The Faculty

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You’ll realize you’re getting older when modern cinema starts re-creating movies that were popular during your high school years, such as “The Faculty,” which premiered on Christmas day in 1998 and had a significant impact on sci-fi films much like “Scream” did for slasher movies in 1996. It wasn’t initially a blockbuster success, but it has since gained a large cult following among genre enthusiasts. The remake of this film is now officially underway, signaling that the time for such adaptations may have come.

In essence, the upcoming remake of “The Faculty” is being developed at Miramax, with the original director, Robert Rodriguez, serving as a producer. What makes this remake intriguing is that Drew Hancock is working on the project. While his name might not be familiar to many, he’s an up-and-coming talent who has written and directed this weekend’s horror film “Companion,” which currently boasts a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. For those concerned about remaking a beloved classic, having fresh talent like Hancock involved in the project should offer some reassurance.

As a cinephile, I’ve witnessed Miramax stepping out from under the long-standing influence of co-founder Harvey Weinstein, thanks to a shift in leadership over the past few years. Now, under the guidance of CEO Jonathan Glickman, the studio is eagerly exploring the potential of its rich archive for remakes or sequels. Last year, Miramax made a bold move by revealing plans to revive the beloved Scary Movie series, with the Wayans Brothers returning as the creative forces behind the upcoming film. The sixth installment, titled Scary Movie 6, is slated for release on June 12, 2026.

‘The Faculty’ Is the Sci-Fi Genre’s Answer to ‘Scream’

Under the direction of Rodriguez, and written by Kevin Williamson (of “Scream” fame), “The Faculty” is a film that unfolds at Herrington High School where students start to suspect their teachers might be extraterrestrials. Similar to how Williamson tackled horror tropes in “Scream”, “The Faculty” was designed as a witty, self-referential exploration of the sci-fi horror genre. Characters in this movie are well-versed in the conventions of films like “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”. The film boasts an ensemble cast that includes up-and-coming stars and seasoned actors such as Jordana Brewster, Clea DuVall, Laura Harris, Josh Hartnett, Shawn Hatosy, Famke Janssen, Piper Laurie, Bebe Neuwirth, Robert Patrick, Usher Raymond, Elijah Wood, and Jon Stewart.

Upon hitting the screens, “The Faculty” garnered a diverse range of opinions from critics, earning a 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics often labeled it as a replica of other science fiction thrillers. However, this didn’t deter its success, as it turned out to be a moderate box office hit, accumulating $63.2 million globally against a production budget of $15 million. What’s more, its fan base has significantly expanded since its debut, leading to the creation of a sizeable cult following.

As a fervent admirer of the original movie, I strongly suggest that you seize the chance to bring back some of the original actors for teaching roles in this upcoming project. Reach out to Hartnett, Brewster, Wood, DuVall, and Hatosy – why not even extend an offer to Usher as well? It might be worth asking if they’d be interested. Here’s a fan speaking up on behalf of the devoted audience who cherished the original film.

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2025-01-30 20:02