Everyone knows Bill Lancaster co-wrote The Thing, a truly terrifying film. But what many don’t realize is he penned a completely different kind of classic. It’s fascinating when you consider his family background – he’s the son of Burt Lancaster, a genuine Hollywood legend. Burt was nominated for Best Actor four times, actually won once, and the American Film Institute ranked him as one of the greatest movie stars ever – number 19, to be exact. It’s a legacy that definitely adds another layer to Bill’s own work.
Burt Lancaster Jr. also built a career in film, starting with small roles in television shows like The Big Valley and Moses the Lawgiver. He later had a more significant part in his father’s neo-noir film, The Midnight Man. However, he’s ultimately more recognized for his work as a screenwriter than as an actor.
Bill Lancaster Wrote Both The Thing & The Bad News Bears
Over six years, Bill Lancaster penned two very different films: the chilling sci-fi thriller The Thing directed by John Carpenter, and the lighthearted comedy The Bad News Bears for Michael Ritchie. One film featured an alien creature taking over scientists in the freezing Antarctic, while the other followed a struggling little league baseball team in sunny California.
These two films are complete opposites – one is scary and unsettling, while the other is funny and cheerful. Despite these differences, they were both written by the same person. What connects them is the fantastic characters. Both movies feature a memorable cast of well-developed, relatable characters, and that’s where Lancaster truly shines as a writer.
Being Able To Switch Between Different Genres Is The Mark Of A Truly Great Storyteller
A truly skilled storyteller can effortlessly shift between different types of stories and writing styles. It’s natural for artists to find something they excel at and focus on it, but the most exceptional ones aren’t afraid to explore new avenues and experiment with their craft.
As a film buff, I’ve always been fascinated by directors who aren’t afraid to jump genres. Cormac McCarthy, known for his westerns, really surprised me with his post-apocalyptic work. And Quentin Tarantino? After making a name for himself with crime films, he’s tackled everything – war movies, westerns, even a fun, laid-back comedy about ’60s LA. Then there’s Rob Reiner, a true master; he seemed to effortlessly move between mockumentaries, romantic comedies, coming-of-age stories, fantasy adventures, courtroom dramas, and thrillers. It’s inspiring to see filmmakers stretch their talents like that.
Following the hit comedy The Bad News Bears, screenwriter Bill Lancaster had the opportunity to continue making lighthearted films – and he nearly did, even writing the sequel, The Bad News Bears Go to Japan, in 1978. However, he decided to challenge himself and adapt the science fiction novella Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell, Jr., resulting in The Thing, a truly terrifying and iconic horror film.
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2026-02-01 15:58