"Creature from the Black Lagoon," in talks for revival, has Florida roots
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A still from "Creature from the Black Lagoon." Photo: State Archives of Florida
Seventy years after it debuted in theaters, "Creature from the Black Lagoon" seems to be making a comeback.
- According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Saw" and "The Conjuring" creator James Wan is in talks with Universal to remake the 1954 film about a swamp monster known as "Gill-man" and the scientists trying to study him.
Why it matters: The movie has deep roots in Florida. Like, really deep.
- Several scenes were shot in Wakulla Springs near Tallahassee — one of the deepest freshwater springs in the world.
- The sequel, "Revenge of the Creature" featured scenes from Silver Springs near Ocala.
Let's take a walk down memory lane, courtesy of the State Library and Archives of Florida.
On land, the creature was played by actor Benjamin Chapman, but underwater it was Florida State University student and lifeguard Ricou Browning.
- Newt Perry, who managed Wakulla Springs and went on to create the world-famous Weeki Wachee underwater mermaid shows that still happen today, introduced Browning to Universal executives.
- It was tough work. The suit he's pictured in was outfitted with a lead chest plate and weights to keep him underwater, and he couldn't wear goggles.
- Browning later acted in several more films, including the "Creature" sequels.
Like the mermaids, Browning breathed from an air hose while shooting the scenes, pictured here filming "Return of the Creature."
Ginger Stanley played the underwater female lead, also thanks to Perry, who had hired her as a Weeki Wachee mermaid a few years before.
- Stanley and Browning went on to act together in "Return of the Creature," pictured above in a photo by underwater photography pioneer Bruce Mozert.