Kurt Russell’s The Thing Certain roles become permanently embedded in our collective memory. However, the journey to craft such memorable characters is often riddled with obstacles and uncertainties. An exemplary instance of this is Kurt Russell’s portrayal of RJ MacReady in John Carpenter’s exceptional sci-fi horror film, “The Thing.” Russell, an actor who commenced his career at the age of 12, faced warnings and braved subarctic temperatures to bring this iconic character to life.
Russell was aware that tackling the role of MacReady would mark a pivotal moment in his career. Yet, he underestimated that the challenges associated with this character extended beyond the confines of the script. John Carpenter’s 1982 film, set in the desolate Arctic wasteland, demanded an unparalleled level of physical endurance and courage to authentically capture the intensity of the role.
Kurt Russell’s Bold Decision to Embrace “The Thing”
“The Thing,” directed by John Carpenter, stands as a revered masterpiece in the realm of horror cinema. Surprisingly, Kurt Russell revealed that Carpenter, the director himself, never perceived it as a horror film.
In a recent interview with GQ, Russell delved into the memories of the classic 1980s film, shedding light on the time when he was approached to portray the lead character, MacReady. Intrigued by the project, Russell sought information and turned to the screenwriter, Bill Lancaster, who happened to be his close “best friend.” Lancaster, in a somewhat cryptic manner, offered advice and subtle hints about the potential risks associated with taking on the role.
“I asked, is it a monster movie or a horror movie? What is it? And John said, no, this is from the book ‘Who Goes There?’ He explained, ‘The Thing was a movie 20…30 years ago, but I don’t do that.’ He said, ‘I’m making a film about paranoia.'”
As Kurt Russell stepped into “The Thing,” he also delved into the film’s much-debated conclusion. He noted that various approaches were considered for the ending, but Carpenter eventually conceded that the narrative had to circle back to its origins:
“John was never content with that final scene. He didn’t want to take the audience on a two-hour journey only to bring them back to square one. We brainstormed different versions of the last scene, went back and forth. Eventually, I told John, ‘Look, I know you don’t want to go back to square one, but that’s where it is.’ We don’t even know if we’re real. We do not know. And I don’t think the public can fathom it.”
Russell’s remarkable portrayal of MacReady, capturing both the paranoia and determination of a desperate survivor, shattered conventions and elevated “The Thing” to cult status.
Kurt Russell’s Persistent Inquiry During “The Thing”
Insights into the production of the film were unveiled in a 2016 LA Weekly interview with the cast and crew. John Carpenter described the shoot as “intimidating,” given the task of directing a group of skilled actors, some with theatrical backgrounds, including Keith David and Donald Moffat.
As Kurt Russell stepped into “The Thing,” these actors honed their characters during the extensive half-month rehearsals before shooting, refining them beyond Bill Lancaster’s script or Carpenter’s extensive storyboards. Naturally, they sought guidance from their director. Carpenter shared with LA Weekly:
“I had no experience working with an ensemble cast. So I brought an actor into my office and talked to him about his process. Although the conversation didn’t yield specific ideas for the film, it did make me ponder my role: to provide the actors with everything they needed for a stellar performance.”
Moreover, Carpenter recalled that Kurt Russell was the one who consistently posed a particular question, with the initial inquiry being:
“The prominent question that kept arising was: if you were a Thing, would you know that? I believe Kurt Russell initiated that. I responded, ‘I think you would.’ However, he persistently asked that question, indicating that my initial answer fell short.”
Thanks in part to Kurt Russell’s enduring influence, “The Thing” continues to be recognized as a groundbreaking film. Even today, audiences are captivated by Russell’s portrayal of RJ MacReady. His decision to disregard warnings and brave subarctic temperatures solidified his status as a Hollywood icon.