John Carpenter’s The Thing is widely regarded as one of the greatest sci-fi horror films of all time. Released in 1982, the film blends isolation, paranoia, and groundbreaking special effects to create a chilling atmosphere that still resonates with audiences today. Though it wasn’t an instant hit at the box office, The Thing has since gained a massive cult following and is now a staple of the genre. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to this classic, these behind-the-scenes facts reveal just how much effort and creativity went into making this iconic film. From near-fatal stunts to the astonishing practical effects, let’s take a look at 10 fascinating facts about the making of The Thing that will leave you even more amazed by Carpenter’s masterpiece.
1. The Creatures Were Mostly Practical Effects
The iconic grotesque creatures in The Thing were created using practical effects by special effects artist Rob Bottin. He worked tirelessly, sometimes 7 days a week, to bring the horrifying aliens to life, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in makeup and animatronics at the time.
2. Dog Acting at Its Finest
The eerie dog that appears in the opening scenes was played by a half-wolf, half-dog named Jed. Director John Carpenter praised Jed for his incredible performance, as the animal acted with such calmness and intent in key scenes, making him a crucial part of building the film’s suspense.
3. Kurt Russell Almost Blew Himself Up
During one of the explosive action scenes, Kurt Russell (who played MacReady) was almost injured by a dynamite charge. Russell misjudged the power of the explosion, which went off too close to him, narrowly avoiding serious harm.
4. The Film Was Initially a Box Office Failure
When The Thing was first released in 1982, it was a commercial disappointment. Competing against films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, its dark and terrifying tone didn’t resonate with audiences at the time. However, it gained a massive cult following in later years.
5. The Antarctic Setting Was Created in Los Angeles
The film was mostly shot on sets in Los Angeles, which were refrigerated down to freezing temperatures to give the illusion of the Antarctic. Some exterior shots were filmed in British Columbia, Canada, but most of the snow and ice were created in the studio.
6. The Opening Helicopter Scene Took Multiple Takes
The scene where a Norwegian helicopter tries to shoot the infected dog at the start of the film was complicated to film. The helicopter pilot had to repeatedly fly close to the ground, a risky maneuver that took multiple attempts to get just right.
7. James Arness Played The Thing in the Original
The 1982 movie is actually a remake of The Thing from Another World (1951). In that film, The Thing was portrayed by actor James Arness, who later became famous for his role on Gunsmoke.
8. The Blood Test Scene Was a Big Challenge
The infamous blood test scene, where MacReady tests each crew member’s blood to identify who’s been infected, required careful timing and practical effects to pull off. It was one of the tensest scenes in the movie and required multiple takes to get the perfect reaction.
9. Ennio Morricone Scored the Film
Despite John Carpenter typically composing his own music, The Thing was scored by the legendary Ennio Morricone. Morricone’s minimalist, haunting score perfectly captured the film’s cold, isolated atmosphere.
10. No Female Characters
The Thing is notable for having an all-male cast, which was unusual for horror films of that era. John Carpenter made the decision to exclude female characters, focusing on the male dynamics and paranoia in the isolated research station.