Flanagan plans Jaws and horror Jurassic Park sequels
Mike Flanagan: The Maestro of Franchise Horror
Mike Flanagan has firmly established himself as a powerhouse in the horror genre, demonstrating an uncanny ability to tackle complex, beloved intellectual properties with fresh, visceral storytelling. From his highly acclaimed adaptations of Stephen King and the gripping sequel to The Shining, Doctor Sleep, Flanagan has proven he is a filmmaker capable of honoring legacy while carving out his own distinct vision.
His influence extends beyond traditional horror boundaries. Flanagan’s talent was so compelling that he successfully convinced James Gunn to bring his vision to life, writing a script for a Clayface body horror film for DC Studios that resonated deeply with Gunn and expanded the possibilities for cinematic storytelling.
Today, Flanagan continues to harness this creative momentum, currently showrunning for a highly anticipated Carrie series on Prime Video. Alongside his ongoing work, he is steering the new sequel to the iconic The Exorcist franchise, The Exorcist: Martyrs, showcasing his dedication to diving into some of cinema’s most explored and intense subgenres.
This deep-seated passion for established worlds naturally leads to conversations about franchise filmmaking. When asked by fans what cinematic properties he would choose to explore next, Flanagan revealed a genuine desire to engage with larger cinematic universes. He expressed a clear yearning to create a JAWS movie, noting the vast untapped potential for a true dinosaur horror experience, and also suggested a Jurassic Park film, emphasizing a desire to make these legacy sequels genuinely scary and organic.
Despite the inherent temptation to rely on fan service, Flanagan approaches these ideas with a refreshing authenticity. He articulated that he is a filmmaker first, someone who loves being immersed in a world he knows and respects, and then infuses it with his unique perspective. He believes that true franchise success comes from making the storytelling as organic as possible, rather than simply deriving from past successes.
When discussing the legacy of films like The Exorcist, Flanagan stressed the importance of moving forward. He indicated that his focus is on delivering a new experience that invigorates the fanbase, rather than dwelling on the past. He emphasized that the challenge is to create something new and powerful now, rather than trying to reconstruct what has already happened.
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