Following the sequel-spawning success of such films as Piranha 3D, producers Roy Lee (The Ring) and Steven Schneider (Paranormal Activity) are developing another B-movie update, this time of 1978’s killer bee film The Swarm. Originally directed by 1970s Master of Disaster Irwin Allen, the film bombed, and to this day its star Michael Caine refuses to associate himself with it. But as is the case with a lot of genre films, The Swarm has gradually developed a fan following, thanks in no small part to the rest of its impressive acting ensemble, including Henry Fonda, Patty Duke, Slim Pickens, Richard Widmark, Olivia De Havilland, Richard Chamberlain, and (in his final film role) Fred MacMurray.
The original Swarm was about an entomologist who teams up with the military to prevent a giant swarm of killer bees from attacking Houston, but there’s no word yet on whether the remake will be using an original screenplay or one based on the Arthur Herzog novel that spawned the original film. Commercial director Ash Bolland is attached to direct, and a writer is expected to get on board shortly.
The producers will also be looking to attach a star soon. Sounds like a job for Nicolas Cage.