Meaning: This quote is from Tobe Hooper, the director of classic horror films such as "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" and "Poltergeist." In this quote, Hooper is discussing his involvement with the film "The Return of the Living Dead." He mentions that he was attached to direct the film and also wrote the story for it. However, due to production delays, he ended up going to London to work on another project, "Lifeforce."

"The Return of the Living Dead" is a cult classic horror-comedy film released in 1985. It was directed by Dan O'Bannon and is known for its unique blend of horror and humor, as well as its impact on the zombie genre. The film follows a group of characters who must fend off a horde of zombies after a military experiment goes awry and reanimates the dead.

Tobe Hooper's involvement in the early stages of "The Return of the Living Dead" is an interesting aspect of the film's history. Hooper was already a well-established figure in the horror genre, having directed the iconic "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" in 1974. His experience and expertise in the genre would have undoubtedly brought a different perspective to the film.

However, as mentioned in the quote, production delays led to Hooper's decision to work on "Lifeforce" instead. "Lifeforce" is a science fiction horror film released in 1985, the same year as "The Return of the Living Dead." The film follows a group of astronauts who discover a derelict spaceship and bring back alien creatures to Earth, leading to a fight for survival as the creatures wreak havoc.

While "Lifeforce" and "The Return of the Living Dead" are different in terms of their plots and themes, they both exemplify Hooper's talent for blending horror with other genres. "The Return of the Living Dead" combines horror with comedy, while "Lifeforce" combines horror with science fiction. Both films showcase Hooper's ability to create unique and memorable experiences for audiences.

Despite not ultimately directing "The Return of the Living Dead," Hooper's early involvement in the project sheds light on the collaborative and dynamic nature of the film industry. It also provides insight into the creative decisions and career trajectories of influential directors like Hooper.

In conclusion, Tobe Hooper's quote about his involvement with "The Return of the Living Dead" and his decision to work on "Lifeforce" instead offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes intricacies of the film industry. It also underscores the diverse range of genres and storytelling approaches that Hooper was capable of exploring throughout his career. These aspects contribute to a richer understanding of both Hooper's legacy and the cultural impact of the films he worked on.