地縛霊
Carpenter wrote the screenplay but was credited as "Martin Quatermass," which, along with the name of Professor Birack's institution (Kneale University), was an homage to British film and television writer Nigel Kneale and his best-known character, Bernard Quatermass. The story features elements associated with Kneale, including a confrontation with ancient evil ("Quatermass and the Pit" and "The Quatermass Conclusion"), messages from the future ("The Road"), and the scientific investigation of the paranormal ("The Stone Tape"). Kneale was displeased with the homage, fearing that viewers might believe that he had something to do with the film.