[Rumor] Warner Bros. Eyeing Glen Powell for Remake of 1954 Sci-Fi Horror ‘Them!’

A remake of the 1954 sci-fi horror classic Them! has been quietly taking shape, with Matt Reeves (The Batman, Cloverfield) producing and Michael Giacchino, best known for his Oscar-winning score for Up, stepping into the director’s chair.

The project has been in development for some time, with Giacchino previously reported to be meeting with writers in an effort to move the film toward production.

The original Them! followed a chilling premise: nuclear testing in the New Mexico desert leads to the creation of gigantic, man-eating ants. What begins as a localized mystery escalates into a full-scale national crisis, culminating in a climactic battle beneath Los Angeles. The film became one of the defining creature features of its era, blending Cold War anxieties with monster-movie spectacle.

Giacchino, who made his directorial debut with Marvel’s Werewolf by Night, has long expressed interest in crafting large-scale genre films of his own, Deadline previously reported. His experience scoring major franchises such as Spider-Man: No Way Home, Star Trek, The Batman, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story positions him uniquely to balance atmosphere with blockbuster ambition. Notably, he is also expected to compose the score for Them! himself, continuing the stylistic approach he brought to Werewolf by Night, Monster Challenge, and Star Trek: Short Treks.

Now, a new development has surfaced.

According to insider DanielRPK, the filmmakers are reportedly eyeing Glen Powell (Twisters, Top Gun: Maverick) for the film’s lead role. However, “eyeing” should be taken cautiously; this does not indicate that Powell has signed on, nor that negotiations are actively underway. At this stage, it reflects interest rather than commitment.

If Powell were to join, his recent rise as a leading man could signal the studio’s intent to position Them! as a major tentpole rather than a niche genre revival.