When can we expect the legendary filmmaker John Carpenter to direct again? 

Veteran filmmaker John Carpenter recently came up in discussions after he seemingly agreed to score director Bong Joon-ho's upcoming horror project. It happened in Los Angeles during the special screening held for the 4K restoration of The Thing. Released back in 1982, this sci-fi horror film did not receive the warmest of receptions. However, over time, it earned a cult classic status.

Whether The Thing or Halloween, John Carpenter's name is often associated with the horror genre. That's why when Bong Joon-ho spoke about his horror film aspirations, he decided to chip in to score it. It might have been said in jest, but it offered hope to Carpenter's fans witnessing his work in some shape or form. Besides working on music, the 77-year-old filmmaker also shared his thoughts on his desire to get behind the camera.

When asked about his return to directing films, John Carpenter told Variety.

"I don’t know. I would love to direct again, given the right circumstances. But I’m not the same kid anymore who will do it for any amount of money. I can’t back into a budget anymore. I’m too old. It’s too hard. But directing is the love of my life. I’ll never stop loving that."

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John Carpenter reflects upon his love for filmmaking and Los Angeles

John Carpenter has been making films for many decades. He is a revered name among horror fans, who value his meaningful contribution to this genre. It all started in the 1960s when he moved from his house in the South to Los Angeles and started directing films. So, during his recent conversation with Variety, he spoke about his relationship with this city.

"My love for the city has deepened and it’s now mature, but it’s the same joy that I had when I arrived. I’ve traveled all over the world. Please… there are no comparisons."

He further added,

"In terms of the business, I accept that it’s filled with pirates. It’s also filled with very good people, people who love movies, people who love working on movies. That’s the people I’m hanging out with. I can’t say enough. And no one’s paying me. This is how I feel."

Much like his contemporaries, John Carpenter realized the nature of working on films in Hollywood and how business comes into the picture. He doesn't seem too optimistic about the way the business is handled these days.

"The studios aren’t what they were. They’re kind of these old bones of dinosaurs sitting there. It’s sad now. This is not the business I got into."

This might be the reason why he doesn't seem too keen on returning to directing, unless under the right circumstances.