Last spring came the news that the third episode in the infamous Human Centipede sequence had been tripped up by apparent legal tussles between director Tom Six and original star Dieter Laser. We're still half (possibly three-quarters) convinced that the supposed lawsuits were a publicity stunt, but whether or not that's the case, that part of the story is now over. Six and Laser have settled their reported differences, and with apologies to those of you who hate it when we even put the words "Human" and "Centipede" in the same sentence, Final Sequence can now move forward.
The argument, we were told, was over the script of the third instalment. Six Entertainment siblings Tom and Ilona claimed that Laser was "demanding his own unacceptable changes," while Laser volleyed that that was because the screenplay he'd received had not been anything like the one they'd discussed. "Tom couldn't live with my suggestions and I as a method actor couldn't identify with his version," Laser said. Given that we know Laser's character this time isn't to be the first film's Dr Heiter, and given the meta turn that the series has already taken, it seemed likely that Laser might be playing himself, but that Six had written a "Dieter Laser" that the real Laser found objectionable.
Now though, everyone seems to be friends again. In a press release, Six announces that his original screenplay is going ahead as he originally intended. "Human Centipede 3 will be very politically incorrect," he promises, "but I didn't want to change anything in the script. I am very happy Dieter will follow my vision for a full 100% now, and know he is absolutely the most brilliant actor I could wish for."
Laser meanwhile, gushes, "I never ever would have thought that all our differences and misunderstandings would in the end lead to an even deeper and warmer understanding and appreciation of each other. In this regard I am actually thankful about the whole fuss, because it turned out to be an advantage and a wonderful present for our film and for our friendship." Aww, bless.
The second film's extraordinary Laurence R Harvey is also returning for Final Sequence, again not as the character he played before. The press release says he and Laser will be "a new villain duo with a storyline nobody will expect." Nobody will be surprised if that storyline involves a Six/Laser lawsuit.
We're also promised "a big American celebrity" in the cast, and a "megalomaniac" new human centipede with more than 500 segments. Also a lot of sunshine and unicorns. OK, we made that last bit up. Shooting starts in the US in May.