Horror director James Wan, known for his work on films like The Conjuring, Insidious, and Saw, has expressed a strong interest in adapting one of literature's most iconic horror classics, H.P. Lovecraft's The Call of Cthulu.
Lovecraft, renowned for his unique style of "cosmic horror," has been the inspiration for numerous adaptations on both the big and small screens. Recent examples include the successful HBO series Lovecraft Country and Netflix's Cabinet of Curiosities, curated by Guillermo del Toro, which dedicates an entire episode to Lovecraftian horror. Lovecraft's stories are widely regarded as some of the greatest achievements in horror literature during the early 20th century, and continue to influence and inspire modern authors such as Neil Gaiman and Stephen King.
Wan, during a recent Reddit AMA session promoting the upcoming Insidious: The Red Door, revealed his long-standing ambition to bring to life his own interpretation of Lovecraft's iconic and beloved story, The Call of Cthulhu. For the past five years, Wan has been secretly working on this passion project. The tale follows a Boston private investigator as he delves into the enigmatic world of a peculiar cult comprised of hybrid demon worshipers with octopus-like characteristics. Since its initial publication in 1928, The Call of Cthulhu has captivated audiences across various mediums, including video games, songs, television, and multiple film adaptations. As a pioneer in the horror genre, Wan's Monster production company has been responsible for some of the most buzzworthy contemporary horror films. With a track record that includes box office successes such as The Conjuring universe films, the Insidious and Saw franchises, as well as recent standalone hits like M3GAN, Lights Out, and Malignant, Wan is undoubtedly well-equipped to take on this revered horror author.
Wan's talent for crafting eerie and unsettling horror aligns perfectly with Lovecraft's themes, which heavily rely on building atmosphere and delivering impactful scares. Given that many horror film enthusiasts are also passionate readers of the genre, it's no doubt that they eagerly anticipate witnessing the reinterpretation of this classic author through fresh and captivating perspectives.
Source: James Wan/Reddit