Why Jeff Goldblum Wanted A Different Ending For The Fly

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Goldblum's Discontent with the Original Ending of The Fly

Jeff Goldblum has been publicly vocal about his dissatisfaction with The Fly's infamous ending. While he acknowledges the film's success and the power of its disturbing climax, he's expressed a preference for a more nuanced or hopeful conclusion for his character, Seth Brundle. He felt that the complete disintegration and horrific transformation overshadowed the scientific ambition and emotional journey of the character.

• Specific aspects of the ending that bothered Goldblum: The sheer brutality and lack of closure bothered Goldblum. He felt it was overly nihilistic and didn't allow for a reflection on Brundle's complex motivations.
• His preferred emotional resonance for the character's arc: Goldblum envisioned a more ambiguous or even slightly hopeful ending, perhaps hinting at a possibility of redemption or a more subtle exploration of Brundle's scientific legacy beyond his physical demise.
• The impact of the ending on his own portrayal of Brundle: Goldblum's performance is undeniably powerful, but he's suggested that a different ending might have allowed for a more complete and emotionally satisfying arc for Brundle. He believed a different conclusion would have allowed his performance to resonate differently with the audience.

Exploring Potential Alternative Endings for The Fly

Several alternative endings could have satisfied Goldblum's vision while still retaining the film's core themes. Let's consider a few possibilities:

• A more hopeful or ambiguous conclusion: Instead of complete annihilation, Brundle could have achieved a fragile truce with his transformed state, leaving the audience with lingering questions about his fate and the future of his research. This would have aligned with Goldblum's desire for a less definitively tragic end.
• An ending that focused on Brundle's scientific legacy rather than his physical transformation: The film could have emphasized the scientific breakthroughs Brundle achieved, even with the catastrophic consequences. This approach would have shifted the focus from the horrific body horror to the ethical implications of scientific ambition, aligning with the scientific elements Goldblum appreciated in the script.
• An ending that explored the ethical dilemmas of scientific ambition more deeply: A more introspective conclusion could have delved into the ethical quandaries Brundle faced and the price he paid for pushing the boundaries of science. This would have provided a more nuanced perspective on Brundle's journey and the complexities of his choices, echoing themes found in other Cronenberg films.

The Impact of the Original Ending on The Fly's Legacy

Despite Goldblum's preference, the original ending of The Fly undeniably contributed significantly to the film's lasting impact and cult status. The shocking visuals and the visceral nature of Brundle's transformation cemented the film's place in cinematic history.

• The ending's contribution to the film's horror and body horror elements: The disturbing visuals of Brundle's transformation are iconic examples of body horror, influencing countless films in the genre. The original ending is considered to be the most unforgettable moment of the film.
• How it solidified the film's place in cinematic history: The Fly's shocking conclusion is frequently cited as a defining moment in horror and science fiction cinema. The powerful visual effects are as effective today as they were when the film was released.
• The lasting influence on subsequent body horror and sci-fi films: The Fly's legacy is undeniable. The film's impact on subsequent body horror and science fiction films, many drawing inspiration from its disturbing yet compelling ending, is a testament to its enduring power.

The Enduring Power of The Fly's Shocking Conclusion

While Goldblum's perspective is valid, the original ending's effectiveness can't be ignored. The visceral impact of the visual effects and Brundle's horrifying transformation remain deeply unsettling.

• The visceral impact of the visual effects and Brundle's transformation: The special effects, groundbreaking for their time, still hold up and contribute greatly to the film's power. The visuals of Brundle's transformation are truly unforgettable and remain disturbing even today.
• The thematic resonance of the ending – hubris, scientific ambition, etc.: The ending serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the unforeseen consequences of scientific advancements.
• Its enduring status as a shocking and memorable cinematic moment: The final scene of The Fly remains one of the most shocking and memorable moments in cinematic history and solidifies the film's impact.

Rethinking the End of The Fly – Jeff Goldblum's Perspective and Beyond

This article explored Jeff Goldblum's perspective on The Fly's ending, examining his dissatisfaction with the original conclusion and speculating on potential alternative endings. While Goldblum's preference for a less brutal resolution is understandable, the original ending's contribution to the film's legacy is undeniable. Understanding these different viewpoints enriches our appreciation of this classic film. What ending do you think would have been better for The Fly? Share your thoughts on the Jeff Goldblum perspective, and your preferred The Fly ending, in the comments below! Let's discuss the perfect ending for this sci-fi horror classic and the potential for an alternate ending.