David Cronenberg’s The Fly (1986) has found a new streaming home on Paramount+ just in time for Halloween, though its 1989 sequel did not make the platform’s October lineup. The cult classic body horror follows Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum), a brilliant scientist who starts transforming into a fly after a failed teleportation experiment.
The Fly was one of the most successful horror films of the 1980s and grossed over $60.6 million worldwide. Cronenberg’s remake currently holds a 94% critics’ score and an 83% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to the film’s lasting impact. Fans have long clamored for a 4K release of the sci-fi horror film and the restoration has yet to materialize, but The Fly’s continued popularity has ensured its presence across multiple streaming platforms, including Hulu and Disney+, and now, Paramount+. On the other hand, its sequel, The Fly II, is unavailable for streaming or digital purchase in the U.S., and can only be found on DVD or Blu-ray.
The Fly II, directed by Chris Walas, attempted to pick up where Cronenberg’s film left off. It follows the tragic life of Seth’s son, Martin (Eric Stoltz), who inherits his father’s mutations. The sequel struggled to match the success of its predecessor and only grossed $38.9 million worldwide. Despite its 32% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, The Fly II also gained a cult following among fans of the original, and has been appreciated for its dark tone and visceral body horror. It’s currently only available to stream on BBox VOD in France.
Jeff Goldblum Reveals Why He Wanted To Change the Ending of ‘The Fly’
In an April 2025 episode of the SmartLess podcast, Goldblum once revealed that he had a “vigorous conversation” with Cronenberg to change the ending of The Fly. The Jurassic Park star confessed that he was unhappy with how his character’s transformation was portrayed in the final scenes. According to Goldblum, Seth’s violent behavior toward his love interest, Ronnie Quaife (Geena Davis), and their unborn child felt inconsistent with the character that he had portrayed.
The actor added that he became a “passionate protector” of Brundle, and argued that the eccentric scientist was not the villain Cronenberg wanted to turn him into. Ultimately, the director went ahead with his vision and delivered one of the most tragic and unforgettable endings in horror film history. Despite the disagreement, Goldblum spoke highly of his collaboration with Cronenberg and described the director as a “buttoned-up, sweet Canadian” who marches to the beat of his own drum. Goldblum also recalled the grueling process behind his transformation into the fly, and noted that it took five hours every day to apply his makeup and prosthetics. The actor referred to the experience as “arduous but lovely,” and praised the passion and dedication that went into creating his now-iconic look.
The Fly is now streaming on Paramount+. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates!
Release Date
August 15, 1986
Runtime
96 minutes
