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J.J. Abrams revivingsci-ficlassics seems like a never-ending story, but this time, the film in question isn’t as celebrated asStar WarsorStar Trek. More than a year ago, the American filmmaker was attached to revive a 1983 flop for Warner Bros., but there has been no update since then.
Directed by Peter Yates,Krullis a polarizingscience-fantasycamp classic. At the time of its release, the film was both a box-office bomb and received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. Yet, it has since gained a cult following, with some even calling it a definingsci-fifantasy movie of the ’80s.
Is JJ Abrams’KrullRemake Still Happening?
A Lack Of Updates Hints At Development Limbo
In the fall of 2023,Giant Freakin Robotreportedthat J.J. Abrams was directing a remake ofKrull. According to the report, Warner Bros. had acquired the rights to the film fromColumbia Pictures and Sony. However, there has been no information beyond this and no confirmation from any involved party. So, it’s safe to assume that the project is either still stuck in development limbo, or has been shelved indefinitely.
Meanwhile, J.J. Abrams seems to be busy with his upcoming projects, including the Maxcrime-thriller seriesDuster, as well as other films and series under his Bad Robot production company. Moreover, Abrams' involvement with the rumoredKrullproject may have begun before the WGA strike, and Warner Bros. recently suspended his exclusive deal with Bad Robot.
What IsKrullAbout?
A Definitive ‘80s Fantasy Movie
The 1983 film is set on the titular planet Krull, which, while similar to Earth, is home to fantastical creatures like giant spiders, cyclops, changelings, and most importantly,elemental magic. The story follows Prince Colwyn and Princess Lyssa, whose wedding is interrupted by an invasion from an otherworldly army known as the Slayers, led by the evil Beast. To save both his love and their world, Colwyn embarks on a dangerous quest, wielding a now-iconic five-bladedthrowing weapon called the Glaive. Initially,Krullwas set in a more grounded medieval world,similar toExcalibur, but it later evolved into a full-blown fantasy epic.
Krullis far from perfect, but it boasts imaginative worldbuilding, distinct visual effects for its time, and a magnificent score by James Horner, who later went on to compose forTitanicandAvatar. The film drew inspiration from classic fantasy literature, as well as contemporary movies likeStar Wars. However, it didn’t create the same pop culture sensation.
Why DidKrullFlop?
Krull’sproduction budget ballooned to almost $30 million, but it only made around half of that (about $16 million) at the box office. Releasing alongside other major ’80s fantasy hits likeE.T. the Extra-TerrestrialandConan the Barbarianmay have contributed to its struggles. 1983 also marked the release ofReturn of the Jedi, which concluded the originalStar Warstrilogy, making it even harder forKrullto stand out. Critics also struggled to categorize the film at the time, mainly due to its genre hybrid of fantasy,sci-fi, and horror.
Krull’sCast Featured Future Stars
Filmed across stunning locations in Scotland and Italy,Krullfaced several production challenges, including difficult weather conditions and the complexity of building elaborate sets. The primary cast featured Ken Marshall as Colwyn, Lysette Anthony as Lyssa, and Freddie Jones as Ynir. The film also included two soon-to-be stars in some of their earliest roles:Liam Neesonas Kegan and Robbie Coltrane as Rhun.
Is JJ Abrams The Right Choice ForKrull?
AKrullSequel Makes More Sense Than A Reboot
Ever since reports emerged thatJ.J. Abramswas rebootingKrull, fans have been divided over the idea. The filmmaker has a mixed track record when it comes to reviving classic space-fantasy franchises. HisStar Trekreboot started strong, but the franchise quickly lost momentum. The same could be said of his handling ofStar Wars.The Force Awakenssuccessfully revived the series, but it all came crashing down withThe Rise of Skywalker.
Regardless of whether Abrams is at the helm,Krullis a film that doesn’t necessarily need a reboot. Even fans who haven’t seenKrullcan often spot references to the science-fantasy classic in pop culture. The film’s standout weapon, the Glaive, appeared in movies likeReady Player Oneand has influenced video games such asFar Cry 3: Blood DragonandDark Sector(2008). Its story would be better served with a sequel rather than a retelling.
DoesKrullDeserve a Second Chance?
The Russo Brothers Wanted To Make A NewKrull
Rumors of aKrullsequel have floated around for decades. A few years before J.J. Abrams became attached to the project, the Russo brothers expressed interest in making aKrullmovie.Speaking toComicBook.comin 2019 afterAvengers: Endgame, Joe Russo shared his love for the ’80s sci-fi film and said he would jump at the chance to direct a remake when reminded that Marvel had publishedKrullcomics back in the day:
It reminds me of the way we felt coming out of Star Wars or Empire Strikes Back, or like… Krull? Whatever it was that motivated us to pick up a camera, you feel that energy and want to pass it along. […] Done! Tomorrow. I’m in! I saw that movie [Krull] four times in the theater.
Krullis not a franchise likeStar WarsorStar Trek, and even its one standalone movie didn’t achieve success. Despite the radio silence following the J.J. Abrams-Warner Bros. tie-up to remake it, now seems like a good time to revisit the project, whether as a remake, a sequel, or a reboot. Thanks to its niche cult following, the film deserves a second chance. With the right approach, a newKrullcould not only improve on the original, but also revive it in mainstream public consciousness.
