Author: Josh Wigler

Rothman Discusses Further Projects

  • Uncategorized
  • October 16, 2008

silversurfer-1-1724324The third part of IESB’s interview with Fox co-chairman Tom Rothman has hit the internet. The studio bigwig unveils a great amount of information, both concrete and speculative, about many of Fox’s hottest properties. We’ve got the breakdown below:

Independence Day 2
"We would love to do it," Rothman states. "It’s really a matter of [original director] Rolan [Emmerich], it’s up to Roland. He knows that we’d love to do it. I don’t think there is a script but there have been a lot of ideas .. any day that Roland wanted to do [ID4 2], we would be very excited to do it because I think, yes, that story definitely can and should continue."

Predator 3
Rothman says he’d be open to a reboot without Arnold, but is skeptical of a third film starring the governator. "Just give [Arnold Schwarzenegger] my number," Rothman says. "Tell him as soon as he gets the state budget signed to call me."

Silver Surfer
Any chance of a Silver Surfer film within three years? "Yes," answers Rothman, "We are trying to do a stand alone Silver Surfer movie."

The SIMS
"It’s in development," Rothman reveals. "It’s being developed closely with the game maker. I know the guys who make the game are working hard on developing the script but it hasn’t gotten up to my level yet."

X-Files
Surprisingly, Rothman is open to a third film. "It’s really up to Chris, David [Duchovny] and Gillian [Anderson]," Rothman says. Regarding the recent film’s poor box office numbers, Rothman defends it by calling it "the film that Chris wanted to do. He was determined to do a stand alone film, a film that wasn’t dependent upon the mythology. His interest in making the movie, was in the characters and in their relationship, not the mythology."

X-Men Origins: Wolverine
"[The film] is pretty dark," says Rothman of Wolverine‘s tone. He also continues to say that Deadpool plays an "integral part" in the movie, and that the CG work being used is "state of the art." As for the prospect of a Deadpool film, "we will have to see."

For information on other films, click the link to read the full interview!

NBC Scores a Golden Fleece

  • News
  • October 15, 2008

NBC has scored a pilot commitment to Jason and the Argonauts, based on the classic quest for the Golden Fleece in Greek mythology. Argonauts will mark the first-ever green-screen drama developed for primetime television. Films such as Sin City have made use of green screen, but this will be the first time the technology makes the leap to a primetime TV series.

The network secured the projected after a "fierce bidding war" with a rival network, believed to be Fox. Interestingly enough, Fox is developing The Argonauts as a feature film with Zak Penn (The Incredible Hulk) scripting. In fact, Tom Rothman mentioned the project as recently as today in his interview with IESB.net. Variety reports that DreamWorks also has a project titled The Argonauts. Their interpretation of the story would feature treasure hunters from today transported back to the time of Jason. This comes the same time that War of the Gods and the remake of Clash of the Titans are also moving into production.  And let’s not forget competing Hercules films having also been announced over the last few months.

This will be NBC’s second attempt this decade at getting the Argonaut mythology correct. A previous miniseries, from producer Robert Halmi, also titled Jason and the Argonauts (are you keeping track?) and starring Jason London, Frank Langella, and Dennis Hopper aired in 2000. The two projects will be completely unrelated other than in title and source material.

In Greek mythology, Jason was the leader of the Argonauts and their quest for the Golden Fleece, which belonged to the winged ram Chrysomallos. Members of The Argonauts include Heracles (commonly known by his Roman name "Hercules") and Castor and Pollux of Troy, both of whom were featured in John Woo’s Face/Off. (Just kidding, kinda.) During the quest for the Fleece, Jason meets and marries Medea the sorceress. In Euripides’ play Medea, Jason leaves Medea to marry King Creon’s daughter. Medea exacts vengeance by killing Creon and her own two sons in order to devastate Jason. Man, and you thought modern times were rough!

Of course, the best recalled version of this tale is Ray Harryahusen’s classic 1963 film, Jason and the Argonauts, compelte with the heroes fighting skeletons. One can only hope one of these projects has something equally thrilling in store.

Warner Takes a ‘Headshot’

  • News
  • October 15, 2008

Variety reports that Warner Bros. has acquired screen rights to Headshot, a three-book graphic novel series from Alexis Nolent. Alessandro Camon will write the script based on the French novel, with Alexandra Milchan and Smallville creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar on board to produce.

Headshot focuses on "an unlikely alliance between a cop and a hitman … after each watches his partner die. The new partners seek revenge and discover they have a shared enemy and much in common despite being on opposite sides of the law."

Nolent has written several comic books under the pen name Matz. In 2004, Headshot won Best Story Prix Saint-Michel comic awards in Brussels. Another of his comics, The Killer, was nominated for an Eagle Award for Favorite European Comic in 2007 and an Eisner for Best U.S. Edition of International Material in 2008. The Killer is also slated for a film release at Paramount with David Fincher (Fight Club) attached to direct. Nolent’s Cyclops is in development at Warner Bros. as a directing vehicle for James Mangold (3:10 to Yuma).

Review: ‘Fringe’ Episode #105

Note: Click here for the last mystery!

Autopsy Report: “Power Hungry”
From Fox: “When it’s discovered that a rather simple man has the ability to harness electricity, dangerous and deadly occurrences follow, and our unlikely trio investigates this super-charged oddity. Meanwhile, Olivia has a high-voltage encounter of a different kind when she is rocked by a blast from her past, and Dr. Bishop turns to his feathered friends and enlists homing pigeons to help him break the case.”

Doctor’s Notes
Hot off the heels of Fringe‘s best episode to date comes its worst. “Power Hungry” is a boring, by-the-numbers procedural that weakly nods its head to the previous installment. Just as [[[Fringe]]] proved its merit as innovating and captivating in “The Arrival,” this episode displays just how boring the high concept show can get.

In the episode, the Fringe crew pursues Joseph Meegar, a man who can discharge high amounts of electricity due to the experiments enacted on him by a scientist named Jacob Fischer. Meanwhile, Olivia deals with the ramifications of her strange visions of former lover John Scott, who is thought to be dead. By episode’s end, Walter reveals that part of John’s consciousness is actually stuck in Olivia’s brain as a result of their mind-melding in the series pilot. Mystery solved.

We’ll save you the trouble by answering the obvious question: Yes, that’s really all that happens this episode in terms of any plot movement. It’s true that John literally being inside of Liv’s head is fairly unique, but the whole figment-of-the-imagination thing has been beaten to death before. The fact that “The Arrival” concludes with John Scott showing up at Olivia’s home is resolved by him being a mental projection is very boring. Maybe it would’ve more exciting if the previous episode’s ending didn’t hinge on the reveal, but it did. As a result, the answer is wholly unsatisfying, as the mystery behind why Massive Dynamic has Scott’s body ends up being a completely separate entity.

(more…)

No ‘Warcraft’ in 2009

  • News
  • October 15, 2008

Shack News is reporting that Blizzard and Legendary Pictures’ adaptation of Warcraft won’t be ready for next year, as had been previously announced.

"I don’t know about the 2009 date," says Blizzard president Mike Morhaime about the film’s progress, "but it is still something we are very excited about."

"We do have a draft of a script, [but] it isn’t final," he continues. "I think we still need to do a lot of work."

At BlizzCon 2007, Blizzard’s VP of Creative Development Chris Metzen and Thomas Tull, head of Legendary Pictures, provided insight into the progress of a Warcraft movie. They released the following tidbits of information:

– The film is set for 2009
– They have a $100 million budget
– It will be a mix of live action and computer animation
– No directors or actors are attached
– The story focuses on major events from a year before World of Warcraft and will principally focus on the Alliance’s perspective
– Run time will be about two to two and a half hours
– More of a Gladiator war epic than a Lord of the Rings journey of discovery
– Characters to be featured include Bolvar Fordragon, Thrall and Cairne Bloodhoof.

Two years later, there are only two items on that list we can speak to: the film will not be released in 2009, and there are still no actors or directors attached. Look how much can happen in two years!

It’s nice to see Blizzard being thoughtful with their property, but there is a difference between taking one’s time and being too reserved to jump into battle. A Warcraft film can wait for a while, but once the craze of World of Warcraft subsides a bit, those potential gold pouches are gonna disappear off the battlefield.

Ah, who are we kidding? World of Warcraft will always be awesome. Speaking of which, we got some orcs to hunt. Leeroooooooooy Jenkins!!

Guggenheim talks ‘Green Lantern’

  • News
  • October 14, 2008

There’s been a lot of talk about new, darker toned movies being made of DC Comics properties based on the success of The Dark Knight. That’s had one aisle of comic fans pretty psyched, as the more mature direction of Batman’s big screen adventures have definitely upped the gravitas factor. On the other hand, not every character lends itself to a "dark tone," such as the impending Superman relaunch.

Luckily, it sounds like Green Lantern is going to shine through the blackest night for a full on "respectful approach to the character [of Hal Jordan, and] a loving approach to the entire mythos."

That’s according to Marc Guggenheim, the writer of the upcoming Lantern feature. He spoke to Newsarama about the film’s progress, saying that "it’s pretty far along." The television producer and part-time comic book writer has worked on the script with Greg Berlanti and Michael Green.

"We’re reasonably deep into [Green Lantern]," he tells the website. "I’m never really comfortable publicly commenting on the movie because unlike the TV show, I’m just one of three writers and I’ve sworn a blood oath to secrecy. But we’re in the thick of it. We’re moving along at a pretty hefty clip."

And, according to Guggenheim, the alleged "revamp" of DC film properties hasn’t effected Hal Jordan in the slightest.

"I know a lot’s been made in newspapers and magazines about a revamping of DC’s approach," says Guggenheim. "That hasn’t been my sense. Maybe a focusing; maybe a ratcheting up of pace and energy. Whatever it’s been, it really hasn’t affected this project in the least. All the drafts have come in on schedule. All the notes have been the same kind of notes that we would have gotten in the absence of any ‘revamping.’"

Guggenheim tries not to pay attention the rumors and speculation about the project, but couldn’t avoid hearing the biggest rumor of ’em all: Ryan Gosling as Hal Jordan.

"I read that online," Guggenheim says. "As one of the writers, I’m not really involved in the day-to-day pre-production on it all. But I think it would be pretty amazing [casting.] I’ll go on record saying that."

Regardless of how the production aspect shakes out, there’s no question that it’s a wonderful time for comics on film.

"The kind of summer we just had, with movies like Iron Man and Dark Knight, makes a fertile marketplace for all comic book movies," Guggenheim says. "the timing could not have been better for us with [Green Lantern]."

Earlier this month, Latino Review scooped that Green Lantern was aiming for a 2010 release date. By all accounts, it looks like Hal Jordan will be on time for lift off.

Giggenheim and Berlanti’s Eli Stone has its second season debut on ABC tongiht.

War Machine turns ‘Traitor’

  • Uncategorized
  • October 14, 2008

a-br10qcheadle-0528-6675417We know it’s hard out here for a pimp, but it might be even harder for War Machine.

The Hollywood Reporter is breaking the news that Terrence Howard will be replaced by Don Cheadle for Marvel Studios’ upcoming Iron Man 2. Though there is no official comment on the replacement, it’s speculated that negotiations fell through between Howard and Marvel over financial differences, among other reasons.

In Iron Man, there is a scene towards the end where Howard’s Jim Rhodes catches a glimpse of Tony’s Mark II armor and proclaims to himself, "Next time." At that moment, War Machine junkies across the globe experienced blissful cardiac arrest.

"I would prefer to wait for the third [Iron Man film to become War Machine]," Howard told ComingSoon.net back in April. "I’d prefer to let it grow a little bit and then after the third one, they could go into its own franchise of War Machine later on. I don’t want to introduce War Machine too early for my own monetary benefits."

terrence-howard-300a011807-7731691And while War Machine is still set for the sequel, as THR indicates, it won’t be Howard behind the mask. Cheadle is certainly a fine actor, and you can hardly ask for a better quality replacement for an actor of Howard’s pedigree. Nonetheless, it’s disappointing for fans enjoying Marvel’s continuity that a casting change has taken place so soon.

Interestingly enough, THR continues to say that Robert Downey Jr and Gwyneth Paltrow are expected to return as Tony Stark and Pepper Potts. Well, pretty much everyone expected Howard to return as well. Given Downey Jr.’s knee-jerk emotional reactions, it’ll be interesting to see how this one shakes out in light of Howard’s departure.

Over at Marvel Comics, War Machine #1 is coming in December and an exclusive prelude story will be going live at Marvel’s Digital Comics Unlimited starting this week. Subscribers to the digital site will have access to the War Machine story from Greg Pak and Leonardo Manco for free.

"Every day, somewhere on the planet, tyrants commit the most horrific atrocities imaginable, secure in the knowledge that the outside world won’t raise a finger to stop them…But now War Machine’s on the job. And forget the finger—he’s raising a couple of ginormous shoulder mounted rocket cannons!" Pak said in a release.
 

Set Photos from ‘Sherlock Holmes,’ ‘Prince of Persia’

  • News
  • October 14, 2008

Photos from the set of the Guy Ritchie directed Sherlock Holmes has hit the internet. Just Jared scored the big scoop, posting photos that reveal actors Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law as Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson, respectively.

"Clearly, I’m going to do it better than it’s ever been done," Downey Jr. jokes of his role as the famous detective. "The more I read about it the more overwhelmed I was by the weight of it and the amount of people who will be watching to see if it’s gotten right."

Ritchie himself has expressed concerns about the film, reportedly worrying about whether or not Downey could handle an English accent. Those fears have been asuaged for the director, who reports that "Robert Downey has the best English accent I’ve ever heard." This should be no surprise to anyone whose seen Tropic Thunder, who can attest to the thespian’s ridiculous chameleon like abilities.

Additionally, a candid photo of Ben Kingsley as the nefarious Nazim in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time has also appeared online over at Defamer. The film’s robe and ring-cladded villain points his fingers at the camera, appearing to rub in the fact that he is Sir while the rest of us are just misters and ma’ams.

 

NBC Erects ‘Crusoe’ Treehouse

  • News
  • October 13, 2008

In a David Blaine inspired effort to promote their newest series Crusoe, NBC will build a giant treehouse in Midtown Manhattan in anticipation of the show’s October 17 debut. The treehouse will be located on Broadway and 51st Street.

Variety reports that NBC is funding a 24-hour webcam stream capturing the goings-on in the treehouse. The feed will be available at www.savecrusoe.com. During the event, polls and contest giveaways will take place, and series stars Philip Winchester (Crusoe) and Tongayi Chirisa (Friday) will make appearances.

Crusoe is the latest adaptation of Daniel Defoe’s classic novel about a British man shipwrecked on a deserted island. Crusoe is accompanied by native friend Friday, and the two team together against cannibals, wild beasts, militias and the forces of nature. On the island, Crusoe builds a breathtaking treehouse in the forest to evade his enemies.

In addition to the island events, the weekly series will feature flashbacks to Crusoe’s life with wife Susannah (Anna Walton, Hellboy II: The Golden Army) and his mentor Jeremiah Blackthorn (Sam Neill, Jurassic Park).

Crusoe is executive produced by Justin Bodle, Jeff Hayes, Michael Prupas, Genevieve Hofmeyr, Phillip Key, Stephen Greenberg and Jean Bureau. The two-hour series premiere airs on NBC this Friday at 8:00 p.m. EST.

‘Fringe’ Comic Series Gets Delayed

  • News
  • October 13, 2008

Newsarama reports that further issues of the Fringe comic book series will be delayed until January. The first issue hit stands on September 3, timed to the Fox series’ debut, but due to a desire to adhere closely to the television series, DC Comics has decided to push back subsequent issues.

"The writers of the show want to make sure the comic book is integrated into the mythology of the Fringe world, so we have decided to refocus the direction of the comic book," announced Hank Kanalz, VP-General Manager of DC’s WildStorm imprint.

"Unfortunately, this means that we will have some delays," he continued, "but [the series] will be back in January."

According to Fringe‘s co-story consultant Athena Wickham, the TV series’ comic book companion "will consist of two parts. Part A will tell the back-story of two of our key characters: Walter Bishop and William Bell. Part B will consist of stand-alone stories. Readers will be introduced to a range of characters — from those at the epicenter of the pilot to others who might not live to make a series appearance."

Fringe is a science fiction procedural drama that also features over-arching story elements. The television series focuses on Agent Olivia Dunham and scientific father-son duo Walter and Peter Bishop as they investigate mysterious happenings related to a phenomenon called "The Pattern." It was recently picked up for a full 22 episode season.

The first issue of the comic book series was written by Zack Whedon, Julia Cho, Alex Katsnelson and Denielle Dispaltro, with art from Tom Mandrake and Simon Coleby. The issue contained two short stories. "Like Minds" focused on the meeting of Walter Bishop and William Bell. "The Prisoner" depicts a Lost Highway inspired twist when a man wakes up in a prison cell in someone else’s body.

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