"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).
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