Corey Feldman Returns to ‘The ’Burbs’ — and Reveals How the Original Film Helped Save His Life

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What To Know

Peacock’s new series The ’Burbs pays homage to the 1989 cult film with numerous references.
It also features a cameo by original cast member Corey Feldman.
Corey Feldman, who played Ricky Butler in the original movie, credits director Joe Dante and costar Carrie Fisher with intervening during a difficult period in his life.

Peacock’s The ‘Burbs is both a loving tribute and a fresh reimagining of the 1989 cult favorite from the twisted imagination of Joe Dante. Originally starring Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher, the film followed a tight-knit group of suburban neighbors who grew increasingly suspicious of the eerie newcomers who moved into the dilapidated house across the street from their picture-perfect neighborhood.

What began as idle curiosity quickly spiraled into paranoia, wild speculation, and chaotic confrontations, turning everyday suburbia into a playground of dark comedy and barely contained hysteria.

To pay homage to the original film, the series is jam-packed with tons of little references, Easter eggs, and hidden details made as a nod to fans of the film, and that includes a little stunt casting.

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One particularly genius bit of casting is in the finale, when the character of Naveen (Kapil Talwalkar) in on a date at the local watering hole. The camera first lingers on a platinum-haired pool hustler, who audiences will immediately pick up on as Corey Feldman, who starred as Ricky Butler in the original film. Winning his game, he grabs a fistful of cash and says to the camera, “God, I love this place,” a nod to his iconic line from The ‘Burbs, “God, I love this town.”

In the original The ‘Burbs, Feldman portrayed Ricky Butler, the cool-headed, sarcastic teenager living next door to Tom Hanks’ character Roy, who often provided commentary on the suburban mystery and bizarre antics of his neighbors.

However, behind the scenes, Feldman was the one who needed an intervention, not his neighbors. At a Q&A with director Joe Dante at Vidiots in Los Angeles in 2024, Feldman talked openly about his experience on The ‘Burbs and how his life was saved by both Dante and costar, Carrie Fisher.

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“During the period of The ‘Burbs, I was kind of going through a transition and about to fall off a very deep, dark edge and kind of teetering on that edge,” said Feldman, “Thanks to Joe and Carrie Fisher, who pulled me aside one day and said, ‘You’re about to go over that edge, you know.’ And, you know I was a rebellious kid! I was a lot like the character in the movie! So it was very challenging for me from an artistic standpoint.”

“I was feeling insecure, but acting more egotistical,” explained Feldman. “I had a lot of trouble accepting my worth on that set, I guess.”

Dante had nothing but praise for this ‘Burbs actor “Corey was the first person I cast in the movie,” revealed Dante. “Corey worked with me on Gremlins. He was much younger than. His scene with Gizmo when he talks to him on the bed is one of the best scenes in the movie.”

“I remember thinking, ‘He’s really such a good actor. So when it came time to read this script, this kid, this stoner kid, this was Corey,” laughed Dante.