The Fly (film series)
A series of sci-fi horror films about human-fly hybrids.
The *The Fly* film series spans two distinct runs of science fiction-horror movies: an original trilogy launched in 1958 and a remake duo from the 1980s. The first film, *The Fly*, was a color production released by 20th Century Fox in 1958. Its two sequels, *Return of the Fly* (1959) and *Curse of the Fly* (1965), were shot in black and white and produced by Associated Producers. The original was remade in 1986 as *The Fly*, directed by David Cronenberg, which won the Academy Award for Best Makeup the following year. A sequel, *The Fly II*, followed in 1989. All five films were distributed by 20th Century Fox.
The original series begins with *The Fly* (1958), based on George Langelaan’s 1957 short story. Scientist André Delambre (David Hedison) accidentally fuses his molecules with a fly during an experiment with his matter transference device, becoming a human-fly hybrid and triggering a chain of tragic events. In *Return of the Fly* (1959), André’s son, Phillipe Delambre (Brett Halsey), now an adult, resolves to finish his father’s work on the matter transporter. He hires Alan Hines (David Frankham), who is secretly an industrial spy named Ronald Holms, and as the experiment progresses, Ronald’s true motives emerge. *Curse of the Fly* (1965) follows Martin Delambre (George Baker), who meets Patricia Stanley (Carole Gray) on a road to Montreal; they marry quickly, but each hides a secret—Patricia fled an asylum, and Martin, along with his father Henri (Brian Donlevy), has been conducting teleportation experiments that have already claimed many victims. As Patricia is tracked down, their hidden truths threaten to surface.
The remake series starts with *The Fly* (1986). Scientist Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum) has built a teleportation device that disintegrates and reintegrates matter. Journalist Veronica “Ronnie” (Geena Davis) agrees to document his work, and they become lovers. One night, Seth impulsively tests the device on himself, unaware that a housefly has entered the transmitter pod. The computer merges them at the genetic level. At first, Seth feels enhanced strength and energy, but his behavior turns arrogant and violent. His body begins a grotesque transformation into a human-insect hybrid he calls “Brundlefly,” and Ronnie must cope with the changes as Seth desperately seeks a cure before losing his humanity. In *The Fly II* (1989), Veronica dies
- first_film
- The Fly (1958)
- last_film
- The Fly II (1989)
- number_of_films
- 5
- distributor
- 20th Century Fox
- notable_award
- Academy Award for Best Makeup (1987) for The Fly (1986)
- original_series_producer
- Associated Producers (for sequels)
Lore & Background
The original series began with The Fly (1958), produced and distributed by 20th Century Fox as a color film. Its screenplay was based on a 1957 short story by George Langelaan. The film follows scientist André Delambre, who accidentally merges with a fly during a teleportation experiment. Two black-and-white sequels followed: Return of the Fly (1959) and Curse of the Fly (1965), both produced by Associated Producers. The remake series started with The Fly (1986), directed by David Cronenberg, which won the Academy Award for Best Makeup in 1987. Its sequel, The Fly II (1989), continues the story with Seth Brundle's mutant son, Martin.
Reader's Guide
The Fly film series is significant for its exploration of body horror and genetic mutation within a science fiction framework. The original 1958 film was a major commercial success for 20th Century Fox, grossing $3,000,000 domestically. The 1986 remake, directed by David Cronenberg, is particularly noted for its groundbreaking makeup effects, which earned an Academy Award. The series has influenced the horror and sci-fi genres, with the Cronenberg film often cited as a landmark in body horror cinema. The franchise also includes an untitled film announced in November 2024, set in Cronenberg's universe, with Nikyatu Jusu as writer and director.
Did You Know?
- The original 1958 film was based on a short story by George Langelaan published in Playboy magazine in 1957.
- The special effect for the human-fly hybrid in the 1958 film was created by covering the actor's head with a rubber sheath.
- The 1986 remake won the Academy Award for Best Makeup in 1987.
- In November 2024, a new film set in Cronenberg's The Fly universe was announced, with Nikyatu Jusu as writer and director.
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