’s remarks serve as a poignant reminder of the highs and lows of a creative profession. While his reserved approach may disappoint fans eager for news about his next project, it is also a testament to his dedication to safeguarding his artistic process and his mental health. His honesty about the challenges of being a creative mind in Hollywood offers a rare, yet honest, glimpse into the vulnerability behind his innovative films.
Should Burton eventually take on the new iteration of Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman, his unique vision might breathe a new life into the cult classic and introduce the story to new generations. But for the time being, his statements pique our interest and appreciation for the resilience required to thrive in an unpredictable industry while staying true to one’s creative vision.
Source: Deadline
Tim Burton has been tackled to direct a brand new reimagining of the sci-fi classic Attack of the Fifty-Foot Woman for Warner Bros, with Gillian Flynn penning the script. The original film follows a wealthy woman made gigantic after an encounter with aliens visiting Earth, introducing new challenges into her life while dealing with the confused and terrified townspeople.
- Distributor(s)
- Warner Bros. Pictures
- Writers
- Gillian Flynn
