(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)
Considering the chaotic brilliance director Damien Leone has introduced with his Terrifier series, it’s intriguing to explore what caught his attention before he gifted us with the terrifying Art the Clown and his macabre world. Recently, on X, Leone took a moment to praise the 2006 remake of The Hills Have Eyes directed by Alexandre Aja.
Following in the harrowing steps of Wes Craven’s 1977 horror adventure, the film portrays a family stranded on a deserted road, besieged by mutated locals with cannibalistic instincts. The 2006 rendition starred Aaron Stanford, known for reprising his role as Pyro in Deadpool & Wolverine. Then, he was the meek son-in-law who, after a savage assault on his family, emerged as one of the few survivors to seek vengeance against his assailants. This led to a violent showdown and the unearthing of a nightmarish secret better left buried in the desert.
“My favorite remake from the 2000 era of classic remakes,” Leone expressed. “Took everything great from the original and amplified it perfectly in my opinion. Which was your favorite remake from that era?”
Fans were quick to react to Leone’s question, lauding films such as The Crazies, starring Timothy Olyphant, and applauding Zack Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead redo. This version was penned by none other than a bright, young screenwriter named James Gunn (we wonder what he’s up to now!).
Garnering mentions in Leone’s thread was the 2003 rendition of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which, despite a rocky start with critics, has gained affection over time. As for The Hills Have Eyes, it’s certainly a captivating choice from Leone. If ever the opportunity arises to revisit it, the Terrifier director would seemingly create a perfectly twisted combination. Want to know more about spine-tingling remakes? Check out our list of 25 best horror remakes.
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