Carpenter shunned for 'The Thing' prequel

John Carpenter has revealed that he was not asked to be involved in the upcoming prequel to The Thing.

The acclaimed horror director helmed the 1982 movie, starring Kurt Russell in the role of R.J. MacReady.

Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, Carpenter said: "Universal has made a prequel to The Thing. They've already shot it. It's a prequel to my film and I didn't have anything to do with it. So I don't know what to say. That's their choice."

The filmmaker, whose latest picture The Ward opened in the UK on Friday, admitted that financial success for the prequel could pave the way for a re-release of the classic on its 30th anniversary in 2012.

"I guess if the prequel does well, you never know," he said. "I never say never."

The prequel, also titled The Thing, is currently scheduled to open this October and stars Scott Pilgrim vs. The World actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, best known for his part as Mr Eko in Lost.

> Click here to read John Carpenter discussing a sequel to The Thing and more