H. G. Wells' War of The Worlds (2005 Film)

H. G. Wells' War Of The Worlds (2005 Film)

H. G. Wells' War of the Worlds (also known as Invasion and H. G. Wells' The Worlds in War internationally, or simply as War of the Worlds) is a science fiction horror mockbuster by The Asylum. It is one of three 2005 film adaptations of H. G. Wells' 1898 science fiction novel The War of the Worlds.

Much like Steven Spielberg's film version, War of the Worlds is a modernized adaptation, but was released by independent production company The Asylum, whose budget may be more on par with the Pendragon film version. No theatrical release date had been planned; instead the film was a direct-to-DVD release. All three were released in June of the same year.

The story tells the experience of an astronomer, George Herbert (C. Thomas Howell), who is separated from his wife and son when a Martian army invades the planet, driving massive "walkers". He tries to make his way to Washington, D.C. to reunite with them as the human race faces extinction.

Unlike other adaptations, The Asylum intended to make this War of the Worlds film a horror film. It was rated R in the United States and 15 in the United Kingdom for strong violence and gore, language and some nudity. Director David Michael Latt describes the film as The Pianist with aliens instead of Nazis, comparing the tale of one man's story of survival.

The DVD was released on June 28, one day before Spielberg's film, and has a few notable stars including C. Thomas Howell, Peter Greene, and Jake Busey. The alternate title of Invasion is likely for the film's overseas distribution since Paramount claim to own exclusive film rights to the War of the Worlds title in the European Union. The film is one of The Asylum's most successful, having sold over 100,000 copies from Blockbuster upon its release. The original poster has a striking resemblance to the Independence Day poster.

The film was followed with a sequel in 2008, War of the Worlds 2: The Next Wave, directed by C. Thomas Howell.