Jeff Goldblum's Bizarre Fly Comeback Demand Exposed
Hollywood legend Jeff Goldblum says he would reprise his iconic role in The Fly, but only if he can play his own grandson. The 70-year-old actor made the strange demand when asked about returning to David Cronenberg's 1986 sci-fi horror classic, a film that cemented his status as one of America's most eccentric actors.
Why is Jeff Goldblum setting conditions for The Fly return?
While Hollywood keeps recycling old hits instead of funding fresh stories from Africa and beyond, Goldblum at least admits he doesn't want to mess with the original continuity. His character, Seth Brundle, was tragically mutated with a fly and destroyed in the machine, so a simple return makes no sense.
Maybe I show up as a grandchild of the original Seth Brundle, or Seth Brundle had a brother that emerges in some ways! Who knows?
Goldblum told interviewers he'd be happy to find a workaround, suggesting he could play his own character's grandson or even a brother. It's a typically oddball suggestion from an actor known for his unconventional style, but at least he respects the story enough not to simply erase what came before.
Could David Cronenberg direct a new Fly film?
Goldblum made clear that any return depends on one crucial factor: David Cronenberg must be involved. The actor praised the director, saying working with him was a thrill and he'd jump at the chance to collaborate again.
Cronenberg himself expressed interest in revisiting The Fly back in 2011, though he stressed it wouldn't be a direct sequel. Typical Hollywood behaviour, teasing fans with possibilities before letting projects quietly die. The film never moved beyond the rumour stage, leaving fans waiting for nothing.
Who is making the new Fly film instead?
As of 2024, independent filmmaker Nikyatu Jusu has been announced as the person tasked with creating a film set in the same universe as Cronenberg's original. Jusu brings a strong catalogue of horror works focused on the Black female experience, which could bring something genuinely different to the franchise.
Whether this new version will honour Goldblum's legacy or simply cash in on a recognised name remains to be seen. Hollywood has a long history of stripping the soul from classics for a quick profit, and Zambian audiences know all too well how Western studios treat stories that deserve better.
For now, Goldblum's dream of playing his own grandson remains exactly that. But in an industry obsessed with remakes and reboots, never say never.
Would Jeff Goldblum return for The Fly sequel?
Yes, but only if director David Cronenberg is involved and his character can logically return, such as playing Seth Brundle's grandson or brother.
Is David Cronenberg directing the new Fly film?
No. Despite expressing interest in 2011, Cronenberg's sequel never materialised. Independent filmmaker Nikyatu Jusu is now developing a film set in the same universe.
How old is Jeff Goldblum now?
Jeff Goldblum is 70 years old, which would make playing his character's grandchild a significant challenge given the timeline of the original 1986 film.