Grade-A B-Movie Stages a Comeback
A few more folks probably are looking forward to the next Star Wars installment than a follow-up to the 1984 sci-fi comedy/thriller Night of the Comet. But writer-director Thom Eberhardt still is considering making a sequel to his cult classic, about a couple of Valley girls thrust into combat when Halley's Comet transforms Earth's population into zombies. "There was always talk about doing another one — or even a series," he tells TV Guide Online. "Two years ago, Fox Family Channel — having decided that volcanoes and avalanches were excellent family fare — was running out of disasters. So I pitched them one of the few that they hadn't yet done. "But they had a better idea — a remake of Night of the Comet," he continues. "I asked if its writer-director might have a deal concerning remakes, and they said, 'Whoever he is, we can buy him off.' They were embarrassed when I revealed myself as that very writer-director. However, I a
A few more folks probably are looking forward to the next Star Wars installment than a follow-up to the 1984 sci-fi comedy/thriller Night of the Comet. But writer-director Thom Eberhardt still is considering making a sequel to his cult classic, about a couple of Valley girls thrust into combat when Halley's Comet transforms Earth's population into zombies.
"There was always talk about doing another one — or even a series," he tells TV Guide Online. "Two years ago, Fox Family Channel — having decided that volcanoes and avalanches were excellent family fare — was running out of disasters. So I pitched them one of the few that they hadn't yet done.
"But they had a better idea — a remake of Night of the Comet," he continues. "I asked if its writer-director might have a deal concerning remakes, and they said, 'Whoever he is, we can buy him off.' They were embarrassed when I revealed myself as that very writer-director. However, I assured them that I could be bought off."
Alas, Fox, which initially launched Comet on video, no longer owned the rights. And to this day, Eberhardt hasn't been able to find out who does — much to the frustration of the flick's fans.
"I've been asked about a sequel by so many people that I wish it could happen for them, if nothing else," sighs Kelli Maroney, whom Eberhardt cast as Comet's plucky cheerleader after spotting her as the Spirit Bunny in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. "So many movies are made that nobody ever wanted to see that when an audience requests one, I think it should be provided."
Eberhardt agrees. So while Comet junkies go into orbit watching tonight's broadcast — starting at 6:15 on Showtime — he is making what may be the most heartfelt plea since Princess Leia requested Obi-Wan Kenobi's help. To the mysterious force that is keeping Comet 2 grounded, he says: "Show yourself, whoever you are!"