The Lost Boys, a cult classic horror film from the '80s, is known for its unique take on vampires. Co-writer James Jeremias originally envisioned a different type of film inspired by Peter Pan. After reading Anne Rice's Interview With the Vampire, Jeremias was intrigued by the idea of a character frozen in time, leading him to consider a vampire twist on Peter Pan.
Initially designed as a boy's adventure set in a pre-sexual era, the script underwent significant changes at the request of Warner Bros. Richard Donner, who was set to direct, pushed for older characters and a romantic subplot involving Star. Despite initial resistance from some cast members, including Jason Patric, the film evolved into the iconic version that audiences know today.
In a 2020 interview, Jeremias revealed that the original plot centered around two young brothers encountering a vampire gang in Santa Cruz. The Frog brothers, initially envisioned as 8-year-old vampire hunters, were part of the original concept that focused on preteens rather than teenagers.
While the script underwent multiple revisions, the core idea of reimagining a beloved fictional character in a darker light remained. Laddie, a missing child turned vampire, symbolized Jeremias' original concept and played a crucial role in the film.
