film
Today's News
11 May 2008
It‘s quite fair to say that I am incredibly excited about this news if it is indeed true! According to Variety, Nu Image/Millennium Films has acquired film rights to "Buck Rogers," and will develop a live–action feature about the infamous pilot who awakens in the 25th Century and battles an evil alien race. Although this is a bone of contention for some, IGN claim that no such deal is in place.
One thing is for sure though, Frank Miller ("Sin City" and this year‘s "The Spirit") will not direct the adaptation with Nu Image/Millenium Films releasing this statement "they (the producers) are still mulling over director contenders".
"Buck Rogers", originating in the 1920‘s has gone on to sire a series of books, comic strips, radio broadcasts, TV serials and films. Perhaps the derring–do of Buck is most fondly remembered from the 1939 NBC series, which starred Buster Crabbe as Rogers.
Nu Image/Millennium are currently in search of a studio to head the project with Lionsgate the likely contenders after they struck a similar deal on the forthcoming remake of "Conan".
One thing is for sure though, Frank Miller ("Sin City" and this year‘s "The Spirit") will not direct the adaptation with Nu Image/Millenium Films releasing this statement "they (the producers) are still mulling over director contenders".
"Buck Rogers", originating in the 1920‘s has gone on to sire a series of books, comic strips, radio broadcasts, TV serials and films. Perhaps the derring–do of Buck is most fondly remembered from the 1939 NBC series, which starred Buster Crabbe as Rogers.
Nu Image/Millennium are currently in search of a studio to head the project with Lionsgate the likely contenders after they struck a similar deal on the forthcoming remake of "Conan".
10 May 2008
Samuel L. Jackson looks set to be a very busy boy this year what with his work in Frank Miller‘s "The Spirit" due to hit cinemas this Christmas and the promise of a Nick Fury film to come (hands up all those who stayed behind after the credits rolled on "Iron Man"). But he is still finding the time to top line smaller projects. Most recently Senator Entertainment acquired the services of the Coolest Man Alive ™ to star in "Unthinkable" for director Gregor Jordan ("Buffalo Soldiers").
"Unthinkable" will see Jackson star as a military interrogator paired with a female FBI agent and awarded the unenviable task of preventing an all–out nuclear apocalypse. One terrorist has hidden three nuclear devices around the country set to a 48 hour timer and it is up to Jackson to foil the evil plot. So just another normal day in the office then?!
Filming is due to start on September 2 on location in Michigan.
"Unthinkable" will see Jackson star as a military interrogator paired with a female FBI agent and awarded the unenviable task of preventing an all–out nuclear apocalypse. One terrorist has hidden three nuclear devices around the country set to a 48 hour timer and it is up to Jackson to foil the evil plot. So just another normal day in the office then?!
Filming is due to start on September 2 on location in Michigan.
09 May 2008
Arguably one of the finest storytelling examples the gaming world has ever seen is about to grace the big screen courtesy of "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Ring" director Gore Verbinski. Universal Pictures were quick to snap up the services of Verbinski, along with screenwriter John Logan, to adapt Take–Two Interactive‘s "Bioshock", last year‘s hit video game that sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.
Take–Two are indeed in the pink thanks to this deal with Universal, the games developer looks set to receive a substantial multi–million dollar reward from the Box Office points. It is believed to be the biggest video game–to–movie deal since 2005, when Universal and 20th Century Fox then signed on to the abortive "Halo" project.
"I think the whole utopia–gone–wrong story that‘s cleverly unveiled to players is just brimming with cinematic potential," Verbinski told Variety. "Of all the games I‘ve played, this is one that I felt has a really strong narrative" he added.
"Bioshock" is renowned for its stunning aesthetic, winning multiple awards for its depiction of Rapture – an underwater city based on free market principles and a unique post war art deco style. But there‘s trouble in paradise. "Bioshock" focuses on an anonymous figure brought to Rapture via a plane crash and plunged in to a power struggle within the massive city. Genetic manipulation has turned the population in to dangerous, mass–murdering, creatures with our (anti)hero having to employ the same genetic splicing to survive.
Verbinski noted that Rapture‘s art deco design and visually arresting characters, such as the mechanical Big Daddies who protect genetically mutated girls called Little Sisters, particularly inspired him to see the game as a film. Verbinski commented that he plans to start pre–production as soon as Logan‘s script is finished and approved by all involved.
Take–Two are indeed in the pink thanks to this deal with Universal, the games developer looks set to receive a substantial multi–million dollar reward from the Box Office points. It is believed to be the biggest video game–to–movie deal since 2005, when Universal and 20th Century Fox then signed on to the abortive "Halo" project.
"I think the whole utopia–gone–wrong story that‘s cleverly unveiled to players is just brimming with cinematic potential," Verbinski told Variety. "Of all the games I‘ve played, this is one that I felt has a really strong narrative" he added.
"Bioshock" is renowned for its stunning aesthetic, winning multiple awards for its depiction of Rapture – an underwater city based on free market principles and a unique post war art deco style. But there‘s trouble in paradise. "Bioshock" focuses on an anonymous figure brought to Rapture via a plane crash and plunged in to a power struggle within the massive city. Genetic manipulation has turned the population in to dangerous, mass–murdering, creatures with our (anti)hero having to employ the same genetic splicing to survive.
Verbinski noted that Rapture‘s art deco design and visually arresting characters, such as the mechanical Big Daddies who protect genetically mutated girls called Little Sisters, particularly inspired him to see the game as a film. Verbinski commented that he plans to start pre–production as soon as Logan‘s script is finished and approved by all involved.
09 May 2008
20th Century Fox has confirmed the street date for…err…"Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li" and said date is February 27, 2009. The video game adaptation is set to feature "Smallville" star Kristin Kreuk as the eponymous Chun Li as well as Michael Clarke Duncan, Neal McDonough, Taboo, Chris Klein and Moon Bloodgood. The 1995 Jean–Claude Van Damme–starring original is considered by many as one of the worst films ever committed to celluloid and refuses to be grouped in the ‘guilty pleasure‘ section. So there‘s very little pressure on this one then?!
Fox, off of the back of this announcement also revealed that they are in negotiations to bring back "Alvin and the Chipmunks". Last Holiday season saw the release of the CGI rodent offering and remarkably Jason Lee and his quartet of singing tree–dwellers helped the film amass $358.4 million at the global Box Office. And thus Fox have given the green light for a sequel to hit cinemas on March 19, 2010.
Fox, off of the back of this announcement also revealed that they are in negotiations to bring back "Alvin and the Chipmunks". Last Holiday season saw the release of the CGI rodent offering and remarkably Jason Lee and his quartet of singing tree–dwellers helped the film amass $358.4 million at the global Box Office. And thus Fox have given the green light for a sequel to hit cinemas on March 19, 2010.
08 May 2008
Walt Disney and Walden Media are set to mark the dawn of "Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" by hosting the biggest premiere the country has ever seen! On June 19th, the continuing adventures of the Pevensie children will be unveiled to an audience of 10,000 at the 02 Arena.
This charity event in aid of the Great Ormond Street Hospital will be attended by the cast and crew of the film including Liam Neeson (the voice of Aslan) Ben Barnes, (the eponymous Prince Caspian), Anna Popplewell (Susan Pevensie), William Moseley (Peter Pevensie), Skandar Keynes (Edmund Pevensie), Georgie Henley (Lucy Pevensie) and the film‘s acclaimed director Andrew Adamson.
For the first time ever, technicians will install a giant cinema screen into The O2 Arena and with an incredible seating capacity of 10,000, the event promises to be the biggest single screen, shared audience experience ever in the UK.
And you too can be a part of this unique and technically ground–breaking premiere. Tickets will be made available on Friday May 9th and can be purchased by going to www.theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital as part of Disney‘s partnership with the hospital, to raise an invaluable £10 million towards their much–needed redevelopment appeal.
"The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" is released nationwide this summer on June 26th.
About Great Ormond Street Hospital
Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the world‘s leading children‘s hospitals with the broadest range of dedicated, children‘s healthcare specialists under one roof in the UK. The hospital‘s pioneering research and treatment gives hope to children who are suffering from the rarest, most complex and often life–threatening conditions, from across the country and abroad. The Disney and Great Ormond Street Hospital partnership will aim to raise an invaluable £10 million towards the hospital‘s much–needed redevelopment appeal. Together we will be working on a range of unique and exciting fundraising opportunities across the Disney businesses including films, TV, theme parks, stage shows and many product ranges. For more information visit www.gosh.org/disney.
This charity event in aid of the Great Ormond Street Hospital will be attended by the cast and crew of the film including Liam Neeson (the voice of Aslan) Ben Barnes, (the eponymous Prince Caspian), Anna Popplewell (Susan Pevensie), William Moseley (Peter Pevensie), Skandar Keynes (Edmund Pevensie), Georgie Henley (Lucy Pevensie) and the film‘s acclaimed director Andrew Adamson.
For the first time ever, technicians will install a giant cinema screen into The O2 Arena and with an incredible seating capacity of 10,000, the event promises to be the biggest single screen, shared audience experience ever in the UK.
And you too can be a part of this unique and technically ground–breaking premiere. Tickets will be made available on Friday May 9th and can be purchased by going to www.theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital as part of Disney‘s partnership with the hospital, to raise an invaluable £10 million towards their much–needed redevelopment appeal.
"The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" is released nationwide this summer on June 26th.
About Great Ormond Street Hospital
Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the world‘s leading children‘s hospitals with the broadest range of dedicated, children‘s healthcare specialists under one roof in the UK. The hospital‘s pioneering research and treatment gives hope to children who are suffering from the rarest, most complex and often life–threatening conditions, from across the country and abroad. The Disney and Great Ormond Street Hospital partnership will aim to raise an invaluable £10 million towards the hospital‘s much–needed redevelopment appeal. Together we will be working on a range of unique and exciting fundraising opportunities across the Disney businesses including films, TV, theme parks, stage shows and many product ranges. For more information visit www.gosh.org/disney.
