Sleepaway Camp, one of the most beloved films from the low-budget horror era of the 1980s, is set to be remade by original writer and director Robert Hiltzik. Though it’s widely considered a lesser product of its era, Sleepaway Camp actually contains one of the most memorable twists of horror and cinema in general. Needless to say, we won’t spoil it for you in case you’re one of the lucky horror fans who still doesn’t know the truth about the killings at Camp Arawak.
As reported by Bloody Disgusting, Hiltzik has completed the new script for the project, unofficially titled Sleepaway Camp 2025. The announcement was made on the Instagram account of production company AFA, which is led by Kenan Thompson (yes, the SNL legend) and Johnny Ryan Jr. (Bill & Ted Face the Music). The caption in the post invites those interested to stay tuned for updates, as some lucky fans will get the chance to visit the set.
“Attention campers, our script has arrived. Please meet us at the waterfront after the social for a table read. Any questions comments or concerns please comment below. Casting notices coming soon follow @sleepawaycampmovie to win a chance to come to set!”
From a quick glance, Sleepaway Camp can be seen as just another film from the ’80s that had teens getting killed at a summer camp. The concept is so generic that even its title contains a word of the subgenre it belongs to. “Camp horror” was a thing back in the ’80s, and Hiltzik capitalized on that by making a movie that followed the basic rules. Where it differs is in its final reveal – one of cinema’s most unexpected plot twists, and a narrative direction that overshadows any questionable aspect about the story (it is a bit cringey in some parts that have definitely not aged well).
The project was announced back in September, when AFA bought the rights to the movie. At the time, Hiltzik said to Deadline: “I am both thrilled and humbled to be working with AFA on the re-imagined Sleepaway Camp. Though I have been approached by several companies regarding the remake of Sleepaway Camp, only AFA has shared my vision and is excited to have me helm the film, therefore preserving the integrity of the original film for the fans, as well as introducing Sleepaway Camp to a whole new generation. Be prepared for a new member of the Sleepaway Camp family.”
Does ‘Sleepaway Camp’ Work Without Its Plot Twist?
With his shot at making Sleepaway Camp for modern audiences, Hiltzik faces a challenge. The writer/director will possibly have to rely on the original movie’s shocking twist, and chances are everyone who will see the new rendition of Sleepaway Camp will find out about it beforehand. We’re living in the era of immediate access, where if you want to know something, you just have to type a few words requesting the information. Besides, the twist in the 1983 slasher is one of the most famous in cinema history and is often included in listicles, regardless of the disdain some have about the movie.
If you take out the twist, Sleepaway Camp does work, just not as effectively (it is truly chilling). However, Hiltzik may also have a strong card that we’re just not watching. Not an ace up his sleeve, but several. The new version of the slasher could easily be going for another unexpected twist, and we’re simply not aware of it. We only hope that, whatever Hiltzik has in mind for the closing shot, he’s thinking of including that bloodcurdling, snarling sound that makes the film’s ending scarier than many care to acknowledge.
- Release Date
-
November 18, 1983
- Runtime
-
84 minutes
- Director
-
Robert Hiltzik
- Writers
-
Robert Hiltzik