Dan O Bannon

Biography

Dan O’Bannon was a pioneering screenwriter and filmmaker whose innovative storytelling and creative vision left an indelible mark on the science fiction and horror genres. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he developed an early interest in science fiction, inspired by classic sci-fi literature and films.

He attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he studied film at the School of Cinematic Arts. At USC, he collaborated with fellow students on projects that would later define his career, including his work with John Carpenter on the cult film Dark Star.

O’Bannon’s life was marked by his dedication to crafting compelling, often unsettling stories that combined imaginative world-building with human vulnerability.

Career Highlights

Early Career: Dark Star (1974)

Dan O’Bannon co-wrote and acted in Dark Star, a low-budget science fiction comedy directed by John Carpenter. The film showcased his unique talent for blending humor with existential themes, albeit with a satirical edge.

Dark Star also served as a stepping stone for O’Bannon's career in the film industry, particularly in science fiction.

Breakthrough: Alien (1979)

O’Bannon’s most significant career achievement was writing the screenplay for Alien. Inspired by his failed project Dune and a short story he co-created (Memory), Alien introduced the world to a terrifying extraterrestrial antagonist and set a new standard for sci-fi horror.

Working alongside Ronald Shusett, O’Bannon envisioned Alien as a relentless and atmospheric story of survival, combining themes of isolation, fear, and body horror. His collaboration with director Ridley Scott and designer H.R. Giger resulted in one of cinematic history's most iconic and enduring franchises.

Visual Effects and Design Contributions

Before his success as a screenwriter, O’Bannon worked on the ill-fated Dune adaptation by Alejandro Jodorowsky, where he collaborated with artists like H.R. Giger and Jean “Moebius” Giraud. Although the project was never completed, it significantly influenced his later work on Alien.

He also contributed visual effects to George Lucas’s Star Wars (1977), honing his craft in both storytelling and technical artistry.

Directorial Work: The Return of the Living Dead (1985)

O’Bannon transitioned to directing with The Return of the Living Dead, a horror-comedy that redefined the zombie genre. The film introduced the concept of zombies craving brains and combined humor with gory special effects, earning cult status.

Other Screenwriting Projects

Dan O’Bannon’s filmography includes a variety of notable works:

• Heavy Metal (1981): A cult animated anthology film for which he wrote the segment B-17.
• Blue Thunder (1983): Co-wrote this action-thriller involving advanced military technology.
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• Total Recall (1990): Collaborated with Ronald Shusett on the adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s short story We Can Remember It For You Wholesale.
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• Screamers (1995): Another Philip K. Dick adaptation based on the short story Second Variety.