 This film was originally going to be directed by  John Carpenter (I) (qv). According to Carpenter, Universal  executives removed him from the project in the wake of the box  office and critical drubbing they received for  _Thing, The (1982)_ (qv). Carpenter had reportedly talked to his  _Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)_ (qv) actor, Darwin Joston (qv)  about taking on the role of John Rainbird, which was ultimately  played by George C. Scott (qv).