Upcoming Restoration of Forbidden Planet from Brian K. Vaughan
Upcoming Restoration of Forbidden Planet from Brian K. Vaughan
Whenever a classic film gets remade, there's often a feeling of apprehension—until you discover who's behind the scenes. This is the case with today's announcement that celebrated author Brian K. Vaughan is penning a fresh take on the 1956 sci-fi classic Forbidden Planet. Vaughan will be bringing his wealth of experience to the project, having written comics for both Marvel and DC; penned critically-acclaimed indie comics series like Y: The Last Man, Paper Girls, and Saga; and worked on TV shows such as Lost and Under the Dome.
The news about Vaughan's new interpretation of Forbidden Planet comes from Deadline, which also revealed that Emma Watts (I, Robot; Alita: Battle Angel) is on board to produce. According to the article, Forbidden Planet is a property that has long been coveted by many in Hollywood, including, apparently, James Cameron. However, legal issues have made it challenging to bring the project to life. Now, it seems, these obstacles have been overcome, opening the way forward.
The original Forbidden Planet hit cinemas in 1956, riding the wave of space-themed sci-fi excitement that also included films like When Worlds Collide (1951), The War of the Worlds (1953), and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956). While the human cast of Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Leslie Nielsen, and Warren Stevens may not be as renowned as they once were, the film's breakout star—Robby the Robot—certainly is. One of the earliest examples of a robot character with a distinct personality, Robby paved the way for the chatty droids in Star Wars and the lovable Bender in Futurama.
Robby and the film's innovative designs for space travel and exploration plot, which were inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest, earned Forbidden Planet a nomination for Best Visual Effects at the Oscars. However, it lost to The Ten Commandments.
There's no information yet on how Vaughan's version of Forbidden Planet will modernize the story, but it's safe to bet that Robby the Robot will play some role. What do you think of this remake team—and who would you choose as director?
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Vaughan's reimagination of 'Forbidden Planet' is sure to spark interest on popular technology and culture website 'io9', given his past successes in sci-fi comic books. With advancements in modern technology, it's intriguing to consider how Robby the Robot might evolve in this new version of the classic movie.
Despite the hype surrounding the remake, some moviegoers might still prefer the original 'Forbidden Planet', which revolutionary designs in space travel and exploration gained recognition at the Oscars, showcasing the timeless appeal of classic sci-fi movies.