Leigh Whannell is one of those guys that it is impossible to not like. He is genuinely kind and gracious, on top of being a talented writer. Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Whannell on the set of his latest offering. INSIDIOUS (one of the film’s possible titles) is a ghost story of sorts, and it also continues the strong relationship between Leigh as the films writer and of course, James Wan directing. While you’ll hear much more about that later, I did get to speak with him about an upcoming project, one that sounds miles away from what we’d expect from the man who helped make SAW.
This is what he had to offer in regards to his next project, “After this, I’ve got another film that I’m writing. It’s like a kids film that’s like an entirely different – I shouldn’t say kids film because I think people get a certain idea in their heads of like “Rugrats” or something – but it’s a fantasy, adventure film that is along the lines of LABYRINTH or CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, something Tim Burton could do. I’m really excited about it. It’s definitely a departure from other stuff I’m doing because it is like a family film, but it has these really fantastic elements. I’m super excited about that. I’m working with a company now that wants to do it as an animated movie. And once again, that’s a whole new world. I mean literally, I have no idea how they do it, they’re explaining it to me as they go. That’s really exciting.”
While we spoke on a whole slew
of movies, including David Lynch and the latest NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET remake, his enthusiasm was exciting to be around. In fact, it was downright addictive. Leigh has a wonderfully extensive knowledge about all things cinema, so I have a really good vibe that he could do something truly unique when it comes to a family film. I would love to see a story which is completely out of the realm of what he has done before. And that includes the idea of a fantasy film, one which is distinctively his with its own style and possibly darkness to it… well, maybe not too dark, after all, you don’t get too creepy when it comes to a children’s fantasy.
We’ll keep you posted on more of the set visit including my chat with James Wan, and of course, we’ll keep you informed of what Mr. Whannell has up his sleeve.