Legendary horror and sci-fi director John Carpenter received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 3, 2025 — and the ceremony turned into a nostalgic reunion.

Appearing in public together for the first time in 40 years, Kurt Russell and Keith David, stars of Carpenter’s iconic 1982 horror film The Thing, joined the celebration alongside special effects master Greg Nicotero.

Nicotero praised Carpenter as a trailblazer who “altered the way we watch movies.” He joked, “Maybe now we’ll finally find out if Kurt or Keith was The Thing.” David replied with a laugh, “It wasn’t me,” before honoring Carpenter for giving him his first film role and calling the experience “beautiful.”

Russell shared a behind-the-scenes story about the oversized sombrero he wore as R.J. MacReady in The Thing, recalling Carpenter’s trademark confidence in the choice. “He said, ‘It’s gonna be great, man.’ And he was right.”

Other attendees included PJ Soles, who posted photos with Nick Castle (Michael Myers in Halloween), and Carpenter’s ex-wife Adrienne Barbeau, who shared a joyful moment with Slash of Guns N’ Roses.

Carpenter closed the event with his signature dry humor, saying, “Thank you for this place on this sacred boulevard where people and dogs can pee on me at any time.”

John Carpenter’s star is now located at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, in front of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.