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Summary
The oft-forgotten 1985 science fiction flopEnemy Mineis returning to the big screen in a brand-new remake, and there are already exciting updates regarding Hollywood’s latest take on the classic story. Based on Barry B. Longyear’s eponymous novella,Enemy Mineis set in a future in which humanity is at war with a reptillian race of aliens known as the Drac. When human pilot Willis (Dennis Quaid) finds himself stranded on a hostile planet with a Drac named Shigan, the duo must form an unlikely alliance to survive their ordeal.
Released at the height of the ’80s blockbuster era,Enemy Minewas hounded by lackluster reviews and was a certified financial flop when it only grossed a fraction of its budget. However, the popcorn flick has since becomea beloved 1980s cult classic, and it stands as one of many Hollywood movies that captured the imaginations of viewers even while largely missing the mark in terms of execution. Now, Hollywood is once again returning to Longyear’s timeless sci-fi story with hopes that a modern remake can fix the issues that plagued the originalEnemy Mine.
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The Enemy Mine Remake Is Confirmed
The ‘85 Flop Is Returning Again
In a somewhat surprising announcement, it was revealed in June 2024 that the underrated sci-fi filmEnemy Minewas getting a remakethat aimed to rectify many of the mistakes of the original. While little is known about the developing project,the screenplay is set to be written by prolific TV scribe and director Terry Matalaswho recently oversaw the third season ofStar Trek: Picard.Matalas is not currently attached to direct the film, but no name has been offered to fill that role quite yet.
Enemy Mineis available for purchase or rent on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play, and YouTube.
With nothing currently known about the remake’s approach to Barry B. Longyear’s original story, it’s impossible to guess exactly how the movie will be received. On the other hand, theEnemy Mineremake has the opportunity to separate itself from othernotable sci-fi remakesbecause it could reach an audience who has no expectations because they likely haven’t seen the original. Since the movie is still in very early development, it will probably take a while for cast members and specific details to be revealed.
Who Is Making The Enemy Mine Remake?
A Noted TV Writer & Director Is Penning The Script
With the remake ofEnemy Minestill in early development, little is known about the behind-the-scenes personnel. However,a writer is already attached to the project, and that is noted TV writer and director Terry Matalas,who is no stranger to the science fiction genre. Perhaps most recognizable in recent years for his work as showrunner onStar Trek: Picardseasons 2 and 3, Matalas is a veteran of genre television with credits on shows likeMcGyverandStar Trek: Voyager.
However,if there is one project that makes Matalas particularly suited for writing duties on theEnemy Mineremake, it’s his work on the12 MonkeysTV series. Itself a remake of the 1995 film, the12 Monkeysseries expanded upon the lore of the hit film, and managed to add new wrinkles to an already popular property. Matalas was a one-man-band on the show, and he served as writer, director, producer, showrunner, and even served as creator.
The Enemy Mine Remake Story Details
Enemy Mine Has Tons Of Franchise Potential
the themes of cooperation and trust will also likely be preserved because it is the heart of Barry B. Longyear’s original novella.
With Terry Matalas hard at work penning the script for the remake ofEnemy Mine, it’s unknown exactly what the story will be. However, since it is a remake,it’s assumed that it will utilize a similar framework as the originaland follows human pilot Willis as he finds himself trapped on an alien world with Shigan, a member of an enemy alien race that is his sworn enemy. Everything else is somewhat murky, thoughthe themes of cooperation and trust will also likely be preservedbecause it is the heart of Barry B. Longyear’s original novella.
It’s also worth noting that Longyear penned additional stories that serve as sequels toEnemy Mine, and the upcoming remake could work certain details into the plot to usher in a new franchise. His follow-ups,The Tomorrow TestamentandThe Last Enemyflesh out the larger war between the humans and the Drac, and by including those details, theEnemy Mineremake could improve upon its predecessor.
