The Giant Spider Invasion: Film and Iconic Prop Go Up for Auction

Portion of the original release poster – 1975.

WikiCommons

Attention, horror aficionados and cinephiles! Julien’s Auctions is offering an unparalleled piece of cult film history in their upcoming December 12, 2024, Hollywood Legends: Sci-fi, Horror, and Action sale: The Giant Spider Invasion—the entire film and all associated rights—along with its iconic giant spider model, are up for grabs.

Released in 1975, The Giant Spider Invasion is a beloved B-movie classic, celebrated for its campy charm and ambitious low-budget effects. Shot in rural Wisconsin, the film’s enduring legacy rests largely on its titular spider, a massive creature famously constructed on a Volkswagen Beetle chassis. The spider, a highlight of ’70s special effects, became a hallmark of the film’s kitschy appeal.

A crowd flees ahead of the Giant Spider.

Julien's Auctions

Although The Giant Spider Invasion didn’t win any Oscars upon its 1975 release, it was a resounding success for exploitation filmmaker Bill Rebane. Despite its shoestring production values, the movie became a hit at drive-in theaters, raking in nearly $25 million at the box office. This impressive haul catapulted it into the top 50 highest-grossing films of 1975, out-earning even John Wayne’s Brannigan. It garnered an international audience, especially in Japan, inspiring a Manga (graphic novel).

Japanese Manga cover for the graphic novel inspired by The Giant Spider Invasion.

fineartamerica&period;com

The film, sold by Rebane, and his company Transcentury Pictures, has an estimate of $75,000 to $90,000, with a hopeful starting bid of $60,000. The giant spider prop carries an estimate of $15,000. The auction offers something for fans of every genre, featuring a remarkable collection of authentic artifacts from iconic films like Terminator 2, Jurassic Park, Batman Returns, Armageddon, Conan the Barbarian, Ghostbusters, Friday the 13th, and more.

The “oh-so-terrifying” spider model from The Giant Spider Invasion

Julien's Auctions

This auction is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only own the infamous spider model but also to acquire the rights to the film itself. With The Giant Spider Invasion firmly entrenched in the pantheon of cult classics, this sale is sure to stir excitement among fans and collectors alike. The question is: who will seize the web of opportunity?

You may also like:

Once Stolen, ‘Wizard of Oz’ Ruby Slippers Now for Sale at Heritage Auctions

1931 ‘Dracula’ movie poster tops $525K, sets auction record

James Bond Original ‘Thunderball’ Movie Art Sells for $335,500

Source link

Tags: Collectible