Could Richard Stanley be returning to The Island of Dr. Moreau?

Last Updated on July 22, 2021

Much has already been said about HARDWARE and DUST DEVIL director Richard Stanley's ill-fated attempt to bring his vision of THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU to the screen, and we recently told you about the documentary LOST SOUL – THE DOOMED JOURNEY OF RICHARD STANLEY’S ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU, which recounts the trials and tribulations Stanley faced with his failed mounting of H.G. Welles' classic monster tale. Now, two decades later, Stanley may soon have a second shot at directing his vision of the jinxed classic, and he says this time it'll be X-rated.

In an interview with LA Weekly Stanley details the ins and outs of his doomed vision and when asked if there’s a chance he would be attempting to make the film again had some very cool news to share, stating…

At this stage, it looks very likely. It’s too early for me to name the company involved, but I was actually put under contract in January to write a new draft of The Island of Dr. Moreau, which is already completed and delivered. The project has come back to life, which I think is a side effect of David (Gregory)’s work.

David Gregory is the director of the documentary LOST SOUL – THE DOOMED JOURNEY OF RICHARD STANLEY'S ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU.

Stanley goes on to elaborate on his plans for the project, which includes a comic graphic novel. Says Stanley…

I think Dr. Moreau is going to be now better. I've had 20 years of hindsight. The plan is it's going to resurface initially as a graphic novel next year from the Humanoids, who've picked it up. And if that works well, then the insane plan is to develop the comic book back into a movie again.

As for why Stanley wants to give THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU another shot, the writer-director shares…

It needs to be told. Someone needs to get it right. I think part of that problem is the world's still not used to the idea of an epic fantasy film for adults. They've always had the desire in the last adaptations to make it safe for the family. The script I've turned in now isn't so much R-rated as X-rated. And then the wrangling can begin after that as to how it will be put on the screen.

I'm kind of excited by the idea of a more 'X-rated', adult take on the material, and if anyone can deliver something truly unique and awesome, it's Stanley. Here's hoping that it happens!