JJ Abrams’ Next Big Sci-Fi Remake Has Gone Silent For Too Long

J.J. Abrams reviving sci-fi classics seems like a never-ending story, but this time, the film in question isn’t as celebrated as Star Wars or Star Trek. More than a year ago, the American filmmaker was attached to revive a 1983 flop for Warner Bros., but there has been no update since then.

Directed by Peter Yates, Krull is a polarizing science-fantasy camp classic. At the time of its release, the film was both a box-office bomb and received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. Yet, it has since gained a cult following, with some even calling it a defining sci-fi fantasy movie of the ’80s.

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Is JJ Abrams’ Krull Remake Still Happening?

A Lack Of Updates Hints At Development Limbo

In the fall of 2023, Giant Freakin Robot reported that J.J. Abrams was directing a remake of Krull. According to the report, Warner Bros. had acquired the rights to the film from Columbia Pictures and Sony. However, there has been no information beyond this and no confirmation from any involved party. So, it’s safe to assume that the project is either still stuck in development limbo, or has been shelved indefinitely.

Meanwhile, J.J. Abrams seems to be busy with his upcoming projects, including the Max crime-thriller series Duster, as well as other films and series under his Bad Robot production company. Moreover, Abrams’ involvement with the rumored Krull project may have begun before the WGA strike, and Warner Bros. recently suspended his exclusive deal with Bad Robot.

What Is Krull About?

A Definitive ‘80s Fantasy Movie

The 1983 film is set on the titular planet Krull, which, while similar to Earth, is home to fantastical creatures like giant spiders, cyclops, changelings, and most importantly, elemental magic. The story follows Prince Colwyn and Princess Lyssa, whose wedding is interrupted by an invasion from an otherworldly army known as the Slayers, led by the evil Beast. To save both his love and their world, Colwyn embarks on a dangerous quest, wielding a now-iconic five-bladed throwing weapon called the Glaive. Initially, Krull was set in a more grounded medieval world, similar to Excalibur, but it later evolved into a full-blown fantasy epic.

Krull is far from perfect, but it boasts imaginative worldbuilding, distinct visual effects for its time, and a magnificent score by James Horner, who later went on to compose for Titanic and Avatar. The film drew inspiration from classic fantasy literature, as well as contemporary movies like Star Wars. However, it didn’t create the same pop culture sensation.

Why Did Krull Flop?

Krull’s production budget ballooned to almost $30 million, but it only made around half of that (about $16 million) at the box office. Releasing alongside other major ’80s fantasy hits like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Conan the Barbarian may have contributed to its struggles. 1983 also marked the release of Return of the Jedi, which concluded the original Star Wars trilogy, making it even harder for Krull to stand out. Critics also struggled to categorize the film at the time, mainly due to its genre hybrid of fantasy, sci-fi, and horror.

Krull’s Cast Featured Future Stars

Filmed across stunning locations in Scotland and Italy, Krull faced several production challenges, including difficult weather conditions and the complexity of building elaborate sets. The primary cast featured Ken Marshall as Colwyn, Lysette Anthony as Lyssa, and Freddie Jones as Ynir. The film also included two soon-to-be stars in some of their earliest roles: Liam Neeson as Kegan and Robbie Coltrane as Rhun.

Is JJ Abrams The Right Choice For Krull?

A Krull Sequel Makes More Sense Than A Reboot

Ever since reports emerged that J.J. Abrams was rebooting Krull, fans have been divided over the idea. The filmmaker has a mixed track record when it comes to reviving classic space-fantasy franchises. His Star Trek reboot started strong, but the franchise quickly lost momentum. The same could be said of his handling of Star Wars. The Force Awakens successfully revived the series, but it all came crashing down with The Rise of Skywalker.

Regardless of whether Abrams is at the helm, Krull is a film that doesn’t necessarily need a reboot. Even fans who haven’t seen Krull can often spot references to the science-fantasy classic in pop culture. The film’s standout weapon, the Glaive, appeared in movies like Ready Player One and has influenced video games such as Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon and Dark Sector (2008). Its story would be better served with a sequel rather than a retelling.

Does Krull Deserve a Second Chance?

The Russo Brothers Wanted To Make A New Krull

Rumors of a Krull sequel have floated around for decades. A few years before J.J. Abrams became attached to the project, the Russo brothers expressed interest in making a Krull movie. Speaking to ComicBook.com in 2019 after Avengers: Endgame, Joe Russo shared his love for the ’80s sci-fi film and said he would jump at the chance to direct a remake when reminded that Marvel had published Krull comics back in the day:

It reminds me of the way we felt coming out of Star Wars or Empire Strikes Back, or like… Krull? Whatever it was that motivated us to pick up a camera, you feel that energy and want to pass it along. […] Done! Tomorrow. I’m in! I saw that movie [Krull] four times in the theater.

Krull is not a franchise like Star Wars or Star Trek, and even its one standalone movie didn’t achieve success. Despite the radio silence following the J.J. Abrams-Warner Bros. tie-up to remake it, now seems like a good time to revisit the project, whether as a remake, a sequel, or a reboot. Thanks to its niche cult following, the film deserves a second chance. With the right approach, a new Krull could not only improve on the original, but also revive it in mainstream public consciousness.

Krull

Release Date

July 29, 1983

Runtime

117 Minutes

Director

Peter Yates