James Wan boards Creature from the Black Lagoon

In what could mark James Wan’s first film directing since merging his Atomic Monster label with Blumhouse, Deadline has learned that he is in early talks to direct the film. Creature from the Black Lagoon For Atomic Monster and Universal Pictures, Wan is developing a modern, realistic retelling that leans into the horror genre while respecting the original classic.

Wan will produce the film under his Atomic Monster banner, with Michael Clear and Judson Scott of Atomic Monster serving as executive producers. Jay Polidoro, executive vice president of production development, will oversee production for Universal.

Creature from the Black Lagoon This has been a top priority for Universal since the studio reshaped its monster movie strategy in 2019 to focus on filmmaker-led projects. Given Wan’s track record in the horror genre, which includes the hit opinion and Witchcraft Commercial Privileges, This property falls directly into his field of expertise.

Wan, founder and CEO of Atomic Monster, is a world-building pioneer, owning no fewer than four franchises – Aquaman, Conjuring, Cunning and opinion – along with Mortal Kombat and m3freeall of which embody the global zeitgeist of the moment. Wan also belongs to a select group of directors who have had two films gross over $1 billion at the global box office: angry 7 (Universal Studios’ first film to reach $1 billion) Aquaman. And he recently released Aquaman and the Last Kingdoma sequel to the 2018 original film, which is DC’s highest-grossing film worldwide of all time.

Wan is represented by CAA, Stacey Testro International, Myman Greenspan, Fox Rosenberg, and Mobasser Younger & Light.