Having been inducted into the National Film Registry this year, it’s clear that The Thing is a cultural touchstone for an entire generation of horror lovers. Now, fans have a chance to explore the making and legacy of John Carpenter’s classic film with The Thing Expanded, a new documentary from the folks behind In Search of Darkness that just dropped a new trailer.
The new, five-plus hour documentary on the 1982 film features interviews with all of the film’s living cast members, including Keith David, Thomas G. Waites, David Clennon, and even MacReady himself, Kurt Russell. Directed by Ian Nathan, the film also compiles interviews with crew members from the film — including Carpenter himself — along with other Hollywood veterans and insiders, including Frank Darabont, Guillermo del Toro, Issa López, Matt Winston, Alec Gillis, Greg Nicotero, Chuck Russell, Eli Roth, Mick Garris, and Stephen Colbert.
“The Thing is finally getting the recognition that is long overdue,” Nathan says. “Ignored, even derided on its release in 1982, with its recent selection for the National Film Registry, the enduring power of Carpenter’s signature movie is no longer in question. With the incredible contributions from John, Kurt, and everyone I interviewed, I like to think that with The Thing Expanded we have made the definitive statement on a masterpiece.”
The Thing Expanded is produced by Robin Block, David Weiner, and Josh Weiss, and the film is available to pre-order now. Numerous pre-order packages are available now, including the basic Blu-ray package, which features the film in its own slipcase, a 32-page booklet on the project, two posters, a sew-on patch, and digital downloads of the film and its soundtrack.
“The Thing Expanded would simply not have been complete without the participation of Kurt Russell. He and the Carpenter film are a Thing-like amalgam—a package deal that goes all the way down to a molecular level,” adds Weiss. “And what better way to officially close out an epic, two-year production organized across three continents than by sitting down with R.J. MacReady himself?! As Outpost 31’s Chess Wizard once said: ‘Checkmate.’”
Pre-orders for The Thing Expanded are open now through March 24 via CREATORVC’s website.
