Sunday, July 19, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Stuart Beattie talks up 'Halo' movie
Source: Sci-Fi Wire + First Showing
Apart from also being a fellow Aussie, Stuart Beattie is a personal hero of mine. He's written some fantastic scripts over the years, and he's had an amazing career - a career, a scribe like me could only dream of. He's also a genuine, all-round nice guy - a rarity in the film biz, I can assure you.
"Fosters thanks, mate. Make it two."
Beattie has gladly confessed on numerous occasions, that after a hard days work, he often enjoys relaxing over an online bout of Halo. He's been trying to stir up some excitement for a Halo feature film, particularly one that follows 'The Fall of Reach' arc, for over a year now. He adapted the books, based on the hit video game franchise, and even went so far as to hire a concept artist to produce artwork, which would accompany him while he pitched his take to studios. So far, no one's bitten.
SciFi Wire caught up with Beattie recently and talked with him about Fall of Reach and the latest developments. "I really believe a Halo movie would just be awesome, especially this Halo movie." Maybe there is hope?
"I just think it's an amazing story about this child that no one cares about and who cares for no one else, who kind of ends up saving all of humanity," Beattie starts out saying. Anyone and everyone who has ever played Halo I'm sure would love to see a movie as well, but we all know the original project got scrapped when Microsoft couldn't agree with Fox and Universal on the budget. "I firmly believe that the first Halo movie needs to be the Fall of Reach story, because it sets up all the characters, the world, the Covenant, the big struggle between mankind and the aliens, all that stuff," he explains. "So that's where my money is."
As for the kind of budget necessary to make Halo: Fall of Reach, Beattie mentions that "it's a big $100 million-plus film." However, as we know all too well, video game movies usually aren't that great and do too well. Hopefully that will change with Prince of Persia, but until then, we'll just have to wait patiently.
"Once my generation of filmmakers start to get to that position where they allow us to make these big-budget films based on these video games, then we'll start to get some really great movies based on video games," Beattie said. "I think it's the same as books, [and] it's the same as comic books. I think not every video game should be made into a movie, just like not every book should be made into a movie. Not every comic book should, but certain ones definitely should, because they're so visual, the characters are so rich and the mythology is so vast that they should. Halo is definitely one of the shoulds."
I agree with Beattie there, but who knows if we'll ever see a Halo movie. If things go very well over the next few years, it could just happen, but that's the problem. It's my belief that Peter Jackson is using District 9 as a way of proving that Neill Blomkamp can direct a big feature and can bring audiences in. So not only does that movie need to do gangbusters at the box office in August, but Prince of Persia needs to be a worldwide hit as well. If all of that works out, I could see a Halo movie moving forward once again, hopefully with Neill Blomkamp at the helm and Peter Jackson producing, the same as before. But alas I can't predict the future.
"I would just love to see a Halo movie up there on screen. It's magnificent," Beattie says. "As always, the moment we bring up the Halo movie, there's always a discussion surrounding it."
Apart from also being a fellow Aussie, Stuart Beattie is a personal hero of mine. He's written some fantastic scripts over the years, and he's had an amazing career - a career, a scribe like me could only dream of. He's also a genuine, all-round nice guy - a rarity in the film biz, I can assure you.
"Fosters thanks, mate. Make it two."
Beattie has gladly confessed on numerous occasions, that after a hard days work, he often enjoys relaxing over an online bout of Halo. He's been trying to stir up some excitement for a Halo feature film, particularly one that follows 'The Fall of Reach' arc, for over a year now. He adapted the books, based on the hit video game franchise, and even went so far as to hire a concept artist to produce artwork, which would accompany him while he pitched his take to studios. So far, no one's bitten.
SciFi Wire caught up with Beattie recently and talked with him about Fall of Reach and the latest developments. "I really believe a Halo movie would just be awesome, especially this Halo movie." Maybe there is hope?
"I just think it's an amazing story about this child that no one cares about and who cares for no one else, who kind of ends up saving all of humanity," Beattie starts out saying. Anyone and everyone who has ever played Halo I'm sure would love to see a movie as well, but we all know the original project got scrapped when Microsoft couldn't agree with Fox and Universal on the budget. "I firmly believe that the first Halo movie needs to be the Fall of Reach story, because it sets up all the characters, the world, the Covenant, the big struggle between mankind and the aliens, all that stuff," he explains. "So that's where my money is."
As for the kind of budget necessary to make Halo: Fall of Reach, Beattie mentions that "it's a big $100 million-plus film." However, as we know all too well, video game movies usually aren't that great and do too well. Hopefully that will change with Prince of Persia, but until then, we'll just have to wait patiently.
"Once my generation of filmmakers start to get to that position where they allow us to make these big-budget films based on these video games, then we'll start to get some really great movies based on video games," Beattie said. "I think it's the same as books, [and] it's the same as comic books. I think not every video game should be made into a movie, just like not every book should be made into a movie. Not every comic book should, but certain ones definitely should, because they're so visual, the characters are so rich and the mythology is so vast that they should. Halo is definitely one of the shoulds."
I agree with Beattie there, but who knows if we'll ever see a Halo movie. If things go very well over the next few years, it could just happen, but that's the problem. It's my belief that Peter Jackson is using District 9 as a way of proving that Neill Blomkamp can direct a big feature and can bring audiences in. So not only does that movie need to do gangbusters at the box office in August, but Prince of Persia needs to be a worldwide hit as well. If all of that works out, I could see a Halo movie moving forward once again, hopefully with Neill Blomkamp at the helm and Peter Jackson producing, the same as before. But alas I can't predict the future.
"I would just love to see a Halo movie up there on screen. It's magnificent," Beattie says. "As always, the moment we bring up the Halo movie, there's always a discussion surrounding it."
Howl at the Moon! Tarson's Top 10 Werewolf movies!
It's a full moon, and the time is upon us once again.
Slow day today, so I'm going to subject you to another one of my Top 10 Lists. That's right, this time it's those mangy fuckers we love to call - Werewolves. This list was compiled with the help of Movie Moron.
While the comics industry are still publishing a healthy stream of werewolf stories (see Astounding Wolf-Man and Werewolves On the Moon) Hollywood have done very little to credibly push the genre in a long time. We've got The Wolfman remake on the way, which does look very promising, but apart from Underworld, there hasn't been a great deal over the years. Not entirely sure why either. Maybe Wes Craven's woeful 'Cursed' scared studio execs off with their tails between their legs?
If you frequently visit horror movie boards like I do, you'll see that a lot of fans still love a good Werewolf yarn. It's still a hot topic on many the horror forums. Sure, we all love our Vampires, Ghosts, Demons, Zombies and Aliens, but many fans still talk about how they're waiting for a director to come along and do justice to the Werewolf genre, like what John Landis did with American Werewolf in London, and more recently, Neil Marshall with Dog Soldiers.
So until then, here's what I think are the best Top 10 Werewolf pics out there, so far.
10. Underworld
This recent addition to the werewolf genre is somewhat intriguing. Len Wiseman crafts a solid action flick, heavy on talky-talky and exposition. It is a great concept though - pitting modern day vampires against their archenemies, werewolves.
"The bouncers down at the local pub were getting more and more aggressive each year."
The movie delivers a fast paced (if a little confusing) story, and the action sequences are well designed. It also doesn't hurt that we get to feast our eyes on Kate Beckinsale, wrapped in skin-tight leather and latex (in a kind of 14-year old fanboy, BDSM wet dream).
"Don't believe me? Here, feel my palm, it's hairy."
The film did boffo at the box office, and with two more Underworld films now out on DVD/BluRay, I'd say we'll see a lot more of the franchise over the next few years.
9. Silver Bullet
Based on the Stephen King novella Cycle of the Werewolf, Silver Bullet was helmed by Daniel Attias. Odd choice, as he was best known at the time for directing Miami Vice.
Silver Bullet focuses on the relationship between ordinary siblings Marty and Jane, rather than the struggle of duality plaguing the film’s villainous werewolf. Who is the werewolf? Well that’s part of the mystery, as this is a big whodunit.
"The moral of the picture: don't drive Taxis on a full moon."
With a standout performance by Gary Busey as Uncle Red, Silver Bullet should be high on any list of guilty pleasures. And Cycle of The Werewolf should be in any Stephen King fan's collection. Hunt it down, it's still in print, you can find it on Amazon.
8. The Company of Wolves
This 1984 gothic-horror film was directed by Academy Award winner Neil Jordan, only his second feature.
It concerns a young girl, Rosaleen, and the tales her Nan (Angela Lansbury) recites to her. The movie switches to and fro between Rosaleen’s dreams and her ‘real’ world, never staying in one place long enough for you to be able to fully decide which her actual reality is.
"You said this was going to be a fancy dress party."
With its roots firmly in the realm of the fairy tale, this is a worthy, if not remarkable, entry into werewolf canon.
7. The Curse of the Werewolf
Good old Hammer Horror had to feature. Surprisingly, this was their only foray into the world of the Wolf Man. But it’s a cracker.
Starring the ubiquitous Oliver Reed in his first lead role, and directed by genre stalwart Terence Fisher (The Curse of Frankenstein, The Mummy (1959)), this tale adds an interesting twist - the birth of an unwanted child on Christmas Day curses it to turned into a werewolf. One that can only be cured by love…
"After a six day binge, Oliver Reed contemplated shaving."
The bell tower finale is truly gripping, and Reed really injects pain into the part - showing just what a waste of talent it was when he croaked early.
6. Wolfen
Wolfen was released in 1981, at the height of the werewolf revival. It follows a detective (Albert Finney) investigating a series of murders in which the victims have been seemingly killed by an animal (have a wild guess what happened).
It’s most notable for its POV perspective through the werewolf’s eyes, a technique later used for the creature in Predator. The movie is a bit disjointed, but uses the Native American legend of wolf spirits to good effect.
5. Ginger Snaps
Directed by John Fawcett, Ginger Snaps focuses on two sisters who have a deep routed fascination with the macabre. Soon one of them is nibbled by a you-know-what and issues of extreme sibling rivalry and unquestionable love come to the fore.
"I've got to neuter this mutt."
It’s unusual for having two girls in the lead roles, and uses lycanthropy as a metaphor for teen angst and puberty.
A clever, thematic indie that deserves a place in any collection, not just horror.
4. Dog Soldiers
Neil Marshall’s directorial debut was just what the genre needed. A team of six British soldiers on a routine training exercise discover the remains of a Special Forces squad in the Scottish Highlands and are forced to retreat to a secluded house, where they are laid siege by a pack of werewolves.
The quality of the cast, the spot-on army slang humour and the quick paced directing style created a werewolf tale that kept its tongue firmly in its cheek, but also delivered enough scares and gore to satisfy the most hardened of horror fans.
3. The Howling
Another 1981 release, The Howling took the ‘pack of wolves’ approach, as opposed to the popular singular lycanthrope protagonist.
"Fuck this hurts."
After a traumatic experience, Karen White (Dee Wallace-Stone) relocates to a group therapy camp called ‘The Colony’. The Colony, though, turns out to be a collection of werewolves. Cue another traumatic experience. The make-up effects were done by Rob Bottin, who at the time was the protégé of one Rick Baker (see further up this list).
"I'm sorry, Ted, there's someone else... Another Lycan."
Joe Dante’s film centered on the theme of trust in those close to you and those who, by job definition, you should be able to trust, such as Doctor George Waggner (Patrick Macnee).
2. The Wolf Man (1941)
The Wolf Man is remembered for Lon Chaney Jr.’s striking depiction of inner struggle against flesh eating desires and for its cast of genre favourites including Claude Raines (The Invisible Man) and Bela Lugosi (Dracula). It was also the first lycanthrope film to introduce the concept of forced changing under a full moon, vulnerability to silver and being marked with a pentagram.
"Wolf! I said wolf, not lion, you moron."
It wasn’t Universal’s first werewolf flick, that honour goes to the disappointing Werewolf of London (1935). Which sounds a bit like…
1. An American Werewolf in London
This is the ultimate werewolf movie. It’s also the ultimate fish-out-of-water movie, and the ultimate special-practical-effects movie. It’s genuinely scary, and you feel for the characters, especially Jack Goodman who’s in a permanent state of limbo until someone kills his best friend.
To this day the transformation scene by FX genius Rick Baker has never been bettered; you almost experience the pain that Kessler is going through as his skin stretches and his jaw cracks.
"David swore he'd never do mushrooms again."
The triple bluff dream sequence stills gets me, as does the ‘Slaughtered Lamb’ and that rampage through a packed central London is incredible in the way it shifts your emotions until the final inevitable conclusion.
And to close out this snaggle-toothed list, here's The Wolfman trailer from last years Comic-Con. It's a CAM copy, but it's watchable.
Enjoy.
Slow day today, so I'm going to subject you to another one of my Top 10 Lists. That's right, this time it's those mangy fuckers we love to call - Werewolves. This list was compiled with the help of Movie Moron.
While the comics industry are still publishing a healthy stream of werewolf stories (see Astounding Wolf-Man and Werewolves On the Moon) Hollywood have done very little to credibly push the genre in a long time. We've got The Wolfman remake on the way, which does look very promising, but apart from Underworld, there hasn't been a great deal over the years. Not entirely sure why either. Maybe Wes Craven's woeful 'Cursed' scared studio execs off with their tails between their legs?
If you frequently visit horror movie boards like I do, you'll see that a lot of fans still love a good Werewolf yarn. It's still a hot topic on many the horror forums. Sure, we all love our Vampires, Ghosts, Demons, Zombies and Aliens, but many fans still talk about how they're waiting for a director to come along and do justice to the Werewolf genre, like what John Landis did with American Werewolf in London, and more recently, Neil Marshall with Dog Soldiers.
So until then, here's what I think are the best Top 10 Werewolf pics out there, so far.
10. Underworld
This recent addition to the werewolf genre is somewhat intriguing. Len Wiseman crafts a solid action flick, heavy on talky-talky and exposition. It is a great concept though - pitting modern day vampires against their archenemies, werewolves.
"The bouncers down at the local pub were getting more and more aggressive each year."
The movie delivers a fast paced (if a little confusing) story, and the action sequences are well designed. It also doesn't hurt that we get to feast our eyes on Kate Beckinsale, wrapped in skin-tight leather and latex (in a kind of 14-year old fanboy, BDSM wet dream).
"Don't believe me? Here, feel my palm, it's hairy."
The film did boffo at the box office, and with two more Underworld films now out on DVD/BluRay, I'd say we'll see a lot more of the franchise over the next few years.
9. Silver Bullet
Based on the Stephen King novella Cycle of the Werewolf, Silver Bullet was helmed by Daniel Attias. Odd choice, as he was best known at the time for directing Miami Vice.
Silver Bullet focuses on the relationship between ordinary siblings Marty and Jane, rather than the struggle of duality plaguing the film’s villainous werewolf. Who is the werewolf? Well that’s part of the mystery, as this is a big whodunit.
"The moral of the picture: don't drive Taxis on a full moon."
With a standout performance by Gary Busey as Uncle Red, Silver Bullet should be high on any list of guilty pleasures. And Cycle of The Werewolf should be in any Stephen King fan's collection. Hunt it down, it's still in print, you can find it on Amazon.
8. The Company of Wolves
This 1984 gothic-horror film was directed by Academy Award winner Neil Jordan, only his second feature.
It concerns a young girl, Rosaleen, and the tales her Nan (Angela Lansbury) recites to her. The movie switches to and fro between Rosaleen’s dreams and her ‘real’ world, never staying in one place long enough for you to be able to fully decide which her actual reality is.
"You said this was going to be a fancy dress party."
With its roots firmly in the realm of the fairy tale, this is a worthy, if not remarkable, entry into werewolf canon.
7. The Curse of the Werewolf
Good old Hammer Horror had to feature. Surprisingly, this was their only foray into the world of the Wolf Man. But it’s a cracker.
Starring the ubiquitous Oliver Reed in his first lead role, and directed by genre stalwart Terence Fisher (The Curse of Frankenstein, The Mummy (1959)), this tale adds an interesting twist - the birth of an unwanted child on Christmas Day curses it to turned into a werewolf. One that can only be cured by love…
"After a six day binge, Oliver Reed contemplated shaving."
The bell tower finale is truly gripping, and Reed really injects pain into the part - showing just what a waste of talent it was when he croaked early.
6. Wolfen
Wolfen was released in 1981, at the height of the werewolf revival. It follows a detective (Albert Finney) investigating a series of murders in which the victims have been seemingly killed by an animal (have a wild guess what happened).
It’s most notable for its POV perspective through the werewolf’s eyes, a technique later used for the creature in Predator. The movie is a bit disjointed, but uses the Native American legend of wolf spirits to good effect.
5. Ginger Snaps
Directed by John Fawcett, Ginger Snaps focuses on two sisters who have a deep routed fascination with the macabre. Soon one of them is nibbled by a you-know-what and issues of extreme sibling rivalry and unquestionable love come to the fore.
"I've got to neuter this mutt."
It’s unusual for having two girls in the lead roles, and uses lycanthropy as a metaphor for teen angst and puberty.
A clever, thematic indie that deserves a place in any collection, not just horror.
4. Dog Soldiers
Neil Marshall’s directorial debut was just what the genre needed. A team of six British soldiers on a routine training exercise discover the remains of a Special Forces squad in the Scottish Highlands and are forced to retreat to a secluded house, where they are laid siege by a pack of werewolves.
The quality of the cast, the spot-on army slang humour and the quick paced directing style created a werewolf tale that kept its tongue firmly in its cheek, but also delivered enough scares and gore to satisfy the most hardened of horror fans.
3. The Howling
Another 1981 release, The Howling took the ‘pack of wolves’ approach, as opposed to the popular singular lycanthrope protagonist.
"Fuck this hurts."
After a traumatic experience, Karen White (Dee Wallace-Stone) relocates to a group therapy camp called ‘The Colony’. The Colony, though, turns out to be a collection of werewolves. Cue another traumatic experience. The make-up effects were done by Rob Bottin, who at the time was the protégé of one Rick Baker (see further up this list).
"I'm sorry, Ted, there's someone else... Another Lycan."
Joe Dante’s film centered on the theme of trust in those close to you and those who, by job definition, you should be able to trust, such as Doctor George Waggner (Patrick Macnee).
2. The Wolf Man (1941)
The Wolf Man is remembered for Lon Chaney Jr.’s striking depiction of inner struggle against flesh eating desires and for its cast of genre favourites including Claude Raines (The Invisible Man) and Bela Lugosi (Dracula). It was also the first lycanthrope film to introduce the concept of forced changing under a full moon, vulnerability to silver and being marked with a pentagram.
"Wolf! I said wolf, not lion, you moron."
It wasn’t Universal’s first werewolf flick, that honour goes to the disappointing Werewolf of London (1935). Which sounds a bit like…
1. An American Werewolf in London
This is the ultimate werewolf movie. It’s also the ultimate fish-out-of-water movie, and the ultimate special-practical-effects movie. It’s genuinely scary, and you feel for the characters, especially Jack Goodman who’s in a permanent state of limbo until someone kills his best friend.
To this day the transformation scene by FX genius Rick Baker has never been bettered; you almost experience the pain that Kessler is going through as his skin stretches and his jaw cracks.
"David swore he'd never do mushrooms again."
The triple bluff dream sequence stills gets me, as does the ‘Slaughtered Lamb’ and that rampage through a packed central London is incredible in the way it shifts your emotions until the final inevitable conclusion.
And to close out this snaggle-toothed list, here's The Wolfman trailer from last years Comic-Con. It's a CAM copy, but it's watchable.
Enjoy.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Entertainment Weekly's Comic-Con Sneak Peek
Source: First Showing + EW
In addition to that badass new cover photo featuring Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Entertainment Weekly's latest issue includes a brief Comic-Con Sneak Peek with a few more new photos from some movies that will be present at the Con. Obviously all the studios are keeping their big reveals a secret until they can debut them next week in San Diego, but the magazine does have a few cool new photos from movies like Iron Man 2, Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, Zombieland, Kick-Ass, Shane Acker's 9, and Pandorum.
"Ryan Reynolds? John, what the fuck are you talking about?"
"We're in the middle of a Zombie epidemic, this is hardly the time to be digging up your ex-wife's grave."
"Someone forgot their flu shot this morning."
"This is an interstellar spaceship, what do you mean you don't have a pilot's license?"
"Ever since Daniel had to wear a burn-suit, his brother took the whole superhero thing, a little too seriously."
Even if you're not going to be at the San Diego Comic-Con in person, there will still be a lot of exciting announcements and great coverage from everyone all around the web (including FS). You can find the complete line-up of movie presentations right here or head over to Entertainment Weekly for more photos or visit the official Comic-Con website. I'm personally the most excited for the line-up on Thursday, which includes presentations on Tron 2, James Cameron's Avatar, Kick-Ass, and a screening of District 9 at night. That will definitely be a great day! Our coverage kicks off on Wednesday night next week, so stay tuned!
In addition to that badass new cover photo featuring Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Entertainment Weekly's latest issue includes a brief Comic-Con Sneak Peek with a few more new photos from some movies that will be present at the Con. Obviously all the studios are keeping their big reveals a secret until they can debut them next week in San Diego, but the magazine does have a few cool new photos from movies like Iron Man 2, Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, Zombieland, Kick-Ass, Shane Acker's 9, and Pandorum.
"Ryan Reynolds? John, what the fuck are you talking about?"
"We're in the middle of a Zombie epidemic, this is hardly the time to be digging up your ex-wife's grave."
"Someone forgot their flu shot this morning."
"This is an interstellar spaceship, what do you mean you don't have a pilot's license?"
"Ever since Daniel had to wear a burn-suit, his brother took the whole superhero thing, a little too seriously."
Even if you're not going to be at the San Diego Comic-Con in person, there will still be a lot of exciting announcements and great coverage from everyone all around the web (including FS). You can find the complete line-up of movie presentations right here or head over to Entertainment Weekly for more photos or visit the official Comic-Con website. I'm personally the most excited for the line-up on Thursday, which includes presentations on Tron 2, James Cameron's Avatar, Kick-Ass, and a screening of District 9 at night. That will definitely be a great day! Our coverage kicks off on Wednesday night next week, so stay tuned!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Why MAFIA II may end up being the GTA IV killer
As a fan of the GTA series, I love the idea of free-roaming games where you can basically do whatever the hell you want. GTA IV was, and still is, the best free-roaming game out there. Liberty City is just massive. To walk it would take hours - just as it would in real life. There's just so many hours of crazy fun, with so much to do.
But there's a new contender on the block... Mafia II.
Now the first Mafia game was quite good, and was very well received critically, but the sequel is about to drop, and Gamespot have just posted an amazing 15 minute walkthrough for one of the critical missions. This just blew me away (pun intended as you'll see).
There's a reason why these types of video games get Hollywood execs nervous. Why go out and deal with crowds, ticket prices, parking, etc, when you can be in your own movie at home - and believe me when I say - games are becoming more and more like interactive movies, where you are the main protagonist. It's an industry that turns over billions more annually than Hollywood - and it's games like this, that are the reason why.
Now some parts of this video have been censored, and for the purpose of time, the walkthrough has been clipped in some scenes, but if you're debating whether or not to buy an X-Box 360 or a PS3 console, then this should close the deal. And I suggest you watch it in HD.
Enjoy.
Fan Art: Ryan Reynolds as The Green Lantern
Source: /Film
Last week it was confirmed that Ryan Reynolds had been cast as the title character in Martin Campbell’s big screen adaptation of The Green Lantern. /Film reader movie boy sent over this FAN MADE PHOTO, which was created by Josh MC, showing what Reynolds could look like in the black and green tights. I repeat, this is NOT real. The movie has not yet started production. Check out the full photo after the jump.
"The Dark who?"
Last week it was confirmed that Ryan Reynolds had been cast as the title character in Martin Campbell’s big screen adaptation of The Green Lantern. /Film reader movie boy sent over this FAN MADE PHOTO, which was created by Josh MC, showing what Reynolds could look like in the black and green tights. I repeat, this is NOT real. The movie has not yet started production. Check out the full photo after the jump.
"The Dark who?"
Star-Studded Line-Up for Rodriguez's 'Machete'!
Source: Bloody-Disgusting
"I guess it's painful having a face that's half human, half beef jerky."
We just got a monster tip that comes from one of regular scoopers who enjoys remaining anonymous. While we was dead-on with his insider info on Alien and Predators, he was off on announcing that Neil Marshall would direct Predators (although it's a known fact that he was in close negotiations). This afternoon I got a phone call from our good pal who tells us he has the names of the first four individuals cast in Robert Rodriguez's Machete feature film! Read on for the skinny.
What we learned is the following:
Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis are teaming up to begin filming Machete on July 29th. They are co-directors.
-DANNY TREJO is returning (obviously) as "Machete", the madman bent on revenge.
-MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ ("Lost", Fast & Furious, Avatar) is said to be playing "Luz".
-JONAH HILL, the comedian who has starred in such films as Superbad and the forthcoming Adam Sandler comedy Funny People, will play "Julio".
-Lastly, a legend of our time, ROBERT DE NIRO, will take on the role of "Senator McLaughlin".
Machete (Trejo) is a Mexican ex-Federale with a gift for wielding a blade, who hides out as a day laborer, who is double-crossed by a corrupt state senator (De Niro). The film was teased as a faux trailer that was directed by Robert Rodriguez in Dimension Films' Grindhouse, which featured a full-length film from both Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino.
Obviously, keep this sucker filed under rumor until confirmed.
"I guess it's painful having a face that's half human, half beef jerky."
We just got a monster tip that comes from one of regular scoopers who enjoys remaining anonymous. While we was dead-on with his insider info on Alien and Predators, he was off on announcing that Neil Marshall would direct Predators (although it's a known fact that he was in close negotiations). This afternoon I got a phone call from our good pal who tells us he has the names of the first four individuals cast in Robert Rodriguez's Machete feature film! Read on for the skinny.
What we learned is the following:
Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis are teaming up to begin filming Machete on July 29th. They are co-directors.
-DANNY TREJO is returning (obviously) as "Machete", the madman bent on revenge.
-MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ ("Lost", Fast & Furious, Avatar) is said to be playing "Luz".
-JONAH HILL, the comedian who has starred in such films as Superbad and the forthcoming Adam Sandler comedy Funny People, will play "Julio".
-Lastly, a legend of our time, ROBERT DE NIRO, will take on the role of "Senator McLaughlin".
Machete (Trejo) is a Mexican ex-Federale with a gift for wielding a blade, who hides out as a day laborer, who is double-crossed by a corrupt state senator (De Niro). The film was teased as a faux trailer that was directed by Robert Rodriguez in Dimension Films' Grindhouse, which featured a full-length film from both Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino.
Obviously, keep this sucker filed under rumor until confirmed.
New Screenwriter Hired for 'World War Z'
Source: First Showing + Fangoria
Not sure how many of you have read Max Brooks' 'The Zombie Survival Guide', and 'World War Z', but if you are a Zombie fan, and haven't read them yet, do yourself a favor and grab them. They won't disappoint.
"Max Brooks says: Autograph? Do I look like a Zombie, motherfucker?"
Now this is a bit strange. Fangoria reports today that the World War Z adaptation in the works over at Paramount is being revised by a different screenwriter. Originally, it was J. Michael Straczynski who had been adapting Max Brooks' book, but now it's Matthew Michael Carnahan, a "specialist in political thrillers" whose past credits include State of Play and The Kingdom. “He’s one of Hollywood's hot A-list writers, so if they went after him and paid him a mountain of gold, it definitely shows their confidence in this project,” Brooks said. We know Marc Forster is directing, but we didn't know there were problems with the script?
"Available from all good 'Undead' booksellers."
Brooks adds: “They say it’s a positive move because they’re very excited, but the truth is, it’s also positive because they just paid him a buttload of money, and [with] the money they paid him, the money they paid Straczynski and they money they’ve paid me, they’ve really dug themselves a deep hole, so they better make this thing!" I'm right there with him - they better make this thing! There seems to be something going on behind-the-scenes here - because when we reported that Forster was attached to direct last year, they were preparing to start production this year. So what happened? Why do they need an entirely new writer?
"Concept art for the film. Massive Zombie hordes... oh, my."
Straczynski has openly talked about his script quite a bit, with this update in December being the most recent. From the way he describes his version of Max Brooks' book, it sounds like it will be a very political movie that involves the government, which might explain why Matthew Michael Carnahan is actually good fit for this. I'm still curious to see if there is more to this story than we're hearing. We'll keep you updated on the development of World War Z, a project I am still very much looking forward to one day seeing.
From Fangoria: On FANGORIA RADIO last week, guest Max Brooks dropped a scoop about a new writer taking on the film version of his best-selling undead-epic novel WORLD WAR Z. The movie is being developed by Paramount and Brad Pitt’s Plan B Production, and was previously being scripted by CHANGELING and BABYLON 5’s J. Michael Straczynski.
Now taking on the adaptation reins is Matthew Michael Carnahan, a specialist in political thrillers whose credits include STATE OF PLAY and THE KINGDOM. “He’s one of Hollywood’s hot A-list writers, so if they went after him and paid him a mountain of gold, it definitely shows their confidence in this project,” Brooks said on the show. “They say it’s a positive move because they’re very excited, but the truth is, it’s also positive because they just paid him a buttload of money, and [with] the money they paid him, the money they paid Straczynski and they money they’ve paid me, they’ve really dug themselves a deep hole, so they better make this thing!” We’ll keep you posted on any further WORLD WAR Z news we hear.
Not sure how many of you have read Max Brooks' 'The Zombie Survival Guide', and 'World War Z', but if you are a Zombie fan, and haven't read them yet, do yourself a favor and grab them. They won't disappoint.
"Max Brooks says: Autograph? Do I look like a Zombie, motherfucker?"
Now this is a bit strange. Fangoria reports today that the World War Z adaptation in the works over at Paramount is being revised by a different screenwriter. Originally, it was J. Michael Straczynski who had been adapting Max Brooks' book, but now it's Matthew Michael Carnahan, a "specialist in political thrillers" whose past credits include State of Play and The Kingdom. “He’s one of Hollywood's hot A-list writers, so if they went after him and paid him a mountain of gold, it definitely shows their confidence in this project,” Brooks said. We know Marc Forster is directing, but we didn't know there were problems with the script?
"Available from all good 'Undead' booksellers."
Brooks adds: “They say it’s a positive move because they’re very excited, but the truth is, it’s also positive because they just paid him a buttload of money, and [with] the money they paid him, the money they paid Straczynski and they money they’ve paid me, they’ve really dug themselves a deep hole, so they better make this thing!" I'm right there with him - they better make this thing! There seems to be something going on behind-the-scenes here - because when we reported that Forster was attached to direct last year, they were preparing to start production this year. So what happened? Why do they need an entirely new writer?
"Concept art for the film. Massive Zombie hordes... oh, my."
Straczynski has openly talked about his script quite a bit, with this update in December being the most recent. From the way he describes his version of Max Brooks' book, it sounds like it will be a very political movie that involves the government, which might explain why Matthew Michael Carnahan is actually good fit for this. I'm still curious to see if there is more to this story than we're hearing. We'll keep you updated on the development of World War Z, a project I am still very much looking forward to one day seeing.
From Fangoria: On FANGORIA RADIO last week, guest Max Brooks dropped a scoop about a new writer taking on the film version of his best-selling undead-epic novel WORLD WAR Z. The movie is being developed by Paramount and Brad Pitt’s Plan B Production, and was previously being scripted by CHANGELING and BABYLON 5’s J. Michael Straczynski.
Now taking on the adaptation reins is Matthew Michael Carnahan, a specialist in political thrillers whose credits include STATE OF PLAY and THE KINGDOM. “He’s one of Hollywood’s hot A-list writers, so if they went after him and paid him a mountain of gold, it definitely shows their confidence in this project,” Brooks said on the show. “They say it’s a positive move because they’re very excited, but the truth is, it’s also positive because they just paid him a buttload of money, and [with] the money they paid him, the money they paid Straczynski and they money they’ve paid me, they’ve really dug themselves a deep hole, so they better make this thing!” We’ll keep you posted on any further WORLD WAR Z news we hear.
First 'Official' Look at Iron Man 2
Source: EW
Entertainment Weekly's second annual Comic-Con preview issue features Iron Man 2 on the cover, and inside it’s packed with exclusive first looks at highly anticipated TV shows, comic books, and movies.
The first Iron Man blasted Robert Downey Jr. back to stardom, and the superhero franchise is readying to return to the big screen on May 7, 2010. Iron Man will battle new villain Mickey Rourke, size up Scarlett Johansson (exclusive photo of ScarJo as Black Widow, after the jump!), and, hopefully, prove that the success of the first movie wasn’t a fluke. Downey knows the movie isn't an underdog this time around. "There are a lot more invisible eyes on us now," he says.
When Marvel Studios first announced the sequel, no one was sure what the movie would be about. Downey, director Jon Favreau, screenwriter Justin Theroux, and the rest of the creative team struck upon the idea of introducing two very different foes for Stark. On one side is Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell), a fast-talking weapons manufacturer who fancies himself the next Tony Stark; on the other, Vanko, who, while incarcerated in a Russian prison, creates his own battle-suit, which shoots devastating, whip-like beams. Hammer and Whiplash join forces to take down Downey’s character, Tony Stark. Rourke, for his part, wanted to instill some lightness into the role of the heavy. "I told Favreau, 'I don't want to just play him as a one-dimensional p----,'" he says. "He let me have a cockatoo, who I talk to and get drunk with while I’m making my suit."
Just as the deals were being hammered out, Terrence Howard -- who had played Stark’s best friend -- fell out of the sequel in a public salary dispute. The role was re-cast, with Don Cheadle stepping in. "We had to make some tough deals," says Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. "When they got public, you go, 'That sucks. Okay, you want a peek behind the curtain? Here you are!'" Says Cheadle, "Terrence and I couldn’t be more different. We address it head-on in the movie in one exchange. We're not trying to fool people." (Cheadle admits he didn’t know much about Marvel’s superhero before the first movie came out: "I always thought Iron Man was a robot.")
"Since when did A-Listers have to crawl on their hands and knees?"
Adding more flesh and blood to the new movie, Scarlett Johansson joined the cast as Stark’s mysterious new assistant, Natasha, who has an alter ego of her own, Black Widow. That introduction inevitably sparks romantic tension between Stark and former assistant Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), who’s been promoted to CEO of Stark Industries. "The men want it to be, like, 'Ooh, the girls are fighting over Tony,' but it's not as standard as that," says Paltrow. "There's a weird male catfight fantasy. Downey agrees. He believes what differentiates the franchise from other superhero series can be summarized as follows: "We're horny. Not, like, can't-bring-your-kids horny, but just…horny."
The question remains whether Iron Man 2 will soar like the first film or show signs of rust when it hits theaters. "People are going to be more critical," says Downey. "That’s their prerogative….In a way, there's no way to win, except to win. Big."
For more on Iron Man, as well as a first look at the hottest movies and TV shows heading to Comic-Con, pick up the new issue of Entertainment Weekly on stands Friday July 17.
Entertainment Weekly's second annual Comic-Con preview issue features Iron Man 2 on the cover, and inside it’s packed with exclusive first looks at highly anticipated TV shows, comic books, and movies.
The first Iron Man blasted Robert Downey Jr. back to stardom, and the superhero franchise is readying to return to the big screen on May 7, 2010. Iron Man will battle new villain Mickey Rourke, size up Scarlett Johansson (exclusive photo of ScarJo as Black Widow, after the jump!), and, hopefully, prove that the success of the first movie wasn’t a fluke. Downey knows the movie isn't an underdog this time around. "There are a lot more invisible eyes on us now," he says.
When Marvel Studios first announced the sequel, no one was sure what the movie would be about. Downey, director Jon Favreau, screenwriter Justin Theroux, and the rest of the creative team struck upon the idea of introducing two very different foes for Stark. On one side is Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell), a fast-talking weapons manufacturer who fancies himself the next Tony Stark; on the other, Vanko, who, while incarcerated in a Russian prison, creates his own battle-suit, which shoots devastating, whip-like beams. Hammer and Whiplash join forces to take down Downey’s character, Tony Stark. Rourke, for his part, wanted to instill some lightness into the role of the heavy. "I told Favreau, 'I don't want to just play him as a one-dimensional p----,'" he says. "He let me have a cockatoo, who I talk to and get drunk with while I’m making my suit."
Just as the deals were being hammered out, Terrence Howard -- who had played Stark’s best friend -- fell out of the sequel in a public salary dispute. The role was re-cast, with Don Cheadle stepping in. "We had to make some tough deals," says Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. "When they got public, you go, 'That sucks. Okay, you want a peek behind the curtain? Here you are!'" Says Cheadle, "Terrence and I couldn’t be more different. We address it head-on in the movie in one exchange. We're not trying to fool people." (Cheadle admits he didn’t know much about Marvel’s superhero before the first movie came out: "I always thought Iron Man was a robot.")
"Since when did A-Listers have to crawl on their hands and knees?"
Adding more flesh and blood to the new movie, Scarlett Johansson joined the cast as Stark’s mysterious new assistant, Natasha, who has an alter ego of her own, Black Widow. That introduction inevitably sparks romantic tension between Stark and former assistant Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), who’s been promoted to CEO of Stark Industries. "The men want it to be, like, 'Ooh, the girls are fighting over Tony,' but it's not as standard as that," says Paltrow. "There's a weird male catfight fantasy. Downey agrees. He believes what differentiates the franchise from other superhero series can be summarized as follows: "We're horny. Not, like, can't-bring-your-kids horny, but just…horny."
The question remains whether Iron Man 2 will soar like the first film or show signs of rust when it hits theaters. "People are going to be more critical," says Downey. "That’s their prerogative….In a way, there's no way to win, except to win. Big."
For more on Iron Man, as well as a first look at the hottest movies and TV shows heading to Comic-Con, pick up the new issue of Entertainment Weekly on stands Friday July 17.
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