The Twilight Zone has been a staple of television for over six decades, charming audiences with its unique blend of science fiction, drama, and horror. Among its many iconic episodes, “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” stands out as a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, with its original 1963 version remaining the best among all adaptations. The episode has been remade multiple times, with the 2019 version, “Nightmare at 30,000 Feet,” taking a spookier turn by removing the gremlin and setting a different tone.
The original episode, written by Richard Matheson and directed by Richard Donner, stars William Shatner as Robert “Bob” Wilson, a man who has recently been discharged from a mental facility and is returning home with his wife Julia. As they fly on a commercial airliner, Wilson begins to see a creature on the side of the plane, which he believes is a gremlin trying to destroy the aircraft. The episode’s suspenseful storytelling and iconic performances make it a standout among The Twilight Zone’s many episodes.
A Still From The Twilight Zone (Via IMDB)
The 2019 version, hosted by Jordan Peele, offers a new take on the classic episode. In this adaptation, Adam Scott stars as Justin Sanderson, a PTSD-afflicted journalist who finds a mysterious MP3 player in his seat that predicts the disappearance of his flight. Unlike the original episode, this version does not center on a man facing down a gremlin; instead, it focuses on Sanderson’s investigation into the disappearance of the plane and the mysterious forces behind it.
The Twilight Zone has been remade multiple times, with the 2019 version offering a new take on the classic episode. The original “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” has been referenced and parodied in numerous films, TV shows, and sketches, cementing its place in popular culture.
