Updates On All Comic Movies!

Watchmen Script Review
Source: CHUD
March 29, 2005

CHUD.com has posted a review of the upcoming Watchmen film written by David Hayter and to be directed by Paul Greengrass.
Below is an excerpt of the review.

How do you adapt one of the richest, most complex and best received comic books – sorry, graphic novels! – of all time? You don’t, cry legions of comic fans.

But let’s say you did. One of the best ways to go about it would be to focus in on the basic story and the themes, cut away what’s left over and remain terrifically faithful to the work. And that’s essentially what David Hayter has done with his December 2003 draft of Watchmen, based on the book by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.

Keep in mind that this review is based on a script from the end of ’03, so many changes have certainly been made since then. It’s really important to note that this script is only a couple of months older than the one that Stax reviewed for IGN FilmForce in ’04, but it has fixed almost everything that sounded awful in that draft, which included such disasters as Laurie having superpowers – that is not in this later draft.

The script opens with the beating and murder of Eddie Blake, the one time costumed operative known as The Comedian. Rorschach – the last of the costumed vigilantes still operating in a world that outlawed them a decade ago – begins investigating the murder, convinced that there’s a conspiracy behind it. He tries to enlist his old partner, Dan Dreiberg, the now-retired Night Owl, but Dan – who spends many of his evenings with the original Nite Owl, Hollis Mason – wants nothing to do with it.

To read the full review follow the link below.

http://chud.com/reviews/2075

More Watchmen News
Source: Empire Online
March 31, 2005

The good folks over at EmpireOnline have had an exclusive set visit to director Paul Greengrass’ adaptation of the graphic novel Watchmen.

Below is a snippet of that article:

Right now, over at Aint It Cool News has possible bad tidings: the Watchmen movie could be in trouble, with its backers, Paramount, umming and aahing over whether to commit $100 million plus to the Paul Greengrass-directed adaptation of the classic Alan Moore-Dave Gibbons graphic novel.

Well, if they've seen what Empire saw on our recent visit to the movie's production offices at Pinewood (and they have), they wouldn't have a moment's hesitation in backing the project immediately - for Watchmen is going to rock. Hard.

Lucky beggars that we are, Empire recently got to spend a very pleasant day in the pre-production offices of Watchmen, chatting to producer Lloyd Levin, director Paul Greengrass and writer David Hayter. The talented trio were in a sharing mood, as they allowed us a peek into the creative process that looks set to produce one of the best superhero films yet.

http://www.empireonline.co.uk/site/news/newsstory.asp?news_id=16645

Ryan Reynolds Talks about The Flash
Source: ComingSoon.net
April 3, 2005

Ever since Ryan Reynolds appeared in the David Goyer directed Blade: Trinity last year, the two have had a lot to say about DC Comics' scarlet speedster, The Flash, who Goyer wanted to make a movie about.

While promoting his upcoming role in The Amityville Horror, Reynolds talked a bit more about the movie and its progress:

"The Flash is something David Goyer is writing now and we're hoping Warner Brothers will greenlight it," he told ComingSoon.Net. "The story he has for it is unbelievable. I mean you know it's such a mind-boggling story, so I'm really excited about it. There's so much I didn't realize about the laws of physics and relativity that you can get into with the Flash. And you know the fact that he's basically doing things like arriving before he's left. I mean this stuff to me is really interesting to capture on film."

"If it all goes well, I'll be playing it. I have a penchant for wearing red unitards to various parties around town so I'm in," he quipped. "There's nothing contractual about it," he continued. "David Goyer and I have always said we would like to do it together and Warner Brothers seems to approve of that."

In the meantime, you can see Reynolds in the upcoming MGM remake of The Amityville Horror, which opens on April 22.

Moritz Wants Foxx for Luke Cage
Source: About.com
April 19, 2005

Producer Neal Moritz gave an update on Luke Cage to About.com:

Who would you like to play Luke Cage? Jamie Foxx

Have you met with Jamie Foxx on the Luke Cage project? I talked to him about it, yeah. I don't know if it'll happen but I know he's wanting to do it.

Does Jamie Foxx read the Luke Cage comic books? He likes them, yes.

Since Luke Cage is a lesser known comic book superhero, would you sell it as a comic book movie or just a cool character? I'd sell it as a character.

John Singleton is attached to direct the Marvel comic book adaptation for Columbia Pictures.

Originally posted by TheFilmProphet
Ryan Reynolds Talks about The Flash
Source: ComingSoon.net
April 3, 2005

Ever since Ryan Reynolds appeared in the David Goyer directed Blade: Trinity last year, the two have had a lot to say about DC Comics' scarlet speedster, The Flash, who Goyer wanted to make a movie about.

While promoting his upcoming role in The Amityville Horror, Reynolds talked a bit more about the movie and its progress:

"The Flash is something David Goyer is writing now and we're hoping Warner Brothers will greenlight it," he told ComingSoon.Net. "The story he has for it is unbelievable. I mean you know it's such a mind-boggling story, so I'm really excited about it. There's so much I didn't realize about the laws of physics and relativity that you can get into with the Flash. And you know the fact that he's basically doing things like arriving before he's left. I mean this stuff to me is really interesting to capture on film."

"If it all goes well, I'll be playing it. I have a penchant for wearing red unitards to various parties around town so I'm in," he quipped. "There's nothing contractual about it," he continued. "David Goyer and I have always said we would like to do it together and Warner Brothers seems to approve of that."

In the meantime, you can see Reynolds in the upcoming MGM remake of The Amityville Horror, which opens on April 22.

*sigh...so i guess this means he's not doing Deadpool....>__<

Platinum Partners with Hexagon Comics
Source: Platinum Studios
April 21, 2005

Platinum Studios, an entertainment company that controls the world's largest independent library of comic book characters, announced today the acquisition of exclusive rights to develop worldwide film and television properties based on Hexagon Comics' famous universe of comic book characters. Platinum is also acquiring a percentage of the company.

Hexagon Comics is France's largest independent library of creator-owned properties. The 50 year history of this comic universe adds additional depth to the already extensive library of Platinum comics. The acquisition will add thousands of stories and an additional 500 characters, such as the "Strangers", a superhero comic that has recently been reproduced in the United States by Image Comics; "Wampus", a shape-shifting alien (banned in the 60's by the French government for being too scary); and "Kabur", a sword-wielding barbarian in a land of magic.

"This is the first time, literally, that the rights have become available, and I've been following this library of characters for years because of its incredibly rich content," said Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, chairman of Platinum Studios. "We are very excited about the potential of these characters, and are pleased to provide the original creators with their first opportunity to receive both credits and royalties for their creations."

Platinum Studios has a successful record of acquiring valuable comic properties and developing them for television and film. The company brought Belgium graphic novel series "Jeremiah" to TV screens with a 35-hour maxi-series starring Luke Perry and Sean Astin and is currently working on a feature film prequel. Other properties in development include:

- Cowboys & Aliens -- Sony
- Unique -- Disney
- Mal Chance -- Miramax
- Dylan Dog & Storm -- The Shop
- 10 Picture $200 Million slate with Gold Circle

As creator and head of Malibu Comics Entertainment, which Rosenberg sold to Marvel Comics in 1994, he developed the "Men In Black" comic which he brought to Sony Pictures to become a billion-dollar entertainment franchise.

"Our partnership with Platinum Studios provides a tremendous opportunity for us and our creators," said Jean-Marc Lofficier, Hexagon Comics' managing editor. "This is our second rebirth. Platinum's rich and successful history of turning international properties into popular film and television programs will help brand our characters all over the world."

The Hexagon Universe was born in 1950 when two formers heroes of the French Resistance teamed up to create Editions Lug, and then further teamed up with creators from around the world. In the 1970s, Lug later acquired the rights to publish Marvel Comics in France. The monthly comic books displayed in France for 53 years sold more than 400 million units in France, Spain and Italy. Jean-Marc Lofficier, who was then the line's main writer-editor, managed to enlist the support of his fellow creators to organize the "Hexagon Universe" syndicate.

Ultimate Super Heroes, Villains and Vixens
Source: Bravo
April 21, 2005

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Bravo's three-part special "Ultimate Super Heroes, Ultimate Super Villains, Ultimate Super Vixens." The series premieres Thursday, May 26 (10-11 p.m. EST) and will air the same bat time, same bat channel for three consecutive nights.

Narrated by one of television's classic super heroes Adam West, who portrayed Batman in the hit TV series, Bravo's upcoming special celebrates the heroes, villains and vixens who have created powerful impressions on fans throughout the years. More than 50 experts, ranging from comic book creators to filmmakers and producers to the actors who brought these characters to life, were consulted for the formation of the super-powered top 20 countdown lists in each category.

The super heroes, super villains and super vixens were chosen from characters who have appeared in comic books, movies, television, and/or video games. All choices were based on the characters' longevity, their iconic pop-culture status, and their overall "cool factor." Comic buffs won't want to miss celebrities dishing on the ins and outs of their favorite characters, including Lou Ferrigno discussing The Hulk's relatable human side and Mark Hamill talking about his total commitment to creating the fantasy that surrounded "Star Wars."

With a combination of cutting edge graphics, film clips, celebrity and expert interviews, Bravo's "Ultimate Super Heroes" specials look at the popularity and longevity of each list topper. Exclusive interviews include actress Vivica A. Fox (Batman & Robin, Kill Bill: Vol. 1"😉, comic book writer Stan Lee ("X-Men," "Spider-Man," "Fantastic Four"😉, actor Hal Sparks (Spider-Man 2), director Bryan Singer (X-Men, X-Men 2), actor Bill Mumy ("Twilight Zone," "Babylon 5"😉, comic book writer Todd McFarlane ("Spawn"😉, actor Mark Hamill ("Star Wars"😉, actor Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk) and Chairman/CEO Marvel Studios Avi Arad (X-Men, Daredevil, Elektra).

"Ultimate Super Heroes, Ultimate Super Villains, Ultimate Super Vixens" is produced by Prometheus Entertainment and Fox Television Studios in association with Bravo.

Click HERE for the full listing for each category:

Source: Comicbookresources.com
4/22/05

SUPERMAN, FANTASTIC FOUR, V FOR VENDETTA, SMALLVILLE: APRIL 21ST COMIC REEL WRAP

SUPERMAN

You thought feuds between rappers got serious -- according to U.S. News and World Report, "When Superman returns to theaters next year, the superhero won't be saving only Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. The Man of Steel will also reportedly be lending a helping hand to British billionaire Richard Branson, head of the Virgin Group travel, media, and communications conglomerate. In one sequence, apparently, archvillain Lex Luthor attempts to shoot down Branson in his space plane, only to be thwarted at the last moment by the big, blue boy scout."

Meanwhile, there's a new video blog up over at Bluetights.net where they discuss the challenges of huge crowd scenes with loads of extras.

FANTASTIC FOUR

You can hear new clips from music from the film at the official site for the soundtrack, with work from Omnisoul and Breaking Point.

V FOR VENDETTA

Empire Online talked to actor Stephen Fry who confirmed the rumors of his involvement in the Alan Moore adaptation. "I'm playing the character of Gordon Deitrich, who's a chat show host who questions the authority of the people who run Britain in this post-viral facist state, as it were," said Fry. He also let slip that John Hurt, Tim Pigott-Smith and Sinead Cusack have also been added to the cast.

SMALLVILLE

Kryptonsite has the official network descriptions for upcoming episodes "Forever" and the season finale "Commencement." They also have high resolution screen captures for the trailer for next week's episode "Blank" (while their arch enemies at Devoted to Smallville have the trailer itself in WIndows Media format). Finally, actress Annette O'Toole talked to the Northwest Herald about getting possessed and singing Ashlee Simpson lyrics in last night's episode "Spirit."

JUSTICE LEAGUE

Actor Alan Rachins will reprise his role as Tempus Fugate, the Clock King, in an upcoming episode called "Task Force X," according to Comics Continuum. Other guests include Rick Flagg (voiced by Adam Baldwin), Plastique (Juliet Landau), Captain Boomerang (Donal Gibson) and Deadshot (Michael Rosenbaum). Chris Cox takes over the role of Captain Atom and CCH Pounder returns as Amanda Waller.

HEXAGON COMICS/PLATINUM STUDIOS DEAL

Superhero Hype has a press release talking about a new partnership between the French publisher and the company that brought you "Jeremiah."

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

If you have the scoop on anything related to comic book movies, TV adaptations or just want to give us a briefcase full of cash, no questions asked, drop us a line and let's coordinate. You can choose an alias if you'd like, or be mentioned by name -- we honor requests for anonymity. Broadcasting live from Los Angeles, this is your humble scribe Hannibal Tabu saying thanks for your time and indulgence, look for fresh comics reviews online by 7PM EST, buy Speakeasy Comics ("Beowulf," "The Grimoire," "Atomika"😉 and "don't blame me, I'm drunk too!"

New Official Ghost Rider Picture
Source: USA Today
April 22, 2005

USA Today has a first look at an official picture of Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze in Columbia Pictures' Ghost Rider. Here's a clip from the article:

"Most of these guys are comic-book geeks like me," Johnson says from Melbourne, Australia, where he is shooting the story of Johnny Blaze (Cage), a biker who sells his soul to the devil to save his girlfriend and then struggles with his demonic side, aka Ghost Rider. "Nic is one of the biggest fans of the comic book out there."

So big, in fact, that the actor sports a tattoo of the Ghost Rider's flaming skull on his arm. Makeup artists had to cover it for the film. Says Johnson: "The irony is we had to remove Nic's Ghost Rider so he could play Ghost Rider."

SOURCE: Comicbookresources.com
4/26/05

BATMAN BEGINS, PAINKILLER JANE, FANTASTIC FOUR, WONDER WOMAN: APRIL 26TH COMIC REEL WRAP

BATMAN BEGINS

Tons of Gotham-related news today -- first German site Batman News has new photos from the film, including Bale working out and the crew filming. Superhero Hype also has a spy report about the new trailer, showing ahead of the action sequel "XXX: State of the Union." Superhero Times has complete information on the soundtrack, with proposed artwork. Finally, the new international poster is visible over at Actuacine.net.

PAINKILLER JANE

Sneak Peek has a, well, sneak peek at the upcoming Event Comics adaptation heading to the Sci Fi Channel with a photo of Emmanuelle Vaugier on a motorcycle as the title character.

FANTASTIC FOUR

The U-Daily Bulletin has a quick quote from director Tim Story about a spoiler involving the Brooklyn Bridge.

WONDER WOMAN

According to Dark Horizons, Joel Silver allegedly gave carte blanche to Joss Whedon in crafting the story. "I made Joss' deal, Joss Whedon is writing the script. He's finishing 'Serenity' when that movie is done, he's going to turn his attention toward the script. He's got fantastic ideas. When we made the first 'Matrix,' I came out of the first test screening, the numbers for Trinity were so much higher than anything else in the movie, people loved that character. I came out of there and said to the studio this is interesting, I said to the boys why don't we make a Trinity movie, they said no they had something else in mind. So I figured we should take something, this was in 99, take Wonder Woman and try something and they said fine. I never really felt I got it till now. I think this is a big constructionist picture, it's property of Warner Bros,' the character is the real deal, and if we do it right. Joss has a fantastic take on the story, and if it works the way I think it's going to work, it's going to be fantastic."

IRON FIST

After pooh-poohing rumors of a resurgent Toad in "X-Men 3," actor and martial artist Ray Parks told Superhero Hype that the story of Danny Rand has switched studios, but he still plans to play the title role and that the film is still in development.

SMALLVILLE

Kryptonsite has fresh spoilers, straight from the network (as well as some from Entertainment Weekly), on the 90-minute season finale "Commencement." Meanwhile rival site Devoted to Smallville has a deluge of screen captures from last week's episode "Spirit."

Source: Comicbookmovie.com, TheFilmProphet
5/4/05

New Avi Arad Video Interview

The Chief gives us the latest on X-Men 4, Silver Surfer, Wolverine, Blade 4, FF, Captain America, Nick Fury, and much much more.

IESB has landed another exclusive interview with with Avi Arad after recently interviewing Matthew Vaughn on X3. Arad discusses many different rumors and reports on Marvel's various films and projects. Everything from the Silver Surfer to why Bryan Singer really left X-Men 3 for Superman.

You can watch the interview HERE

A nick fury movie would be awsome

And we just might see it in the next 2 years since Marvel recently announced that Captain American and Nick Fury would head to theatres in 2 years. Although they didn't clarify whether both would be released in 2 years or if only one of the films will be released within that time range.