Since its initial 1938 publication, John W. Campbell Jr’s novella Who Goes There?, about a shape-shifting monster from space that terrorizes a group of scientists in Antarctica, has twice been adapted for the big screen. The first attempt came with 1951’s The Thing From Another World. The more recognized interpretation, of course, is John Carpenter’s The Thing, released June 25, 1982. As it turns out, there’s more to the story.
In 2018, American author and sci-fi enthusiast in his own right John Betancourt announced the discovery of a novel-length version of the novella. He then took to Kickstarter to fund, for the first time ever, the publication of Campbell’s complete story, titled Frozen Hell.
Betancourt explains:
“In 1938, acclaimed science fiction author John W. Campbell published the novella Who Goes There?, about a team of scientists in Antarctica who discover and are terrorized by a monstrous, shape-shifting alien entity. The story would later be adapted into John Carpenter’s iconic movie The Thing (following an earlier film adaptation in 1951). The published novella was actually an abridged version of Campbell’s original story, called Frozen Hell, which had to be shortened for publication. The Frozen Hell manuscript remained unknown and unpublished for decades, and it was only recently rediscovered.”
This week, Betancourt dropped an exciting bit of new for fans of the material. Blumhouse and Universal Studios are teaming up to adapt Frozen Hell. Betancourt elaborated on the studio’s excitement for the project and was able to confirm that it’s currently being fast-tracked.
Producer Alan Donnes took to Facebook this past Friday to gush about the project:
“It’s OFFICIAL! I received my signed contract and first check! I am Executive Producing a remake of THE THING but with additional chapters of John Campbell’s groundbreaking novel, Frozen Hell, that had been lost for decades. Now, for the first time ever, Campbell’s full vision will be realized on the big screen. The new film will include the very best of RKO’s THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD, John Carpenter’s classic THE THING and both books, Frozen Hell and Who Goes There?”
Bloody Disgusting has since confirmed with their own sources that, yes, these claims are in fact true.
What do you make of this news? Are you a fan of either version of The Thing? Is seeing the story fleshed out in greater detail something that interests you? Sound off in the comments below and let me know your thoughts!
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