In Essel Pratt’s new novel, Sharkantula, a genetically modified tarantula finds its way into the Great White exhibit at Shark World. Frightened, the arachnid digs its fangs deep into the shark, fast-tracking an evolutionary hybrid into existence that becomes hell-bent on taking over the park, and possibly the world. Sound like a Syfy movie? That’s not accidental! In his Guest List for Flick Attack, Pratt breaks down the movies — and one TV series — that informed his monster mash-up on the page.

Sharkantula was originally the product of a lighthearted brainstorming discussion between multiple indie authors, each jokingly contributing ridiculous ideas. At one point, while discussing the plethora of cheesy science-fiction movies on television, I chose to “claim” Sharkantula as my own. The joke became more serious as I thought the concept over, wondering if a novel written in the styling of those popular movies would be possible.

My wife is a rabid fan of the silly sci-fi movies that feature genetically engineered, long-thought-extinct and larger-than-life land and sea creatures. With her by my side, I took some time to relax and watch as many of the films as possible. It didn’t take long before I realized that not only would a novel be possible, but adding the element of feeling a connection to the characters would add to its appeal. In an effort to get past the CGI special effects, I realized that the human mind does a much better job at defining the visuals that a computer ever could. So, with an outline in hand, I created the novel that would become Sharkantula, not realizing the pages would attract attention across the globe.

Sharkantula’s praise has been overwhelming, finding its place on websites from Russia, Germany, the U.S. and Australia, to name a few. This is all despite the theme being an overwhelming visual experience that is often only found in the world of film. However, despite its success, I cannot forget the films that inspired Sharkantula and its eventual creation.

1. Sharknado (2013)

Where would the list of inspiration be if Sharknado wasn’t thrown into the mix? Although it is not the first of its kind, it did bring the cheesy monsters back into the limelight as the ridiculous concept drew upon a fan base that was itching for a fun film filled with unrealistic circumstances. Yet, throughout it all, you cheered on the protagonists every second of the film. As a movie, Sharknado reassured that there is no fear in adding the element of “cheese” to a story, nor should there be a reason to hold back from inserting intentional bad humor. There are plenty of movies similar to Sharknado, although few share its success, but this film franchise has set the bar for everything that is to come, which is admirable for any writer and author out there.

2. Sharktopus (2010)

Sharktopus did not reach the same fame as Sharknado. However, it did introduce us to the concept of a shark/something else hybrid. This is the film that really brought some validity to bringing Sharkantula to life. Not only did it combine two frightening sea creatures, but it was done so in a way that no one was safe, regardless of their circumstances. The downside was that the creature was largely limited to the sea, or nearby the sea, unlike the creatures of Sharkantula, which can live on land as well.

3. Godzilla (1954)

Godzilla may seem a bit of an odd inspiration for a shark/tarantula-themed novel. However, in the original 1954 film, an interesting concept occurred: Godzilla only appeared for approximately eight minutes throughout the entire film. This allowed the thought that the monster does not need to be present for the reader/watcher to be frightened of the circumstances. Instead, just the thought of the beast could create an aura of shock that could send the characters into a frenzy. So, even in scenes where the protagonists are safe, there is the ability to draw upon their tension and stress, and create a force of horror that resides deep within their minds.

4. The Walking Dead (2010-present)

Of all my choices, The Walking Dead is possibly the most out-of-place inspiration for a book such as Sharkantula. However, there is one element of The Walking Dead that is difficult to find in any other film or television show that is similar: a sincere connection to the characters. In some of the most successful books and movies, the readers and watchers find themselves connected to the characters on an emotional level, delving deeper into the emotional connection. It is that connection that, hopefully, keeps the readers of Sharkantula captivated to turn the next page and read what happens next.

5. Jaws (1975)

As with Sharknado, how could this list be complete without Jaws? The original film put a fright into the entire coastline as panic and apprehension coursed across the beaches of the United States. Everyone knew that the probability of being eaten by a shark was not slim to none, yet the fear snuck into their minds and hid until the right moment to emerge. It is that level of fear, one that never really disperses, that I hoped to prey upon as I wrote Sharkantula.  —Essel Pratt

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