Over four decades have passed since the release of John Carpenter‘s 1982 masterpiece, “The Thing,” and fans are still puzzling over the final scene’s ambiguity. Carpenter, the film’s director, claims to be the sole possessor of the truth regarding the enigmatic ending, disputing cinematographer Dean Cundey’s interpretation, which centered on an “eye gleam theory” to distinguish who was or wasn’t the Thing in that crucial moment.

According to Cundey, the characters were illuminated throughout the movie in a specific manner to reveal a gleam of light in the eyes of those who remained human. However, Carpenter rejected this notion during an interview with ComicBook.com, asserting that Cundey “has no clue” about the scene’s true meaning.

When asked if he could reveal who was the Thing and who wasn’t, Carpenter responded, “Nope… Cannot tell you. Sorry.”

Carpenter directed “The Thing” from a screenplay by Bill Lancaster, based on John W. Campbell Jr.’s novella “Who Goes There?” The film is set in remote Antarctica, where a group of American research scientists are confronted with an enigmatic creature that can assume the shape of its victims, leading to a gruesome battle for survival.

The film features a talented ensemble cast including Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, T.K. Carter, David Clennon, Keith David, Richard Dysart, Charles Hallahan, Peter Maloney, Richard Masur, Donald Moffat, Joel Polis, and Thomas G. Waites.