Although most of the original Universal Classic Monster film “Creature From The Black Lagoon” was shot in California on the Universal backlot, the fantastic underwater sequences that find Gill-man in a strange and delicate ballet with object of desire, Julia Adams, were filmed at North Florida’s Wakulla Springs.
The 1955 sequel “Revenge Of The Creature” moved the action closer to home, dropping Gill-man in the gorgeous waters of Ocala’s Silver Springs, the muggy thickets of Palatka’s Rice Creek, and even beloved Flagler County attraction Marineland. Late in “Revenge,” ol’ Gilly goes on an urban rampage and menaces diners at Jacksonville seafood eatery the Lobster House.
Parts of 1956’s “The Creature Walks Among Us” were shot on the Caloosahatchee River down in Fort Myers, and the production returned to Wakulla Springs for more underwater shots.
The spirit of the original Creature still hangs over our State, lending a wonderfully macabre touch to otherwise serene swamplands. Many of the filming locations still exist and can be visited by horror film aficionados. Silver Springs has a small exhibit on the Creature, including one of the original costumes.
As recently as 2012 Universal put the gears into motion for a Black Lagoon 2.0; the production is currently on hold. However, I hope that if a reboot does happen, Gilly will return home to his native Florida!
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