Syfy is plotting new Killer Klowns from Outer Space and Critters movies

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

The Chiodo Brothers, the sibling special effects team behind the 1988 cult classic KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE, have been wanting to make a sequel to their film for years – and they may be about to get their chance. Brad Miska of Bloody Disgusting has heard that Syfy is in talks to license the rights to make a new KILLER KLOWNS movie, and I really hope they're going to let the Chiodos make the movie they've had in mind for a long time. It would be a shame if they don't.

KILLER KLOWNS isn't the only '80s property about threats from outer space that Syfy is looking to revive. They're also in talks to obtain the rights to make a new CRITTERS film.

The CRITTERS series was dormant for twenty-five years following the release of 1992's CRITTERS 4, but ZOMBEAVERS' Jordan Rubin recently wrote and directed a web series follow-up called Critters: A New Binge. Consisting of eight 10 minute episodes, that series will be available for viewing through Verizon's go90 streaming service, but a premiere date hasn't been announced yet.

The Chiodo Brothers also did the special effects for the CRITTERS movies. It's not known if they worked on A New Binge.

Directed by Stephen Chiodo from a script he wrote with Charles Chiodo, the original KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE has the following synopsis: 

In the sleepy college town of Crescent Cove, Mike and Debbie are on a date at make-out point when what appears to be a falling star plummets to Earth. Upon investigation, they discover a weird, glowing circus tent a few miles away; the Killer Klowns have arrived – armed with popcorn guns, exploding candy boxes, projectile cream pies and an insatiable appetite. As the horrible harlequins begin their onslaught, the future looks grim… Unless something is done soon, planet Earth could become a buffet for the KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE! 

Stephen Herek directed the first CRITTERS and wrote the screenplay with Domonic Muir (and franchise star Don Opper contributed additional scenes). That film told 

a horrific story of carnivorous aliens who come to Earth in a feeding frenzy for human flesh. It’s no picnic for the Brown family when a lethal litter of Krites arrives unannounced at their Kansas farm. Trapped in a deadly nightmare, the terrified Browns fight for their lives against the attacking blood thirsty monsters. But, it’s a losing battle until two intergalactic bounty hunters arrive determined to blow the hellish creatures off the planet! It’s an alien adventure, full of action and crawling with CRITTERS! 

Directors Mick Garris, Kristine Peterson, and Rupert Harvey brought us the three sequels, which were written by the likes of Garris, Harvey, David Twohy, David J. Schow, Barry Opper, and Joseph Lyle. In those films, the Krites invaded a small town and a city apartment building, then went back up into outer space. The New Binge web series takes them to Burbank, California.

I'm all for more KILLER KLOWNS and CRITTERS movies, but I'm wary of Syfy being involved. I hope these will be of a higher quality than the usual Syfy movie.