Finn Wolfhard Tackles Classic Horror in Upcoming Idle Hands Remake
Finn Wolfhard, known for his roles in Stranger Things and Ghostbusters, is stepping into the director’s chair once again. Following the success of his directorial debut, Hell of a Summer, Wolfhard is co-penning a remake of the cult classic Idle Hands alongside his frequent collaborator Billy Bryk. The original film, released in 1999 and directed by Rodman Flender, has garnered a loyal fan base thanks to its blend of horror and comedy, centered around a teenager whose hand becomes possessed, leading to a series of chaotic events.
Reviving a Cult Classic
The original Idle Hands, which starred the acclaimed Devon Sawa, involved a simple yet humorous premise where the protagonist, Anton, grapples with the loss of control over his own body—something that resonates deeply with adolescents. Wolfhard has expressed an appreciation for the film’s underlying themes, emphasizing its exploration of teenage identity and bodily autonomy amid absurd circumstances. In a recent conversation on Mythical Kitchen’s YouTube series Last Meals, he stated:
“I think I always just found it really interesting growing up of just like, oh, a teenage kid who has absolutely no control over his body […] Even though it’s a movie about a kid’s hand who gets possessed, it’s like weirdly, a personal film.”
Wolfhard assured enthusiasts of the original that iconic scenes, like the attempt to sever the possessed hand with a bagel slicer, will make a return. His enthusiasm for the project suggests a careful balance between nostalgia and new storytelling.
A Fresh Take with Original Themes
Little is known about the specific narrative direction the remake will take, but Wolfhard and Bryk aim to maintain the heart of the original while offering a fresh perspective. Jason Reitman, the notable director of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, is attached to the project as a producer. He indicated that the duo has crafted "a completely original take on Idle Hands that captures a disaffected generation."
The involvement of Reitman and their previous success with Hell of a Summer, which received accolades at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, indicates that anticipation is high. Their film earned praise for its direction, despite mixed reviews, and it finished as the second runner-up for the People’s Choice Award.
What’s Next for Wolfhard?
As he develops Idle Hands, Wolfhard is not remaining idle himself. He is currently featured in The Legend of Ochi, an A24 fantasy film directed by Isaiah Saxon, which has also drawn attention. Simultaneously, fans await the emotional conclusion of Stranger Things, with the Duffer Brothers confirming the fifth and final season is set for release this year.
Wolfhard reflected on the emotional turmoil associated with wrapping up such a beloved series. He remarked on the complexities of feeling proud yet apprehensive about what lies ahead:
"I’m proud of everyone, but then also like terrified for the future, and excited for everyone going forward…"
Streaming Availability and Conclusion
For those eager to revisit the original, Idle Hands is currently available for streaming on Pluto TV. Wolfhard and Bryk’s approach to the remake promises to engage both new viewers and longtime fans of the original film. As they strive to redefine this cult classic, the project represents an intriguing intersection of nostalgia and innovation within the horror-comedy genre. The film not only highlights the filmmakers’ creative ambitions but also speaks to ongoing shifts in how stories of youth and identity are being told in contemporary cinema. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project.
