Kurt Russell Reflects on the Enigmatic Ending of “The Thing (1982)” in an Exclusive Interview

In a recent interview, legendary actor Kurt Russell provided valuable insights into the enigmatic ending of the iconic film “The Thing.” Directed by John Carpenter, the 1982 science fiction horror movie has left audiences puzzled and intrigued for decades, particularly regarding the uncertainty surrounding the identity of the infected character in the final scene.

Russell revealed that Carpenter, the visionary behind the chilling narrative, was never entirely satisfied with the conclusive moments of the film. According to Russell, Carpenter was reluctant to take the audience on a gripping two-hour journey only to bring them back to square one with an unresolved ending. The director and the lead actor engaged in extensive discussions, exploring various versions of the ending and contemplating the deliberate ambiguity that would leave a lasting impact on viewers.

“We don’t even know if we’re real. We don’t even know,” emphasized Russell during the interview, highlighting the intentional uncertainty surrounding the fates of the characters. This sentiment echoes the profound thematic element that Carpenter aimed to convey through the film’s conclusion. The deliberate ambiguity, as explained by Russell, prompts audiences to question the very nature of the characters and the reality they inhabit.

“John was never quite satisfied with the last scene. His main thing was he didn’t want to take the audience on a ride for two hours and bring [them] back to square one. When you’re doing a movie, you don’t know what you got. You kind of in general know what you got, but you don’t know exactly how this is gonna go together and what’s gonna come out of it. And of course, John did almost all the time because you understand—you know, he’s unlike most guys.”

Russell further added, “But the last scene, what we talked about a lot, we tried out little different versions of it: ‘What do you think of that?’ … you go back and forth.” Russell and Carpenter—who have worked on five projects together over the years—spent time discussing the tone of the ending. The actor recalled telling the director, “‘I know you don’t want to come back to square one—it’s kind of what it is. We don’t even know if we’re real. We don’t even know.’ We don’t know, we don’t know,” he mentioned again.

“The Thing” remains a cornerstone in the horror genre, not just for its chilling atmosphere and groundbreaking special effects but also for its enduring legacy fueled by the deliberate ambiguity of its ending. Carpenter’s decision to keep the audience in suspense, rather than offering a neatly tied resolution, has contributed to the film’s lasting impact and the ongoing discussions surrounding its conclusion.