July 6th 2008

In 1959, a film was released that would live in the minds and hearts of science fiction and horror fans for years to come.  That film was Edward D. Wood, Jr.'s magnum opus, "Plan 9 From Outer Space", a story about aliens re-animating the dead in order to kill Earth's population.  Though widely regarded as one of the worst films ever made, genre audiences could not resist the exuberance and love for the art of filmmaking that showed in Wood's work, and the movie has become a cherished cult classic that still survives on home video and in midnight screenings across the world.  

Cult film Madman John Johnson

Now, in time to coincide with the 50th anniversary of "Plan 9 From Outer Space", director John Johnson – along with his production company, Darkstone Entertainment – is poised to remake the classic film.  Simply titled "Plan 9", the remake will be a serious-minded retelling of the original story, paying homage to the spirit of Wood's film without resorting to camp or parody.  The film will focus on the horror and science fiction aspects of the original, but will also be largely character-driven.   Johnson's goal for "Plan 9" is to make a film that honors not only the original source material, but also Ed Wood's intentions when he made "Plan 9 From Outer Space".  Wood's plan was to make a very scary sci-fi/horror film, and Johnson wishes to do exactly that – create a film that Wood would have enjoyed, or perhaps even made himself, if not bound by the technological limitations placed on filmmakers 50 years ago.

   
Plan 9 from Outer Space cast alum Conrad Brooks

"Plan 9" is being made with the blessing and participation of Conrad Brooks, the sole surviving member of the original film's cast and crew.  To go as a sister project to the remake, director Johnson and actor Brooks plan to do a commentary for the original film with a Q + A retrospective for its 2 disc DVD release with no set street date at the moment, however the new film is scheduled to premiere on September 9, 2009 (09.09.09).

“Even if Eddie was a little off in his filmmaking skills, you cannot deny his passion. I feel a strong camaraderie for the man and his work, and hope that I can make a film that would be as loved by audiences today as the original was for his generation…Only this time with its true intention.” -John Johnson