Arachnophobia (film)

Arachnophobia is a 1990 American horror-comedy film directed by Frank Marshall in his feature directorial debut.

Arachnophobia is a 1990 American horror-comedy film directed by Frank Marshall in his feature directorial debut. It stars Jeff Daniels and John Goodman and follows a California town threatened by deadly spiders after a South American species is brought to the United States. The film was released in the United States on July 18, 1990, and is rated PG-13.

Plot

A new species of venomous spider is discovered in South America and is accidentally carried to California in a coffin. After mating with a local spider, it produces dangerous offspring that begin killing residents in the town.

Production

Arachnophobia was directed by Frank Marshall and written by Don Jakoby and Wesley Strick. It is widely noted as Marshall’s first feature film as a director.

Release and reception

The film was released in July 1990 and was marketed as a horror-comedy. Sources describe it as a relatively accessible thriller with a mix of scares and humour, and it performed as a modest commercial success.

Cast

Jeff Daniels stars as Dr. Ross Jennings, with John Goodman as exterminator Delbert McClintock and Harley Jane Kozak among the principal cast. The ensemble also includes Julian Sands.