John Carter : A Princess of Mars

[green]

http://superherohype.com/news.php?id=3073

http://www.nowplayingmag.com/content/view/1605/2/
Screenwriter Ehren Kruger is a busy man these days. With The Brothers Grimm and The Skeleton Key both coming this summer, plus scripts for Blood and Chocolate and John Carter of Mars in progress, the Ring and Scream 3 scripter is clearly sticking to the sci-fi and horror pictures that he got his start with. Now Playing recently grabbed Kruger for a quick update on some of these projects.

“I’m in the writing process for John Carter of Mars, working with the director — [Sky Captain’s] Kerry Conran,” says Kruger of the Edgar Rice Burroughs adaptation. “He’s in, too, with his visual design team — the effects, and the sort of outlandish worlds that need to be created for that. He has to design all that. So we’re pretty [well] along with the script. It’s a faithful adaptation to the novels, but the novels were written in the teens and ’20s, so there’s some degree of modernization just to the tone of them. But in terms to the story, we are trying to be as faithful as we can because those novels inspired a lot of the science fiction and fantasy that came later in the century.”



Woo-hoo! I've been waiting twenty years for someone to attempt this movie.
Having Conran attached to direct is a perfect idea IMO.

[Hunter Rider]

interesting,i don't know anything about it,is it gonna be some sort of big action movie or is it more adventure ?

[green]

interesting,i don't know anything about it,is it gonna be some sort of big action movie or is it more adventure ?

Heres the cover to the original book:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/markofort/pom2.jpg

Here's a brief synopsis of the book:
Although Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) is justifiably famous as the creator of Tarzan of the Apes, that uprooted Englishman was not his only popular hero. Burroughs's first sale (in 1912) was A Princess of Mars, opening the floodgates to one of the must successful--and prolific--literary careers in history. This is a wonderful scientific romance that perhaps can be best described as early science fiction melded with an epic dose of romantic adventure. A Princess of Mars is the first adventure of John Carter, a Civil War veteran who unexpectedly find himself transplanted to the planet Mars. Yet this red planet is far more than a dusty, barren place; it's a fantasy world populated with giant green barbarians, beautiful maidens in distress, and weird flora and monstrous fauna the likes of which could only exist in the author's boundless imagination. Sheer escapism of the tallest order, the Martian novels are perfect entertainment for those who find Tarzan's fantastic adventures aren't, well, fantastic enough. Although this novel can stand alone, there are a total of 11 volumes in this classic series of otherworldly, swashbuckling adventure.

[Hunter Rider]

Thanks green:up: I like the sound of it,i wonder exactly how they will update it

[green]

Thanks green:up: I like the sound of it,i wonder exactly how they will update it

Well they run around naked in most of the book, so imagine they'll start there :p
Not too sure, they really dont mention that its called A Princess of Mars so they be blending aspects from mor than one book, all of which are pretty good, some better than others. Some of the martians may be a little difficult to put on screen by their descriptions in the book, but that didnt stop Jackson and WETA from doing an incredible job. After seeing and liking Sky Captain(though I know lots of people didnt) Im really excited about this, it has amazing potential. The casting of John Carter and Dejah Thoris(the princess) will be vital.

[Hunter Rider]

Any ideas on who you'd like to cast ? if they keep the naked idea i say Scarlett:D

[green]

Any ideas on who you'd like to cast ? if they keep the naked idea i say Scarlett:D

You'd cast Scarlett in everything :hyper: . Well the Princess(and her race of people are red skinned) they could change that, though I really think they shouldnt. She is suppose to be the most beautiful woman...blah,blah,blah, yeah I guess Scarlett would work ;) she'd need dark hair though. John carter himself is suppose to be early thirties if I recall, he's been at war and come back. I always thought Matthew Mcconaughey(sp?) would make a good John Carter, they may look ant someone younger for this though. Whoever they get has to be in great shape as John Carter is described. When he arrives on Mars the gravity of the planet affects him, he can jump long distances, he's stronger, etc....

[The Lizard]

I discovered E.R. Burroughs' Mars books when I was in middle school, and I loved them. I hope the film version is well-done.

[Hunter Rider]

You'd cast Scarlett in everything :hyper: . Well the Princess(and her race of people are red skinned) they could change that, though I really think they shouldnt. She is suppose to be the most beautiful woman...blah,blah,blah, yeah I guess Scarlett would work ;) she'd need dark hair though. John carter himself is suppose to be early thirties if I recall, he's been at war and come back. I always thought Matthew Mcconaughey(sp?) would make a good John Carter, they may look ant someone younger for this though. Whoever they get has to be in great shape as John Carter is described. When he arrives on Mars the gravity of the planet affects him, he can jump long distances, he's stronger, etc....

Mchounahgey isn't a bad actor and i liked him in Sahara so he could work from what youve described:up:

[The Lizard]

No Scarlett Johannsen! :mad:


Anyway, I can't wait to see what Tars Tarkas would look like. Hopefully much better than Goro from Mortal Kombat! :D

[green]

Mchounahgey isn't a bad actor and i liked him in Sahara so he could work from what youve described:up:

Techinically, he's too short, but I wont nit-pick over things like that. I didnt see Sahara...was it any good?

[Hunter Rider]

Techinically, he's too short, but I wont nit-pick over things like that. I didnt see Sahara...was it any good?
it was fun,kinda like Indy-lite

[green]

No Scarlett Johannsen! :mad:


Anyway, I can't wait to see what Tars Tarkas would look like. Hopefully much better than Goro from Mortal Kombat! :D

Why no Scarlett Lizard?
Tar Tarkas is one bad mofo....I cant wait to see what Woola is gonna look like.

[The Lizard]

Scarlett is short, not that very attractive in the face, and most importantly, overexposed.

Dejah Thoris is supposed to look like warrior royalty, not a snobby Ivy League sophomore.

[green]

Scarlett is short, not that very attractive in the face, and most importantly, overexposed.

Dejah Thoris is supposed to look like warrior royalty, not a snobby Ivy League sophomore.

Wow, ok, at least you are honest(brutally so) :) . To each his/her own.
Who would you cast as Dejah?

[Hunter Rider]

Scarlett is short, not that very attractive in the face, and most importantly, overexposed.

Dejah Thoris is supposed to look like warrior royalty, not a snobby Ivy League sophomore.

:mad: :mad: :mad:


















each to their own:p :up:

[The Lizard]

Wow, ok, at least you are honest(brutally so) :) . To each his/her own.
Who would you cast as Dejah?

Don't get me wrong-- I thought Scarlett was great in Girl With a Pearl Earring, but I really can't see her as Dejah.

I'm thinking someone more exotic like Penelope Cruz or Mia Maestro.

[green]

Don't get me wrong-- I thought Scarlett was great in Girl With a Pearl Earring, but I really can't see her as Dejah.

I'm thinking someone more exotic like Penelope Cruz or Mia Maestro.

Mia I could deal with but no Penelope (overbite) Cruz, who cant act unless it's in her own language. Personally I wish Giselle Bundchen could act....she would make one hell of Dejah (visually).

[The Lizard]

Personally I wish Giselle Bundchen could act....she would make one hell of Dejah (visually).

Yes...that's the tricky part. Dejah pretty much has to look like a supermodel - particularly since the Martian people aren't that fond of clothes in general. :D

Supermodels who can act are few and far between however.

[green]

Yes...that's the tricky part. Dejah pretty much has to look like a supermodel - particularly since the Martian people aren't that fond of clothes in general. :D

Giselle doesnt seem to be too fond of clothes either.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/markofort/Giselle_Bundchen03.jpg

Supermodels who can act are few and far between however.

Too true...sadly.

[Hunter Rider]

:eek: :eek: :D :D

[green]

A bit of in interview with Conran from awhile back.

http://www.comics2film.com/ProjectFrame.php?f_id=156
Soothsayer: There is a rumor that you will be directing the adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs "A Princess of Mars", the first novel in the John Carter of Mars series. Is that true?

Conran: That seems to be true.

Soothsayer: Are you a fan of those books as well?

Conran: Oh, sure. It had been many years since I had last read them and I have subsequently reread them. But I think in those books in particular you can see where George Lucas developed some of his ideas for "Star Wars" and where J.R.R. Tolkien came up with some of his ideas for "The Lord of the Rings" even. In a way the John Carter story is a combination of those two worlds. I also think that in that aspect it will be quite the opportunity and challenge to do something that audiences have quite seen before.

Soothsayer: I have been collecting some of the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs for going on 10 years now and I even have some Canadian first editions. I was so excited when John Carter was first optioned.

Conran: The film is going to be an enormous undertaking but we are excited and thrilled that we have been given the chance to finally bring it to life.

Soothsayer: Tars Tarkas, the four-armed man is going to be quite the challenge I imagine.

Conran: It is going to be quite tricky. But aside from it technically it is going to be hard to ring-out a performance especially since we want it to be a real and rich character.

Soothsayer: Did you ever see a rather bad '80s sci-fi movie called "Krull"?

Conran: Sure.

Soothsayer: Do you remember the Cyclops in "Krull"?

Conran: Vaguely. I really don't remember the movie very well other than the title.

Soothsayer: You might want to go back and look at that film again. In part, at least in my vision, the Cyclops in "Krull" is what I think that Tars Tarkas, the four-armed guy's personality would be like.

Conran: Really? Oh, wow. I will.

[Ratcrawler]

Really glad this site is covering news about this film :) John Carter is one of the characters who insPired Superman after all. He arrives on an alien planet with less gravity and atmosPhere which greatly boosts his strength and let's him jump around like the Hulk (Remember, when Superman first came out he didn't fly, he "leapt tall buildings in a single bound")

The adjective I like best to describe Dejah Thoris would have to be...Incomparable. Basically, you'd need to find a perfect female sPecimen and a trained actress. My first idea was Jessica Alba, but she'll be way to busy for these films. Preferably somebody in their early twenties, since she's also described as ever-youthful or something along those lines.

A few drawings I did of the characters...

http://www.picturedot.com/FetchImageJPG.asp?ImageType=P&ImageFormat=H&ImageID=139710
http://www.picturedot.com/ArtistDefault-Pictures.asp?ProdID=139710

http://www.picturedot.com/FetchImageJPG.asp?ImageType=P&ImageFormat=H&ImageID=145211
http://www.picturedot.com/ArtistDefault-Pictures.asp?ProdID=145211

[green]

Really glad this site is covering news about this film :) John Carter is one of the characters who insPired Superman after all. He arrives on an alien planet with less gravity and atmosPhere which greatly boosts his strength and let's him jump around like the Hulk (Remember, when Superman first came out he didn't fly, he "leapt tall buildings in a single bound")



Nice points Ratcrawler, I think people dont understand that Burroughs writings inspired alot of what we see in movies and characters nowadays.

[Ratcrawler]

As far as casting John Carter goes...Hugh Jackman seems like a likely choice and here's why: 6'2", black hair and between Wolverine and Van Helsing he really seems to enjoy playing ageless heroes who can't remember their pasts :p

Seriously though, do any of you guys think they'll alter that part in some way? It's one thing to have an ageless amnesiac but sending him to Mars without tying that into his past doesn't seem like a likely thing to happen. And the Martian people have thousand year life sPans (Martian years, mind you) so unless they lost that altogether they've got some creative rewriting to do. And what about Martian women laying eggs? The biggest question though is this; How are modern audiences supposed to accept a Mars that's populated with monsters, swashbucklers and scantily clad princesses? We know more about the surface of Mars than we do the ocean floor.

The way I see it, (with revisionist license) Mars can take place in the distance past or distant future. If the past, it can be around or just before life was beginning to develop on Earth. Maybe at the end John has some religious epiphany "If God created man in his own image then he did so on Mars too. That kind of lightening doesn't strike twice". or someming. Or it can take place in the future a la Planet of the Apes when Mars was long ago terraformed and populated. Everything mutated extra limbs after a while, but people learned how to stop these changes in themselves and that's why everything else on Mars has 6-8-10 limbs. The people who couldn't stop these changes from happening became a 14 ft green tall race of multilimbed warriors.

Anyone else got their 2 cents about this?

[green]

As far as casting John Carter goes...Hugh Jackman seems like a likely choice and here's why: 6'2", black hair and between Wolverine and Van Helsing he really seems to enjoy playing ageless heroes who can't remember their pasts :p

Seriously though, do any of you guys think they'll alter that part in some way? It's one thing to have an ageless amnesiac but sending him to Mars without tying that into his past doesn't seem like a likely thing to happen. And the Martian people have thousand year life sPans (Martian years, mind you) so unless they lost that altogether they've got some creative rewriting to do. And what about Martian women laying eggs? The biggest question though is this; How are modern audiences supposed to accept a Mars that's populated with monsters, swashbucklers and scantily clad princesses? We know more about the surface of Mars than we do the ocean floor.

The way I see it, (with revisionist license) Mars can take place in the distance past or distant future. If the past, it can be around or just before life was beginning to develop on Earth. Maybe at the end John has some religious epiphany "If God created man in his own image then he did so on Mars too. That kind of lightening doesn't strike twice". or someming. Or it can take place in the future a la Planet of the Apes when Mars was long ago terraformed and populated. Everything mutated extra limbs after a while, but people learned how to stop these changes in themselves and that's why everything else on Mars has 6-8-10 limbs. The people who couldn't stop these changes from happening became a 14 ft green tall race of multilimbed warriors.

Anyone else got their 2 cents about this?

Well at the time the books were written, and the time frame that is in the books, we didnt know anything about Mars back then. Hopefully they will place John Carter in the year 1866 around the end of the Civil War. I think sticking to this format and forgetting what we know now of the planet is important and shouldnt be updated. Make it pure SciFi/Fantasy, give it the aged look like they did on Sky Captain and concentrate on story and effects. Yes the martian women should lay eggs, and the green martains should as well(cause I want to see those incubators). I also think its important to bring up the fact that the green martains no longer love, Tars Tarkas and Solas relationship for example, and how John Carter changed that.

[Ratcrawler]

I wish I could agree about the time frame. Those days were a magical time where it was plausible to believe that Earth's celestial neighbor might have been a dying world of such sPectacle. But frankly, I'm worried that audiences won't really bite the idea of an immortal confederate soldier "dying" in a cave and teleporting to such a Mars. Now I think it would be a rather convoluted mix of Sci/fi and fantasy.

Again, I really don't think the (human) Martian women should lay eggs unless they're like, I dunno, weird human eggs. Like gelatinous placentas. Ech. After all, John and Dejah are supposed to have two kids and I always thought it was weird that a human male can mate with an egg-layer and have any kind of offsPring, much less healthy ones. But I guess that's me. Green Martians laying eggs, I've got no problem with. I wanna see those incubators too.

And I absolutely LOVE Tars Tarkas and Sola's backstory and the secrets they keep. He's the mightiest most savage warrior the red planet has ever seen, but in his heart he knows he has broken one of the great laws that his people abide by; he has loved. And the woman he loved was destroyed for it. That's why he's so driven. So that he can rise to ultimate power among his people and overturn such absurdity. And dear Sola. She knows herself to be his daughter but for the sake of both their lives, cannot reveal it.

[Hunter Rider]

http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=11467

Favreau to Helm John Carter of Mars

Source: Variety (http://www.variety.com/)
October 6, 2005




http://comingsoon.net/nextraimages/favreaumars.jpg
Paramount has hired Elf and Zathura (http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=5311) helmer Jon Favreau to direct John Carter of Mars, the epic adaptation (http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=11467#) of the Edgar Rice Burroughs sci-fi series.

Variety says the film (http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=11467#) begins with a Civil War veteran whose retreat into a cave to avoid capture by Apache Indians takes an otherworldly turn as he's transported via time portal to the planet of Barsoom and taken prisoner by 12-foot-tall green men.

Burroughs wrote 11 volumes of Carter's adventures and the studio is hoping the film will launch a franchise. Ehren Kruger rewrote a script by Mark Protosevich, and Ain't It Cool News creator Harry Knowles is co-producing.

Robert Rodriguez (Sin City) and Kerry Conran (Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=11467#)) were each attached to direct at one point.

[BT18]

KICK ASS!

I love Favreau. Well, I shouldn't say love. I'm just really into him and his show and interested in what he does.

Obviously he's never done anything this big. But I honestly think he's up to the challenge.

He is fantastic at getting actors to work to their best potential. He knows how to pace things well. And best of all he seems to get along pretty well with everyone in show biz so he can probably get himself a great cast.

[green]

Damb, I really wanted Conran to do this in the same style as Sky Captain. I'll hold out hope cause I love the books and have been waiting forever for them to make a movie, I just dont know how this going to work in live action.

[The Lizard]

Variety says the film begins with a Civil War veteran whose retreat into a cave to avoid capture by Apache Indians takes an otherworldly turn as he's transported via time portal to the planet of Barsoom and taken prisoner by 12-foot-tall green men.

Ah...a "time portal", eh? Well that explains how the writers can get around the tricky suspension of disbelief issues that would be present if the story was just like Burroughs's. I suppose the idea is to suggest that Carter time travels back thousands (or millions) of years to when Mars was a living planet.

[green]

Here's a little more...

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=21482
UPDATED!! JOHN CARTER OF MARS has a new director and he's so money...
Ahoy, squirts! Quint here with an update on that little sci-fi fantasy project at Paramount called JOHN CARTER OF MARS. It's official. There's a new director. I unabashedly love SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW, warts and all, and am saddened by Kerry Conran leaving JOHN CARTER, but I'm also a fan of the new director the studio has brought on board. Paramount has nabbed JON FAVREAU, fresh off of ZATHURA and still riding high on the huge success of ELF. Man, all this talent swapping... you'd think the producers would make up their minds. Sheesh...
This'll be a big project for Favreau, but I really dig the choice. I like that Favreau switches up his films. MADE and ELF are radically different. ZATHURA is a sci-fi flick, but it's one aimed at families. JOHN CARTER OF MARS will not only break Favreau from the trend of directing films with one-word titles, but will also be his shot at making an all audience tentpole movie. If he sticks close to Edgar Rice Burroughs' brilliant novel, he has a chance at making a true classic. I dig this choice. I'm interviewing Favreau in about 36 hours, so I'll make sure to grill him on JOHN CARTER... plus I gotta warn him about those nasty, money grubbing redheaded producer types... What do you folks think of this development?


*********************************
Hey, gang. "Moriarty" here with a few questions and answers. Seems that the executive producer of this film, one "Harold J. Knowles," happened to be online tonight when this announcement went live. I decided to grill him a bit. The first question, and the most obvious, is what the heck happened to Kerry Conran?!

"I love Kerry, we all did. Ultimately though, Kerry found a couple of pulp properties that he was even more passionate about. Whenever he's ready to announce, I think everyone everywhere will be happy. You see... We're still going to deliver a Great JOHN CARTER movie, but Kerry will deliver another great science fiction pulp character film too. We film lovers will have twice as much to be excited about!"

Hmmmmm... I see. So how do you feel about Jon Favreau coming onboard as the new director?

"Jon Favreau is just an incredibly exciting choice. For one, I've known and had a great relationship with Favs, hell he even took part in the doomed AICN TV Pilot for Comedy Central. Plus - Jon has an absolute passion for not just the material - but all the great toys that must be employed in making this epic a reality."

Oh, yeah, that's right. He was in our pilot, wasn't he? Y'know, Paramount's gone through a lot of changes since you first got involved in this project. Is this hiring of Favreau a sign of confidence in the project?

"Actually - ya know, it hasn't mattered which execs we've had... there's always been a great deal of excitement at the studio side regarding this project. Signing Jon on has been further proof of just how much they value the John Carter property."

Okay, then. One last question. Ehren Kruger's script was reportedly turned in, and I've heard it wasn't universally loved by any means. What's the plan now that you've got Favs onboard?

"Jon's first order of business is to bring on a screenwriter to bring the script back closer to Burroughs. He loves that novel. At this stage Jon is securing the effects and design team that we've had through Kerry's tenure on the project and just continue to chip away at the awesome mountain of pre-production that will make this film amongst the finest science fiction-fantasy films of all time."

If you do say so yourself. Sounds good. Thanks, Mr. Knowles. Maybe someday we'll have a chance to chat some more. For now...
"Moriarty" out.

[terry78]

http://frazetta.ragnarok.no/images/QMan_FF_Legacy_602_John_Carter_and_the_Savage_Apes _of_Mars.jpg
http://www.insomniacmania.com/news/news_1075_1.jpg
http://www.comicsfun.com/gallery/covers/JohnCarter2.gif
http://www.tarzan.com/comics/jcmv11.jpg

Cannot wait.

[Ratcrawler]

Ah...a "time portal", eh? Well that explains how the writers can get around the tricky suspension of disbelief issues that would be present if the story was just like Burroughs's. I suppose the idea is to suggest that Carter time travels back thousands (or millions) of years to when Mars was a living planet.

OR... it's the future! Well, probably not but it's something to consider. :p

http://www.electro-comicsonline.com/art_store/jpegs/frazeta2.jpg

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/m_dokamoto/JPGS/PrincessMars.jpg

http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/image/jcom6.jpg

[green]

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=21509

Theres quite along interview with Favreau about the production...

[terry78]

I see he's being honest about the f/x. That just having guys in a suit won't work, and neither will all CG. A mixture of the both is neccessary, and I agree with him to the fullest.

[green]

QUINT: So, then I take it that John Carter will still be a Civil War soldier?
JON FAVREAU: Yeah, and I've already mentioned this to them. I looked at that aspect of it. I think it is a story that would apply very well to today's soldiers, but I think it could do so more symbolically. If you really did change him to someone coming back from the Middle East it doesn't tell the complete story. First of all, he couldn't be a horseman and he couldn't be a swordsman.
QUINT: Him being a swordsman is such a huge part of the books is so essential for the image of John Carter.
JON FAVREAU: Well, it adds to the plausibility of the character. You're already cheating on the gravity, making him do super, you know, STARSHIP TROOPER leaps. It's already gonna be stylized. You're already taking a lot of artist license with the nature of life on Mars. You're already asking people to make a tremendous leap with the way he gets transported there, without asking a million questions. I don't want to undermine the plausibility anymore.
And I also think that being an officer in an army that no longer exists really speaks to his character and what makes him who he is. I think to sacrifice that you would lose aspects of the character that you don't even notice in a development meeting, but ultimately when you see the movie and write the script it would undermine the film.
My way around it is, "Don't spend too much time in the back story! Get to Mars pretty fast!" The manuscripts begin with him in the desert with his buddy, they're attacked by Indians and he's on Mars. I want to get to Mars!
In PLANET OF THE APES, the more that was explained in the later films really undermined the plausibility for me. When he (Chuck Heston) just showed up and got out of the capsule I didn't ask any questions. For some reason it all made sense. And the payoff with the Statue of Liberty really worked. It's not like I didn't understand enough. I understood just based on the little bit of exposition that snuck through. Same thing with ALIEN. I understood everything I needed to understand from that. And STAR WARS as well. I don't think more exposition is necessarily better. If that were the case, people would love Episodes 1, 2 and 3 more than 4, 5 and 6, but I don't think that's the case. I think people get their left brain fed and their right brain isn't entertained enough.
I think you have to stay true to the myth, be conscious of the emotional truth to the characters and the romance and all the rest of the stuff will fall into place behind it.




I love what he has to say here.

[terry78]

If he keeps this up, he really is going to become this generation's Spielberg.

[The Lizard]

So Harry Knowles is the actual producer on this film? I guess when you've made the contacts he has, you get some kind of reward eventually.

And I too, agree with Favreau's take on the storyline. Sounds like he's going to give us something really good.

[Timstuff]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/markofort/Giselle_Bundchen03.jpg

Dang, if there was only one time for me to be jealous of a horse... :eek:

Anyway, yeah, 95% of models can't act, and Giselle is not an exception from what we've seen so far. They're probably gonna tone down the skin-content for the movie simply because it's easier to stay PG-13 that way. Just look at Aeon Flux.

[BT18]

I gotta see "Made"

[Armand Z Trip]

I think Monica Belucci should be the princess.

[BT18]

Dang, if there was only one time for me to be jealous of a horse... :eek:

Anyway, yeah, 95% of models can't act, and Giselle is not an exception from what we've seen so far. They're probably gonna tone down the skin-content for the movie simply because it's easier to stay PG-13 that way. Just look at Aeon Flux.

Not that I suport Gisele for any role including this one in John Carter', but that's a really baseless statement. It's rare you don't find a modeling background in any beautiful actress who meets the height requirements.

[green]

Dang, if there was only one time for me to be jealous of a horse... :eek:

Anyway, yeah, 95% of models can't act, and Giselle is not an exception from what we've seen so far. They're probably gonna tone down the skin-content for the movie simply because it's easier to stay PG-13 that way. Just look at Aeon Flux.


LOL!
There is that 5% ;)
Maybe spending all that time with Leo she learned (I highly doubt it but I wish it).
Casting Dejah is gonna be tough.
Im still liking the idea of Mcconaughey as Carter.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v662/markofort/Dirk_Pitt1_LG.jpg

[BT18]

I think Monica Belucci should be the princess.

she hit the wall. Cherish all the beauty of her that has been already captured on screen when she still was in her prime.

[BT18]

Mcconaughey already has that "Sahara" franchise to continue being mediocre and bland in.

[green]

Mcconaughey already has that "Sahara" franchise to continue being mediocre and bland in.


And who are you thinking for the roles?

[BT18]

And who are you thinking for the roles?

Even though I'm not even close to being a fan of his and think he gets suggested for a ridiculous ammount of Geek roles, I gotta say this is the role for Jim Cavezial considering the type/level of fame he's got, his acting range, and his looks/height/and age being perfect, in addition to the mostly inimportant quirk of it being another role in which he shares the initials of the title character.

He's who strikes me as being the most prudent of the actors I've thought through. But I'm by no means gonna be one of the "CAVEZIAL IS CARTER DAMMITT" douchebags.

[terry78]

People are saying they want it rated R, but you know something like this is just begging for video game, t-shirts, board games, action figure, and kids storybook tie-ins.

[Son_of_Kalibak]

From the latest on AICN it sounds like it's in good hands. I just hope the novels are re-printed in the near future so I can enjoy them all again. It's been over 16 years since I've read any of them.

[terry78]

If I thought he could pull off the southern accent and mannerisms, I'd let Goran Visinjic take a crack at it.

http://www.krstarica.com/slike/magazin/film_muzika/goran%20visnjic.jpg

[Octoberist]

I hope that the mainstream audience will "Get" this movie. I do.

I admire the pulp vibe that it has, with it's 'Fantasy' version of Mars. But you're going to get those ignorant fools citing that "Mars doesn't have jungles". Well, thank you genius.

I do think that the big selling point of this movie is the half naked people running around casually. I've never read any of the novels, but I've seen those paintings. Kinky stuff!

[BT18]

If I thought he could pull off the southern accent and mannerisms, I'd let Goran Visinjic take a crack at it.

http://www.krstarica.com/slike/magazin/film_muzika/goran%20visnjic.jpg

I think chances are pretty small for him doing that. Maybe if I saw him do one role where he just spoke a line in somewhat passable American English in any other form of media. But I haven't.

[Ratcrawler]

Kieth David for Tars Tarkas... Ya know, I've always imagined his voice when reading Tarzan but never with Tars. Tars Tarkas I always imagined sounding like...Zorak or somebody. I hope Dejah and the red people will have some actual reddish/copper skin tones, though. My favorite artist from the Mars series is Joe Jusko.

http://www.insomniacmania.com/news/news_1075_1.jpg

[Goddamn Batman]

http://download.pixologic.com/movies/zack-petroc-aia-2006.mov

[Wilhelm-Scream]

big-muscled men, four armed green monsters, scantily clad, red-skinned women

do it or stfu.

[Lighthouse]

Maybe someone can help me with this. When I was reading about the Halo movie getting dumped on IESB, there was this little quote against AICN.

http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_d4j_ezine&task=read&page=1&category=2&article=601&Itemid=29

"I really get a kick from this, especially the reaction of some online sites that believe that the studios are ****ing this up by not funding this movie. To paraphrase, AICN would prefer to see this movie die now than become a pile of **** after too much compromise. Then they go and say that Paramount/Dreamworks should move forward and pick up their next franchise. Didn’t Peter have complete control of King Kong and it still turned out ****ty?

The reason I get a kick from this is because AICN recently called us “Professional Studio Flunkies” but yet they are the ones who have the reputation of being complete sell outs and most studios and other movie sites agree that they have no real credibility.

From Earl Dittman like movie quotes, to the owner of site stabbing filmmakers in the back, which was the case early on with Princess of Mars/John Carter of Mars. I will not get into details but you can do some research and find out what really happened."


Does anyone know what he's talking about? I tried to look some stuff up but couldn't find anything.

[Killgore]

Is this movie even happening?

[green]

I doubt it.:cmad:

http://www.johncartermovie.com/movienews.shtml

I dont think Paramount is going to renew their option, maybe if another studio picks it up.

[Dr. Fate]

Do you know what famous actor of the old school has the real name of John Carter?

[Substance D]

it needs to be someone exotic. johansson looks like a valley girl. get someone along the lines of jolie.

[Goddamn Batman]

Do you know what famous actor of the old school has the real name of John Carter?

Charlton Heston.

[Dr. Fate]

Charlton Heston.
You are correct GDB sir.

[Max J Power]

Wasn't Jon Favreau going to direct this at some point?

[Goddamn Batman]

Yes.

[Dr. Fate]

Seems like just about everyone was at one point slated to do John Carter: A Princess of Mars.

[Max J Power]

Seems like just about everyone was at one point slated to do John Carter: A Princess of Mars.It was going to be Robert Rodriguez until he left the director's guild.

[green]

:hyper:
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=18452
Disney to Take on John Carter of Mars?
Source: TMZ.com
January 16, 2007


TMZ.com reports that Walt Disney Pictures is in talks with the estate of Edgar Rice Burroughs to buy the film rights for the 11 volume "John Carter of Mars" series of books.

Two years ago, Paramount Pictures hired Jon Favreau to direct an adaptation. After that, the estate briefly negotiated with Fox and Walden Media to make the movie there, but that deal fell through as well, adds the site.

All of the previous crew members, including Favreau, are no longer on board.

[terry78]

^Hmmm, I sense a POTC vibe coming from this one. Though any chances of extreme scantily clad females will be close to none if it is under the Disney label.

[Wilhelm-Scream]

Yes. They'd prefer breastless women dressed as men through half of it. :o

[tecnowraith]

Well guys and gals, it looks like it will be Pixar that will be doing the buying and it become animated instead. Source: http://www.mania.com/53345.html

Disney and Pixar are in final negotiations to acquire the film rights to the Edgar Rice Burroughs novel series John Carter of Mars.

The series tells of a Civil War officer named John Carter who is transported to Mars and finds himself a captive of the savage green men from Thark. Carter eventually rises to become a great warrior, marries a princess, raises a family and embarks on numerous adventures.

The series is the epitome of Development Hell, having been at Disney in development for most of the 1990's before heading to Paramount Pictures in 2002. Multiple directors have been attached to either an animated or live action version of the series, including: Robert Rodriguez, Kerry Conrad, Jon Favreau, Jeffrey Katzenberg and John McTiernan.

Paramount relinquished the rights about a year ago, and the series had been untouched until a month ago, when Pixar came calling.

A representative of the Burroughs estate said the studio was acquiring the live-action rights for a possible tent pole franchise. However, sources at Disney believed Mars to be headed for animated adaptation.

[Apocalypso]

Well guys and gals, it looks like it will be Pixar that will be doing the buying and it become animated instead. Source: http://www.mania.com/53345.html

Not surprising...a live-action movie that's not a remake of a '70s TV show or an '80s genre film? Won't happen in Hollywood these days.

[green]

Animated?
Hmmm dont know how I feel about that. On the one hand I've been waiting twenty years for a live action film and with the technology today this movie could be amazing. On the other an animated Pixar film could be just as great.
Ugggh, here comes the Tar Tarkas plushy.

[Cinemaman]

I have bad feeling :(

[green]

A little more...

http://www.chud.com/index.php?type=news&id=8539

JOHN CARTER OF... DISNEY?
01.16.07
By Devin Faraci
Contributing sources: TMZ, Don Murphy
UPDATE! Did the Burroughs estate decide? Variety just ran a story saying Disney is optioning the John Carter books... but they add no new information beyond what TMZ reported last week. It's odd to see no quotes from anyone. Could the trade be stealing stories from the web again?

Some projects never go away. For a while John Carter of Mars, the other famous series of books from Tarzan creator Edgar Rice Burroughs, was in development with Jon Favreau as the director and Aint It Cool News’ Harry Knowles as one of the producers. That fell apart, though, and Favreau moved on to Iron Man.

Now gossip site TMZ is reporting that the Burroughs estate is about to sell the film rights to the 11-volume series, beginning with A Princess of Mars, to Disney. But is that really the case? Knowing that legendary producer Don Murphy has been involved in the efforts to get this movie to the screen over the last few years, I gave him a call to see what’s what.

I caught Don on location in Vancouver, where he’s on the set of While She Was Out, a Kim Basinger-starring indie thriller he described as “hardcore.” Don happily gave me the inside poop on just where a potential A Princess of Mars movie is at the moment.

The Burroughs estate hasn’t finalized a Disney deal, Murphy says, and he doesn’t see why they necessarily would. Don’s working with Walden Media, the folks behind The Chronicles of Narnia movies, and he says that part of their offer is a guarantee to have a film in production in 18 months. Disney, meanwhile, is making no such offer, and is in fact interested in sitting on the film for Andrew Stanton, the director of Finding Nemo. Apparently Stanton wants to do a live action movie, and John Carter is what he fancies… but he’s lined up to do Pixar’s post-post-Ratatouille film, meaning he wouldn’t get started on John Carter, at the earliest, until next decade.

Whoever ends up with John Carter’s rights, we’re going to see a PG/PG-13 version. Don told me that when Fox was interested, they wanted to do a Conan the Barbarian-style R-rated movie, but Walden’s whole mission is about family-friendly fare. Disney, meanwhile, is refocusing on only making blockbusters, and you have a better chance of making John Carter of Mars a blockbuster if you keep it PG or PG-13.

Will we ever see A Princess of Mars on the big screen? My gut tells me that if Disney gets it, and holds it for Stanton, we might not. Who knows whether Stanton will still be interested three or more years from now? This film has languished in development hell for years, and may yet linger there longer.

[Johnichi Chiba]

I would really be interested in seeing an animated movie closer to the style of the books.

[rogue trooper]

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l296/shazam-kree/mars.jpg


My choices:

John Carter: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale or Eric Bana
Deja Thoris: Paz Vega, Diane Kruger or Natalie Portman

[green]

http://www.filmick.co.uk/2007/02/is-john-carter-of-mars-to-be-disney-and.html

Is John Carter Of Mars To Be A Disney And Zemeckis Motion Capture Project?
I've recieved three e-mails in the last half an hour all suggesting the same thing, but I have to ask you: could John Carter of Mars really be Robert Zemeckis' next film, after Beowulf? Gossip in motion capture circles, such as they are, seems to be suggesting so.

As reported earlier, Zemeckis and Disney are teaming to open a state of the art Motion Capture facility. As reported even earlier, the rights to make a movie of John Carter of Mars are heading to Disney. It seems to add up, so I'm off to investigate... Zemeckis or Pixar, both prospects sound pretty remarkable to me.

[terry78]

Dejah Thoris = Salma Hayek. That's all there is to it.

[Ratcrawler]

Dude, Salma Hayek's 40. A ridiculously hot 40 but still.

I'm sPlit on the whole Pixar thing. I want a PG-13 film with fierce battles and a scantily clad princess. The closest costume I've seen to Dejah's in a mainstream cartoon was Kida's in Atlantis. Sorry if I sound a little testosterone driven there.

I think if anyone can pull off bringing pg13 toons into mainstream, it'd be Pixar who's got a pretty sPotless record people trust. My biggest peeve is that this'd take at least 4 year to make. v_v

http://www.erblist.com/erbmania/images/spitter-tarkas-s.jpghttp://www.erblist.com/abg/spitter-sola-s.jpg

[green]

This is from Quints visit to Favreau's production offices for Iron Man, he talks about what he was going to do with John Carter and Quint got to see some art.

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/31525
I mentioned previously that I saw some more artwork from both Saunders and Meinerding. Favreau called them in and had them bring along a portfolio of their work for JOHN CATER OF MARS.

The pain of losing the project was obviously still fresh for Favreau, but he seemed happy John Lassetter and Pixar/Disney had it. He didn't know what they were going to do with it, but speculated on a great animated version being made. He said he would have had to MoCap a good deal of the movie if he had made it and noted that animation seems to be going in that direction with BEOWULF and films like MONSTER HOUSE.

The artwork, in short, was breathtaking. Edgar Rice Burroughs' world was realized beautifully. I saw everything from Carter on horseback escaping the Indians to Tars Tarkas towering over Carter, easily double his size. They realized the Tharks as more human that I imagined, but without a nose. The tusks protruded from the joints in the jaw, not the mouths, which I thought was an interesting way of approaching it. The eyes, brow and mouth were human. The expressive parts of the face. Favreau wanted the performance to show through the computer effects, find that soul in the pixels that the best CG work can do.

Most of the art was from Meinerding, who did the black and white pieces for IRON MAN. His work was black and white here, too. I freaked out a little when he said he works 100% in computer because the art looked painterly... kind of an Alex Ross mixed with Frank Frazetta. Meinerding's John Carter looked great. Very stoic, young... heroic.

I asked who Favreau was going after for John Carter before the plug was pulled. He looked a little hesitant to say, but then spilled that he wanted Eric Bana, which I think would have been a fantastic choice.

Saunders art was in full color and was more landscape than character or action driven, but his concept of Mars and the cities on Mars was amazing. He envisioned an obsidian-like landscape, but instead of black glass rock it was variations on red glass. Sharp and curving natural glass structures were semi-transparent at different light points. The majority of the swords and daggers were made of this beautiful red glass, with metal being extremely precious on the planet, so only a few metal swords exist.

There was a city (Helium) built completely out of this material, giant glass buildings stretching out to the heavens, refracting light in different shades and hues.

It would have been absolutely beautiful and it's a shame we won't see that movie.

As of my visit, Favreau was trying to find out the legality of making the art public. I hope he can work it out. If the film can't be made, at least the vision of the film should be seen by us geeks.

[Mr. Socko]

Never even heard of Princess of Mars.

Was the book good?

[green]

Never even heard of Princess of Mars.

Was the book good?

yeah definately if you are into science fiction/fantasy.
I believe there are 11 books total. The first three were reissued in a collection called Under the Moons of Mars a couple of years ago.
Here's some more info if you're interested.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Princess_of_Mars

[Mr. Socko]

Thanks, I'll give 'em a look.

[green]

http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2537&Itemid=99

Exclusive POTC 3 Coverage: Pixar Heads Lasseter and Catmull on John Carter of Mars!
Written by Robert Sanchez
Monday, 21 May 2007
So if you happen to be a sci-fi geek and have the two top people from Pixar coming up to you for a couple quick questions during the premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, what would you ask them? All about John Carter of Mars of course!

Let me say that from the get go I knew it was going to be difficult to get Ed Catmull and John Lasseter to talk about John Carter of Mars, but we still had to try.

Ed gave up a little saying that John Carter will be different when compared to other kid friendly Pixar/Disney Animated films because it will be based on the book. Hmm, so does that mean we will get something with a little more punch than your standard animated Pixar film?

John Lasseter was a little less forthcoming, we tried twice to get him to say something about the property but all he would say is that it’s moving forward and that he can’t say much more than that. Hey, we had to try.

Click on the links below to watch our video interview

John Lasseter(doesnt say much at all)
http://iesb.net/index.php?option=com_xevidmegafx&Itemid=139&func=detail&id=669

Ed Catmull
http://iesb.net/index.php?option=com_xevidmegafx&Itemid=139&func=detail&id=668

Something that I have been waiting to clear up for a few months is the rumor that started around the same time that April Fools/John Carter joke hit the web. Since then certain sites have continued to report that Brad Bird would be directing John Carter of Mars.

When the IESB visited Pixar a few months back, we confirmed with Bird that his next movie would indeed be live action but it would not be John Carter, it’s 1906, based on the novel written by James Dalessandro about the San Francisco quake. He told us he was currently in negotiations.

We were asked not to report on the news at that time and to hold the story for a little while. We did, but since we are going on a three months, we figure it’s safe to report now.

[green]

http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2753&Itemid=99

John Carter of Mars Live Action or Animated?
Written by Stephanie Sanchez
Friday, 22 June 2007
Today, during the press junket for Pixar’s latest, Ratatouille, IESB’s Robert Sanchez started inquiring to anyone who would listen about a big project that the studio has coming up, John Carter of Mars.



Big question on fans' minds? Will it be live action or animated?
With Pixar behind it one has to wonder. Well boy and girls we’ve got your answer.

IESB was told that John Carter of Mars would be both. Pixar will use both live action and animation working together to bring the story to life.

Meanwhile, one more tidbit of news, Brad Bird reconfirmed that he is definitely working on 1906 next. Anybody that was still hopeful, as we posted previously, he will not be directing John Carter of Mars.

[Cinemaman]

^^^

I have feeling Wall-E is going to use some kind of pre-animation of A Princess of Mars.

BTW, who's going to direct this movie?

[green]

The director is still unknown Cine.

[Cinemaman]

Damn it, I hope it's someone, who wouldn't just make another CGI flick full of action. I want to see something deeper (talking about philosophy of this film) :(

[green]

I was hoping Bird was gonna direct but it doesnt sound like that's gonna happen.

[Cinemaman]

^^^

He is a great filmmaker, but as I know he is too busy with his shedule :(

[Galactus]

Pixar Confirms "Mars" Trilogy
By Garth Franklin
Monday October 8th 2007 7:32am
The Pixar team has confirmed to EBZine that they recently made a trip to Edgar Rice Burroughs archives, doing research for a trilogy of John Carter of Mars films.

Directors Andrew Stanton, Mark Andrews and Pixar executive Jim Morris all attended and confirmed the first John Carter film, which will be part live-action, would hit theaters before 2012.

The movie will follow Civil War vet John Carter, who is transplanted to Mars, where he discovers a lush, wildly diverse planet whose main inhabitants are 12-foot tall green barbarians.

Finding himself a prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium, who is in desperate need of a savior.

At present the studio has "Wall-E" in 2008, "Up" in 2009, "Toy Story 3" in 2010, and "1906" or the first 'Carter' film for 2011

[블라스]

Oh man.... :up:

[Ratcrawler]

2011? :( I can't wait that long. And the world's ending in 2012 so we'll never get the sequels. v_v Well, the first will probably rock as a standalone film anway.

Frankly, I'm just stoked this thing is entering production!

[terry78]

2011? :( I can't wait that long. And the world's ending in 2012 so we'll never get the sequels. v_v Well, the first will probably rock as a standalone film anway.

Frankly, I'm just stoked this thing is entering production!

It was supposed to end in 2000. They're late.

[Dr. Fate]

Funny trivia: Charlton Heston's real name is John Carter. They say he couldn't use his real name because of the book "A Princess of Mars" as well as reports that studios were thinking of making a film based on the book at the time.

[DocHoliday]

Yes, the long awaited ER/science fiction spin-off starring Noah Wylie! In all seriousness Pixar has a killer slate. This and that 1906 Earthquake film. Plus WALL-E looks excellent.

[Ratcrawler]

Oh yeah, that John Carter! LOL Or possibly they'll tie in Eureka's "Everyman" sheriff played by Craig Ferguson for the role.

[green]

http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2008/03/17/as-disney-gets-nervous-about-narnia-pixar-now-sets-its-sights-on-mars.aspx
Last week, the trades were full of stories about how Brad Bird was getting ready to make his live action debut. How the director of "The Incredibles" and "Ratatouille" would soon be helming the big screen adaptation of James Dalessandro's "1906."

Now some animation fans had initially assumed that this disaster pic (Which will recreate the Great San Francisco Earthquake) would be Pixar's initial foray into live action. Well, not quite. "1906" will actually be a co-production, with Warners and Disney / Pixar splitting this sure-to-be-expensive movie's production costs.

Mind you, Pixar Animation Studios is getting ready to put its first really-for-real live action project into production. Don't believe me? Okay. Then check out the batch of domain names that the Walt Disney Company registered this past Friday:

JOHNCARTERANDTHEGODSOFMARS.COM
JOHNCARTERANDTHEWARLORDOFMARS.COM
GODSOFMARS-MOVIE.COM
GODSOFMARSMOVIE.COM
THEGODSOFMARS-MOVIE.COM
THEGODSOFMARSMOVIE.COM
THEWARLORDOFMARS-MOVIE.COM
THEWARLORDOFMARSMOVIE.COM
WARLORDOFMARS-MOVIE.COM
These titles -- coupled with the ...

JOHNCARTEROFMARS-MOVIE.COM
JOHNCARTEROFMARS-THEMOVIE.COM
JOHNCARTEROFMARSTHEMOVIE.COM
... domain names that the Mouse snagged back on August 18, 2007 as well as that

CHILDRENOFMARS.COM

... name that Mickey registered back in November suggest that what Andrew Stanton supposedly told the staff at Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. back in October of last year is true. That Disney / Pixar definitely is gearing up to do a trilogy of films based on the "John Carter of Mars" books.

According to what Mouse House insiders recently told me, Mark Andrews has allegedly already completed a first pass on a screenplay for the first film in the proposed "Mars" series. And given that both Pixar and Disney execs have reportedly responded very enthusiastically to Andrews' script ... Well, both companies are now anxious to put this project in the development pipeline ASAP.

"So what sort of timetable are we talking about here?," you ask. Well, really serious work on the first "Mars" movie can't get underway 'til this Fall. Which is when Stanton will finally be through with all of his "WALL * E" -related promotional obligations (i.e. First Andrew has to spend several weeks this spring helping to promote the domestic & international release of Pixar's latest. Then -- after a short break -- Stanton has to jump right back in and begin promoting the DVD version of "WALL * E").

But all of this actual selling-of-"WALL-*-E" work is completed ... Andrew is then expected to sit down with Mark & Jim Morris (i.e. A Lucasfilm Digital vet who made the jump to Pixar back in 2005. He's reportedly been tapped to be the producer on the "Mars" project) and map out a battle plan for "John Carter of Mars." Which is now tentatively slated to be release in 2012 ... or possibly earlier.
"Why earlier?," you ask. Well ... From what I've heard, studio suits seem to be cooling to the idea of producing movie versions of all seven of C.S. Lewis's "Narnia" books. And unless "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" does truly huge box office once it's released to theaters in May of this year ... Disney & Walden Media (i.e. Mickey's partner on the "Narnia" film series) will probably still go forward with production of the already-in-development "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader." But after that ... The Mouse would then mostly likely pull the plug on the rest of the proposed "Narnia" film series.

And were that to happen ... That would then leave Walt Disney Pictures with a very big hole in its release schedule for 2011 and beyond. And given "Narnia" was initially supposed to have been this on-going franchise, with the Mouse once envisioning releasing a brand-new chapter in the "Chronicles" to theaters every May from 2008 through 2013 ... Well, Mickey would love to be able to fill that hole with another film franchise.

Which explains some of the urgency that now surrounds the "John Carter" films. Should "Prince Caspian" stumble once it hits theaters this Spring, Disney may be looking for Pixar to begin its mission to "Mars" pretty damned quick.

So what do you folks think? Are you ready for Pixar to move into live action? Or are you more troubled by the idea that Disney seems to losing its nerve just two books into the "Chronicles of Narnia" film series?

[terry78]

I would like to see what Pixar can do with live action. Will they be on par with ILM, Weta, etc.

[Ratcrawler]

I'm curious about the alledged title JOHNCARTERANDTHEWARLORDOFMARS.COM

I thought JC was the warlord of Mars...

Oh well, news is news so Hooray!

[Dr. Fate]

Bump

[Galactus]

http://pixarblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/exclusive-andrew-stanton-confirms-john.html

[Ratcrawler]

Andrew Stanton Interview...

Capone: Are you planning to make this JOHN CARTER OF MARS your next film?

AS: That's the movie I'm doing!

Capone: That's what I thought, but that film has changed hands so much...

AS: I know, and I'm hoping I'm not on that list. We want to make these shirts that say, "Break the curse." I have been a fan of those books since I was 10, and I've watched vicariously from the sidelines as it has gone from studio to studio since I was in college in the '80s. And just as fan, wanting to see it be made, and praying to God it would be done right. I thought it was truly going to get done by Jon Favreau, and the minute it fell apart, I couldn't believe it. And the timing was just right with my schedule, and I said, "I don't know, this is crazy but I'm going to see if we can get it." And here we are. Believe me, if it doesn't fall apart for other reasons, I'm going to do it right, because I have been a huge fan of those books.

Capone: When does that really get going for you?

AS: Mark Andrews and I are writing it together; he was the head of story on RATATOUILLE and THE INCREDIBLES. I like to say I'm a little big country, he's a little bit rock and roll. We make a great combo together, and we're just spending this year writing. We've learned from the Pixar methodology: don't get distracted about how and all these things everybody else wants to ask; just make a great story and everything else wants to fall into place. So all the other specifics we aren't even going to decide upon until next year, once we have a script that we think is worth making.

Capone: Does that include whether the film is animated or live action?

AS: That's what we don't want to decide until next year. And believe me, we're not going say, "Oh, it's a Pixar film, so it's got to be G-rated." We're going to do what's right for the movie and then we'll find the right way to distribute it.

[Dr. Fate]

I wonder who they have in mind for John Carter...

[green]

http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=60551
12:00 AM, 26-SEPTEMBER-08




New Look For Carter Of Mars?

Andrew Stanton, who is writing and directing John Carter of Mars, based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' books, told SCI FI Wire that he and co-writer Mark Andrews will be putting their own spin on the iconic story, and a Pixar manager added that the film will have a unique look as well.

"I'm going to do what I remember more than what they exactly do" in the books, Stanton said cryptically in a group interview at the Emeryville, Calif., headquarters of Pixar on Sept. 25.

Stanton (WALL*E) added that he is currently deep in writing with partner Andrews, a storyboard artist at Pixar, on the script for Carter. "John Carter of Mars is what I'm writing right now with Mark Andrews," Stanton said. "Writing, it's all about writing this year."

Jim Morris, general manager at Pixar Animation, promised that the movie will not look like previous attempts to adapt the franchise for the screen. "Everything that's been out there has been an attempt to kind of capture this Deco-esque [Frank] Frazetta vision of John Carter, which I think feels old and stale," he said. "And where Stanton is going--from what we've seen so far--is very different than that. And I think that the people who really love the essence of the books will really dig it, but so will audiences in general."

Asked whether the film would be in 3-D, Morris added, "I hope not!"

The film is based on the early-20th-century Barsoom series of books by Burroughs, the California author of the Tarzan series. It centers on a Civil War veteran who finds himself transported to the Red Planet and caught up in various battles and intrigues involving giant green creatures and an alluring princess.

It's been reported that Carter may incorporate live-action elements amid animation. Stanton's WALL*E was the first Pixar production to incorporate live action. Morris declined to discuss the matter.

"John Carter is in its very early stages, and there is much to figure out about that, so we'd be premature," Morris said. "We are looking at a variety of different approaches and techniques for that ... We're kind of a bit early in the development of that."

Morris added: "I'm sure I speak for all of the science fiction geeks, fans and aficionados when I say it's finally time to see that movie. And I, for one, am delighted that Andrew Stanton is the guy that's making the movie, because he's a story-driven guy." --Patrick Lee, News Editor


bah...Frazetta's work is a classic and will never be old and stale.:cmad:

[terry78]

Old and stale, huh? I love when current faves in the industry just out and out diss the classics. Makes for good debates. What if Nolan said some early interpretations of Bats were old and stale?

[Ratcrawler]

Old and stale, huh? I love when current faves in the industry just out and out diss the classics. Makes for good debates. What if Nolan said some early interpretations of Bats were old and stale?

Um...they were. I mean really, there's a whole era of Batman fans pretend never happened.

But back to the topic at hand...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l210/Octoberphotos/Art/Barsoom/ThuviaMaidofMarsFrazetta-1.jpg
I would encourage any filmmaker to try and be as original and true to their own style as they deem fitting when adapting a classic work. They could say it in a slightly less dickish way though.

[Dr. Fate]

http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=60551


bah...Frazetta's work is a classic and will never be old and stale.:cmad:
Frank Frazetta is a genius! That's not an opinion, that is a simple fact, and anyone who dares challenge this fact shall suffer like the fool that he/she is!

[Space Moose]

frank frazetta is a genius! That's not an opinion, that is a simple fact, and anyone who dares challenge this fact shall suffer like the fool that he/she is!
yes!!!

[Sawyer]

bump.

Any news on this?

[Octoberist]

its kinda weird that this movie is being done by Pixar and Disney, because aren't the novels kinda..kinky because everyone's nude. I mean nude in a non-sexual way, but I don't know.

[green]

bump.

Any news on this?

http://scifiwire.com/2009/01/wall-e-helmer-andrew-stanton-talks-john-carter-of-mars.php#more


WALL-E helmer Andrew Stanton talks John Carter of Mars
WALL-E director Andrew Stanton told SCI FI Wire that he is working on a new draft of his proposed John Carter of Mars movie and is aiming for a realistic feel to the live-action movie, his first.

"[I'm] deep into it," Stanton said in an exclusive interview at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association award ceremony in Century City, Calif., on Monday, where he accepted the award for best picture of 2008 for WALL-E. "I'm on my next draft of it. We're in preproduction art-wise, and we're starting to talk to actors. So it's full bore."

Stanton confirmed that Carter, based on the books by Edgar Rice Burroughs, will be live-action. "Yeah, I think that's the only way," he said. "I mean, there are so many creatures and characters that half of it's going to be CG whether you want it to be [or not], just to realize some of these images that are in the book. But it will feel real. The whole thing will feel very, very believable."

Following is an edited version of the rest of our interview with Stanton. John Carter of Mars is slated for release sometime in 2012.

What inspiration did you take for your art concepts?

Stanton: Well, we're going very authentic, I guess is the way to put it. I don't want to give too much away, but it's such a foundational story to so many films and stories and sci-fi ideas that have come since the '30s and 1912 and stuff. So the trick is how to not make it seem cliché and derivative because it's such an archetype story now.

How would it feel to be the guy who finally got it done?

Stanton: It would feel awesome, because I spent most of my life just being a fan of those books and being a cheerleader from the sidelines of anybody that was trying to make it. I never thought I would be lucky enough to be one of those guys associated with it, let alone helming it. I would love to break the curse.

How do you even approach that adaptation?

Stanton: Well, I've surrounded myself with a couple key people that are just really smart, really talented, and we just keep saying the same thing we've always said about any other films. What would I want to see? Or what would I not want to see?

How many pages is your latest draft?

Stanton: Oh, it's just like a regular movie. It'll be a two-hour film. ... You don't want it more than 120 [minutes], because it only grows, those films.

Is developing a live-action movie the same process as developing a Pixar animated film?

Stanton: Well, it's not being done by the Pixar crew. It's being done by Disney, and I'm sort of being loaned out. We're sort of using any element that we need to to make the film right. We're not being purist with Pixar, but Pixar's a brand that you have to trust that's for all ages. This story of John Carter is not going to be an all-ages film.

Are you thinking PG-13?

Stanton: Well, if you do the story right, there's no way you couldn't.

[terry78]

So it is live action and isn't being done in CG. Pixar may have some input but it won't be under their umbrella. So we're looking at something along the lines of a POTC I'm thinkin'.

[Rac]

its kinda weird that this movie is being done by Pixar and Disney, because aren't the novels kinda..kinky because everyone's nude. I mean nude in a non-sexual way, but I don't know.
Ain't Pixar doing this alone?

[terry78]

Ain't Pixar doing this alone?

He says it's going to be under the Disney label.

[Octoberist]

yeah, i would say it could be Pirates of the Carribean mixed in with Conan...in space, baby!

[Sawyer]

yeah, i would say it could be Pirates of the Carribean mixed in with Conan...in space, baby!

So basically it will be me s****ing my pants for two straight hours.

[green]

http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/01/13/john-carter-of-mars-to-be-perfect-definition-of-live-action-cgi-hybrid/#more-8376
‘John Carter Of Mars’ To Be ‘Perfect Definition’ Of Live-Action, CGI Hybrid
Published by Eric Ditzian on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 12:18 pm.
In an exclusive interview with MTV News, “WALL-E” writer/director Andrew Stanton dished the most details yet about the progress of his next feature, “John Carter of Mars,” an adaptation of a nearly hundred-year-old serialized novel about a Civil War vet mysteriously transported to the Red Planet, where he encounters all manner of alien adventures.

“It’s real,” Stanton assured us. “We’re full bore on it right now. We’re over the hump of the writing phase, and we’re certainly far from rewrites.”

Before he could even get to that point, Stanton had to solve a problem that had stymied filmmakers for eighty years: How do you turn the six separate installments of the novel into a coherent whole?

“I don’t want to be dissing it,” he said, “but it almost had an absence of a story for a feature film because it was very episodic. In its day it was a comic book. I mean, this book was written in 1912. It was the comic book you got in the time before there was such thing as comic books. So, it was really just about the next fight, the next adventure, the next romance.”

“The key was putting a story into it and creating characters that had to grow and real basic stuff that we all know a movie needs,” he explained.

Messing with a classic of the fantasy genre is always risky, but Stanton believes the passage of time is on his side. “Fortunately it’s an old enough story,” he said. “There isn’t such huge allegiance to it that people won’t mind that we muck with it a bit to hopefully amplify the essence of what made me interested in it as a young kid and hopefully will keep me interested in it as an adult.”

Another vital realization, Stanton told us, was that “John Carter of Mars” could not be a strictly computer animated feature like past creations “Finding Nemo” and “Monsters, Inc.” “There’s so much in it that can’t be real,” he said. “It’s the perfect definition of a hybrid movie,” utilizing both live actors and computer-based animation.

With the script in good shape, work has now begun on preproduction, production and casting. The question of who will play the title character is still up in the air. “I know everybody wanted Hugh Jackman forever,” admitted Stanton. “But he’s only getting older and more exposed now, so it’s a tough call. I’m your typical filmmaker, I want to find the next best unknown.”

[terry78]

Haha, I like he acknowledges that everyone wants Hugh Jackman for something these days.

[Rac]

He says it's going to be under the Disney label.
Oh yeah. Missed that one.

[Ratcrawler]

Any casting ideas? I know they said they wanted an unknown for Carter (but that's no fun) I'm thinking Lost's Josh Holloway or Prisobreak's Dominic Purcelli(sP?) for the Ageless Virginian. Dwayne Johnson for Kantos Kan. Oded Fehr for Tardos Mors. I dunno who I want for Dejah Thoris yet but it better be somebody smoldering hot. Lots of fine choices on the hot chicks thread but no actresses jumped out at me.

Voice-wise, Kieth David, Liev Schreiber or Vin Diesel would make an excellent Tars Tarkas. By cotrast, Sola's voice should be sweeter. Caring, yet a little downtrodden and capable of being ferocious when necessary.

[Space Moose]

Camile Bale for the princess. Or if they can't afford her Rachael Leigh Cook. She hasn't been in much lately.

[Ratcrawler]

Oh yeah. Not a bad choice. I'm leaning towards a more ethnic actress myself, but I can see her as Dejah.

[green]

http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/15/michael-chabon-joins-pixars-john-carter-of-mars/
Michael Chabon Joins PIXAR's 'John Carter of Mars'
by Elisabeth Rappe Apr 15th 2009 // 8:02PM
Filed under: Action, Classics, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Deals, Disney, Scripts, DIY/Filmmaking, Newsstand, Comic/Superhero/Geek
John Carter of Mars news always seems to fly under the radar, and this delightful little blurb was no exception. Hidden in a Deadline Hollywood Daily post about Michael Chabon switching agencies was far more interesting little footnote that he was now writing the script for Andrew Stanton's Mars.

The Amazing Website of Kavalier & Clay (a very dedicated Chabon fansite) decided to just do the obvious and ask the man himself. Surprise! It's true: "I've been hired to do some revisions to an already strong script by Andrew Stanton and Mark Andrews. I wrote my original screenplay The Martian Agent back in 1995 because I wished I could do [Edgar Rice] Burroughs's Barsoom. So this is pretty much a dream come true for me."

Back in January, Stanton was pretty candid about how difficult the story was to adapt, but insisted they were past the writing stage, and into pre-production and casting. Clearly they've backtracked a little, but can anyone really be worried that they've stopped work to bring on Michael Chabon? This is a win-win situation all around, particularly since Chabon still hasn't managed to see any more of his work on the big screen. If John Carter spawns a Kavalier and Clay film, how happy the world will be!
:up:

[Maze]

Will Christian Bale head to 'Mars' for Pixar?

http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-motion-captured/posts/2009-5-11-will-christian-bale-head-to-mars-for-pixar

[terry78]

http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-motion-captured/posts/2009-5-11-will-christian-bale-head-to-mars-for-pixar

Come the **** on. I love our circle of actors right now, but there are other choices for roles aside from the Bale, Depp and Jackman.

[EdRyder]

http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/2008-12-6-motion-captured/posts/2009-5-11-will-christian-bale-head-to-mars-for-pixar

He asked Bale point blank and he said "I dont even know what that is."
Theres no movement on this project at all. I dont doubt it will languish in developement hell for a little while longer. And maybe two more directors.

[DarkKnight88]

This is the best part...

He re-emphasized that as much as he could tell that I was excited by the idea of him starring in "John Carter of Mars," he doesn't have any idea what that project is.

[Ratcrawler]

I'm getting pretty sick of Christian Bale, I don't care how OMG AWSOMEZZZ TEH DARK KNIGHT was. And no, between Bats and Terminators and obligatory smaller roles, he won't have the time or interest in JCoM and frankly I couldn't be happier. Also, if one more person suggests Hugh Jackman... >_>

Aside from that considering how this film is supposed to come out in the Summer of 2012 and the "already solid script" was getting revised by an award winning author last month, things are running incredibly smoothly. Not like when Conran & Favreau were "in talks and interested". This is gonna be classic.

[terry78]

If Chris Pine wasn't already being typecast as this type of guy, I'd say drop him in this role.

[Sawyer]

Matthew Fox. He'll do Jackfaces, even if he isnt playing Jack!

[Octoberist]

He asked Bale point blank and he said "I dont even know what that is."
Theres no movement on this project at all. I dont doubt it will languish in developement hell for a little while longer. And maybe two more directors.


There's no movement? They just got another writer to rewrite the script by Andrew Stanton and it's ready to shoot by next year.

[Ratcrawler]

Matthew Fox. He'll do Jackfaces, even if he isnt playing Jack!

It's weird how I always pictured either him or Josh Holloway for this role. Matt because he looks like Burroughs described him and Josh because he looks like he could kick your ass and do it with a southern drawl...

Tars Tarkas: John Carter! Dejah Thoris has been kidnapped!

John: Son of a *****!

[EdRyder]

There's no movement? They just got another writer to rewrite the script by Andrew Stanton and it's ready to shoot by next year.




I read about that. And I'm hopeful this thing actually gets made but, I cant take the stress anymore!:oldrazz: This project dates back to 2004! Its killin me already. :cmad:

[Ratcrawler]

Yeah, when Paramount had the rights. Since Disney/Pixar took over, things have been moving forward.

[rogue trooper]

Well, if Christian Bale gets the role, I'll be happy. If he doesn't, there are other good actors for the role, namely Eric Bana, Henry Cavill, or Gabriel Macht.


......and bring on either Paz Vega or Diane Kruger as Deja Thoris.

[Octoberist]

as much as I like Bale, he needs to step down from the tentpoles and do some smaller films. Let dudes like Bana have some glory. Hell, why not Cillian Murphy.

[nite-owl]

Cillian Murphy is Robocop thats why.

[Episode29]

Plus, Cillian's too odd-looking to play square-jawed swashbuckling types. He more of a character actor than a matinee idol.

...which is better for him and us, as it will allow him a broader range of faaar more interesting material in which to wow us with.

[terry78]

I would honestly go with Holloway from Lost for this role as a top choice...he already pulls off that southern swagger-type thing. And as far as the look, that's already a lock.

[ven-numb]

I am reading the Mars books now (I am on the Gods of Mars, book 2), and highly recommend them – amazing! I recommend anything by Burroughs – his Tarzan series is excellent as well.

If done well (who knows these days) the Mars films will be epic!

[green]

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12571320
Utah will be stage for Mars in new Disney Pixar film
Film » The deal will bring millions to the state and employ nearly 400 Utahns.
By Vince Horiuchi
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 06/12/2009 09:16:38 AM MDT


First as the planet Vulcan and now the red rocks of Mars, Utah has become Hollywood's destination spot for depicting exotic intergalactic worlds.
Disney and Pixar, makers of classic animated movies such as "Toy Story" and the recent hit "Up," are expected to partly film the pulp science-fiction adventure "John Carter of Mars" in Utah from November to July 2010.
Portions of the Beehive State will double as Mars, including Lake Powell (where the original "Planet of the Apes" was partially filmed), Moab, and Kane and Wayne counties.
In exchange for filming here, the production will receive a tax credit through the state's film incentive program. On Thursday, the Governor's Office of Economic Development board approved an application for the credit submitted by the movie's production company.
"It's the biggest movie we've ever used incentives on," said Utah Film Commission executive director Marshall Moore. "We haven't seen these kinds of numbers since doing a TV series for a year."
The San Rafael Swell already doubled as the planet Vulcan in this year's summer blockbuster "Star Trek," but second-unit crews only shot for four days in Utah.
Disney is scheduled to shoot in Utah for 45 days. The story, based on the Edgar Rice Burroughs science-fiction book series -- which begins with A Princess of Mars -- is about an American Civil War veteran who is transported to Mars to face a series of adventures.Burroughs, who was born in Chicago, was no stranger to Utah, working as a railroad police officer in Salt Lake City in 1904.
The movie has been in development for several years, and noted directors Robert Rodriguez ("Sin City") and Jon Favreau ("Iron Man") were at one time slated to direct the live-action film. The movie, which is planned for release in 2012, will be directed by Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton ("Finding Nemo," "WALL-E").
According to a GOED executive summary, the filmmakers are committed to spend $27.7 million in the state and employ 398 Utahns during the seven months of pre-production and shooting. In turn, the production would receive a $5.5 million tax credit under the state's incentive program.

[Ratcrawler]

Funny, I thought they were shooting in Austrailia. I guess it's both :/

I would honestly go with Holloway from Lost for this role as a top choice...he already pulls off that southern swagger-type thing. And as far as the look, that's already a lock.

Word. Just dye the dude's hair black.

Although the latest word is that Taylor "Gambit" Kitsch is in the running to play JC. Funny how these two keep coming up for the same character...

I am reading the Mars books now (I am on the Gods of Mars, book 2), and highly recommend them – amazing! I recommend anything by Burroughs – his Tarzan series is excellent as well.

If done well (who knows these days) the Mars films will be epic!

I'd be really interested how Disney handles book two since one of the major themes is an all out race war.

[green]

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=56242
Is Lynn Collins Going to Mars with John Carter?
Source: ComingSoon.net June 12, 2009


We're not big fans of the idea of using Twitter as a journalistic tool, but it's hard to ignore when an actress like Lynn Collins, last seen as Silverfox in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, "tweets" something like:

"celebrating john carter of mars!!!!!!!"

Sure, she could be celebrating having finally gotten around to reading Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic series of fantasy/sci-fi novels about a Civil War vet from Virginia who ends up transplanted on Mars, where he has all sorts of adventures. We think she's talking about being cast in John Carter of Mars, the live-action movie based on those novels that's long been in development at Disney that will be helmed by Andrew Stanton, the Oscar-winning director of Pixar Animation's WALL•E and Finding Nemo from an adapted script by Michael Chabon (Spider-Man 2, "The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Klay"). It will be the first live-action movie directed by the Pixar vet, as well as the first live-action movie produced in conjunction with Pixar Animation.

Right now, it's just speculation, but if Collins' excited "tweet" proves this casting to be true then she could be playing Martian princess Dejah Thoris, the titular "A Princess of Mars" from Burroughs' first novel, which came out in 1911.

[CaptainStacy]

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=56242

Cool. She'd be a good Dejah, although she looks a little older than i would have expected a princess to be.

[Chewy]

Walt Disney Pictures has set "Wolverine" stars Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins to star in "John Carter of Mars," a fantasy epic that marks the live action directorial debut of "Wall-E" helmer Andrew Stanton.

Kitsch, a member of the "Friday Night Lights" ensemble who made his screen breakthrough as Gambit in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," will play the title character, a damaged Civil War veteran who finds himself mysteriously transported to Mars where his involvements with warring raced of the dying planet force him to rediscover his humanity.

Collins will play Dejah Thoris, the Princess of Mars. Collins worked with Kitsch in "Wolverine," playing Hugh Jackman's character's love interest Kayla Silverfox. She also co-stars in the HBO vampire drama "True Blood."

Pic will begin filming early next year. Jim Morris and Colin Wilson are producing. Stanton wrote the script with Mark Andrews.
SOURCE (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118004872.html?categoryid=13&cs=1)


So.... two Wolverine stars, huh?

[Prison Mike]

Matthew Fox. He'll do Jackfaces, even if he isnt playing Jack!

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn219/kman_18/Jackface3.jpg

[Prison Mike]

SOURCE (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118004872.html?categoryid=13&cs=1)


So.... two Wolverine stars, huh?

oh that's cool. I knew Kitsch was sent the script to read but I didn't know he got the part already!

[terry78]

Oh, snap. He's already got the drawl, he's straight.

[green]

Collins seems a little old for Kitsch IMO. Especially if they want this to be a franchise.

[Sawyer]

**** Kitsch, get Holloway!!! :cmad:

[COAL TIGER]

Since Princess Thoris is gonna be played by Lynn Collins I can't wait to see how the skin makeup is gonna look. I might be mistaken but Thoris is suppose to be a mixture of Congoid, Mongoloid, and Caucasoid. (I'm not very sure on that). And as a result she has reddish skin. I sure as hell don't want this type of makeup. This is a concept design for the movie.

http://www.milesteves.com/gallery/d/1653-2/Malena-+Princess+of+Mars.jpg

It just looks like she has a terrible Tan.

And I'm fine with the casting Of Taylor Kitsch as John.

[Octoberist]

I think Lynn and Kitch will do a good job.

Reactions like "OMG, they're from Wolverine! Lame" or "They're B Listers" don't carry a whole lot of weight since I'm sure the same people who are saying that haven't seen either performer's other pieces of work.

[Andreth]

HELL YEAH! I'm so happy Taylor got the role!
Now I'm so watching this

[terry78]

Andrew Stanton feels they are right for the role, I have faith. The Pixar people don't really skimp on common sense...they're batting a thousand.

[Prison Mike]

I just hope people don't judge Kitsch soley on his 10 minute part in Wolverine. If you want to know how he acts, just watch Friday Night Lights. He's a very good actor.

[Jake Cassidy]

Kitsch is very good in FNL. I really liked him as Gambit, too.

Collins is good, as well.

This is a great start. :woot:

[TheComicbookKid]

I just hope people don't judge Kitsch soley on his 10 minute part in Wolverine. If you want to know how he acts, just watch Friday Night Lights. He's a very good actor.


Making Fantasy seem real takes a slightly different skill set. But he certainly should have the benefit of the doubt.

[Sawyer]

Andrew Stanton feels they are right for the role, I have faith. The Pixar people don't really skimp on common sense...they're batting a thousand.

So long as I ignore Cars, then I agree with that statement 110%. :up:

[Ratcrawler]

I don't like Collins as Dejah Thoris. I'm just gonna flat out say it. She's not even as pretty as Taylor Kitsch, and she's set to play an exotic Martian Princess.

Kirsten Dunst/Mary Jane Watson X Anna Paguin/Rogue=Lynn Collins/Dejah Thoris

[블라스]

I trust Pixar, but I want (and I'm sure I'm not the only one) something that looks right out of a Frazetta painting...

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/2182/ffddpm.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/3332/frazettapoml22.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/7871/johncarterofmars.jpg

And this is my problem with the cast so far.
The Gambit guy could be a good actor for all I know, but he's just too "pretty".
John Carter is supposed to be a MAN. You know, a man's man! Rough looking! A badass!
And this Taylor guy...uh...

And that girl is too damn bland to play Dejah. We're talking about a woman with a beauty and sexiness that's just too "out there".

Ugh, again, I trust Stanton and Pixar and all, and I want nothing but to be proven wrong...but I hope they're not PG-ifying the whole thing :(

[블라스]

Edit: Triple post :huh:

[블라스]

Edit: double post.

[Ratcrawler]

Or at the very least a Joe Jusko painting!
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l210/Octoberphotos/Art/Barsoom/APrincessofMarsJusko.jpg

And that girl is too damn bland to play Dejah. We're talking about a woman with a beauty and sexiness that's just too "out there".


Thank you! Don't get me wrong, after watching a few Lynn Collins interviews on Youtube, I find her absolutely adorable. But not as Dejah Thoris. Was Jessica Alba busy or something? She had that kid like a year ago and Fox isn't exactly demanding a new F4 movie. Get back into a Sci-Fi franchise, Jess!

[Andreth]

I always wonder if the people who call him pretty are looking at the old pictures from his days as a model.

because there's a huge difference between this:
http://i42.tinypic.com/15340t2.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/1hz6t4.jpg


and this:
http://i39.tinypic.com/106dc79.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/s1rp1g.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/nyzm1f.jpg

yes, he was pretty. He's an attractive man now.

[블라스]

Just me, of course, but nothing in those pictures (second group) screams "John Carter" to me :dry:

[Andreth]

Good, because he's not playing John Carter in those pictures, I was just pointing out that he's not a pretty boy anymore, but don't worry, and I'm sure he's going to get the character's rugged look for the movie. :up: after all, he lost his muscles, 30 pounds and practically starved himself to play the famous drug-addled photojournalist Kevin Carter, I expect the same commitment to this role too.

[Ratcrawler]

Just me, of course, but nothing in those pictures (second group) screams "John Carter" to me :dry:

Maybe not, but look what Josh Holloway was doing before LOST...

z1pf9q6Zoi0

[COAL TIGER]

The book says Deja has reddish copper skin but the artists always painted her to look caucasian. What the hell?

[Ratcrawler]

Same reason Hollywood kept casting white women to play latinas and indians for decades, I guess. Anyhoo...
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l210/Octoberphotos/Art/Barsoom/ThuviaMaidofMarsunknown.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v480/muuphish/juskoerb.jpg

[블라스]

Good, because he's not playing John Carter in those pictures, I was just pointing out that he's not a pretty boy anymore, but don't worry, and I'm sure he's going to get the character's rugged look for the movie. :up: after all, he lost his muscles, 30 pounds and practically starved himself to play the famous drug-addled photojournalist Kevin Carter, I expect the same commitment to this role too.

I really hope you're right, man.
Believe me, I love these books so much, and there's nothing more I want than to see them done the right way.
If this guy is great, then I'll be happy.
I'm just a little concerned, is all.

[COAL TIGER]

Same reason Hollywood kept casting white women to play latinas and indians for decades, I guess. Anyhoo...


And the same reason Hollywood keeps casting white dudes to play asian characters.

http://media.comicmix.com/media/2008/09/26/john-carter-kayanan.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/9158/tars9ap.jpg

[louiebling$]

I'm not familiar with these books but I think Taylor Kitsch is a rising star and needs his big break this might be it.. and he is no longer a pretty boy his 10 mins alone in XO:W proves how badass he is :o

[Mostpowerful]

Heres the cover to the original book:


Here's a brief synopsis of the book:
Although Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) is justifiably famous as the creator of Tarzan of the Apes, that uprooted Englishman was not his only popular hero. Burroughs's first sale (in 1912) was A Princess of Mars, opening the floodgates to one of the must successful--and prolific--literary careers in history. This is a wonderful scientific romance that perhaps can be best described as early science fiction melded with an epic dose of romantic adventure. A Princess of Mars is the first adventure of John Carter, a Civil War veteran who unexpectedly find himself transplanted to the planet Mars. Yet this red planet is far more than a dusty, barren place; it's a fantasy world populated with giant green barbarians, beautiful maidens in distress, and weird flora and monstrous fauna the likes of which could only exist in the author's boundless imagination. Sheer escapism of the tallest order, the Martian novels are perfect entertainment for those who find Tarzan's fantastic adventures aren't, well, fantastic enough. Although this novel can stand alone, there are a total of 11 volumes in this classic series of otherworldly, swashbuckling adventure.

Please tell me, are these series of books too kiddie or what? I like sci fi/adventure/fantasy/romance stories, and this sounds interesting and entertaining, but I wonder if there is some substance to it. I just don't want to waste my time reading shallow books.

[darkseid26]

this sound interesting, think i'll check out the books :up::up:

[terry78]

Please tell me, are these series of books too kiddie or what? I like sci fi/adventure/fantasy/romance stories, and this sounds interesting and entertaining, but I wonder if there is some substance to it. I just don't want to waste my time reading shallow books.

IF you know Burrough's work, you wouldn't axe that question.

[Mostpowerful]

IF you know Burrough's work, you wouldn't axe that question.

Exactly, I don't. Do you? And if you do, Can you tell me more about it, please?

Granted, I've seen some of the Tarzan movies, but I don't know how close those are to the books.

[green]

Exactly, I don't. Do you? And if you do, Can you tell me more about it, please?

Granted, I've seen some of the Tarzan movies, but I don't know how close those are to the books.

I would recommend this.
http://www.amazon.com/Under-Moons-Bison-Frontiers-Imagination/dp/0803262086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244928242&sr=1-1
It actually collects the first three books in the Mars series, A Princess of Mars, The Gods of Mars and The Warlord of Mars.
They arent hard reads that's for sure but are extremely entertaining. You also have to remember that the first one was written in 1912, this is before the term sci-fi even existed so some of the "science" may seem a bit out dated. Ive never heard any one who has read them that is a fan of the genre that didnt love them. Ill warn you though, I believe there are 11 or 12 total books in the series, the first 5 are pretty easy to find, the rest good luck.
You might want to skim through this as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barsoom

[Ratcrawler]

Not very. At all. The closest ones missed several points.

But that's a different animal.

For an adequate overview of the series and themes, and even if you want to read the first few books online, click here...

http://erblist.com/erbmania/barsoom.html

[Ratcrawler]

http://popzone.blogspot.com/2009/06/thomas-haden-church-in-john-carter-of.html

Looks like Sandman is going to Mars too. Kantos Kan? Tardos Mors? Voice of Tars Tarkas?

[Mostpowerful]

I would recommend this.
http://www.amazon.com/Under-Moons-Bison-Frontiers-Imagination/dp/0803262086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244928242&sr=1-1
It actually collects the first three books in the Mars series, A Princess of Mars, The Gods of Mars and The Warlord of Mars.
They arent hard reads that's for sure but are extremely entertaining. You also have to remember that the first one was written in 1912, this is before the term sci-fi even existed so some of the "science" may seem a bit out dated. Ive never heard any one who has read them that is a fan of the genre that didnt love them. Ill warn you though, I believe there are 11 or 12 total books in the series, the first 5 are pretty easy to find, the rest good luck.
You might want to skim through this as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barsoom

Not very. At all. The closest ones missed several points.

But that's a different animal.

For an adequate overview of the series and themes, and even if you want to read the first few books online, click here...

http://erblist.com/erbmania/barsoom.html


Thanks, guys, I'll check that out. :yay:

[rogue trooper]

http://media.comicmix.com/media/2008/09/26/john-carter-kayanan.jpg


This is definately an attire they could go for John Carter if they want to avoid the infamous "homo-erotic" look.

As for Taylor Kitsch as John Carter, well, I was expecting someone slightly more high-profile, but he might work, who knows? He certainly has the basic look.
Lynn Collins looks more than adequate for Deja Thoris, imo.


All I can say is that it's been very exciting so far!! First, Clash of The Titans is now rolling and Sam Worthington looks good as Perseus; next, a director for Conan has been finally announced; and now the main characters of John Carter of Mars have been cast!! So far, so good!! These are type of heroic fantasy stories I just love!!

[Ratcrawler]

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/9158/tars9ap.jpg
^Armed to the Teeth LOL

This is definately an attire they could go for John Carter if they want to avoid the infamous "homo-erotic" look.

Hey! It worked for 300! Hmmm...

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5050/jcomkm8.jpg

[rogue trooper]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but Burroughs' Mars stories were the first "space opera" adventures ever written. Correct?

I am certain, ofcourse, that it did heavily influence later stuff like Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, Superman, Herbert's Dune, Star Trek, and Star Wars.

[Ratcrawler]

I dunno if they were the first anything, so much as an amazing amalgam of sci fi concepts that had been kicking around in that era. When he first wrote the story, it was under the pen name Norman Bean (as in "I'm normal in the ol' bean, meaning not crazy"...the joke didn't age well.) because it was just so out there.

[rogue trooper]

^Armed to the Teeth LOL



Hey! It worked for 300! Hmmm...

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5050/jcomkm8.jpg

GOLD!!!:woot:

[Octoberist]

Design wise, I hope the creature effects along with the landcape/cities are creations that we have never seen before on film. Or at least original enough where you can place it along side Star Wars and Blade Runner, design wise..

[The Lizard]

Exactly, I don't. Do you? And if you do, Can you tell me more about it, please?

Granted, I've seen some of the Tarzan movies, but I don't know how close those are to the books.

The books are not long, and they are quite "pulpy" in format, in that they are straight-up adventure stories. They are fun to read, and the descriptions of bizarre Martian landscapes and animals are great.
Since the books were written in the early half of the 1900s, the science gets pretty wonky at points. For example, an earthman on Jupiter can jump even higher than an earthman on Mars because Jupiter spins so fast that the "centrifugal force" counteracts its increased gravity. :woot:

But all that aside, the books are enjoyable adventure tales. Also, be aware that John Carter is not always the main character in all the books. Some books focus on other protagonists like earthman Ulysses Paxton, John Carter's half-Martian son Carthoris, and a few Martian warriors as well.

[rogue trooper]

For example, an earthman on Jupiter can jump even higher than an earthman on Mars because Jupiter spins so fast that the "centrifugal force" counteracts its increased gravity. :woot:


...a concept that greatly influenced the logic of how Earth's sun gives Superman his powers.

[Ratcrawler]

And our lesser gravity as well.

You know what I never got about Superman? He was ridonkulously strong because a) he came from a planet with much higher gravity & b) our Yellow sun fuels him. Now, when he's exposed to red sunlight, the sunlight his people evolved to on Krypton, he loses his strength and powers. Now, the multiple visions and flight I understand, but shouldn't he at least retain the strength he would have needed to stand up on Krypton (i.e. a LOT more than he'd need on Earth)?

That always bugged me.

Anyhoo, any ideas on who Tom Church is playing?

[terry78]

I suspect he'll be Tars. But he'll be motion captured and voiced.

Here's that test reel Bob Clampett created back in like 1940 or '41.

bTAlgZlqwnQ

[Sawyer]

I suspect he'll be Tars. But he'll be motion captured and voiced.

Here's that test reel Bob Clampett created back in like 1940 or '41.

bTAlgZlqwnQ

Thats pretty ****in' AWESOME! :up:

[Mostpowerful]

The books are not long, and they are quite "pulpy" in format, in that they are straight-up adventure stories. They are fun to read, and the descriptions of bizarre Martian landscapes and animals are great.
Since the books were written in the early half of the 1900s, the science gets pretty wonky at points. For example, an earthman on Jupiter can jump even higher than an earthman on Mars because Jupiter spins so fast that the "centrifugal force" counteracts its increased gravity. :woot:

But all that aside, the books are enjoyable adventure tales. Also, be aware that John Carter is not always the main character in all the books. Some books focus on other protagonists like earthman Ulysses Paxton, John Carter's half-Martian son Carthoris, and a few Martian warriors as well.

thanks for the info, Lizard! :yay:


And our lesser gravity as well.

You know what I never got about Superman? He was ridonkulously strong because a) he came from a planet with much higher gravity & b) our Yellow sun fuels him. Now, when he's exposed to red sunlight, the sunlight his people evolved to on Krypton, he loses his strength and powers. Now, the multiple visions and flight I understand, but shouldn't he at least retain the strength he would have needed to stand up on Krypton (i.e. a LOT more than he'd need on Earth)?

That always bugged me.



Well, yeah, there is a lot of fantasy in the Superman tale. But I still can't figure out how he is able to fly, though. :hehe:

[Ratcrawler]

^Look up "Science of Superman" on youtube. Thank me later.

Design wise, I hope the creature effects along with the landcape/cities are creations that we have never seen before on film.

What's really interesting about A Princess Of Mars is that the story begins in the west, Arizona I believe, and John Carter's friend Powell is killed by Apaches. It's one of Burroughs' famous little bits of ironic foreshadowing then that his hero is transPorted to something of a wide open wasteland populated by a dominant race of copper-skinned warriors. Burroughs rode in the 7th cavalry and saw active service in Apache country. He sometimes referred to them as the most perfect warriors ever to walk the Earth.

[batfan1028]

Wilem Dafoe joins the cast : http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006026.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

[craigdbfan]

Awesome. Dafoe is great he'll make a great addition.

[Sawyer]

Awesome. :up:

[Octoberist]

dafoe? awesome!

[louiebling$]

Man I love Dafoe:up:

[Dr Strange]

Great news about Dafoe, looking forward to this.

[Sawyer]

Cant wait to see how this is gonna look.

[Ratcrawler]

LOL what is it with this movie casting actors from comic book films? EsPecially sPidey villains? If Topher Grace and Alfred Molina join, I'll be laughing my ass off!

Though it's nice to have a voice for Tars Tarkas :)

[Sawyer]

LOL what is it with this movie casting actors from comic book films? EsPecially sPidey villains? If Topher Grace and Alfred Molina join, I'll be laughing my ass off!

Though it's nice to have a voice for Tars Tarkas :)

I want Morgan Freeman up in this *****.

[Panthro]

Awesome. Dafoe is great he'll make a great addition.
Dafoe makes everything better.

[green]

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i91e05ffd5e045bf143752e85238dd6c0
Threesome on journey to 'Mars'
Samantha Morton, Dominic West and Polly Walker join Disney pic
By Borys Kit
Aug 23, 2009, 11:00 PM ET

English actors Samantha Morton, Dominic West and Polly Walker have joined "John Carter of Mars," Disney's adaptation of the Edgar Rice Burroughs book series that Andrew Stanton is directing.

Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins and Willem Dafoe already are on board the production, which centers on a Civil War veteran (Kitsch) who finds himself mysteriously transported to Mars, where he becomes embroiled with the planet's warring people.

Morton plays Sola, the daughter of Dafoe's Tars Tarkas, who must hide her softer side from her warmongering race.

West plays Sab Than, prince of the Zodangans who believes he is entitled to rule Mars.

Walker plays Sarkoja, a merciless, tyrannical Thark.

Stanton wrote the screenplay with Mark Andrews. Jim Morris and Colin Wilson are producing "Mars," which is eyeing a start early next year. Brigham Taylor is overseeing for the studio.

Morton, repped by WME and Wishlab, next appears in the ensemble war drama "The Messenger."

West, repped by WME and United Agents, starred in HBO's "The Wire" and appeared in "300."

Walker might be best known for her work on HBO's "Rome," in which she played the conniving Atia of the Julii. The actress, repped by Gersh, Hamilton Hodell and Authentic Management, recently wrapped production on "Clash of the Titans," in which she played Cassiopeia.

[Doctor Jones]

This sounds cool And Kitcsh was one of the best things going for Origins. And Lynn Collins is gorgeous.

[Octoberist]

If Kitchse was able to pull of an actual Cajun accent, I would say perhaps he would have been the brightest spots of Wolverine. I still think Liev as Sabertooth was the best, despite the movie being disgustingly bad.

[Doctor Jones]

Oh, yeah, Creed was awesome. But Kitsch pulled off the charm and swagger of Gambit.

"Do I owe you money?" was a great line.

[nite-owl]

Danny Huston was my favourite part of origins.

Dominic West looks like a better looking version of Willem Dafoe.

[Ratcrawler]

Two surprise announcements followed an equally surprising live musical performance by Miley Cyrus at Disney's D23 Expo.

Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook officially named Summer 2012 as the release date for Pixar's John Carter of Mars, claiming that the film will, indeed, be live-action with intense special effects.

Following the announcement, Johnny Depp appeared in full Jack Sparrow costume, taking the stage and announcing a Summer 2011 release date for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the new title for the fourth installment!

Looks like the DVD might come out before the world ends! :D

[Octoberist]

Summer 2012 sounds good to me.

[Octoberist]

btw, where's the muppets thread. i can't find it.

[Sawyer]

I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what comes of this. :up: Especially the look of it.

[Dark Donnie]

Thomas Hayden Chruch, Mark Strong, and James Purefoy Cast in John Carter of Mars (http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/09/30/strong-and-purefoy-join-john-carter-of-mars-thomas-haden-church-confirmed/)

[terry78]

Man, the cast for this thing is looking better and better. I always said when it comes to these types of movies, the main hero should be somewhat of an unknown fresh face, and the supporting cast should be major thespians.

[green]

Thomas Hayden Chruch, Mark Strong, and James Purefoy Cast in John Carter of Mars (http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/09/30/strong-and-purefoy-join-john-carter-of-mars-thomas-haden-church-confirmed/)

Hmm I guess we are getting a little 'Gods of Mars' as well with Strong playing a Thern.

[Dark Donnie]

Someone posted on the comments section that Cameron said that Avatar was loosely based off this....true?

[dark_b]

really looks like that Pixar will always take time for a movie. every otehr studio would realese it it in 2010 or 2011

[Doctor Jones]

This cast is getting better and better. Two Spider-Man villains in the same movie. Whoah...

And I'm just trying to imagine Church contemplating and speaking to himself with that voice.

"Weeell, I shoooldd kiil Joohn Caarterrr."

[Rac]

Mark Strong, **** yeah!

[Sawyer]

Someone posted on the comments section that Cameron said that Avatar was loosely based off this....true?

I dont know if its loosely based of of John Carter, but I think it was more like Cameron was a fan of the books and sort of put his own spin on that kind of story.

[Ratcrawler]

Interesting comparison; A veteran soldier who feels useless is given another shot at glory when he becomes embroiled in a war on a savage alien world to win the heart of a princess.

But that's pretty much where the similarities end, as far as I can tell. By contrast, Barsoom is a dying world whereas the planet in Avatar is thriving. The other differences are too numerous to list.

And yeah, the inclusion of Matai Shang caught me by surprise too. It's a bit like introducing Davy Jones in Curse Of The Black Pearl.

[terry78]

I am waiting to see what Tars Tarkas looks like, I don't give a damn about anyone else.

[Ratcrawler]

I'm a little more curious about Sola, personally. But that's me. I'm always wondering about how boneable femaliens are...

Oh, another similarity to Avatar will apparently be...
http://www.toysrus.com/product/prodpop.jsp?LargeImageURL=http%3A//TRUS.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-5984634dt.jpg&displayTab=enh&productId=3584433&totCount=0
...multi-limbed horses.

[Mogwai]

can't wait for this.

[terry78]

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/42770

Willem Dafoe gets interviewed. He talks about doing the mo-cap for Tars Tarkas.

[Octoberist]

cannot wait. is Pixar doing the CGI? not just animation but CGI that's suppose to be real and interacting with live action actors?

[Sawyer]

cannot wait. is Pixar doing the CGI? not just animation but CGI that's suppose to be real and interacting with live action actors?

I would assume so.

[terry78]

Yeah, they are. Considering about half of them used to work with ILM and still do a little on the side I think, it should look good.

[Sawyer]

It's interesting to see Pixar getting into live action stuff with this and 1906.

[Sawyer]

I wonder if Pixar's planning more live action stuff...

[Ratcrawler]

Shooting begins on soundstages in England in January while outdoor sets are being built in Utah.

[C. Lee]

Just heard that ASYLUM films is making a direct to video version with Antonio Sabato Jr as John Carter and Traci Lords as Dejah Thoris http://www.theasylum.cc/product.php?id=163 looks real bad.

[terry78]

Traci Lords?

Yes, sign me up. If her costume is accurate to the books and artwork.

[Mister Sinister]

Just heard that ASYLUM films is making a direct to video version with Antonio Sabato Jr as John Carter and Traci Lords as Dejah Thoris http://www.theasylum.cc/product.php?id=163 looks real bad.

Face, meet palm.

[C. Lee]

Traci Lords?

Yes, sign me up. If her costume is accurate to the books and artwork.

Check the link...suit looks like Liea's slave outfit, and she's blonde....

[Sawyer]

Just heard that ASYLUM films is making a direct to video version with Antonio Sabato Jr as John Carter and Traci Lords as Dejah Thoris http://www.theasylum.cc/product.php?id=163 looks real bad.

Sounds porno-ish....though thats probably just because of Traci Lords. :o

[COAL TIGER]

I'll be watching this on SyFy as soon as it airs.

[Ratcrawler]

Me too. If only to hit the slow motion button when blond Dejah Thoris comes on...

Anyway,

Ciaran Hinds - hellava a cast
“Update on Ciarán's next projects


We just have had confirmation that, after The Birds and Harry Potter, Ciarán has been cast in the new Disney feature, John Carter of Mars along with two of his costars of Rome, James Purefoy and Polly Walker.


Rumor has it that he is Tardos Mors ( Dejah’s Gran Father ) but that isn’t confirmed.

[Ratcrawler]

Casting Call!

Synopsis: A damaged civil war veteran finds himself mysteriously transported to Mars where his involvements with warring races of the dying planet force him to rediscover his humanity.

[STABLE BOY] 9 yrs old, Mestizo – a mixture of European and Native American or Mexican decent, no lines, 1 scene

[DIX] The storekeeper, 40's – 50's, built like a lumberjack/longshoreman, strong & husky, 5 lines, 1 scene

[1ST ROWDY] Late 20's – early 30's, rough and dirty, worn looking, 1 line, 1 scene

[2ND ROWDY] Late 20's – early 30's, rough and dirty, worn looking, 1 line, 1 scene

[CAVALRYMAN/SERGEANT] Early 30's, clean cut, 2 lines, 1 scene

[US STOCKADE PRISON GUARD] Mid 20's – early 30's, clean cut, 4 lines, 2 scenes

[APACHE LEADER] 40's - 60s, Native American, must speak Apache, wise and experienced with a weathered face. Multiple lines, 1 scene

[TWITCHY CORPORAL] 20's - 30s, a shifty bad guy, not to be trusted. 1 line, 1 scene.

[YOUNG THARK WARRIOR] 20'S, tall (6' PLUS), athletic, experience working on stilts, MOTION PICTURE CAPTURE ROLE



MOCAP Thark on stilts sounds interesting.

[Octoberist]

can you please include the original link?

[Rac]

http://www.**************.com/fansites/BrentSprecher/news/?a=12602

[Brian Braddock]

Just heard that ASYLUM films is making a direct to video version with Antonio Sabato Jr as John Carter and Traci Lords as Dejah Thoris http://www.theasylum.cc/product.php?id=163 looks real bad.

Every once in a while its worth going to their site to see some of the hilarious take-offs theyve made.

I'm actually surprised they havent done any superhero-type flicks; like Man of Iron or the Knight of Darkness....................

[Ratcrawler]

Interview with Mark Strong...

JOHN CARTER OF MARS

I actually saw Andrew Stanton when I was in London and spoke to him. He said he’s filming at Shepperton ’til April or something like that. So can you talk a little bit about…have you worked at Shepperton before? And are you looking forward to being in this crazy production?

Yeah, I mean I’ve worked at Shepperton and Pinewood. They’re the most famous British film studio lots. And Andrew wooed me with the storyboards that he had at the interview. He showed me his vision for the thing and it’s just mind-blowing and the knowledge that he’s made these “Finding Nemo” and “Wall-E” and he wrote “Toy Story”, so he’s a master storyteller and I think the fact that he’s been given the opportunity to direct live-action and a motion capture film together and in the light of “Avatar” knowing that these Pixar guys like to be in the vanguard of everything. You just know that he’s going to turn up something even better. So the opportunity came. I’ve very lucky to be in position to say, yeah I’d love to come and do this. There was no option really of turning it down. So it does feel like I’m doing a lot, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing because I’m gathering so much experience.

I don’t think it’s a bad thing at all. I don’t know if I’ve said to you before, I really enjoy your work and I’m very excited to see you in these projects. Can I ask you who you play in “John Carter”?

I play a character called Matai Shang and he is the ruler of a group of people called the Ferns who are like the old Olympian Gods. They exist….people aren’t really sure if they exist, but basically he’s a master of the Universe. They travel ’round keeping order in the Universe. So basically he exists over and above the Martians that exist on the planet. Like I say, he’s like an Olympian God. I mean getting to play Mati Shang Master of the Universe, it doesn’t get much better than that.

I think you’re right on that one. Is this a bigger part than say Eagle of the Ninth or The Way Back or is on that kind of a level for you?

No, no. He’s integral. He is, over the course of the 3 movies that they’re envisioning making and I’ve seen the synopsis of the 2nd and 3rd, basically and in the novels, Princess of Mars that Rice Burroughs wrote, Matai Shang is basically John Carter’s nemesis. So he comes into his own during the 2nd half of the current movie and then just basically gets bigger and bigger in the 2nd and 3rd.

How is that for you to sign on for a project that may or may not be a trilogy? I mean, is it a little nerve wracking or are you sort of like because it’s Andrew and their track record it’s 100% I’m in?

It’s extremely nerve wracking because what you have to do is understand that you’re committing to something in the future and if the first one is a huge success and they want to make the 2nd and 3rd, basically they have first call on you for a number of years. And basically you have to go back to Disney to make sure that they’re not planning on making their 2nd or 3rd installments so that you can go and do other work. So in a strange way it means there’s somebody hanging over you slightly, but in practice it means that if they are making it, it means that the 1st one has been a success and you’ll probably want to be involved so you won’t mind going and shooting it. And practically again, if they’re not shooting it they usually give you permission to go do something else. So it was a little nerve wracking because I’ve never signed up for a trilogy before, but I had to think about it and there was no reason to turn down this film. I mean, I couldn’t turn it down on that basis. On the basis of what might be. I just wanted to work with Andrew full stop.

Are they shooting John Carter, pardon me I don’t know if they’ve announced this or not, but are they shooting it in 3D?

I don’t believe so. Not that I know of, no. I’ve certainly never heard that or been told that. No, I know it’s a combination of live action and motion capture. That’s all I know for right now.

I spoke to Andrew after the Avatar screening Thursday night. And we were talking to him-a few people and I-about specifically Avatar and I could see the look in his eye about him seeing Avatar and he was mentioning something, you know like now he has to raise his game or now he has to sort of…I don’t want to say alter plans but you know I think Avatar is going to influence every filmmaker who’s working in motion capture of any kind because how could it not.

Yeah.

Do you think when you saw the test stuff for John Carter did it already look like it was pushing the boundaries for you at the time?

Oh my God yeah. I mean it looks phenomenal. I mean his conception of it is extraordinary. I mean it’s “Avatar” type territory and I think the point I was making before about these Pixar’s guys are always wanting to be in the vanguard. They want to be leading from the front. They’re giving the public stories that the public don’t even know they want. I mean a story about a fish? A story about an old guy keeping his house? On paper, these must seem like, you know, how on earth are you going to carry those things off. Talking toys? Come on. But they I think Andrew said they’re in the business of giving the public what they want before they know they want it. So I can totally imagine he’s gone to see “Avatar” and that’ll just set the cogs whirring in his brain and the twinkle in his eye because he’ll just want to surpass it, no question.

I’m curious with John Carter, when do you start filming and is this going to be one of the bigger sort of productions for you, because he is filming ’til April?

Yeah, I mean it’ll be enormous. I think it’s something like a $200 million budget. It starts in January and I actually go through to May. I think some of it is also filming in Utah, so it’s a 5 month production based largely in London with some exterior scenes in the desert I assume in Utah. So it’s a massive production.

Is that the biggest…will that be the biggest as far as shooting schedule will this be the biggest project you’ve worked on?

Probably yes, because you know I think “Sherlock’s” budget was $80 million and it took about 4 months. “Robin Hood” was up to about $150, I think. And that took 5 months. And “John Carter” is taking 5 months but the budget is even bigger. And I think the fact that it’s a science fiction movie and that it’s going to spend 2 years in post and not come out ’til 2012 means that the vision for it is enormous. And as you pointed out, in the light of “Avatar”, I think they are planning on creating something extraordinary.

Yeah, I can’t even imagine. So does this mean you actually have nothing scheduled past May? Does this mean a vacation is in order?

(laughter) It means exactly that. I do have to say though I’ve got a number of scripts that I’m reading. It’s that far in advance but people are still just checking on whether I’m available, so I feel in a very fortunate position but I think after “John Carter” I will just slow down a bit and pick and choose the best rather than gather all these various, you know cherry pick all these various things like I’ve been doing for the past couple of years. Simply because I’ve got about 5 or 6 movies coming out over the next year or two, and that’s plenty to be going on with. So I think the trick now is to find something really interesting and maybe a little different if I can.

[squeekness]

I'm looking forward to this myself. I just hope my boy Taylor Kitsch is up to the job. :p

[Ratcrawler]

Willem Dafoe interview about playing Tars Tarkas, more of the same, really...
http://io9.com/5441944/willem-dafoe-gears-up-to-start-making-john-carter-next-week?skyline=true&s=i

And Caprica's Polly Walker talks about playing Sarkoja.
http://m.syfy.com/inf/infomo?site=syfy&view=wirestoriesdetails&feed:a=stories_wire&feed:c=stories_wire_channel&feed:i=29.30468

I'm a little bummed about them only being 10 and 9 and a half feet tall. They were 12-14 ft in the books. Other than that, solid.

[ChickenScratch]

I saw Asylum's Princess Of Mars this weekend, don't worry I didn't pay for it, my bud who works at a video store lent it to me. The movie is uniformly bad from top to bottom. Hell, you can even clearly see the rubber masks bunching up and the neck coming loose showing skin underneath.

I won't even get into acting because that Antoni guy and that porno chick can't act for crap and the girl's got so much botox that her face does not move and her dialog sounds like they paralyzed her jaw too.

Could go on, but you've seen Asylum's movies so you know.

[C. Lee]

I saw Asylum's Princess Of Mars this weekend, don't worry I didn't pay for it, my bud who works at a video store lent it to me. The movie is uniformly bad from top to bottom. Hell, you can even clearly see the rubber masks bunching up and the neck coming loose showing skin underneath.

I won't even get into acting because that Antoni guy and that porno chick can't act for crap and the girl's got so much botox that her face does not move and her dialog sounds like they paralyzed her jaw too.

Could go on, but you've seen Asylum's movies so you know.

It should be on the Saturday night SyFy monster movie soon then.

[matrix_ghost]

Interview with Mark Strong...

I’m curious with John Carter, when do you start filming and is this going to be one of the bigger sort of productions for you, because he is filming ’til April?

Yeah, I mean it’ll be enormous. I think it’s something like a $200 million budget. It starts in January and I actually go through to May. I think some of it is also filming in Utah, so it’s a 5 month production based largely in London with some exterior scenes in the desert I assume in Utah. So it’s a massive production.


Damn 200 million budget. I hope Disney knows what it's doing.