James Gunn’s directorial debut, the cult horror-comedy Slither, is set to return to screens this year with a comprehensive 20th-anniversary 4K restoration. Visions Home Video has confirmed a limited theatrical window starting 10 April 2026, followed by a premium 4K Ultra HD SteelBook release on 18 May.
The timing is significant for fans of the “Gunn-verse.” The announcement arrives just as Nathan Fillion, who stars in Slither as Sheriff Bill Pardy, dominates the cultural conversation following his turn as Guy Gardner in last year’s Superman and ahead of James Gunn’s Supergirl, which hits cinemas in June 2026. This 4K release serves as a definitive look back at the origins of one of Hollywood’s most successful creative partnerships.
A Restoration Approved by the Creators
Unlike previous home media versions, this anniversary edition features a new 4K scan from the 35mm Interpositive. The restoration has been personally approved by James Gunn and Director of Photography Gregory Middleton. Middleton, whose recent work on Moon Knight has garnered high praise, has also contributed a new interview titled “We’ve Got Worms” specifically for this release.
The film stars Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks, and Michael Rooker. For many, Slither was the blueprint for Gunn’s signature style: a blend of high-concept sci-fi, visceral practical effects, and an ensemble cast that feels like a dysfunctional family.
The Firefly Connection and the “March 15” Mystery
The re-release coincides with a surge of speculation surrounding Nathan Fillion and his former Firefly castmates. Fillion has recently been sharing cryptic social media videos under the Once We Were Spacemen banner, visiting stars like Gina Torres and Summer Glau, teasing a major announcement scheduled for 15 March.
While some fans hoped for a Firefly revival, the timing of the Slither 4K announcement suggests that Fillion is leaning heavily into his cult legacy. With James Gunn now serving as Co-Chairman and CEO of DC Studios, the 20th anniversary of Slither highlights how a small-town alien plague movie paved the way for the biggest superhero franchises in the world.
Technical Specifications and Extras
The 4K SteelBook, featuring exclusive artwork by Chris Malbon, includes several new retrospective features:
- Feed The Fear: An interview with Editor John Axelrad.
- Just A Bee Sting: A deep dive with Special Make-up Effects Designer Todd Masters.
- What’s Gotten Into You: A conversation with Composer Tyler Bates.
Now on 4K for the first time, James Gunn’s iconic cult classic sees an extraterrestrial parasite infect the citizens of a town… leaving it up to the town sheriff (Nathan Fillion) and a local woman (Elizabeth Banks) to put an end to the monster.”
Visions Home Video said in a statement,
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