John Carpenter Teases Potential Sequel to ‘The Thing’
John Carpenter recently hinted that a sequel to his 1982 sci-fi horror classic, The Thing, may be in the works.
Speaking at Fan Expo Philadelphia, the director told fans, “We’re working on it now,” but quickly added, “I don’t know. We’ll see,” leaving the project’s future uncertain.
It was previously revealed a new 'The Thing' project was in the works at Blumhouse but Carpenter didn't reveal if it was a sequel, reboot, or prequel pic.twitter.com/dmJk2LankV
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) November 7, 2025
The Thing, based on John W. Campbell Jr.’s 1938 novella Who Goes There?, follows a group of American researchers in Antarctica who encounter an alien life form capable of imitating any organism it absorbs.
Paranoia and mistrust spiral as the team realizes that anyone among them could be the creature. Kurt Russell stars as helicopter pilot R.J. MacReady, with a supporting cast including Wilford Brimley, Keith David, and Donald Moffat.
When it premiered in 1982, The Thing received mixed reviews. Critics praised the groundbreaking creature effects but found the visuals disturbing and the characters underdeveloped. The film grossed $19.6 million, struggling against optimistic sci-fi hits like E.T. and a crowded summer of genre films.
Over time, The Thing found a cult following through home video and television airings. It is now regarded as a seminal work in both science fiction and horror, influencing numerous filmmakers and appearing in video games, comic books, and even theme park attractions. A prequel was also released in 2011, expanding the story for fans.
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