This is definitely one of those times when a studio will buy the rights to something just to slap the title on their movie, which will, invariably, not look anything like the source material. Unless, of course, the idea behind a “Space Invaders” movie is to shoot a film even Ed Wood would blush at. Doubtful, in this case, as the studio in question is Warner Bros., who are currently in negotiations to buy movie rights to the game from game developer Taito.
Predators First Footages to be Screened at SXSW
If you plan on running around my old stomping ground of Austin, Texas around March 12 or thereabouts, you’re in luck, because South by Southwest has just announced that Austin-based filmmaker Robert Rodriguez will be offering the festival goers a “first look” at his latest, the sequel “Predators”, which he produces and Nimrod Antal directed. This is obviously not the whole movie, just the first-ever footages from the film.
James Cameron Is Dynamically Excited About His Upcoming Alita
James Cameron and his “Avatar” producing buddy Jon Landau is dumping some details about the duo’s next amazing Science Fiction epic. Based on the manga Battle Angel Alita, the film version, called “Alita” will be about a roller blading bot-girl and her early formative years as a fledgeling ninja mecha chick with issues.
Even The Empire Needs A P.R. Firm
Being an evil Empire, Darth, The Emperor and his pals need some extra incentives to lure recruits away from the Rebellion with their beautiful desert, frozen or swampy bases in the hidden and far away corners of the galaxy. If a nice white helmet isn’t enough for you, you might be persuaded by these propaganda posters that demonstrate clearly that might does make right. Thanks to cliffchiang and io9 for the word.
Michael Chiklis and Julie Benz in Superhero Show No Ordinary Family
Let’s face it, NBC’s “Heroes” isn’t what it used to be, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for another show about a family of superheroes on TV. (Remember, “Heroes” basically had that — the Petrellis.) The latest to take a shot at the premise is ABC, who is gearing up “No Ordinary Family” which is set to star “The Shield’s” Michael Chiklis (left, also The Thing in the “Fantastic Four” movies) and former “Dexter” star Julie Benz (she was also in “Punisher War Zone” and “Rambo”).
How Star Trek Should Have Ended
I’m trying to remember how J.J. Abrams finished up the latest “Star Trek”, but I’m a might foggy this morning kids. Bah, doesn’t matter, it still couldn’t have been better than how the this hilarious animated vid plays out via the guys at How It Should Have Ended. For the sequel J.J., please, less lens flare. Thanks Slashfilm.
Hugh Jackmans Seed And Fox 2000 Option Incarceron
Word comes this morning via Variety that Seed Productions (co-owned by Hugh Jackman) and Fox 2000 have optioned the young adult book series Incarceron by Catherine Fisher. It sounds pretty good.
Here’s the skinny.
Gaming Goddess Morgan Webb on Stepping Out Magazine Cover
Stepping Out Magazine’s January 27, 2010 cover girl is web and gaming mistress Morgan Webb. If you’re reading this site you probably already know who Webb is, but for the uninitiated, she’s the co-host and senior segment producer of the G4′s “X-Play”, and she’s also the host of fellow G4 show “Underground”. She doesn’t get out nearly as much as her fellow G4 object of geek affection Olivia Munn, but there’s always time to change that.
Those Wacky Nazis and Their Giant Spider Robot Thingies
Via GammaSquad, here’s a look at a 5-minute short film from director Ryan Nagata, who made the film on a $2000 budget (I find that hard to believe, I mean, they have tanks and stuff!), and is intended as an example of what he could do in case a studio or producer decided to give him the money to make a feature-length film version. Honestly, I have no idea how he made this for $2000, it looks like it might have cost $10000 at least.
Wait, There Will be More Na’vi in Avatar 2 or Whatever it Ends Up Being Called?
While James Cameron was attending the Visual Effects Society Awards in Hollywood over the weekend, SciFiWire got in a few questions about — of course — “Avatar 2″. According to Cameron, the sequel won’t be called “Avatar”, since the hero Jake Sully is no longer an avatar at the end of the movie. Which makes sense. Then Cameron adds that the sequel would delve even more into the spiritual aspect of the Na’vi culture.
Breck Eisner Updates Flash Gordon
While doing the PR rounds to promote his remake of George Romero’s “The Crazies” (in theaters now, by the way) director Breck Eisner also updated fans about his upcoming “Flash Gordon” remake (via Movieline), which he says is still in the scripting stages, and Sony has not yet committed.
Tron: Legacy Trailer Screening Review
The boys at LatinoReview has a description of the full “Tron: Legacy” trailer that was recently screened to a select group of lucky individuals who participated in that whole Tron viral scavenger whatchamaccallit. Anyways, head over to LR to read the full account, but here’s the gist of the trailer:
Gaius Baltar Joins the FlashForward Conspiracy
After what seems like forever, ABC’s “FlashForward” is due back on the air to continue its blackout conspiracy March 18, 2010, and from there, the network will air 13 new episodes in a row. When the show does return, it’ll have added a new castmember — James Callis, who plays Gaius Baltar on “Battlestar Galactica”, will be doing a multi-episode arc on the show.
Robert Rodriquez Gives Us An Update On His Sci-Fi Projects
Robert Rodriquez is a hard guy to pin down. Lots of shiny little stories catch his eye. He seems just about to put a script to screen when something else will capture his attention and off he’ll go. Robert just finished or is finishing “Predators”, directed by Nimród Antal and is now leafing through his prospects to see what’s down the line for him.
Parallel Lines Features Two Great Looking Sci-Fi Shorts
Back a bit, Adam Berg directed “Carousel”, an amazing piece of film, freeze framing in a 2 minute and 19 second tracking shot a robbery gone horribly wrong. It was epic and was chosen as the Film Grand Prix Winner at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival.
