"Prince of Persia" creator Jordan Mechner kept details of the upcoming Disney live-action adaptation of the popular video game series close to his chest while speaking to Con-goers in San Diego on Friday. The movie is based on the "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" game, which was the first in a trilogy of POP games released by Ubisoft. Mechner did tell ComingSoon.net that he had mulled an animated feature film of the property following wrapping up production on the "Sands of Time" game, but the lure of a Disney/Bruckheimer big budget summer film was 'too hard to resist.'
Asked about the challenges of adapting a game to the big screen, Mechner – who wrote the screenplay and is an executive producer for the upcoming film – said character development was key for the movie.
"You want to be taken on an emotional journey," he said. "You want to care about the characters."
Mechner did say that the film, which stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Prince Dastan, will have a large cast of characters and have a much larger scope then just running around the insides of a single palace.
The Prince's name has been a point of interest with fans of the series, given that no name had ever been given for him in any of the video games. Mechner said it was not practical for the film for the Prince to remain nameless. The name Dastan was chosen in part because it is the Persian word for 'trickster'.
He also added that the script is based solely on the "Sands of Time" game and not the sequel games "Warrior Within" and "Two Thrones."
Mechner said he was very pleased with the cast that has been assembled for the film, which includes Gyllenhaal, Ben Kingsley, Gemma Arterton and Alfred Molina.
Mechner also has just released a new "Prince of Persia" trade paperback, which is a completely new storyline from any previous iterations. He also has a trilogy of trade paperbacks in the works called "Solomon's Thieves."
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, being directed by Mike Newell, is due out on June 19, 2009.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Aronofsky and Self Confirmed for RoboCop
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM) has signed Darren Aronofsky to direct and David Self to write a new installment for its "RoboCop" franchise. Aronofsky, the director of The Fountain, and Self, the writer of Road to Perdition, make a formidable creative team, fast tracking the RoboCop motion picture and spotlighting it as one of the most anticipated new films for 2010.
The announcement was made today by Mary Parent, Chairman, Worldwide Motion Picture Group, MGM.
In making the announcement Parent said: "Darren is undeniably one of the most talented, original and visceral film makers, and David is one of the greatest writers in Hollywood. All of us at MGM couldn't be more excited."
Phoenix Pictures' Mike Medavoy, Arnold Messer, Brad Fischer and David Thwaites will produce "RoboCop." Cale Boyter, Executive Vice President Production at MGM will oversee the project for the studio.
Phoenix Pictures' Chairman and CEO Mike Medavoy said: "After making the first 'RoboCop' at Orion more than 20 years ago, I'm thrilled to be helping to return this character to the screen with our partners at MGM and through the eyes of Darren Aronofsky and David Self."
Phoenix co-presidents Brad Fischer and David Thwaites added: "With a filmmaker of Darren Aronofsky's vision and imagination and a writer of David Self's caliber, we are poised to bring to the screen an entertaining and provocative film, which will now be under the creative guidance of two of the best storytellers working in our industry today."
The original RoboCop, which premiered in 1987, was "part man, part machine and all cop." The film's storyline focused on the future of law enforcement as a terminally wounded cop returns to the police force as a powerful cyborg haunted by submerged memories. The original film was nominated for two Academy Awards -- Best Film Editing and Best Sound.
The announcement was made today by Mary Parent, Chairman, Worldwide Motion Picture Group, MGM.
In making the announcement Parent said: "Darren is undeniably one of the most talented, original and visceral film makers, and David is one of the greatest writers in Hollywood. All of us at MGM couldn't be more excited."
Phoenix Pictures' Mike Medavoy, Arnold Messer, Brad Fischer and David Thwaites will produce "RoboCop." Cale Boyter, Executive Vice President Production at MGM will oversee the project for the studio.
Phoenix Pictures' Chairman and CEO Mike Medavoy said: "After making the first 'RoboCop' at Orion more than 20 years ago, I'm thrilled to be helping to return this character to the screen with our partners at MGM and through the eyes of Darren Aronofsky and David Self."
Phoenix co-presidents Brad Fischer and David Thwaites added: "With a filmmaker of Darren Aronofsky's vision and imagination and a writer of David Self's caliber, we are poised to bring to the screen an entertaining and provocative film, which will now be under the creative guidance of two of the best storytellers working in our industry today."
The original RoboCop, which premiered in 1987, was "part man, part machine and all cop." The film's storyline focused on the future of law enforcement as a terminally wounded cop returns to the police force as a powerful cyborg haunted by submerged memories. The original film was nominated for two Academy Awards -- Best Film Editing and Best Sound.
Third Harold & Kumar in the Works
Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, who wrote Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle and Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay and directed the latter, will return to write and direct a third installment for Mandate Pictures.
Greg Shapiro will return as producer. Variety says the storyline is being kept under wraps.
Stars John Cho and Kal Penn are expected to reprise their roles as the ganja-loving duo because Mandate has options on the actors for the third installment.
New Line, which was folded into Warner Bros. in February, distributed the first two films. Warners will likely distribute the third installment.
Greg Shapiro will return as producer. Variety says the storyline is being kept under wraps.
Stars John Cho and Kal Penn are expected to reprise their roles as the ganja-loving duo because Mandate has options on the actors for the third installment.
New Line, which was folded into Warner Bros. in February, distributed the first two films. Warners will likely distribute the third installment.
WB and DiCaprio Eyeing Twilight Zone Movie
Warner Bros. and Leonardo DiCaprio's production company Appian Way are in the early stages of seeking material for a feature take on one or more episodes from the classic TV series "The Twilight Zone," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The trade says that the studio and production company are quietly putting out word to creators that they are looking for pitches and script ideas based on the show for feature development.
The companies are not seeking to remake an episodic movie, as the only big-screen version of the show did 25 years ago, but rather hope to build one continuing story line based on one or more episodes.
Warners owns rights to the Rod Serling-penned episodes, which comprise the bulk of its 1959-64 run.
The trade says that the studio and production company are quietly putting out word to creators that they are looking for pitches and script ideas based on the show for feature development.
The companies are not seeking to remake an episodic movie, as the only big-screen version of the show did 25 years ago, but rather hope to build one continuing story line based on one or more episodes.
Warners owns rights to the Rod Serling-penned episodes, which comprise the bulk of its 1959-64 run.
Harvey Keitel Joins Life on Mars
Harvey Keitel has agreed to his first-ever regular TV series role, joining the cast of ABC's upcoming "Life on Mars" adaptation, reports Variety.
Keitel is on board to play Det. Gene Hunt, who heads up the homicide department and is known for using any means necessary to do his job.
"Life on Mars" - which has been completely revamped from its earlier pilot - is now set to start shooting in New York on Aug. 5. Keitel is set to star alongside Jason O'Mara (who plays lead character Det. Sam Tyler), as well as Michael Imperioli (Det. Ray Caling) and Jonathan Murphy (Det. Chris Skelton).
"Life on Mars" revolves around O'Mara's character, a contemporary cop who wakes up in the 1970s after a car crash.
Keitel is on board to play Det. Gene Hunt, who heads up the homicide department and is known for using any means necessary to do his job.
"Life on Mars" - which has been completely revamped from its earlier pilot - is now set to start shooting in New York on Aug. 5. Keitel is set to star alongside Jason O'Mara (who plays lead character Det. Sam Tyler), as well as Michael Imperioli (Det. Ray Caling) and Jonathan Murphy (Det. Chris Skelton).
"Life on Mars" revolves around O'Mara's character, a contemporary cop who wakes up in the 1970s after a car crash.
Bryan Singer Adapting Freedom Formula
Bryan Singer's Bad Hat Harry Productions has teamed with Radical Pictures to develop a live-action feature from "Freedom Formula," a five-issue comic book series created by Edmund Shern, reports Variety.
Radical Publishing is introducing the comic book at Comic-Con, and it will be released in August.
It's described as a futuristic Top Gun in which racing exo-suits have replaced fighter jets. The story focuses on a genetically engineered racer who learns that his bloodline has the power to change society.
Singer will produce with Radical's Barry Levine. Jesse Berger, Edmund Shern, Alex Garcia and Michael Zoumas will be executive producers.
"This is a timeless story about young people struggling to break free of authority. That's what ultimately appealed to me," Singer said.
Radical Publishing is introducing the comic book at Comic-Con, and it will be released in August.
It's described as a futuristic Top Gun in which racing exo-suits have replaced fighter jets. The story focuses on a genetically engineered racer who learns that his bloodline has the power to change society.
Singer will produce with Radical's Barry Levine. Jesse Berger, Edmund Shern, Alex Garcia and Michael Zoumas will be executive producers.
"This is a timeless story about young people struggling to break free of authority. That's what ultimately appealed to me," Singer said.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Strick Penning New Nightmare Script
Warner Bros.' New Line Cinema has hired veteran screenwriter Wesley Strick to pen the relaunch of the "A Nightmare on Elm Street" series, says The Hollywood Reporter.
The original "Nightmare" was written and directed by Wes Craven and released in 1984. The new project will keep the high school setting and delve deeper in the psychology of nightmares and Freddy Krueger himself.
The trade adds that the studio hopes to have the movie ready for the 25th anniversary of the original.
The original "Nightmare" was written and directed by Wes Craven and released in 1984. The new project will keep the high school setting and delve deeper in the psychology of nightmares and Freddy Krueger himself.
The trade adds that the studio hopes to have the movie ready for the 25th anniversary of the original.
Bryan Singer Producing Capeshooters
Variety says that Warner Bros. has acquired Capeshooters, a comic book adaptation that will be produced by Bryan Singer's WB-based Bad Hat Harry production company. The project is based on Image Comics co-founder Rob Liefeld's upcoming comic.
Singer (X-Men, X2: X-Men United, Superman Returns) is interested in exploring the darker side of the subject. He will only be producer on the project. BHH's Alex Garcia will executive produce.
In Capeshooters, two slackers become paparazzi who specialize in shooting covert videos of superheroes find themselves on the run after they stumble onto evidence that a revered superhero is actually a villain.
J.P. Lavin and Chad Damiani will write the script.
Singer (X-Men, X2: X-Men United, Superman Returns) is interested in exploring the darker side of the subject. He will only be producer on the project. BHH's Alex Garcia will executive produce.
In Capeshooters, two slackers become paparazzi who specialize in shooting covert videos of superheroes find themselves on the run after they stumble onto evidence that a revered superhero is actually a villain.
J.P. Lavin and Chad Damiani will write the script.
Peter Berg Takes on Hercules!
Hancock director Peter Berg is spearheading a fresh take on Hercules for Universal, reports Variety.
Berg will produce and will develop to direct Hercules: The Thracian Wars, a co-production of Spyglass Entertainment, Berg's Film 44 and Radical Pictures. Spyglass and Universal will co-finance the film.
Ryan Condal will write the script, based on a five-issue comicbook series by Steve Moore that debuted in May through Radical Publishing.
Spyglass' Jonathan Glickman, Roger Birnbaum and Gary Barber will produce with Berg and his Film 44 partner Sarah Aubrey, with Barry Levine producing for Radical. Jesse Berger will executive produce.
"What resonated for them was that this was character driven, about a character who's more man than god, with conflicts and redemption," Levine said.
Berg will produce and will develop to direct Hercules: The Thracian Wars, a co-production of Spyglass Entertainment, Berg's Film 44 and Radical Pictures. Spyglass and Universal will co-finance the film.
Ryan Condal will write the script, based on a five-issue comicbook series by Steve Moore that debuted in May through Radical Publishing.
Spyglass' Jonathan Glickman, Roger Birnbaum and Gary Barber will produce with Berg and his Film 44 partner Sarah Aubrey, with Barry Levine producing for Radical. Jesse Berger will executive produce.
"What resonated for them was that this was character driven, about a character who's more man than god, with conflicts and redemption," Levine said.
The Dark Knight Crushes $200 Million Record
Warner Bros. Pictures' The Dark Knight broke another record on Tuesday becoming the fastest ever to cross the $200 million mark in five days! The previous record of eight days was held by three films - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Spider-Man 2 and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins follow-up added $20.87 million on Tuesday to push its massive total to $203.8 million. That puts it at #84 already on the all-time domestic blockbuster list after just five days.
Right now, the only number we have for international markets is $41.3 million but that will start going up significantly as the movie is opening in many countries Thursday and Friday as well as into August.
So let's recap - widest release (4,366 theaters), biggest opening weekend ($158.4M), biggest July opener ($158.4M), biggest PG-13 rated opening ($158.4M), biggest single day ($67.2M), biggest opening day ($67.2M), biggest Friday ($67.2M), biggest Sunday ($43.6M) and fastest to $200M in five days ($203.8M).
Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins follow-up added $20.87 million on Tuesday to push its massive total to $203.8 million. That puts it at #84 already on the all-time domestic blockbuster list after just five days.
Right now, the only number we have for international markets is $41.3 million but that will start going up significantly as the movie is opening in many countries Thursday and Friday as well as into August.
So let's recap - widest release (4,366 theaters), biggest opening weekend ($158.4M), biggest July opener ($158.4M), biggest PG-13 rated opening ($158.4M), biggest single day ($67.2M), biggest opening day ($67.2M), biggest Friday ($67.2M), biggest Sunday ($43.6M) and fastest to $200M in five days ($203.8M).
Dr. Dre: 'Detox' Due In 'November Or December'
In his first interview in months, Dr. Dre says his years-in-the-works album "Detox" should be out before the end of the year.
"I'm just now -- over the last couple of months -- starting to feel that it's going to be right and it's something I can be proud of, and everybody is going to love it," the rapper/producer told USA Today. "In a perfect world, I'm shooting for a November or December release."
Dre is particularly enthused by the drum work on the new album, most of which is derived from live instrumentation. "We have an entirely new thing going with the drums that's incredible, and we're still developing that," he said. Guest appearances are on tap from Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and Nas, among others.
The artist reiterated his prior claim that after "Detox" is released, he will "become a hermit" in the studio while producing only up-and-coming acts. "All I want to do is sit in the studio with that person for a year and try to create another masterpiece," he said.
Dre's last album, 1999's "Dr. Dre 2001," has sold 7.23 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
"I'm just now -- over the last couple of months -- starting to feel that it's going to be right and it's something I can be proud of, and everybody is going to love it," the rapper/producer told USA Today. "In a perfect world, I'm shooting for a November or December release."
Dre is particularly enthused by the drum work on the new album, most of which is derived from live instrumentation. "We have an entirely new thing going with the drums that's incredible, and we're still developing that," he said. Guest appearances are on tap from Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and Nas, among others.
The artist reiterated his prior claim that after "Detox" is released, he will "become a hermit" in the studio while producing only up-and-coming acts. "All I want to do is sit in the studio with that person for a year and try to create another masterpiece," he said.
Dre's last album, 1999's "Dr. Dre 2001," has sold 7.23 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Conan Succeeds Leno in June of 2009
NBC has made the official announcement on when exactly Conan O'Brien will take over "The Tonight Show" from Jay Leno:
Conan O'Brien, the dominant late-night host at 12:35 a.m. (ET) for the past 14 seasons, will succeed Jay Leno as host of the preeminent series on late-night television, NBC's "The Tonight Show," in June of 2009. Beginning in Spring 2009, Jimmy Fallon will step in as the "Late Night" host. The announcement was made today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios and Marc Graboff, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" will begin on Monday, June 1, 2009 (11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET) with Leno's last "Tonight Show" telecast airing Friday, May 29, 2009.
"'The Tonight Show' has a remarkable history rich in tradition. We're proud of each and every show Jay has shared with America as we look forward to Conan carrying on that outstanding tradition next year," said Rick Ludwin, Executive Vice President, Late Night and Primetime Series, NBC Entertainment. "We also can't wait for Jimmy to showcase his winning style following Conan. Jay has left his personal stamp on 'The Tonight Show' for what will be 17 years. He is enormously creative, generous and professional."
"The Tonight Show" continues to be the most dominant late-night institution in television history. Since it first premiered on September 27, 1954 with Steve Allen, "The Tonight Show" has had just four permanent hosts, including Leno. Allen, host of the then titled "Tonight," eventually left late night to start his own primetime variety series on NBC. Jack Paar premiered on July 29, 1957. On October 1, 1962, Johnny Carson stepped on stage for day one of his tenure as host of "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." Leno, who began guest-hosting "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in September 1987, became host of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on May 25, 1992. O'Brien joined NBC as a writer on "Saturday Night Live" in 1988 and premiered as host of "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on September 13, 1993.
"The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" will originate from Stage 1 at Universal Studios and will be produced by Universal Media Studios. Jeff Ross is the executive producer.
Conan O'Brien, the dominant late-night host at 12:35 a.m. (ET) for the past 14 seasons, will succeed Jay Leno as host of the preeminent series on late-night television, NBC's "The Tonight Show," in June of 2009. Beginning in Spring 2009, Jimmy Fallon will step in as the "Late Night" host. The announcement was made today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios and Marc Graboff, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" will begin on Monday, June 1, 2009 (11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET) with Leno's last "Tonight Show" telecast airing Friday, May 29, 2009.
"'The Tonight Show' has a remarkable history rich in tradition. We're proud of each and every show Jay has shared with America as we look forward to Conan carrying on that outstanding tradition next year," said Rick Ludwin, Executive Vice President, Late Night and Primetime Series, NBC Entertainment. "We also can't wait for Jimmy to showcase his winning style following Conan. Jay has left his personal stamp on 'The Tonight Show' for what will be 17 years. He is enormously creative, generous and professional."
"The Tonight Show" continues to be the most dominant late-night institution in television history. Since it first premiered on September 27, 1954 with Steve Allen, "The Tonight Show" has had just four permanent hosts, including Leno. Allen, host of the then titled "Tonight," eventually left late night to start his own primetime variety series on NBC. Jack Paar premiered on July 29, 1957. On October 1, 1962, Johnny Carson stepped on stage for day one of his tenure as host of "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." Leno, who began guest-hosting "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in September 1987, became host of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on May 25, 1992. O'Brien joined NBC as a writer on "Saturday Night Live" in 1988 and premiered as host of "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on September 13, 1993.
"The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" will originate from Stage 1 at Universal Studios and will be produced by Universal Media Studios. Jeff Ross is the executive producer.
In the Future with Ferrell, McKay & Reilly
Will Ferrell and Adam McKay have established quite a long career together going back to their days together on "Saturday Night Live" but it was their 2004 hit Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy that first suggested they would be mainstays in the world of film comedy. Their second movie Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby was even more successful, and recent developments like their groundbreaking comedy site Funny or Die and the slew of movies and television shows being developed under the auspice of their production company Gary Sanchez Productions suggests they'll be making us laugh for a long time.
This Friday, they're reunited with Ferrell's "Talladega Nights" co-star John C. Reilly for the new Sony comedy Step Brothers and ComingSoon.net had yet another chance to talk to the trio, both in an exclusive interview with McKay and roundtable interviews with the two actors.
One thing we wanted to ask them about was the recent announcement by McKay on Funny or Die that we'd be seeing more of Ferrell's Ron Burgundy character in the future as both Ferrell and McKay were interesting in revisiting him in a sequel to "Anchorman."
"We just had so much fun making that movie, and it was hard to get made, but what's been great is that it's taken on such a life of its own," Ferrell admitted. "At least the feedback we get is it's beloved, so yeah, it's just one of those that feels like an evergreen thing that we can go back and do it again."
"We had a lot of ideas," McKay confirmed to us later in an exclusive interview. "The opportunity to be that free and loose. The audience would give us a lot of rope with that character at this point, a lot of free rein. They all know it, and they all know it's going to get crazy, and that's just too tempting. It's like oh my God, where can we go? What's the next level of this idea we can push to?" A suggestion of showing Ron in the '80s had been discussed. "We got about seven ideas we're kicking around right now, so somewhere out of all of them, it will somehow fit together."
McKay was going to develop and direct the sci-fi comedy Channel 3 Billion before starting work on the "Anchorman" sequel, although that hit somewhat of a snag in the form of Disney/Pixar's latest movie. "It's kind of a 'Brazil'-type comedy I'm kicking around. It's not definitely set to go or anything but honestly, I went and saw 'WALL•E' and I was bummed out. 'Ah, sh*t, that's really good.' They kind of covered some of the area I was going to play around with—the boat and everyone in the chairs with the screens and stuff, but I still might do it. I might modify it a bit and get it to work. I want to do one in that 'Sin City/300'—I love that style with the half-practical, half-animated. I just think the possibilities for that are endless. I want to try to do not film noir, not action, but do kind of explosive science fiction."
Ferrell and McKay's production company have a TV series in production called "Eastbound and Down" that was just picked up by HBO that will shoot in the fall to air next June or thereabouts. It's with Danny McBride and Jody Hill, both from the indie comedy The Foot Fist Way, and Ben Best. "We shot the pilot and the pilot is crazy funny, crazy dark," McKay said about it. They also have The Goods: The Don Ready Story, a comedy about a car salesman co-starring McKay's brother-in-law Jeremy Piven.
The last time ComingSoon.net spoke to Reilly, it was for the musical comedy Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and while that didn't fare particularly well in theaters, we asked him whether we might see Dewey Cox perform again. (Astute readers might remember how much fun we had at his New York concert last year.) "That movie has found a real audience for itself, maybe not at the box office--we got killed by the competition when it came out--but on DVD. I went to the Jazz Fest in New Orleans, and among musicians, it is insanely revered, from Jack White to Robert Plant to Bonnie Raitt, anyone I came across my recent travels, they grab me by the shoulders and say, 'Walk Hard! Me and my band and my roadies are obsessed with 'Walk Hard" So yeah, that was a blast. I love to play music and I'd love to do that guy again. We'd have to take him out of the time machine again and do a new concert though."
Otherwise, neither Ferrell or Reilly have anything else immediately in the works to talk about, Ferrell not quite ready to confirm his role as Mr. Watson in an update on Sherlock Holmes as reported earlier. "We're still trying to figure that out in a way, so I haven't really thought about that much," he told us, lamenting the fact that Sony may have announced it somewhat prematurely here.
After Step Brothers, Ferrell's next gig is starring in Universal's movie version of the popular Saturday morning show Land of the Lost, which is scheduled to open on July 17, 2009. (Yes, it's almost a year away!) You'll definitely be reading more about that on CS in the next couple months.
In the meantime, Step Brothers opens on Friday, July 25. Look for our video interviews with the trio shortly and a lengthier interview with McKay later this week.
This Friday, they're reunited with Ferrell's "Talladega Nights" co-star John C. Reilly for the new Sony comedy Step Brothers and ComingSoon.net had yet another chance to talk to the trio, both in an exclusive interview with McKay and roundtable interviews with the two actors.
One thing we wanted to ask them about was the recent announcement by McKay on Funny or Die that we'd be seeing more of Ferrell's Ron Burgundy character in the future as both Ferrell and McKay were interesting in revisiting him in a sequel to "Anchorman."
"We just had so much fun making that movie, and it was hard to get made, but what's been great is that it's taken on such a life of its own," Ferrell admitted. "At least the feedback we get is it's beloved, so yeah, it's just one of those that feels like an evergreen thing that we can go back and do it again."
"We had a lot of ideas," McKay confirmed to us later in an exclusive interview. "The opportunity to be that free and loose. The audience would give us a lot of rope with that character at this point, a lot of free rein. They all know it, and they all know it's going to get crazy, and that's just too tempting. It's like oh my God, where can we go? What's the next level of this idea we can push to?" A suggestion of showing Ron in the '80s had been discussed. "We got about seven ideas we're kicking around right now, so somewhere out of all of them, it will somehow fit together."
McKay was going to develop and direct the sci-fi comedy Channel 3 Billion before starting work on the "Anchorman" sequel, although that hit somewhat of a snag in the form of Disney/Pixar's latest movie. "It's kind of a 'Brazil'-type comedy I'm kicking around. It's not definitely set to go or anything but honestly, I went and saw 'WALL•E' and I was bummed out. 'Ah, sh*t, that's really good.' They kind of covered some of the area I was going to play around with—the boat and everyone in the chairs with the screens and stuff, but I still might do it. I might modify it a bit and get it to work. I want to do one in that 'Sin City/300'—I love that style with the half-practical, half-animated. I just think the possibilities for that are endless. I want to try to do not film noir, not action, but do kind of explosive science fiction."
Ferrell and McKay's production company have a TV series in production called "Eastbound and Down" that was just picked up by HBO that will shoot in the fall to air next June or thereabouts. It's with Danny McBride and Jody Hill, both from the indie comedy The Foot Fist Way, and Ben Best. "We shot the pilot and the pilot is crazy funny, crazy dark," McKay said about it. They also have The Goods: The Don Ready Story, a comedy about a car salesman co-starring McKay's brother-in-law Jeremy Piven.
The last time ComingSoon.net spoke to Reilly, it was for the musical comedy Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and while that didn't fare particularly well in theaters, we asked him whether we might see Dewey Cox perform again. (Astute readers might remember how much fun we had at his New York concert last year.) "That movie has found a real audience for itself, maybe not at the box office--we got killed by the competition when it came out--but on DVD. I went to the Jazz Fest in New Orleans, and among musicians, it is insanely revered, from Jack White to Robert Plant to Bonnie Raitt, anyone I came across my recent travels, they grab me by the shoulders and say, 'Walk Hard! Me and my band and my roadies are obsessed with 'Walk Hard" So yeah, that was a blast. I love to play music and I'd love to do that guy again. We'd have to take him out of the time machine again and do a new concert though."
Otherwise, neither Ferrell or Reilly have anything else immediately in the works to talk about, Ferrell not quite ready to confirm his role as Mr. Watson in an update on Sherlock Holmes as reported earlier. "We're still trying to figure that out in a way, so I haven't really thought about that much," he told us, lamenting the fact that Sony may have announced it somewhat prematurely here.
After Step Brothers, Ferrell's next gig is starring in Universal's movie version of the popular Saturday morning show Land of the Lost, which is scheduled to open on July 17, 2009. (Yes, it's almost a year away!) You'll definitely be reading more about that on CS in the next couple months.
In the meantime, Step Brothers opens on Friday, July 25. Look for our video interviews with the trio shortly and a lengthier interview with McKay later this week.
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Dark Knight's Final Tally? $158.4 Million!
On Sunday, Warner Bros. Pictures estimated that The Dark Knight had earned $155.3 million its opening weekend. Turns out, that was low! The final figures show that Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins follow-up took in a record-breaking $158.4 million over the Friday-to-Sunday frame, easily beating the $151.1 million opening of Spider-Man 3 in May 2007.
One of the big reasons for the lower estimate was that the studio expected the movie to do about $39.4 million on Sunday but in actuality it received about $43 million, again beating Spider-Man 3's previous record of $39.9 million for the day.
The film earned a record-breaking $67.8 million on Friday alone. Of that, $18.5 million came from midnight shows, besting the previous midnight record set by Fox's 2005 Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, which grossed $16.9 million from 3,663 theaters.
It also set the record for an IMAX opener, earning $6.2 million from 94 IMAX theaters.
The studio estimates that The Dark Knight, which opened in a record 4,366 theaters, could gross as much as $220 million in its first week. That's more than the entire domestic gross of Nolan's Batman Begins, which earned $205 million domestically and $166 million overseas.
The big opening allowed the box office to take in a record $250 million in ticket sales total. The previous weekend record was $218.4 million, set in July 2007 when Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest opened to $135.6 million.
One of the big reasons for the lower estimate was that the studio expected the movie to do about $39.4 million on Sunday but in actuality it received about $43 million, again beating Spider-Man 3's previous record of $39.9 million for the day.
The film earned a record-breaking $67.8 million on Friday alone. Of that, $18.5 million came from midnight shows, besting the previous midnight record set by Fox's 2005 Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, which grossed $16.9 million from 3,663 theaters.
It also set the record for an IMAX opener, earning $6.2 million from 94 IMAX theaters.
The studio estimates that The Dark Knight, which opened in a record 4,366 theaters, could gross as much as $220 million in its first week. That's more than the entire domestic gross of Nolan's Batman Begins, which earned $205 million domestically and $166 million overseas.
The big opening allowed the box office to take in a record $250 million in ticket sales total. The previous weekend record was $218.4 million, set in July 2007 when Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest opened to $135.6 million.
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