The folks who brought us Aliens Expanded and the massive horror documentary series In Search of Darkness are back with their latest endeavor: The Thing Expanded. John Carpenter himself sat down for an interview on this one, and we have an exclusive sneak peek at Carpenter talking about The Thing‘s FX wizard Rob Bottin.
Touted as “the ultimate fan-driven companion to The Thing,” The Thing Expanded documentary is currently available for pre-sale. Director Ian Nathan dives deep into the haunting world of Carpenter's 1982 sci-fi-horror classic, joined by producers Robin Block (CREATORVC), David Weiner (CREATORVC) and Josh Weiss (author of SYFY WIRE’s extensive oral history of The Thing).
“With The Thing Expanded we are taking on the ultimate horror film,” says director Ian Nathan. “For Aliens Expanded we dove head first into James Cameron’s genre-making film. But now we get to explore the paranoia, the survival, and the themes of John Carpenter’s classic, all led by what the fans want to see. And those fans are just such an extraordinary resource. I want to be infected with their genius.” Here's more on what we can expect:
The ultimate exploration of a cinematic classic, The Thing Expanded will be centered on an in-depth analysis led by none other than John Carpenter himself. The documentary will include a wealth of memories, stories, facts, rabbit-hole tangents and theories about the 1982 film and its origins and influences that Carpenter fans demand, including discussion of the 2011 prequel, video game sequel, RPG, comics, merch, the original John W. Campbell novella Who Goes There? and much more.
Fans can join the expedition and get their name in the credits at the official website for The Thing Expanded. The pre-sale for The Thing Expanded runs until September 2, 2024. Now, let's take a look at that exclusive John Carpenter clip!
“That was the secret. Now we could do something different. Now we could really show our stuff.” And show us they did. We're always here for more Carpenter! Looking forward to diving in with Carpenter and the gang for an in-depth behind-the-scenes exploration of The Thing.
“I’m thrilled to invite superfans of The Thing on an extraordinary journey with The Thing Expanded, says CEO of CREATORVC, Robin Block. “This unique experience is designed to deepen our understanding and appreciation of John Carpenter’s 1982 classic, bringing to light new perspectives and insights that will resonate with fans old and new.”
The pre-sale for The Thing Expanded is available until September 2, 2024 via www.thethingexpanded.com. Read more from the creators below and find more of The Thing and Rob Bottin in our archives: FANGORIA #21.
“John Carpenter's The Thing has lived rent-free in my brain ever since I spotted The Thing From Another World in Halloween, then sat slack-jawed through Carpenter’s iconic remake during a Saturday afternoon matinee on opening weekend in the summer of '82. It was more than a film experience; it was an inspiration to deconstruct the film and figure out, ‘How'd they do that?!?' To get the chance to dive deep into the film and its mythos with the Master himself in The Thing Expanded is the ultimate J&B pour for me.” –David Weiner, Executive Producer
“John Carpenter’s The Thing is, without question, my favorite movie in the known universe. I can think of precious few films where one finds something new to contemplate on every rewatch. It is a monster movie lover’s dream come true — a veritable smorgasbord of snarling, dripping, and bloody creature effects, pulled off with otherworldly aplomb by the legendary Rob Bottin. By its very nature, the 1982 film graciously invites audiences to dissect every frame, every story beat, every character action. I am beyond thrilled and honored to be a part of what will be the definitive autopsy of John Carpenter’s ever-changing masterpiece.” –Josh Weiss, Producer and Co-Writer
