Terry Matalas, the acclaimed showrunner who revitalized the final season of Star Trek: Picard, has been chosen to write a remake of the 1985 cult sci-fi film Enemy Mine for 20th Century Studios. The original movie, which starred Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett Jr., is set in a future where humans are at war with a reptilian alien species. The story follows a human pilot and an alien who crash land on a desolate planet. Despite their deep-seated animosity, they must work together to survive, with the human eventually caring for the alien’s baby.
The original Enemy Mine was directed by Wolfgang Petersen, who took over after 20th Century Fox fired the initial director, Richard Loncraine. The production faced numerous challenges, including reshoots that significantly increased the budget. Although the film was a box office failure, it later gained a cult following for its themes of tolerance and respect.
The movie was based on a novella by Barry B. Longyear, which won the Nebula Award for Best Novella in 1979. The story was later expanded into a trilogy titled The Enemy Papers. As of now, no producer or director is attached to the remake.
Matalas has a strong background in sci-fi television, having created and run the 12 Monkeys TV series and served as an executive producer and showrunner for the fourth season of the rebooted MacGyver series. His work on Star Trek: Picard’s third season earned him critical acclaim and a WGA nomination, making him a sought-after talent in the industry.
In addition to the Enemy Mine remake, Matalas has been tapped to serve as the showrunner for a new Marvel Television series centered on the character of The Vision, set to debut on Disney+ in 2026. This project caught the attention of Marvel head Kevin Feige, who was impressed by Matalas’ work on Picard.
The decision to remake Enemy Mine comes as part of a broader trend of revisiting and updating classic sci-fi properties. The original film’s exploration of themes like prejudice and cooperation remains relevant, making it a compelling choice for a modern retelling.
Matalas’ involvement in the project has generated significant interest, given his track record of breathing new life into established franchises. His ability to balance character-driven storytelling with high-concept sci-fi elements makes him an ideal candidate to tackle the complexities of Enemy Mine.
While details about the remake are still scarce, the announcement has already sparked excitement among fans of the original film and sci-fi enthusiasts alike. The project represents a significant opportunity for Matalas to bring his unique vision to a beloved story, potentially introducing it to a new generation of viewers.
As the project moves forward, it will be interesting to see how Matalas and his team approach the material. Will they stay true to the original novella, or will they introduce new elements to reflect contemporary issues? Whatever the case, the remake of Enemy Mine promises to be a noteworthy addition to the sci-fi genre.
Terry Matalas’ involvement in both the Enemy Mine remake and the upcoming Vision series underscores his growing influence in the world of science fiction. His ability to navigate complex narratives and develop compelling characters has made him a valuable asset to studios looking to reinvigorate classic properties.
As fans eagerly await more news about the Enemy Mine remake, one thing is clear: with Matalas at the helm, the project is in capable hands. His passion for the genre and his proven track record suggest that the remake will not only honor the original but also offer fresh perspectives and new insights.
In the meantime, audiences can look forward to Matalas’ work on the Vision series, which promises to explore new dimensions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With both projects on the horizon, Terry Matalas is poised to make a significant impact on the future of sci-fi storytelling.
