Movie Update: Ben Stiller Considered for Resurrection of 'The Twilight Zone' on the Big Screen
Ben Stiller is set to direct a new film adaptation of the classic anthology series, The Twilight Zone, for Warner Bros. and production company Appian Way. The project, which has been in development for about six months, sees Stiller joining forces with Leonardo DiCaprio's production company [1][2][3].
The new Twilight Zone film is set to deviate from the 1983 anthology film by focusing on a single, contained story, rather than multiple shorts [1][2]. One proposed plotline for the film involves a fighter pilot using a prototype for faster-than-light travel, ending up 125 years in the future in a seemingly utopian society [1]. However, it's important to note that this logline is not yet final.
The Twilight Zone franchise has been revived multiple times, but previous attempts at a film adaptation have not been successful [2][3]. Notable directors like Matt Reeves and Joseph Kosinski have previously been involved but did not move forward with the project [1][2].
Stiller's involvement in the new film comes as no surprise, given his avowed love for the anthology show and its influence on his work. This is evident in the third season of Severance, which shares similarities with The Twilight Zone [4]. Stiller serves as executive producer and lead director for Severance, and his potential direction of the new Twilight Zone film could further cement this connection.
However, with Stiller's busy schedule, including projects like a fourth Fockers film and a third season of Severance, the timeline for the completion of the Twilight Zone film is uncertain [2]. The production of the film is still an open writing assignment, meaning any screenwriter could come on board and potentially propose a new take.
Warner Bros. holds the film rights for The Twilight Zone, and while no further details about the production have been reported, the studio is hopeful that Stiller's involvement will breathe new life into the classic series. The potential Twilight Zone movie, if directed by Stiller, is expected to be released at a later date.
[1] Variety: Ben Stiller to Direct New Twilight Zone Film [2] Deadline: Ben Stiller to Direct Twilight Zone Film for Warner Bros. [3] The Hollywood Reporter: Ben Stiller to Direct Twilight Zone Film [4] IndieWire: Severance Season 3: What We Know So Far
The Twilight Zone film, under Stiller's direction, is anticipated to explore a single, contained story involving a fighter pilot employing cutting-edge technology for faster-than-light travel, traveling to the future. This project will likely receive attention from screenwriters with fresh ideas, considering the open writing assignment. In the realm of entertainment, Gizmodo and io9 might cover the future developments of this classic series' film adaptation, alongside movies-and-tv news.
