Walking Dead Creator Rebooting An American Werewolf in London

Another week in film, another reboot. This time it is the turn of An American Werewolf in London. As THR reports that the franchise is set to recreate the 1981 original. It was originally rumored that we may have a sequel or some fresh take on the franchise. But, unfortunately that is not the case.

Universal has the rights to the picture and has secured the signatures of two influential players behind the scenes.

Robert Kirkman from The Walking Dead will be partnered alongside David Albert in a producing capacity. While Max Landis has been given the duel responsibilities of directing and writing the horror feature. This is keeping with the family tradition, as his father John Landis happened to direct the cult hit some 35 years previous.

First Of The Franchise A Groundbreaker For Makeup

With the producers going from two to four with Todd Garner and Matt Smith signing on, Landis and co will have a tough time living up to the hype that surrounded the 1981 incarnation. Winning an Oscar for creature creator Rick Baker, the makeup and effects that were implemented for Griffin Dunne's character Jack Goodman still stand the test of time today.

Telling the tale of two American backpackers traveling across the English countryside, an attack by a mysterious creature left one dead and the other with serious wounds. Haunted by his dead friend in a hospital bed, David Kessler (David Naughton) is told that he has become a werewolf before terrorizing the city.

<>Landis 2.0 Has A Long Way To Live Up To The Father's Achievements

Perhaps a degree of nepotism is at play in this scenario. With 31-year old Max Landis being a very young and inexperienced director in his own right. His background has involved films far more PC and geared towards a geekier audience. Such as working as a writer on American Ultra, Victor Frankenstein and Chronicle. Only the latter of which making any impression with critics.

Age is no barrier to success. And maybe a fresh set of eyes could inject the right amount of enthusiasm to the project. But, then again, the reboot will have a lot to live up to. The 1997 sequel An American Werewolf in Paris completely flopped as it attempted to bend more towards comedy. Learning that lesson, Landis should try and tap into what made the first so popular. All while avoiding what made the second such a waste of time.