John Carpenter teases a direct sequel to The Thing may be on the way

Horror fans rejoice: The Thing may finally be getting a sequel.

Directed by legendary director, John Carpenter, the 1982 creature feature gained a cult status after its release with actor, Kurt Russell, as the lead, MacReady. (Yes, really.)

Over forty years later, Carpenter has teased that a sequel is in the works whilst at a horror convention in Texas.

Whilst the original film is well worth a watch, here’s a synopsis for those who haven’t seen the classic. (Spoilers ahead – although to be fair, you’ve had over four decades to watch it).

Based on the John W Campbell novella, Who Goes There, the B movie centres around a team of American researchers in Antarctica who find there’s more than just the frozen wastes waiting outside their door.

As cabin fever begins to set in, the team soon realise that they are being hunted by an extra-terrestrial being capable of assimilating other life forms and members of the team.

Without giving the twist away, it’s a tense watch as helicopter pilot, MacReady (Russell), must find a way to save the remaining crew.

Though largely panned by critics upon its release, and even nominated for a Golden Razzie, the film has had a second life - inspiring multiple shows, including Stranger Things.

Even legendary directors such as Guillermo del Toro, Quentin Tarantino and J.J. Abrams have admitted that The Thing influenced their own films.

Universal

Understandably, fans of Carpenter and the nostalgic movie are excited about a potential sequel being in the works.

According to Creepy Catalog, the filmmaker even teased about a new one, whilst appearing at the Texas Frightmare Weekend last week.

"I have been sworn to secrecy, okay, because there may be, I don’t know if there will be, there may be a Thing 2," Carpenter reportedly told fans.

Sadly though, the Halloween director refused to give any further details of the project and whether it’s original cast would return.

It’s caused many fans to speculate online, with many concerned about how a sequel would tie into the original film and it’s ambiguous ending.

One fan even wrote on Reddit: “Please no. The movie is damn near perfect with an absolutely fantastic ending. It didn't need a prequel, and it doesn't need a sequel, not even by Carpenter himself.”

However, others were more excited and even began coming up with their own plot points – with one user suggesting the sequel could take place on a boat between Antarctica and South America.

Whilst the debate rubbles online, it seems like the perfect excuse to watch the original.