Entertainment Swindon

Many over the years have considered The Thing (1982), the ultimate horror film ever and we at Entertainment Swindon wont argue with that statement. The film throughout has you wondering who the Thing is, the special effects even today stand out as state of the art special effects even today!

Welcome to the ultimate ‘The Thing’ fan experience! Join fellow super-fans on a year-long expedition into the heart of John Carpenter’s masterpiece, taking part in 20+ hours of online events, including Q&As with the cast & crew of The Thing, before receiving your personalised copy of The Thing Expanded documentary.

The documentary will be the ultimate love letter to The Thing, the people who made it, and the communities who love it. Featuring brand new interviews with the original cast and crew, including the just-filmed interview with John Carpenter, this will be the most detailed analysis ever made of your favourite film!

The Thing Expanded documentary which will include in-depth interview with John Carpenter himself which will see the legendary Director/Producer relive memories, stories, facts, fan theories and much more about this iconic horror from the 80s.

The documentary will also cover the 2011 prequel, the video game sequel, comics, merchandise as well as the original John W. Campbell novella Who Goes There?

Speaking to Collider before it was announced that John Carpenter would be interviewed, Ian Nathan gave his thoughts on the project, the inspirations behind it and the hope that fans would engage with it.

“After doing Aliens Expanded and developing the idea of this expanded format, which was to take one film and give it an epic treatment, we wanted to see if we could bring that macroscopic viewpoint but just directed towards one film. The history of CREATORVC is that they did this series of documentaries on genre over eras — In Search of Darkness , In Search of Tomorrow — covering a whole era in great detail. The idea of the Expanded format was, could we do the same treatment for a single film?”

The Thing stood out as a perfect candidate due to its complex story and rich thematic elements. Unlike Aliens, which presents everything clearly and straightforwardly, The Thing thrives on ambiguity and mystery. “Carpenter’s approach generates a lot of debate and fan theories. I decided to delve into the intricacy of what people think and draw from the film,” Nathan says. One of the unique aspects of The Thing Expanded is its fan-driven approach. Nathan emphasised the importance of fan input in shaping the direction of the documentary. He said:

“There’s a fan community out there that knows so much more about the film than I do. I know a lot and love it, but there are people who have dedicated themselves to studying it , imagining it, and theorising about it.  Their insights are invaluable. Hollywood often underestimates fans, treating them like children, but they are incredibly sophisticated and clever. I want to bring their theories and love into the documentary.”

Nathan appreciates the depth and intelligence of the fan community, which he sees as an essential resource for the documentary. “It’s one thing I think Hollywood is totally unaware of.  They treat fans rather like children.  They say, ‘Oh, give them toys. Make sure they have this thing…’ when actually it’s a really sophisticated fandom, really clever and really impressive. I’m a little bit in awe of it, and a little bit terrified by it because you don’t want to let them down. You want to be respected and admired by them.”

Despite its initial lukewarm reception, The Thing has grown into a cult classic with enduring relevance. “It’s amazing how relevant it remains. Great art is adaptable to any era.  The Thing was seen as a metaphor for the AIDS crisis, and now, coming out of COVID, the idea of a mutating pandemic resonates deeply. The film’s themes of distrust and survival are timeless,” Nathan said. Nathan’s personal connection to The Thing runs deep. Recalling his first viewing experience, he says:

“I first watched The Thing when I was either 15 or 16. A few friends and I bunked off school on Sports Day and watched Alien and The Thing at a friend’s house. It was a life-changing afternoon. I didn’t know it at the time, but those films planted seeds that grew into my career. The Thing’s horror, special effects, and Kurt Russell’s performance left a lasting impression on me.”

When it comes to dissecting a beloved film so intensely, Nathan admits there is always a fear of becoming too familiar with it. “There’s always a fear that you might get tired of it, but if the film is strong enough, it will endure. Both The Thing and Aliens are extraordinary pieces of storytelling. The power of story is so strong that you can watch them repeatedly and still be drawn in. It’s about the force of the narrative and the human need for stories.”

The Thing Expanded promises to be a captivating exploration of one of the most intriguing and enduring films in the sci-fi-horror genre. With the combined efforts of Ian Nathan, CREATORVC, and the passionate fan community, this documentary is set to offer new perspectives and insights that will resonate with fans old and new.

Fans can join the expedition and be part of this definitive companion documentary by signing up today. The pre-sale runs from August 8 to September 2, 2024. This is a unique opportunity for fans to deepen their understanding and appreciation of John Carpenter’s 1982 classic and to see their names in the credits of The Thing Expanded. In the meantime, check below where you can watch all three movies.

Click HERE to purchase this ultimate addition to any fan of John Carpenter and The Thing!

The Thing From Another World (1951) directed by Christian Nyby can be watched on BBC iPlayer

The Thing (1982) is available to purchase on Sky Store or Amazon.

The Thing (2011) is available to purchase on Sky Store and YouTube