Also in the works is a modern day re-imagining of the 1984 film “Threads” which had originally been set in Sheffield, with Sheffield-based Warp Films producing. Barry Hines, author of the novel upon which the film Kes is based, wrote Threads. Directed by the renowned Mick Jackson, the film paints a terrifying post-apocalyptic picture of South Yorkshire. As it turns out, this year also marked the 40th anniversary of that film. It has only been aired a mere four times since its original broadcast.
The 1984 British made-for-TV movie “Threads” provides one of the rawest portrayals of nuclear war’s apocalyptic destruction of human civilization. Its raw storytelling and realistic portrayal left a profound impact on viewers, many of whom still recall the film’s intensity. It’s no secret that the new remake seeks to connect with a new generation, all while being more reflective of today’s societal struggles.
Herbert, one of the producers on the project, gave us some insight into why it was so important to revise the original film for new audiences. He noted the differences between the original and today’s digital landscape, emphasizing, “In the original there was no internet, no mobile phones, it was a different city.” This alteration creates some hurdles, but new possibilities too for the remake.
The new expanded edition of “Threads” will play for four to six hours. This additional time will allow for a deeper dive into characters and themes. This new longer format allows for greater depth of all characters, both old and new. It’s both an exciting retelling and a faithful homage to the spirit of the original. Herbert remarked on the necessity of reflecting current realities: “I think we will have to reflect what the city is like now.”
Birmingham-based Warp Films, production company behind Netflix’s hit original drama “Adolescence” – is producers’ intention to update perspective within “Threads” for today. Herbert commented on the impact of their prior work, stating, “You have no idea when you are making something like Adolescence that it would have such an impact globally.” This awareness of how their audience will receive work will inform their approach to the different project they’re creating right now.
Even with the remake’s ambition and scope, Herbert was realistic about what lay ahead. “It’s scary and it’s a challenge, but I think that’s the best way to start something,” he expressed, highlighting the creative risks involved in revisiting such a powerful narrative. He mentioned the production timeline, saying, “Even with a gust of wind, we’d be lucky to be shooting in two years from now.”
As energetic and experimental as the remake can be, the original “Threads” is still a powerful cultural artifact. Its chapter on society’s anxieties has proven to be even more prescient, as life imitates art in our current realities. As Generation Z and upcoming generations contend with their own tech-induced malaise and environmental uncertainties, the film is as relevant as ever.
Herbert’s reflection gave me a small lesson in how far we’ve come and how times have changed. “When I was a kid, my mum and dad worried about where I was going and who I was hanging out with,” he explained. “Now they can be in their bedrooms and looking at content that’s really bad.” This evolution only emphasizes the need to tackle real world concerns in what will likely be a much publicized remake.
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