Why Jeff Goldblum Wanted To Change The Fly's Ending: An Inside Look

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 06, 2025

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Goldblum's Initial Reaction to the Script and Ending

Jeff Goldblum's initial reaction to The Fly script, particularly the ending, is a subject of much speculation and fascination among fans. While detailed accounts of his private thoughts are scarce, we can glean some insights from various interviews and behind-the-scenes information. His understanding of Brundle's character arc likely played a significant role in shaping his perspective.

• Brundle's Character Arc: Goldblum likely grasped the tragic nature of Brundle's descent, recognizing the scientist's hubris and the inevitable consequences of his ambition.
• Personal Feelings about the Bleak Ending: It's plausible that Goldblum, known for his charismatic and optimistic personality, found the utterly bleak ending deeply unsettling. The complete and irreversible transformation, and the horrifying final scene, likely resonated differently with him than with the director.
• Quotes from Interviews: While specific quotes directly expressing his dissatisfaction with the The Fly's original ending are difficult to find, the overall tone of interviews suggests a certain level of understanding but perhaps a wish for a sliver of hope within the narrative of Brundle's transformation.

Goldblum's perspective on Brundle's transformation was undoubtedly shaped by his engagement with the character. Understanding Goldblum's personal feelings about the The Fly script is crucial to understanding his potential desire for an alternative ending.

Exploring Alternative Endings Proposed by Goldblum (if any)

While concrete evidence of Goldblum proposing alternative endings for The Fly is limited, speculation is rife. Considering his personality and acting choices, it's reasonable to imagine he might have preferred a slightly different resolution.

• A More Hopeful Outcome: Perhaps Goldblum envisioned a scenario where Brundle, despite his transformation, finds a way to retain some semblance of humanity or control over his condition. A less definitive, more ambiguous ending might have been preferable.
• A Different Fate for Brundle: Another possibility is that Goldblum might have advocated for a different kind of "end" for Brundle—perhaps death as a release, a more dignified end to his suffering rather than the grotesque and horrifying finality of the film's original ending.
• Alignment with Thematic Elements: Any potential alternative ending proposed by Goldblum would likely have needed to consider the overarching themes of the film: the dangers of unchecked ambition, the human condition, and the fragility of identity.

Unfortunately, without access to private communications or further behind-the-scenes accounts, these remain educated guesses regarding Goldblum's vision for a different The Fly ending.

The Director's and Screenwriter's Perspective on the Ending

David Cronenberg's and Charles Edward Pogue's decision to craft such a relentlessly bleak ending stemmed from their artistic vision and the film's thematic elements.

• Artistic Intentions: Cronenberg is known for his exploration of body horror and the psychological implications of scientific ambition. The original ending served as a powerful commentary on these themes, emphasizing the horrific consequences of scientific hubris.
• Thematic Significance of the Tragic Conclusion: The film’s tragic conclusion underscored the irreversible nature of Brundle's transformation, highlighting the impossibility of controlling scientific advancements without ethical considerations.
• Impact on the Audience: The shocking and unforgettable final scene ensures that The Fly's ending stays with viewers long after the credits roll, sparking debate and discussion for decades.

The director’s and screenwriter’s rationale behind the original ending is crucial for understanding why the decision was made and why the original ending of The Fly continues to generate discussion even today.

The Lasting Impact of The Fly's Ending

The ending of The Fly has had a lasting impact on horror cinema and popular culture.

• Place in Horror Film History: The Fly's ending is frequently cited as one of the most disturbing and effective in horror cinema history, shaping the landscape of body horror subgenre.
• Impact on Special Effects: The film's groundbreaking special effects, particularly those depicting Brundle's transformation, have influenced countless films and remain a benchmark for practical effects in the genre.
• Continued Cultural Relevance: The Fly's ending and its unsettling imagery continue to be referenced and parodied in popular culture, reflecting the film's enduring legacy.

The impact of The Fly's iconic ending is undeniable, influencing everything from special effects techniques to the overall approach to body horror in film.

Conclusion

Jeff Goldblum's perspective on The Fly's ending remains largely speculative, although it is reasonable to assume that the bleakness of Brundle's fate might not have completely aligned with his personal preference. David Cronenberg and Charles Edward Pogue, however, deliberately chose a tragic conclusion to emphasize the film's thematic resonance. Regardless of Goldblum's potential desire for an alternative ending, the original ending of The Fly has cemented the film's place in cinematic history. Its enduring impact and the questions it raises are what make it such a compelling and memorable piece of work.

What do YOU think of The Fly's ending? Do you agree with a potential alternative ending, or do you believe the original conclusion was the most effective choice? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!