Why Ridley Scott Should Consider Reviving This Classic 1980s Fantasy Film

Important Insights on Ridley Scott’s Cinematic Legacy

Ridley Scott has successfully revitalized his classic films: Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator.
His lesser-known film, Legend, merits a thoughtful revival.
Initially criticized upon its release in 1985, Legend has evolved into a cult classic, celebrated for its practical effects and imaginative makeup.

Hollywood thrives on comebacks, and visionary director Ridley Scott has made an impressive mark recently with various revival projects. Among his extensive filmography, one standout title deserves renewed attention.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in the industry, Ridley Scott embarked on his creative journey in 1965, starting with shorts and television work. Since then, he has accrued over 200 credits on IMDb and has directed some of the most iconic films in cinematic history. His contributions have earned him distinguished honors, including knighthood from the British monarchy, solidifying his status as one of the highest-grossing directors ever.

Reviving Cinematic Classics

Scott’s recent endeavors showcase a blend of original storytelling and the revival of classic narratives. A notable example is the Alien franchise, which Scott rejuvenated in 2012 with Prometheus. This prequel paid homage to the original 1979 film while expanding the universe. Following that, Scott produced Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede Àlvarez, further broadening the franchise’s horizons with an upcoming sequel and an FX television adaptation also in development.

Similarly, the Blade Runner series saw a resurgence with 2017’s Blade Runner 2049, directed by Denis Villeneuve. While Scott remained in an executive producer role, his influence was felt as the franchise transitioned into a broader narrative scope, including plans for video games and television shows.

The anticipation builds with the upcoming release of Gladiator II, set to hit theaters on November 22, 2024. This sequel to the celebrated original film, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, is expected to resonate with audiences once again. Conversations about a potential third installment are already underway, signifying the continuing legacy of Scott’s work.

As we explore Scott’s impressive catalog, we can identify several films that could benefit from a revival similar to what we have seen with Blade Runner, Alien, and Gladiator. Among these, one of his earlier efforts stands out as a particularly ripe candidate for re-exploration.

The Case for Legend

Legend
Cast	Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, Tim Curry, David Bennent
Writer	William Hjortsberg
Release Year	1985
Runtime	1 hour 34 minutes

In 1985, Ridley Scott ventured into the fantasy genre with Legend, featuring a youthful Tom Cruise alongside Mia Sara and Tim Curry as the antagonist. The film, which weaves together elements of fairy tales and mythology, saw Curry’s character—a dark lord—attempt to cloak the world in eternal night by killing the last unicorn. The young hero, Jack (Cruise), rises to the challenge, tasked with saving the day and rescuing Princess Lili (Sara).

Upon its release, Legend suffered from unfavorable reviews and struggled at the box office, facing competition from iconic fantasy films of its era, such as The Dark Crystal, The Neverending Story, and Labyrinth. Nevertheless, it has grown into a cult classic, celebrated for its innovative practical effects and rich artistic design, particularly the makeup work overseen by Rob Bottin, known for his groundbreaking work on The Thing.

Despite its initial unappreciation, Legend holds a unique position as a formative film in the fantasy genre. With the current popularity of fantasy narrative—exemplified by franchises like The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and others—now could be the perfect moment for Scott to revisit this film, either as a director or producer. With his wealth of experience since the original film’s release, Scott’s involvement in a revival of Legend would undoubtedly steer it towards success.

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