This Day in Horror History: SLITHER Was Released in 2006

One of the best horror comedies of the 21st Century, hands down, is Slither, written and directed by James Gunn. The film, starring Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks, and Michael Rooker, was released on this day back in 2006. If it’s been a while, or if you never experienced the madcap insanity of Slither, check out the film’s trailer and synopsis below.

Synopsis:
Wheelsy is a small town where not much happens and everyone minds his own business. No one notices when evil slips in quietly but, when people find mutilated livestock and a woman goes missing, Sheriff Bill Pardy (Nathan Fillion) discovers an alien organism that threatens to devour all life on Earth.

Trivia:
In the opening scene, as they pan down the street, you can see “R.J. McCready’s Funeral Home”. R.J. McCready was Kurt Russell’s character in The Thing (1982), Russell ended up working with James Gunn 11 years later on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017). (Source)

In the script, Brenda is the niece of Randy Flagg. Randall Flagg is the bad guy in several Stephen King novels, including The Stand (1994). (Source)

Inspiration for the film according to, James Gunn the first image that hit his mind was of a young woman with an alien-like worm flapping and burrowing into her mouth. The story and title came later as he decided to bring back the feel of the films he loved from the ’80s. Specifically, he mentions wanting to honor The Fly, The Thing, Basket Case, Return of the Living Dead and more. (Source)

Are you a fan of Slither? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.

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