Jeff Goldblum Explains His Wish To Change The Fly's Ending

Aria Freeman

5 min read

Post on May 06, 2025

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The Original Ending of The Fly and Its Impact

The Fly's ending is a masterpiece of body horror, a culmination of Seth Brundle's reckless experiment with teleportation. His hubris leads to a catastrophic merging with a fly, resulting in a grotesque and agonizing transformation. He begs Veronica Quaife, his lover, to kill him, a plea that highlights the film's exploration of identity, loss, and the terrifying consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.

The film's lasting impact on the horror genre is undeniable:

• Groundbreaking special effects: Chris Walas's groundbreaking special effects, particularly the transformations of Brundle, set a new standard for body horror and remain visually stunning even today.
• Exploration of body horror and scientific hubris: The Fly masterfully blends the visceral horror of Brundle's physical metamorphosis with a chilling commentary on the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition.
• The emotional resonance of Brundle's tragic fate: Despite his monstrous transformation, Brundle remains a sympathetic character, his intelligence and desperation making his fate all the more poignant.
• Critical acclaim and box office success: The Fly received widespread critical acclaim, earning numerous awards and nominations, and achieved considerable box office success.

Jeff Goldblum's Perspective: What He'd Change

While Jeff Goldblum has never explicitly laid out a detailed alternative ending for The Fly, interviews and anecdotal evidence suggest he harbors a desire for a less definitively tragic conclusion. He's often expressed a fondness for the character of Seth Brundle and a sense of empathy for his tragic fate. This suggests a desire to perhaps explore a different outcome, even one offering a sliver of hope or a different interpretation of Brundle’s ultimate fate.

• Specific aspects of the ending Goldblum dislikes: While not explicitly stated, it’s possible Goldblum wishes for a less bleak and absolute ending. Perhaps the absolute finality of Brundle’s demise, leaving no room for redemption or ambiguity, is something he’d reconsider.
• Possible alternative endings suggested by Goldblum: Although there are no direct quotes outlining Goldblum's ideal alternative, the implication is a shift toward a less despairing and more nuanced conclusion, potentially leaving room for reflection on the nature of transformation and the possibility of survival, however altered.
• The emotional impact of his proposed changes on the overall narrative: A shift towards a more hopeful conclusion would undeniably alter the film's emotional weight, potentially lessening the impact of the horror but perhaps creating space for a more profound philosophical reflection.

Exploring Alternative Endings for The Fly

Given Jeff Goldblum's implied preference for a less tragic conclusion, several alternative endings could be considered:

• A more ambiguous ending: The film could conclude with Brundle's transformation incomplete, leaving his fate uncertain and open to interpretation.
• An ending with a glimmer of hope or redemption: Perhaps a cure or a partial reversal of the transformation is hinted at, leaving a flicker of hope for Brundle's future.
• An ending focusing on Veronica Quaife's perspective and her reaction: Exploring Veronica's grief and resilience in the aftermath, rather than solely focusing on Brundle's demise, might offer a different emotional resonance.
• The feasibility of these alternative endings: While a complete alteration would disrupt the film's established narrative, subtle shifts in the conclusion could significantly impact its overall message without destroying its powerful core.

The Enduring Legacy of The Fly and Its Impact on Goldblum's Career

The Fly remains a seminal work in Goldblum's career, firmly establishing him as a leading actor capable of both comedic and dramatic roles. The film's influence extends beyond Goldblum, shaping the landscape of body horror and influencing countless subsequent films.

• The role of The Fly in establishing Goldblum as a leading actor: The intensity and vulnerability of his performance in The Fly demonstrated his range and solidified his status as a versatile and sought-after performer.
• The film's influence on subsequent body horror films: The Fly's influence on the genre is undeniable, inspiring countless filmmakers and setting a new benchmark for body horror special effects and thematic exploration.
• The lasting impact of the film's special effects: Walas's work continues to be celebrated as groundbreaking, pushing the boundaries of visual effects and shaping how body horror is depicted.
• The continued interest in The Fly through remakes, sequels, and cultural references: The film's enduring popularity is evident in its continued presence in popular culture, including remakes, sequels (though critically less successful than the original), and countless cultural references.

Conclusion

Jeff Goldblum's unspoken wish for a different ending to The Fly sparks a fascinating conversation about the film's impact and the possibilities of alternative narratives. While the original film's tragic ending remains undeniably powerful, the potential for a slightly more ambiguous or hopeful conclusion is a testament to the film's enduring resonance. The original ending’s impact, however, is undeniable, shaping Goldblum's career and leaving an unforgettable mark on cinema history. What do you think? Share your thoughts on the original ending and what you would change about the "Jeff Goldblum The Fly Ending." What alternate endings could you imagine for this iconic film? Let's discuss!