While all the above films were certainly of a trend, not all of them were hits. One of the central reasons why slasher films were so popular in the first place was that they were incredibly cheap to produce. Movie stars weren’t required, elaborate settings were anathema (many took place in ordinary suburban homes), and creativity was often eschewed. All that was needed was a script, gumption, and a few bucks for gore effects. With the trend revitalized, some filmmakers seemingly assumed that success was virtually guaranteed, provided the tropes be repeated well enough.
Actress Jordana Brewster certainly assumed that was to be the case with “The Faculty,” in which he played Delilah Profitt, an overachieving star cheerleader targeted by body-snatching aliens who have taken over the minds of her high school’s staff. In a 2021 interview with Collider, Brewster pointed out that all the elements were in place for “The Faculty” to be a runaway success. Williamson wrote the screenplay, indie darling Rodriguez was at the helm, and — perhaps ambitiously — it boasted an impressive cast. Recognizable teen heartthrobs Josh Hartnett and Elijah Wood appeared, as did recognizable actors like Bebe Neuwirth, Robert Patrick, Piper Laurie, and Jon Stewart.
The film boasted a budget of $15 million, just like “Scream.” Everything was ripe for success.
The film opened to a paltry $11 million.
Brewster compared the experience to her work on the “Fast & Furious” movies, but 100% inverted. The “Furious” films were low-price, low-expectation movies that exploded into one of the largest film franchises of all time. “The Faculty” was poised to be huge and just petered out.