Tim Burton’s 1950s Sci-Fi Movie Remake Is the Perfect Follow-Up to His 32-Year-Old Cult Classic

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Films like Beetlejuice, Big Fish, and Edward Scissorhands perfectly capture the unique vision of a director who understands and celebrates those who don’t quite fit in. Tim Burton is known for being that director. However, some fans feel his more recent work has lost its original spark. He’s been focusing on big-budget remakes and sequels—like Alice in Wonderland and Dumbo—and appears to have prioritized commercial success over his distinctive, darkly imaginative style. But his latest project might just win back his devoted audience.

Tim Burton is reportedly deep into production on a remake of the 1958 sci-fi film Attack of the 50 Foot Woman, with Margot Robbie set to star and also produce. While it’s another remake, this project feels more like a natural fit for Burton’s style than a simple attempt to make money. Interestingly, it seems to come full circle, potentially acting as a spiritual successor to his 1994 film Ed Wood, which told the story of the director behind a classic low-budget sci-fi movie.

Tim Burton’s Love of Sci-Fi B-Movies Resurfaces Over Three Decades Later

Even after more than three decades, Tim Burton’s Ed Wood is still considered one of his best films. Shot in black and white and starring Johnny Depp as the relentlessly hopeful director, the movie celebrates Wood’s love for filmmaking, even though his films were often poorly made and unsuccessful. It’s clear Burton connected with Wood as a fellow filmmaker, exploring his own anxieties and experiences through the character and creating a tribute to the art of filmmaking itself. Despite their differences, both Wood and Burton were outsiders battling against a rigid industry. They both came from a background of low-budget, independent filmmaking, creating unique and unusual worlds with limited means, embracing a playful, over-the-top style, and passionately believing in ideas that others dismissed.

Tim Burton’s remake of Attack of the 50 Foot Woman feels like a return to his early inspirations, specifically the low-budget, cult sci-fi films he grew up with. The original 1958 film, directed by Nathan Juran, was a classic drive-in movie about a woman who grows to an enormous size after an alien encounter and then uses her powers to deal with her cheating husband. It wasn’t successful despite its obviously fake sets and over-the-top drama, but because of them – it was simply fun and memorable. Interestingly, the original came out close to the peak of filmmaker Ed Wood’s career, just after he made Bride of the Monster and Plan 9 From Outer Space. Over the years, this type of movie has gained a new appreciation, attracting a dedicated following and becoming a regular feature at cult film festivals and sci-fi events.

Tim Burton is reportedly remaking an unnamed film starring Margot Robbie as Nancy. The script is being revised by Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan, known for their work on KPop Demon Hunters. Initial reports indicate the movie will be a character-focused revenge story that updates the original while still capturing its low-budget, quirky spirit. A successful release could establish Burton as a major box office draw. It’s encouraging to see Burton stepping away from Disney remakes and returning to the kinds of unusual projects he’s known for.

Wondering if Tim Burton’s upcoming movie will recapture the magic of his earlier work? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-13 00:40