McQuarrie Re-Writing Jack The Giant Killer


Christopher McQuarrie
Christopher McQuarrie

Bryan Singer (X-MEN, SUPERMAN RETURNS) has been planning his re-working of classic fairytale Jack and the Beanstalk for a while now but, according to The Hollywood Reporter, he has now asked long-time collaborator Chris McQuarrie (THE USUAL SUSPECTS, VALKYRIE) to re-write the script.

Singer’s interpretation of the story will follow a young farmer being charged with the mission of leading a group of men into the giants’ kingdom to stage a dangerous rescue. Sounds like quite a departure from the original fairytale and there’s no mention of magic beans or cows called Daisy but an unique twist on things rather than a literal transition of the story is probably exactly what this adaptation needs.
Singer has been back on the project ever since he rejected the offer to direct X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, the new X-MEN film which focuses on a younger group of mutants being trained at Xavier’s institute. The script for JACK THE GIANT KILLER has been already been attempted by both Mark Bomback and Darren Lemke but now that McQuarrie is on the case it seems like things are finally heating up.
Casting for the film is set to start soon as Singer is planning to shoot JACK THE GIANT KILLER in England this summer.

New Batman 3 Info


Still from The Dark Knight
Still from The Dark Knight

Cinematical have been talking to Wally Pfister, DoP for both BATMAN BEGINS and THE DARK KNIGHT, about the progress with Christopher Nolan’s (THE DARK KNIGHT, THE PRESTIGE) BATMAN 3. Pfister spoke about the possibility of shooting BATMAN 3 in 3D, IMAX or digitally.

Jonathan Nolan, Christopher’s brother and script writing partner, is currently hard at work writing  BATMAN 3 which will hopefully bring the BATMAN trilogy to a fitting close. Meanwhile Pfister has been quick is discount the possibility of a 3D BATMAN sequel,

“I did it [IMAX] for one shot of The Dark Knight because Chris said, ‘You have to say you did it,’ and literally I had this strapped to my shoulder and I was carrying it. But I think he is game for doing something interesting like that. Lord knows that the 3D fad might pass by the time that summer comes around”.

He then added,

“I know one thing about the film that Chris is adamant about is that he wants to shoot on film. He doesn’t want to shoot on video, and I’m the same way”.

So it’s a possibility Nolan will shoot some scenes of BATMAN 3 in IMAX (as he did with THE DARK KNIGHT) but won’t be going anywhere near 3D or purely digital camera technology. I’d say all three pieces of information are a blessing; BATMAN 3 doesn’t need to be in 3D as story has always come first for Nolan’s interpretation of the comic book character and I’d personally take film over digital any day.
BATMAN 3 is long a way off yet, with the studio probably looking at a release sometime in 2012, but stay tuned for more information on the highly anticipated sequel as Nolan embarks on the INCEPTION press tour, in which he’s more than likely to let some details slip.

New Sorcerer's Apprentice Trailer

The folks over at Sci-Fi Wire have an exclusive new trailer for Jon Turteltaub’s (NATIONAL TREASURE, COOL RUNNINGS) fantasy blockbuster, THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE, which you can see for yourselves below:
THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE is is a live action re-imagining of the Mickey Mouse Sorcerer’s Apprentice segment in Disney’s FANTASIA , which in turn is based on the late 1890s symphonic poem by Paul Dukas and 1797 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ballad (thanks Wikipedia). This version of the story is being produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and stars Nicolas Cage as the sorcerer and Jay Baruchel as his apprentice.
I’ve come to expect great special effects from a Bruckheimer film but the ones shown in this new trailer are particularly impressive. Not only are they technically lavish but Turteltaub also seems to be doing some really inventive things with the effects. We also get a good look at the central antagonist, Maxim Horvath, who is being played by Alfred Molina seemingly in full on SPIDER MAN 2 baddie mode. If there’s anything about this trailer that leaves me with any doubts about the film it’s Jay Baruchel who just seems to be plain annoying every time he opens his mouth.
THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE is due for release on the 16th of July.
EDITOR’S NOTE: We had trouble getting Sci-Fi Wire’s video to show up on the website’s front page, so the video up top is the International trailer, which is essential the same. Below you can find the embed for the version from Sci-Fi Wire.

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Downey & Mendes On For Wizard of Oz Prequel?


Still from The Wizard of Oz
Still from The Wizard of Oz

According to Production Weekly’s Twitter feed THE WIZARD OF OZ prequel, entitled OZ THE GREAT AND THE POWERFUL, may have secured it’s director and star. Following the sad BOND 23 news it seems director Sam Mendes (ROAD TO PERDITION, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD) has found his next project and Robert Downey Jr. (IRON MAN, SHERLOCK HOLMES) is interested in playing the lead role.

OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL is being brought to us by Disney, produced by Joe Roth (ALICE IN WONDERLAND, HELLBOY) and the screenplay has been written by Mitchell Kapner (THE WHOLE NINE YARDS, ROMERO MUST DIE). The origin tale will be told from the wizard’s perspective and details how, as a young man, he arrived in Oz as part of a travelling circus, and how he became to be the coward behind the curtain of the original film.
Nothing about this project sounds particularly interesting, or indeed necessary, but it’s too early to discount it entirely. The thought of Mendes and Downey teaming up, however, does spark a bit of excitement as both are talented big-names in the business. There’s no word on a release date just yet but does anyone want to take a bet on how long it takes before it’s confirmed to be in 3D?

Cameron Talks Avatar 2 Ideas


Director James Cameron
Director James Cameron

The LA Times have been talking to James Cameron (AVATAR, ALIENS) on the eve of the AVATAR DVD release, due to hit shelves tomorrow (which also happens to be international Earth Day). During the interview Cameron lets some vital AVATAR  sequel plot details slip and confirms the theatrical re-release of AVATAR is arriving this summer.

Cameron on his plans for an AVATAR trilogy,

“We created a broad canvas for the environment of [the] film. That’s not just on Pandora, but throughout the Alpha Centauri AB system. And we expand out across that system and incorporate more into the story – not necessarily in the second film, but more toward a third film. Part of my focus in the second film is in creating a different environment – a different setting within Pandora. And I’m going to be focusing on the ocean, which will be equally rich and diverse and crazy and imaginative, but it just won’t be a rainforest”.

This is an interesting approach for a sequel to take and could even better the visual beauty on display in the original film. It should also be a good fit for Cameron as the director has been obsessed with the ocean throughout his career, having extensively dealt with the aquatic in films such as THE ABYSS, TITANIC and ALIENS OF THE DEEP. He also spoke about his plans to shorten production time for the sequels,

“The challenge on the next Avatar is to do what we did before at half the price and in half the time. Again, that’s an impossible goal, we won’t accomplish that, but if we can reduce by 25% in both categories, we’ll have really accomplished something.”

Cameron is well known as a man who likes a challenge and reducing his budget and production time by half, or even a quarter, would be very hard task for films of this scale. If he manages to pull it off it’d be very impressed. On the planned re-release of AVATAR,

“We’re working on finishing an additional six minutes of the film – which includes a lot of Weta work – for a theatrical re-release in August. We were sold out of our Imax performances right up to the moment until they were contractually obligated to switch to Alice In Wonderland, so we know we left money on the table there.”

This news, on the other hand, is far less encouraging. Does AVATAR really need a re-release? And all for the sake of just six extra minutes of running time? This seems like a pointless exercise in making yet more money from the film to me, and it suggests Cameron is getting rather greedy in his old age.
Both AVATAR sequels are a long way off yet but stay tuned into Cinefantastique Online for all updates on the world of Pandora.

“We’re working on finishing an additional six minutes of the film – which includes a lot of Weta work – for a theatrical re-release in August. We were sold out of our Imax performances right up to the moment until they were contractually obligated to switch to Alice In Wonderland, so we know we left money on the table there.”

Bond 23 "Indefinitely" On Hold



Daniel Craig as James Bond
Daniel Craig as James Bond


According to Coming Soon JAMES BOND producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli of EON Productions,  announced today that they have suspended development on the next film in the profitable franchise. BOND 23, as it’s currently known, was previously scheduled for release 2011/2012 but due to financial troubles at MGM has been put on hold.
They had this to say:

“Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of MGM and the failure to close a sale of the studio, we have suspended development on ‘Bond 23’ indefinitely. We do not know when development will resume and do not have a date for the release of ‘Bond 23”.

These two know what they’re talking about as EON Productions have produced twenty two JAMES BOND films since 1962. Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli took over the franchise from Albert R Broccoli in 1995 and were responsible for the latest two Bond films, CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE. If these two say the future of Bond is in jeopardy then they’re to be trusted.
This is rather unfortunate news for Bond fans as it could now be several years until BOND 23 even begins shooting. Sam Mendes (ROAD TO PERDITION, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD) was set to direct but whether he’ll stick around is anyone’s guess and star Daniel Craig’s schedule is looking rather busy for the foreseeable future. This is by no means the end of Bond though, it’s a far too profitable a series to be left stuck in development hell, it’s just a matter of waiting longer than anticipated for a new film.

New Horror for Saw Director


Director David Hackl
Director David Hackl

Shock Till You Drop have the scoop that David Hackl is planning to adapt Vince Churchill’s horror novel, THE BUTCHER BRIDE, into a new film. Heckl was the director for SAW V, production designer on three other SAW films and was set to direct SAW VII 3D until he was given the boot at the last minute.

J.R. Reher has adapted the script for Hackl’s film but the books plot is as follows:

“Thirty years ago, a depraved assault during a Halloween costume ball shattered a young woman’s mind, turning her into a brutal mass murderer. Dressed in her rival’s blood-soaked wedding gown, the legend of the Butcher Bride was born. Now, decades later, everyone who enters the Silas Mansion will encounter a frightening spirit ravenous to satisfy perverse appetites. Death is the only escape. Here comes The Bride…”

Based on this synopsis the film, if handled correctly, sounds like it could be a lot of fun. Hackl wouldn’t have been my first choice for director though; none of the SAW sequels stood up to the brilliant of the first film and his entry was no better than the rest. Regardless, we’ll keep you updated with any and all news on THE BUTCHER BRIDE as it emerges.

Shiloh Fernandez to Save Red Riding Hood


Actor Shiloh Fernandez
Actor Shiloh Fernandez

Warner Bros. are currently working on a gothic horror re-imagining of the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale and, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Shiloh Fernandez (DEADGIRL, RED) has just nabbed the lead role. The young  actor has been cast as Peter, an orphaned woodcutter who acts as Red Riding Hood’s love interest in the up-coming film.

Fernandez is just one of the many youth-centric casting decisions Hollywood has made recently (the SPIDER-MAN reboot, for example) but has been asking for a break into the big time since he auditioned for the lead roles in both TWILIGHT and SPEED RACER. The film is to be directed by Catherine Hardwicke (TWILIGHT, THIRTEEN) and is entitled GIRL WITH THE RED RIDING HOOD. The story will focus on Red Riding Hood’s medieval village being terrorised by the infamous werewolf of the age-old fairytale with Amanda Seyfried starring in the titular lead role.
Hardwicke is planning to shoot the film in Vancouver later this spring.

Noah Ringer on for Cowboys & Aliens


Actor Noah Ringer
Actor Noah Ringer

The folks over at Variety have the scoop that Noah Ringer has been cast in Jon Favreau’s (IRON MAN) next film; COWBOYS & ALIENS. Ringer is a relative unknown but after being given the lead role in AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER by M. Night Shyamalan he will be staring in Favreau’s upcoming sci-fi/western hybrid.

COWBOYS & ALIENS is being adapted from the comic book of the same name which implies a rather simple ‘cowboys defend Earth from aliens story’ but in fact is something much more interesting. In the comics the twist is that the aliens end up invading the Old West and colonising the area just as the real life settlers did to the Native Americans. It definitely sounds like an promising concept and one that’s in safe hands with Favreau on board to direct. It’s not clear what role Ringer will be playing yet but he’ll be joining a impressive cast that already includes Harrison Ford (INDIANA JONES, STAR WARS) and Daniel Craig (CASINO ROYALE, LAYER CAKE).
COWBOYS & ALIENS is set for release on the 29th of July, 2011.

The Hobbit Scripts Finished


Director Peter Jackson
Director Peter Jackson

Moviefone have been talking with Peter Jackson (THE LORD OF THE RINGS, THE LOVELY BONES), who is producing the two HOBBIT movies, and he’s cleared up a lot of the rumours surrounding the delay in production. Jackson says that scripts for both parts of THE HOBBIT have now been handed to the studio and that he believes shooting will start at the end of the year.

Jackson states that,

“We’ve just delivered the script. Literally last week, we delivered the second of the two screenplays — the first draft. So the studio’s got both scripts now, which is a milestone; and if anything was holding it up, it was us doing the screenplays, because we’d just been writing as fast as we can, but it took us this long to get them finished…And we’re now in the process of budgeting the films, and then hopefully we’ll get to a budget the studio are happy with, and they’ll greenlight the movies and we’ll announce the shooting dates. I’d be pretty optimistic that we’ll be shooting before the end of the year. I would imagine October, November, we’d be shooting by”.

He goes on to add,

“Well, it’s not really been delayed, because we’ve never announced the date,” Jackson told the site. “I mean it’s sort of interesting because the studio [MGM] has never greenlit The Hobbit, so therefore The Hobbit has never been officially announced as a ‘go’ project, nor have we ever announced a date…But I would imagine that if we get a green light within the next month or two, we would be hopefully making some casting announcements by, I guess, the middle of the year”.

So it seems, unsurprisingly given the LOTR films’ popularity,  that the fans and media have jumped the gun somewhat on this one. However everything Jackson says here is extremely encouraging and it’s good to hear news straight from the horses mouth for once. Here’s hoping that MGM’s financial troubles won’t get in the way of THE HOBBIT’s green light and Jackson’s projected shooting date will go ahead as planned.