The Fly (1957) & The Fly (1986): When Science Turns to Horror | EP10

Originally based on George Langelaan’s 1957 short story, the tale has become one of the most famous examples of body horror in science fiction, exploring what happens when a brilliant scientific breakthrough turns into a grotesque transformation.

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we explore two influential versions of the story: the original film The Fly (1958) and David Cronenberg’s disturbing remake The Fly (1986).

Both films tell the story of a scientist whose teleportation experiment goes disastrously wrong, merging his body with that of a fly — but each version reflects the fears and filmmaking styles of its era.

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Discussion Points from the Episode

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we explore:

• how the 1958 film became a classic of 1950s sci-fi horror

• the influence of George Langelaan’s short story on the film series

• how David Cronenberg transformed the remake into a landmark body-horror film

• why The Fly remains one of the most disturbing examples of science fiction gone wrong

  
  

The Fly (1958)

Director: Kurt Neumann

Writer: James Clavell

Producer: Kurt Neumann

Studio: 20th Century Fox

Starring: David Hedison, Patricia Owens, Vincent Price

Release Year: 1958

The original The Fly follows scientist André Delambre, who invents a machine capable of teleporting matter from one place to another. After successfully transporting objects and animals, Delambre decides to test the device on himself.

During the experiment, however, a housefly accidentally enters the teleportation chamber. When Delambre emerges from the machine, his atoms have merged with those of the insect, creating a terrifying hybrid creature.

The story unfolds through a tragic flashback as Delambre’s wife explains the horrifying events that led to his death.

Released in 1958, the film became a major science-fiction hit and spawned several sequels, helping establish the story as a classic of mid-century sci-fi horror.

The Fly (1986)

Director: David Cronenberg

Writers: David Cronenberg & Charles Edward Pogue

Producer: Stuart Cornfeld

Studio: Brooksfilms / 20th Century Fox

Starring: Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, John Getz

Release Year: 1986

David Cronenberg’s The Fly reimagines the story as a deeply disturbing body-horror tragedy.

The film follows eccentric scientist Seth Brundle, who develops a revolutionary teleportation device known as the Telepod. While testing the machine on himself, an unnoticed fly enters the chamber, causing the computer to merge their DNA.

At first Brundle appears stronger and healthier than before. But as the days pass, he begins to mutate into a grotesque human-insect hybrid — eventually calling himself “Brundlefly.” 

The transformation becomes increasingly horrifying as Brundle’s body deteriorates and his humanity slips away.

Released in 1986, the film was both a critical and commercial success, grossing over $60 million worldwide and winning the Academy Award for Best Makeup for its groundbreaking practical effects.

Science Fiction and the Horror of Transformation

Both versions of The Fly explore the same central idea: the danger of scientific experimentation that alters the human body.

Teleportation promises incredible technological advancement — but in these films it becomes a gateway to mutation and loss of identity.

This theme places The Fly firmly within the tradition of “mad science” stories that warn about the unintended consequences of scientific discovery.

Listen to the Episode

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Or explore the full Journey Through Sci-Fi archive to discover more episodes exploring the history of science-fiction cinema.