Weekly Movie News

[FH]

Production Begins on Artisan & Marvel's The Punisher!
Monday, August 4, 2003 5:08 CDT

Artisan Pictures has provided Superhero Hype! with the following press release announcing the start of production on The Punisher. Stay tuned for lots more from the press conference that took place in Tampa this morning!

PRODUCTION BEGINS ON ARTISAN PICTURES AND MARVEL STUDIOS' "THE PUNISHER" STARRING THOMAS JANE, JOHN TRAVOLTA AND REBECCA ROMIJN-STAMOS.

August 2, 2003 -- Principal photography begins today on "The Punisher" it was announced by Artisan Pictures President of Production Richard Saperstein. Written and directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, "The Punisher" is produced by Marvel Studios CEO Avi Arad and producer Gale Anne Hurd. Kevin Feige is the executive producer. Ari Arad is the co-producer. Supporting cast members include Roy Scheider, Samantha Mathis, Laura Harring, Will Patton, Ben Foster, James Carpinello, Mark Collie, Eddie Jemison, Russell Andrews and John Pinette. Conrad W. Hall serves as the cinematographer, with Michael Hanan as the production designer and Lisa Tomczeszyn as the costume designer. Production will take place in Tampa, Florida.

Marvel's unstoppable vigilante THE PUNISHER hits the screen in a new action thriller that introduces a comic book hero unlike any other. The Punisher brings to the screen one of Marvel's top-selling solo comic books and a marquee character whose popularity parallels that of Marvel stars X-Men, Spider-Man, and the Fantastic Four. The Punisher walks through the world we all know, a world darkened by war, crime, cruelty, and injustice. He has no superpowers to battle the evil he sees - only his fierce intelligence, his years of combat experience and, above all, his iron determination to avenge those wronged by society's villains. The Punisher marks the directorial debut of Jonathan Hensleigh, renowned screenwriter of genre blockbusters The Rock, Armageddon and Die Hard: With a Vengeance. Thomas Jane (Dreamcatcher,*61, Deep Blue Sea) stars in the title role, squaring off against superstar John Travolta (Pulp Fiction, Face/Off) as the story's formidable villain. Co-starring are Rebecca Romijn Stamos (X-Men, X-2: X-Men United) as a woman climbing back from a troubled past, Laura Harring (Mulholland Drive) as Travolta's vengeful wife, and Samantha Mathis (American Psycho) as The Punisher's wife.

Thomas Jane is a versatile actor with a wide range of strong performances to his credit. Jane can currently be seen in the Warner Bros.' film, Dreamcatcher, starring alongside Morgan Freeman and can next be seen in the title role of Stander for director Bronwen Hughes. Jane starred opposite Cameron Diaz in Columbia Pictures' The Sweetest Thing. Prior to that, Jane starred as legendary baseball player Mickey Mantle in HBO's acclaimed film 61*. Additional credits for Jane include roles in Lions Gate's Under Suspicion, Warner Brothers' Deep Blue Sea, 20th Century Fox's The Thin Red Line and New Line's Boogie Nights.

A proven megastar with over forty films to his credit, John Travolta has starred in some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters and earned critics' praise for several commanding performances. He has garnered two Academy Award Best Actor nominations -- for his memorable performances as a hit man in Pulp Fiction and white suited disco hustler in Saturday Night Fever - and received multiple Golden Globe Award accolades including winner in the Best Actor, Musical/Comedy for Get Shorty. Additional credits include roles as a free spirited archangel in Michael and as an ordinary man bestowed surreal powers in Phenomenon. He can next be seen opposite Joaquin Phoenix in the upcoming film Ladder 49 for Buena Vista Pictures.

Romijn-Stamos is a talented actress who continues to turn in impressive performances in her films. She recently completed shooting Godsend opposite Robert De Niro and Greg Kinnear. Recently Romijn-Stamos co-starred in the blockbuster Marvel action sequel X2. Romijn-Stamos' previous credits include Femme Fatale opposite Antonio Banderas, Rollerball, opposite Chris Klein and LL Cool J, a role opposite Al Pacino in Simone, and the hugely successful X-Men.

Writer and Director Jonathan Hensleigh has written some of the genre's most notable action films including The Rock, Armageddon, Jumanji and Die Hard: With a Vengence. Hensleigh also executive produced Armageddon as well as Gone in Sixty Seconds and Con Air.

Avi Arad is President and CEO of Marvel Studios. Following the record-breaking success of the box office smash hit, Spider-Man (Columbia Pictures), and the establishment of two more proven franchises in his first Marvel features - Blade (New Line) and X Men: The Movie (Twentieth Century Fox) - Arad has numerous film projects based on Marvel super heroes in various stages of development. He has aligned Marvel with several prominent studios to produce full-feature films including: Twentieth Century Fox (X-Men 2, The Silver Surfer, Fantastic Four), Columbia Pictures (Spider-Man 2), Sony Pictures (Ghost Rider), Universal Studios (The Hulk, Namor, Prime), New Line (Iron Man), Dimension (Werewolf By Night, Dr. Strange), Artisan Entertainment (The Punisher) Paramount (Deathlok), and New Regency (Daredevil). His reputation has attracted some of Hollywood's most prestigious directors (i.e. Sam Raimi, Ang Lee and Bryan Singer) and writers who are helping translate the ever-popular Marvel super heroes for the big screen.

Gale Anne Hurd recently produced the epic fantasy-adventure, The Hulk. Hurd has produced such box office hits as Armageddon, Terminator, Aliens, The Abyss, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, The Ghost and the Darkness, The Relic and Dante's Peak, and served as an executive producer of this summer's Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.

Artisan Entertainment Inc. is the leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical, television and home entertainment product. The company coordinates its business activities through two wholly owned operating divisions, Artisan Pictures and Artisan Home Entertainment.

The Artisan Pictures division is responsible for the development, production, marketing and distribution of the company's annual slate of theatrical films. The Artisan Home Entertainment division has an extensive library of over 7,000 titles which includes its own properties, as well as a wide spectrum of films from Academy AwardŽ winning classics to blockbusters and cult favorites.

Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL) is a leading global character based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 4,700 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel's operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel's creative team also supports the creation of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel's comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel's Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.

[FH]

Ghost Rider Production on Track
Monday, August 4, 2003 1:54 CDT

With last week's news that Nicolas Cage would make "The Weather Man" his next film, there was talk that the Ghost Rider movie was pushed back. Not so, producer Gary Foster tells IGN Filmforce...

"We are still on track for early 2004," Foster said. "The Weather Man is a short shoot."

Foster's producing partner, Mark Steven Johnson (Daredevil), will direct Ghost Rider. He is currently working on the screenplay. With the exception of Cage as the title character, no additional casting has taken place.

[FH]

Hellboy Moved Up 7 Weeks
Tuesday, August 5, 2003 7:48 CDT

Yahoo! Movies reports that Sony has moved up Hellboy 7 weeks from May 21 to April 2...

With more movies being scheduled for May releases, Sony has decided to bump this movie up several weeks, out of summer contention altogether, to April 2nd, 2004. The good news is that its competition will probably now be a lot less daunting. The down side is that the movie suggests a slight change in confidence in the movie (though I doubt anyone at Sony would say that). Anyway, this new date is now just two days off from Del Toro's original estimate of March, 2004.

[FH]

Superhero Hype! correspondent Steven Torres attended The Punisher press conference in Tampa on Monday morning and shares his experience!

Steven Torres here from Tampa just back from The Punisher press conference and all I can say is WOW. From what I heard, this movie is going to be one of next summer's great comic book adaptations. Here's a recollection of what went down at the Tampa Bay Convention Center.

First, when you step in the Ballroom D you see a lot of Punisher posters all around with 2 plasma TV's with the words Punisher on them. There is a table set up with the names of the people involved in the production including Jonathan Hensleigh (Director), Gale Anne Hurd (Producer), Thomas Jane (Frank Castle/ The Punisher), Avi Arad (Co-Producer), Andrew Golov (E.V.P Production, Artisan Pictures), and John Starke (Executive Producer). After they arrived the room got dark and the Punisher Teaser Trailer was played. After the lights went back on the Crew was seated, and the first thing I noticed was Thomas Jane's hair was black! Yes, you heard it here - he has officially died his hair black for the production of the movie and for all those critics out there that said he did not look like a good Punisher check out THE PICTURES and then tell me he doesn't look like the man.

Now here comes the entourage of questions from the media, some which were great and some which were horrible. I took the liberty of writing down all the important facts and tidbits from the story, production, and crew just for you.

When the crew was asked where some of the filming will take place, the director said that here will be over 52 locations shot throughout the Tampa Bay area, including but not limited to the beer can building, Honeymoon island and some shooting will take place in Desoto and Pinellas county as well as some sort of draw bridge which they did not disclose the location of. Terminal 6 at the Tampa Bay Authority by the docks in downtown will also be used for filming.

When asked about the story and effects, the director said he was inspired by the early 60's and 70's urban crime drama / action movies like The French Connection and Dirty Harry to name a few. Verisimilitude is the feel of the film, Gale Anne Hurd responded. They are looking for natural realism - very realistic - which also means when asked about are there going to be any CG doubles for the Punisher the answer was no, it will be all hands on, all live action. All the characters will be real, in a real world setting, like John Travolta's character who is a money laundering crook in the gulf. When the question was asked where did some of the material from the script originate from, director Hensleigh cited some comic books like the early editions of Punisher in “94” & “95”, Punishers Year 1 and Garth Ennis's Welcome Back Frank which also was used as reference. But one key note here is that the plot is not found in the comic books and will be new to the fans. The director and staff wanted to bring something new that the fans could enjoy, and someone who has never even heard of the Punisher could enjoy as well, which may upset a few but they did not want to rehash the same old story they wanted to start fresh.

Spoiler Ahead - if you don't want to know please skip down
While talking, Director Jonathan Hensleigh mentioned that at the end of the film The Punisher gets his revenge, but he's not part of society, he's still on the outside and he is not a whole man.
Spoiler Ends

When asked about the Tampa Bay area and how they have been received everyone on the panel was extremely grateful. Everyone here is extremely hard working and dedicated and Hurd would rank this crew up to any crew she has worked with in the past 20 + years. She hopes this is start of something great for the Tampa Bay community and sees a lot more films being made here.

With the story sounding great, none of that wire kung fu matrix style crap (which I still love by the way), the Punisher seems to be in good hands. The people involved seem to have a good grasp on the character and story. They all are determined to bring a unique experience to the viewers. With realistic situations, and emotionally tormented characters, and enough action and explosives to satisfy anyone this movie sets its sights on - becoming one of next summer's biggest and most successful films of the “04” year.

Here are some other Cool Facts From The Conference:

1) Thomas Jane has officially dyed his hair black (he looks awesome and he is The Punisher)

2) There will be over 52 locations shot through out the Tampa Bay area
-The Beer Can Building
-Honey moon island and
-Desoto and Pinellas County are a few places that scenes will take place
-Terminal 6 in downtown by the docks will also be used.

3) Designing the effects the crew is relying heavily on practical effects

4) The name of the production is Verisimilitude

5) It is an Urban Crime Drama

6) All live action there is not going to be any CGI double for the punisher

7) Director Johnathon Hensleigh inspiration from the early 60's and 70's urban action movies like the French Connection and Dirty Harry to name a few.

8) John Travolta's character is money laundering in the Gulf

9) Possible locations for filming before choosing Tampa were New Orleans, Biloxi, Mobile, and Houston - none of these locations could double for Puerto Rico where some of the film takes place.

10) Thomas Jane was very careful in choosing a comic book adaptation to a movie but fell in love with the believable characters, the emotion and unique situations that they are put into.

11) It has a Natural Realism

12) Based on Year 1 comic book of the punisher

13) Also 94 & 95 comic book publication. A lot of elements were taken from

14) The director loved Garth/Ennis's Welcome Back Frank

15) Main book Director Jonathon Hensleigh fell in love with only after half and hour of reading called in to the Avi Arad and said I want to do this movie.

16) The plot is not found in the comic books and new to the fans. Director and staff wanted to bring something new. Something the fans can enjoy. They did not want to rehash the same old story from the comic books.

17) This film is going to be and intense urban drama, with revenge, redemption, and lots of violence will definitely be rated R. Only the 2nd wave of marvel comic books to hit the movies with that rating.

18) Spoiler Ahead At the end of the film after the Punisher gets his revenge he is not part of society (emotionally?) still on the outside, he is not a whole man. Spoiler Ends

19) Biggest challenge in production is the weather problems as indicated on the first day of filming.

20) Gale Anne Hurd said this is a full blown huge action picture with all the Hollywood trappings.

21) Gale said this is by far the largest production ever for this amount of money - a lot has to be accredited to a lot of work in pre-production.

22) Gale also said that you can match this hard working crew to any crew she has worked with in the 25 years she's been in the business everyone is very dedicated.

23) 220 to over 300 crew members on a given day.

24) Thomas Jane trained with the nicest troop of navy seals ("These Guys were great") had training in a handful of weapons and combat and studied Israeli and Japanese fighting among others.

25) The story is very realistic; Frank Castle is put into a unique situation

26) Frank is a very real person.

27) The teaser that was released was months ago had no make up on the character and the costume was not done.

[FH]

X2 Region 2 DVD Specs
Wednesday, August 6, 2003 7:26 CDT

DVD Answers has posted some of the things you can expect on the Region 2 X2 DVD. Lots of these features will likely make it onto the Region 1 DVD as well.

Anamorphic Widescreen Transfer
Dolby Digital 5.1 Track
Wolverine Deathstrike Fight Rehearsal (1m 23s)
Nightcrawler Timelapse (3m 38s)
United Colors Of X (8m 53s)
The Second Uncanny Issue Of X-Men-Making X2 (59m 26s)
Evolution In The Details - Designing X2 (17m 59s)
Introducing The Incredible Nightcrawler! (9m 48s)
Nightcrawler Stunt Rehearsal (2m 25s)
Visual Effects (24m 56s)
- The X-Jet Dogfight Sequence
- The Bamf Effect
- Escape From Plastic Prison
- Cerebro
- The Dam Breaks
Multi Angle Sequence - Nightcrawler Attack (9m 31s)
Various Trailers

[FH]

James Cameron is Diving Into Ferreras & Mestre Biopic Source: Variety Thursday, August 7, 2003

Titanic director James Cameron will helm a film at 20th Century Fox about the love story between freediver Francisco "Pipin" Ferreras and wife Audrey Mestre.

After learning the extreme sport of freediving under the tutelage of her Cuban-born husband and breaking his record, Mestre died last year as she tried to better her world mark of descending 557.7 feet while holding a single breath of air in her lungs.

Cameron will likely hire a writer while he helms a scripted feature on an undisclosed topic he plans to shoot using the 3-D technology he employed for Ghosts of the Abyss.

The director will film the upcoming October 12 attempt by Ferreras to match his wife's world record in Cabo San Lucas, the site where the Cuban diver first met the French-born aspiring marine biologist and taught her to dive.

[FH]

Frank Spotnitz Set to Remake The Star Chamber Source: Variety Thursday, August 7, 2003

FX will remake 1983 thriller The Star Chamber, with X-Files veteran Frank Spotnitz set to direct and executive produce.

Spotnitz, who's scripting the Revolution actioner Doomsday, is best known for his stint as writer and executive producer of The X-Files and for co-writing and co-producing the Rob Bowman-directed feature based on the show.

The original starred Michael Douglas as a disillusioned judge who joins a secret tribunal of peers who bestow death sentences to miscreants whose cases were dismissed on technicalities.

[FH]

Star Wars: Episode III to be Shortest Installment? Source: The Daily Telegraph, TheForce.net Wednesday, August 6, 2003

Although rumors say that Star Wars: Episode III may be the longest film of the prequels, producer Rick McCallum said the exact opposite to The Daily Telegraph.

Despite internet rumours that Episode III will be the longest of the Star Wars films, McCallum insists it will be no longer than any of the other prequels.

"We are hoping it will be the shortest of all of them but it will probably end up at about exactly the same time – two hours and 10 minutes," he says.

With Star Wars: Episode IV so ingrained in fans' minds and many aspects of the film being absorbed into everyday popular culture, Lucas and McCallum are faced with quite a challenge to bridge the gap from the prequels to the original trilogy.

"This is about not really moving from II to III, this is about linking III to IV and tying up all the loose ends," McCallum says.

"So somebody who doesn't understand Star Wars can start with Episode I and follow the whole saga, the whole family all the way through.

"Personally, I think this is the coolest of the lot but I also thought that about Episode I and II."

[FH]

Bond 21: Somebody shoot me, please just right between the eyes before the pain gets any worse. WENN reports that songstress Mariah Carey has agreed to sing the theme to the next James Bond film as long as she gets a Madonna-style cameo. The project is to be released in 2005 and according to a source - "Mariah has had meetings with producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. She was asked if she'd consider singing the theme tune for Bond 21. Mariah said she wanted a part in the new film although the story hasn't been discussed yet".

[FH]

Title: Indiana Jones Trilogy
Starring: Harrison Ford
Released: October 21st 2003
SRP: $49.95

Further Details
Paramount Home Entertainment have let us know of a date change for the region one release of the Indiana Jones Trilogy which stars Harrison Ford. Thankfully it's good news this time, as the package will now be available two weeks earlier than originally announced. You will now be able to get your hands on this highly anticipated release from the 21st October this year. The retail price will remain at around $49.95.

[ericgtr]

So is Brosnon coming back for this one? He's really starting to show his age, of course Connery was too but he has aged very gracefully.

[FH]

They need to let somebody else completely retool the Bond series after Brosnan leaves. Let somebody like Tarantino, Woo, or David Fincher take a crack at it and make it bloody!

[ericgtr]

Whoa now, we still need the spy element though. IMO the older Bond movies really had this and I can't say much for them since Flemming dropped out of the picture. I would really like to see that come back.

[CanyonCarver]

I hate James Bond movies with a passion.
I can see a certain charm in the Sean Connery era, simply because it's old, but the rest sucks in a big way in my opinion.

XXX came in to stir the pot a little, but in retrospect it's the very same predictable good/evil bullshit.

And don't get me started on the fad of the super hero flicks... [img]images/smilies/icon_rant.gif[/img]

[FH]

Steve Niles' Dead Will Wake at Dimension Films Source: Variety Friday, August 8, 2003

Dimension Films has picked up rights to Steve Niles' comic book Wake the Dead, a supernatural series which is a retelling of the Frankenstein legend in the style of cult favorites The Crow and Darkman.

The five-part series is published by IDW Publishing. The company's president Ted Adams will executive produce the project along with Niles.

The two are also behind Niles' 30 Days of Night comic, currently set up with Sony for Sam Raimi to produce with Dark Horse Entertainment. The new deal also gives Dimension first crack at Niles' upcoming comicbook, "Remains," due out next spring from IDW.