Forbidden World (1982)
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Villian(s)
Genetic mutant
Actor(s):
Jesse Vint, Dawn Dunlap, June Chadwick, Linden Chiles
Brief Description
Forbidden World (also released as Mutant) is a 1982 American science fiction horror film produced by low-budget B-movie legend Roger Corman and directed by Allan Holzman. Heavily inspired by the success of Alien (1979), the film is a cult classic known for its blend of sci-fi terror, campy humor, cheap but memorable special effects, and exploitative elements.
Plot:
Set in the distant future, an elite team of scientists on the remote desert planet of Xarbia conducts genetic research to solve a galactic food crisis. Using a synthetic DNA strain called "Proto B" mixed with human cells, they create a rapidly growing, bio-engineered lifeform designated "Subject 20". Naturally, the experiment goes horribly wrong. Subject 20 mutates into a bloodthirsty, insect-like creature, escapes its cocoon, and begins systematically stalking and slaughtering the personnel inside the research facility. The Galactic Federal Bureau of Investigation dispatches a spaceborne "troubleshooter" and military marshal, Mike Colby (played by Jesse Vint), along with his robotic companion SAM-104, to handle the emergency.
Upon arrival, Colby insists the creature must be destroyed immediately, but the lead scientists—hiding dark secrets about the project—initially resist. As the body count rises and the monster continues to rapidly morph, the survivors must find a way to kill Subject 20 before it consumes everyone on the station. The film famously culminates in a bizarre climax involving a cancerous liver. To keep production costs low (under $1 million), the film recycled spaceship models, sets, and stock special effects footage from another popular Roger Corman production, Battle Beyond the Stars (1980).