The Faculty Remake: A Pointless Reboot or a Sequel with Fresh Talent?

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Summary

  • The Faculty remake raises doubts due to its cult status and ’90s vibe.
  • Sequel could be more appealing by reuniting original cast as teachers facing new threats.
  • Director hints at a potential sequel highlighting fresh talent over a remake.

The Faculty has been added to the roster of old horror movies being reimagined, but it seems unlikely to succeed for multiple reasons. When initially released in 1998, Robert Rodriguez’s film may have only achieved moderate success, yet it eventually cultivated its own dedicated fanbase.

Initially, The Faculty appears to be a film that doesn’t seem necessary for a reboot. The original movie effectively combined science fiction and horror elements, creating something fitting for its time, despite drawing heavily on other alien invasion or body snatcher narratives. Reexploring these themes today could provide a fresh perspective, but it doesn’t mean they should slavishly copy the original. Miramax needs to approach this potential remake with caution and perhaps reconsider their decision.

Is The Faculty Getting A Remake?

Miramax Brings Back The 1998 Sci-Fi Horror Classic

It has been confirmed that Miramax is planning to remake “The Faculty”, which was originally released in 1998, on January 30, 2025. At this point, not many details are available regarding the cast and crew, but it’s known that Drew Hancock will write the screenplay for the remake. Robert Rodriguez, who directed the original sci-fi thriller, is set to return as a producer. Notably, Drew Hancock recently made his debut with the AI horror film “Companion”.

This movie, titled “The Faculty“, centers on a band of students who grow suspicious that their school authorities are concealing a lethal mystery. As they delve deeper, they uncover the chilling truth: their teachers and administrators have been taken over by an extraterrestrial collective consciousness. Essentially, it’s a slasher film with a unique sci-fi spin. It skillfully blends its inspirations, echoing timeless classics such as “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” and John Carpenter’s “The Thing“.

A Cult Classic With A Cast Of Future Stars

Mixing Teen Horror With Sci-Fi Thrills

This movie, starring current Hollywood stars such as Josh Hartnett, Jordana Brewster, Clea DuVall, Elijah Wood, and Usher, had a nostalgic feel reminiscent of a John Hughes film. Not only did it boast well-known celebrities like pre-“Daily Show” Jon Stewart, Salma Hayek, and Robert Patrick, but it was also written by Kevin Williamson, who was rapidly becoming known for his successful horror series like “Scream” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer.

As a fan, I was thrilled when Robert Rodriguez took on directing “The Faculty” after the success of “From Dusk Till Dawn”. With all the ingredients for a genre-defining box office hit, it seemed destined for greatness. Produced on a budget of around $10-$15 million, it managed to rake in a solid $63 million at the box office. However, what truly stood out was its enduring appeal over the years, particularly among horror and sci-fi enthusiasts like myself.

The Faculty Works Due To Its ’90s Vibe

A Remake Might Struggle To Capture The Same Magic

Maybe The Faculty could have made a more significant impact upon its release if the oversaturation of horror franchises such as Scream hadn’t been so prevalent. Moreover, the film’s distinctive blend of genres – combining a slasher-thriller with an alien parasite invasion taking place in a high school – might have played a role in its initial difficulty to distinguish itself. Despite this, it has managed to maintain a unique appeal among its dedicated fan base due to its 90’s-inspired campy horror style and excellent soundtrack that enhances the experience.

The Faculty, while not overly terrifying, made up for the absence of suspense and unease with exceptional special effects that remain impressive to this day. Although certain CGI scenes may have become dated, practical effects such as the massive monster and the writhing tentacles with alien faces continue to be effective. It’s worth noting that the film’s enduring popularity is largely due to its distinct 90s atmosphere. A modern remake could struggle in the same way as the recent reboot of The Crow, which failed because it’s no longer the 1990s.

The Faculty Sequel Idea Is Better Than A Remake

Original Cast Reunion, New Alien Threat & More

Redoing the movie now might seem like a money-making move, just updating its high school characters to represent today’s generation. However, it may be wiser to produce a sequel instead, as this could offer greater opportunities for storytelling. Rehashing the same story with a new group of teenagers would feel repetitive unless the setting was altered. Instead, following the lives of the original cast as they have grown older could be intriguing, given that many of the actors are still active in their careers.

In a follow-up, the original characters might be transformed into teachers at Herrington High, dealing with the aftermath of an alien invasion that puts them in the same role as their past selves, while a fresh group of students attempts to thwart them. Elijah Wood’s character, Casey, who was the hero in the first film, could now be portrayed as a skeptic, striving to enlighten the world about the truth behind the events. Moreover, there’s a possibility that another extraterrestrial parasite may surface, increasing the danger beyond just a high school – perhaps affecting an entire town, state, or even the nation.

Director Hinted At Follow-Up Over Remake

Robert Rodriguez & Fresh Talent Could Revive The Film

It’s worth noting that the remake plan for “The Faculty” may not have been set in stone, as the original director seemed to favor a sequel instead. During an interview promoting “Hypnotic” in 2023, Robert Rodriguez hinted subtly at the possibility of a sequel rather than a full-on remake for “The Faculty”. When asked about reuniting the cast from the original 1998 film, Rodriguez, known for movies like “Spy Kids”, responded positively.

It could be. I can’t tell you what we’re working on, but it could be.

Additionally, there are many promising young directors in the horror genre today who can offer something new and exciting. Combining Rodriguez’s knowledge with Drew Hancock’s screenwriting abilities and established industry names could potentially broaden the reach of The Faculty among its dedicated fan base.

Essentially, The Faculty pushed boundaries by mixing genres and taking chances, but unfortunately, it didn’t become the blockbuster franchise it was intended to be. Despite its initial lack of success, its boldness is something to admire. In an era where horror movie studios are favoring familiar and safe options, opting for a sequel instead of a remake that continues the story and style of The Faculty would be wiser. As we await further details on the film’s director, cast, and overall direction, let’s hope it provides more insight into its future.

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2025-02-05 00:55