The Fly franchise stands as a prominent cult classic in Hollywood, yet many fans are unaware of its lesser-known third installment. The 1986 cinematic reimagining by visionary David Cronenberg, featuring the talented Jeff Goldblum, became a monumental success, paving the way for a sequel, The Fly II. Unfortunately, this follow-up failed to maintain the franchise’s momentum, even as IDW produced a comic continuation, The Fly: Outbreak.
Brandon Seifert, known for his work with Marvel, Boom, and Disney, authored the comic series, which unfolds years after The Fly II. The narrative centers around Martin Brundle, Seth Brundle’s (Goldblum’s character) son, as he strives to eradicate the last remnants of his inherited insect DNA. An unexpected outbreak, however, transforms those exposed into violent, insect-like beings, thrusting Martin into a race against time to find a cure regardless of the consequences.
An Iconic Masterpiece by Cronenberg
Potential Franchising Hampered by a Subpar Sequel
Cronenberg’s The Fly has become a hallmark of the ‘body horror’ genre, further cemented by its compelling narrative and the Oscar-winning makeup artistry of Chris Walas. While Cronenberg aimed for a broader allegorical interpretation of disease, audiences resonated with its poignant representation of the burgeoning AIDS crisis during the 1980s. The film not only highlighted Goldblum’s extraordinary acting range but also featured notable performances from Geena Davis and John Getz. This reimagining of the 1958 original, which starred Vincent Price, garnered praise from both critics and audiences alike.
At its core, The Fly offers a stark warning about scientific overreach—Seth Brundle’s teleportation invention, although reminiscent of Star Trek’s transporter, is fundamentally flawed. A fateful accident occurs when a fly unwittingly joins him in the transporter, leading to a catastrophic merging of their DNA.
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Rotten Tomatoes Scores for The Fly Franchise |
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Title |
Release Date |
Score |
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The Fly (1958) |
July 16, 1958 |
95% |
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The Fly (1986) |
August 15, 1986 |
93% |
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The Fly II (1989) |
February 10, 1989 |
33% |
The success of the original led to a sequel quite rapidly. Yet, The Fly II struggled to connect with its audience despite introducing Martin, a child born from Seth and his partner Veronica, who bears insect genes but maintains a human façade. The narrative arc led Martin into the clutches of Anton Bartok, who exploits his father’s groundbreaking research for his purposes. Unlike his father, Martin eventually overcomes his genetic condition, demonstrating a significant thematic development from the first film.
Although The Fly II faltered at the box office, the original film has aged remarkably well, earning its place as a high point in both Goldblum’s and Cronenberg’s careers. The film continues to captivate new generations, whereas its sequel struggles to escape its negative reputation. There have been ongoing discussions about a third entry, but none have materialized—until now.
In 2015, IDW launched The Fly: Outbreak, a direct narrative continuation that reintroduces Martin Brundle alongside his partner Beth. The comic revisits plot elements from The Fly II, focusing on Martin’s attempt to heal himself with Anton Bartok’s DNA only to find Bartok transformed into a monstrous entity. Struggling with the fears of his potential return to monstrosity, Martin grapples with distance growing between him and Beth.
Thematic Continuity in The Fly: Outbreak
Seamless Continuation of the Brundle Legacy
The Fly: Outbreak not only revisits characters and plotlines from the previous films but also resonates with their thematic undertones. Seth Brundle, in his pursuit of teleportation technology, showcases the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation—his journey from a well-intentioned inventor to a tragic figure who loses control is echoed in Martin’s path. In The Fly II, Bartok’s ambition leads to disaster for both himself and Martin, a cautionary tale on ambition’s repercussions.
The franchise adeptly utilizes the “mad scientist” motif—an archetype rich in storytelling history, harking back to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Yet, The Fly flips this trope, presenting Seth as a fundamentally good-natured individual, while Martin, in his father’s shadow, confronts the darkness of his own transformation. In Outbreak, Martin’s quest for healing reflects his compassion, as he also seeks to help Bartok despite their past conflicts.
Both The Fly films masterfully exemplify the subgenre of “body horror,” emphasizing transformations and the loss of humanity. In Outbreak, a virus propels the story as it spreads through Martin’s facility, unduly turning those afflicted into distorted, insectoid beings—mirroring Seth Brundle’s tragic spiral in the original film.
Emotional depth remains a cornerstone of The Fly’s success, as the horror rooted in the character transformations highlights vulnerable moments, creating empathy with the audience. Goldblum’s poignant portrayal of Seth Brundle captured viewers’ hearts, resonating through both previous films and continuing in Outbreak.
The Fly’s Cinematic Comeback: A Possibility?
If Not, The Fly: Outbreak Serves as an Ideal Third Installment
Recently, the possibility of The Fly returning to theaters emerged, as director Nikyatu Jusu is currently developing a film within the same universe established by Cronenberg. While this news brings excitement, the franchise’s stalled progress over the years calls for cautious optimism. Nevertheless, The Fly: Outbreak stands as an excellent substitute for a potential third cinematic entry, preserving the thematic richness and intricate narrative threads that have come to define the franchise. For long-time fans yearning for continuation, Outbreak fulfills that desire impeccably.