Summary
One of the original stars ofWeird Scienceendorses a potential remake of the film.Weird Scienceis a 1985 teen sci-fi comedy about two nerdy high school boys who invent a computer program that creates the Platonic ideal of a woman, only for their plan to go awry.Weird Sciencewasdirected by John Hughesand featured a leading cast including Anthony Michael Hall, Illan Mitchell-Smith, Kelly LeBrock, Bill Paxton, Suzanne Snyder, Judie Aronson, and Robert Downey, Jr.
Speaking withInverse, Hall responds to whether he would support a remake ofWeird Science. The actor admits that heis “certainly too old” to be in a sequel, but hewould nonetheless “welcome” a remake.He said he needs to “defer to Universal” as well as Hughes' estate, rather than make any big statements himself, and says he doesn’t know “if that’s in the works.” Check out the full quote from Hall below:
I mean, I’m certainly too old for me to be in a sequel of it, but I mean I would welcome that. Really, I have to defer to Universal and obviously the John Hughes estate. I really don’t know if that’s in the works, but it would certainly be nice if they chose to do that.
Why Now Is The Right Time For A Weird Science Remake
’80s Nostalgia Is Still Going Strong
Getting the endorsement from Hall is a big dealwhen it comes to a potentialWeird Scienceremake. Director Hughes passed away in 2009, so any revisit would not only have to be helmed by a different person, but made without his direct blessing. Instead of hearing from Hughes, a positive reaction from Hall, who was essential to the original film, is as good a sign as there can be that a remake would be positively received by the original creatives.
Max
Robert Rusler
Weird Sciencewould have a good shot at faring well in the current era. As evidenced throughshows likeStranger Things, the esthetics and sensibilities of the ’80s are back in fashion at present. Furthermore, audiences are embracing independent film, and the wackiness that can ensue, moreso than they have been in past years. Both ofthese cultural patterns would bode well for a remake ofWeird Science.
2024 Has Seen Other ’80s Remakes
A New Weird Science Would Follow A Trend
Not only are the esthetics of the ’80s back in, but remakes of movies from that era have actually become quite common. This year alone,films such asRoad HouseandThe Fall Guyhave remade ’80s movies and TV shows, drawing direct inspiration from the flashy decade. The ’80s remakes and sequels do not stop there: Later this year, a reboot ofThe Karate Kidand asequel to 1988’sBeetlejuicewill be released. While these two titles are not direct remakes, their creation reflects the same nostalgia for the ’80s.
Something likeBeetlejuice Beetlejuicedirectly indicates that moviegoers are ready for a remake ofWeird Science. WhereasRoad HouseandThe Karate Kidare still quintessentially ’80s,Beetlejuicecarries with it the same kind of sci-fi oddity (albeit more campy) present in a movie likeWeird Science. Therefore, the industry is not only interested in the retro appeal of the ’80s, but the idiosyncratic ways in which movies of the time dealt with bizarre sci-fi. These filmmaking trends are yet another good sign for a remake ofWeird Science.
Where Has Anthony Michael Hall Been Since Weird Science?
Hall’s Career Has Remained Active
In the ’80s, Hall’s name became synonymous with Hughes. By the time he was inWeird Science, he had already been in two other of the director’s films, starting withSixteen Candlesin 1984. The following year,he played Brian Johnson inThe Breakfast Club, which is now one of the most-rewatched films of that decade. After that andWeird Science, he continued to be an active actor throughout the ’80s, including titles likeJohnny Be GoodandA Gnome Named Norm.
Now 56 years old, Hall’s young adult roles are long behind him, but that has not stopped the actor from having an active career. In 2008, he had a role in Christopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knight, and has also had notable roles in films such asFoxcatcher,Live by Night,War Machine,andHalloween Kills.Hall was also cast as Zachary Beck inReacherseason 3, a Prime Video show that is one of the most successful series on streaming right now.
While Hall is right that he could not play a high schooler in any potential sequel,aWeird Sciencereboot could still include the original stars. Like Hall, a number of said stars have gotten mainstream attention in the years since its release.Weird Sciencealso featured Downey Jr., who has become beloved and renowned, recently winning an Oscar for his role inOppenheimer. The potential for these actors to cameo or play supporting characters presents another interesting opportunity forWeird Science.
Weird Science
Cast
John Hughes' 1985 comedy Weird Science tells the story of two high school students who create a virtual woman using their computer, only to have her come to life. Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith star as teenagers Gary Wallace and Wyatt Donnelly, with Kelly LeBrock playing the artificially created Lisa and Bill Paxton and Robert Downey Jr. in supporting roles,
