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The last we heard about Angelina Jolie and the "Cleopatra" project that surfaced earlier this year she said,
"....if we can get the story right and do the real story — there's a lot her that's never been covered yet, if we can do something original, we will." And it looks like they've found a way.
Deadline reports that serious talks are underway for James Cameron to direct Angelina Jolie in a 3D "Cleopatra." The impetus for the sudden movement on the project? Brian Helgeland's adaptation of Stacy Schiff's recently published "Cleopatra: A Life" is being described as a "brilliant script deserving of epic treatment" all about "what the Romans took from Egypt." Sony co-chair Amy Pascal is eager to get this one going, well aware of the cost of such an undertaking, but willing to dive in if only to "own" the franchise that is Angelina Jolie herself (remember, the studio also released "Salt" earlier this year).
As for James Cameron, while he does have a handful of projects on his plate (including the long gestating "The Dive"), this is apparently the only project he's taking a hard look at other than the developing "Avatar" sequel. Producer Scott Rudin, who acquired the rights to Stacy Schiff's book, has been working with Jolie in developing the project.
If it goes forward, plans are to get it in front of cameras in 2011. And if it does, it mostly likely means Steven Soderbergh's adventurous, musical "Cleopatra" will have to be shelved for a long while (it was nearly made in early 2009 before Hugh Jackman pulled out causing the production to come apart like a house of cards). While dueling projects are not rare in Hollywood, Steven Soderbergh is not likely to play chicken with James Cameron (and the two are sort of buds anyway, with Cameron producing "Solaris").
So, the next great 3D achievement by James Cameron or another hugely expensive, cautionary tale (let's not forget the lurid story of Liz Taylor's "Cleopatra" which nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox)? Guess we'll soon find out.
Harry Potter fans were momentarily thrilled and heartened when Warner Bros. announced last week that it was canceling plans to release "Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows" in 3D in November. However, it turns out the studio is still moving full steam ahead to cover not only 'The Deathly Hallows,' but back catalog titles "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" and "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."
Warner Bros., who are still using conversion production outlet Prime Focus who are rebuilding their reputation after their awful rush job of "Clash Of The Titans," are said to be methodically converting both parts of 'Deathly Hallows.' Director David Yates is still in post-production on 'Deathly Hallows' but will be overseeing the conversion of his Potter films to 3D. No word yet on the other four films in the series, but Warner Bros. would likely have to get the involvement of the respective directors before moving forward.
No dates yet have been announced for the 3D BluRay release or if the films will be get a 3D theatrical re-release. But really, we'd be surprised if it didn't. The series is a landmark for many and the "see the saga as you've never seen it before" marketing pretty much writes itself. [Variety]
Wow, color us surprised. Warner Bros. has canceled plans to release the first entry in the two-part "Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows" in 3D. It will still hit theaters as planned on November 19th, but now people won't need to wear the dorky glasses and pay extra money for the privilege.
In a statement, the studio said "we will not have a completed 3D version of the film within our release date window," adding "despite everyone's best efforts, we were unable to convert the film in its entirety and meet the highest standards of quality. We do not want to disappoint fans who have long-anticipated the conclusion of this extraordinary journey." So is this just a fancy way of saying the conversion looked fucking terrible and they don't want to make the same mistake they did with "Clash Of The Titans"? Yeah, we think so.
David Yates says, "This decision, which we completely support, underscores the fact that Warner Bros. has always put quality first." No word yet if the Warner Bros. are still aiming to convert part two, which will hit theaters on July 15, 2011. If they do, they have plenty of time to get it right or even better, not do it at all.
Last week, Timur Bekmambetov and Tim Burton began shopping their revisionist historical action film "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" around Hollywood and 20th Century Fox wanted it. They really, really wanted it.
From parking signs in the Fox lot reading "Parking for Vampire Hunters Only, Park at your own risk" to bloody footprints lining the path all the way to the meeting room with Fox execs, some poor interns were busy at work making sure director Timur Bekmambetov and producer Tim Burton knew how badly their bosses wanted the film. Posters with images and lines from the book were put up on walls, and silver bullets were placed in a bowl at reception. And that's not all. Bloody axes were placed around the offices and a bugle player in a Confederate uniform played "Taps."
And yes, after all that, Fox's efforts were rewarded and they did land the film. Based on the novel by Seth Grahame-Smith ("Pride And Prejudice And Zombies"), the story spins the familiar history of Abraham Lincoln, but casts him as a ruthless vampire killer.The film will be in 3D, has been okayed with a $69 million budget and will hit theaters in 2012.
Remember earlier this summer when fans cheered during the TheOneRing's Comic Con panel when they announced that the upcoming "The Hobbit" films wouldn't be in 3D? It turns out the celebrations might have been premature.
According to the NY Times, as part of the behind-the-scenes dealmaking to get the film made, it looks like the 3D format is back on the table. The format has long been in discussions, with original director Guillermo Del Toro not particularly hot on the idea. However, with a pricetag of $500 million dollars, its no surprise that Warner Bros., New Line and MGM would be pushing for the format if only because it means revenues will get a slight boost thanks to inflated ticket prices. At this point we're too exhausted to care which direction they go in — Peter Jackson could make it a black-and-white 16mm silent comedy for all we care — we just want this film to finally get in front of cameras.
As for the nasty union spat that unfurled last week, that saw both Peter Jackson and the studios threatening to move the production away from New Zealand, the country's government has stepped in to try and help. Government ministers are eager to help resolve the dispute, save jobs and keep the production and the economic boost it brings in the country.
Prime Minister John Key said, "I would be greatly concerned if the Hobbit movies weren't made in New Zealand, this a $3 billion industry, it employs a lot of people, it's great for New Zealand, it's a great way for marketing New Zealand. If you can't make the Hobbit here frankly what movies are you going to make here?"
Meetings are beginning to take place — Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly has already met with Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh — and everyone involved is "hopeful" a solution will be found. Rumors circled late last week that the situation may already be close to being dealt with, as an official studio greenlight is apparently just days away.
Meanwhile, "The Hobbit" as cursed sentiment gained uninspired traction this weekend when news of a fire broke out in Jackson's Portsmouth Miniatures Studio which would have been used for the two films. Considering a green light seems imminent, talk of a "curse" seems more than a little hyperbolic. These guys even went so far as to openly speculate that "union thugs" burned down the place. And while it is one of many aggravating set-backs, it doesn't at all seem like the crisis many are making it out to be.
The last we heard about Angelina Jolie and the "Cleopatra" project that surfaced earlier this year she said, "....if we can get the story right and do the real story — there's a lot her that's never been covered yet, if we can do something original, we will." And it looks like they've found a way.
