Them!, the 1954 sci-fi classic, is getting a second wind over at Warner Bros. Discovery. Michael Giacchino will be directing the feature following his work on Werewolf By Night.
Though it isn't considered one of the best science-fiction movies of all time, Them! Is a classic example of the '50s sci-fi genre, and it reflects the atomic fears of the era. Directed by Gordon Douglas, the film was about a small New Mexico town being attacked by giant, irradiated ants. It was the first of the "big bug" feature film craze of the era, a popular topic in horror and sci-fi films.
Per Deadline, Giacchino was selected for the Them! Reboot, which will use the science fiction monster flick to tackle modern issues. “There’s always a movie in your mind that never leaves your head. For me, that’s Them! It wasn’t until much later in life until I learned what it was about — the nuclear age," Giacchino said. "What I love about Them! Is exactly what it’s called: Them! It’s about the other, the unknown which one refuses or can’t understand. The current version of Them! Is about immigration, and to tell a story about the subject through a lens of this insane science fiction monster movie."
Warner Bros. President of Production and Development Jesse Ehrman had nothing but praise for Giacchino, saying, “Michael Giacchino is a unique talent. We’re excited to be working with him and have him at the studio." Giacchino is known primarily for his work as a composer on acclaimed projects like The Batman. He only recently jumped into directing with Werewolf By Night, which garnered positive reviews.
Werewolf by Night was also a gory foray into horror for Giacchino, which will prove to be a valuable experience while making his updated version of Them! His description of the current version emphasizes the movie as a metaphor for immigration, but it's unclear what he means by that. Presumably, the full picture will be revealed as more information, such as casting and setting, is disclosed.
Giacchino called directing Werewolf By Night a no-brainer because he was a big fan of the comics as a child. Given his love for the original film, Them! Is likely a passion project. If he brings it to life like he did Werewolf By Night, then the horror of Them! Could become a new classic.
Them! Is in development at Warner Bros.
Source: Deadline