Renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has expressed high admiration for John Carpenter’s 1982 sci-fi horror film, The Thing, in a recently released clip from the documentary The Thing Expanded. The film, widely considered a masterpiece, continues to captivate audiences decades after its release, with del Toro highlighting Carpenter’s bold creative risks in its making.
Guillermo del Toro Highlights Carpenter’s Courage and Vision
In the clip shared by Fangoria, del Toro reflects on the initial reception of The Thing and the risks Carpenter took during production. He states,
“John Carpenter, he risked and in many ways, lost a lot,”
emphasizing the director’s willingness to break cinematic boundaries. According to del Toro, the film achieved
“the highest honor I’ve seen a horror movie attain, which is the audience first rejects it. Because it’s breaking every boundary.”
He goes on to convey the lasting impact the film has had on him personally:
“One of the few times in my lifetime….where you know you’re in front of a classic. You believe you’re watching the Gone with the Wind of brutality.”
Comprehensive Documentary Explores the Legacy of The Thing
The upcoming documentary The Thing Expanded, directed by Ian Nathan and produced by CREATORVC—the team behind In Search of Darkness—promises an extensive exploration of John Carpenter’s classic. It includes five hours of newly uncovered insights, stories, and revelations surrounding the making and enduring significance of the film.
The documentary features interviews with the full surviving cast, including Kurt Russell, Keith David, Thomas G. Waites, David Clennon, Joel Polis, Richard Masur, and Peter Maloney. In addition, key figures involved in the production, such as Carpenter himself, director of photography Dean Cundey, co-producer Stuart Cohen, editor Todd C. Ramsay, and producer and assistant director Larry Franco, share their experiences.
Besides del Toro, other filmmakers also contribute their perspectives, providing greater context to why The Thing remains a powerful work in horror cinema.
Availability and Pre-Order Information for The Thing Expanded
Produced by Robin Block, David Weiner, and Josh Weiss, The Thing Expanded is now available for pre-order on Blu-ray and digital formats. The offer to secure a copy runs only through March 24th, urging fans to act quickly to obtain this definitive documentary.
The trailer for The Thing Expanded is available for viewing, along with exclusive clips posted by Fangoria, offering a fascinating glimpse into the detailed examination of Carpenter’s film.
