Josh Brolin is Jonah Hex?

[[A]]

Source: Hollywood Elsewhere // October 9, 2008

Hollywood Elsewhere reports that Josh Brolin, who can be seen in next week's W., has signed on to star in Warner Bros. Pictures' Jonah Hex. This has yet to be confirmed by the studio, so stay tuned.

From Crank writers/directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, the film is based on the DC Comics title in which Hex, known for having the right side of his face disfigured and wearing a Confederate army uniform, was a rough-and-tumble gunslinger and part-time bounty hunter whose adventures always ended in blood.

Jonah Hex, created by by writer John Albano and artist Tony DeZuniga, first appeared in the early 1970s in the issues of All-Star Western before graduating to his own series in 1977 that ran for about 10 years. A new series was launched in 2005. The character also had a run in the 1990s that combined the Western genre with supernatural elements.

http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=7718

[Webhead2006]

Interesting if true

[[A]]

and not interesting if false..? :funny:

[Webhead2006]

Yea he is a pretty good actor, and probably would do hex well. Though i dont know enough on the character besides wiki and the episode in jlu he was in.

[[A]]

Yea he is a pretty good actor, and probably would do hex well. Though i dont know enough on the character besides wiki and the episode in jlu he was in.
he was also in an episode of Batman: The Animated Series :up: :up:

[Antonello Blueberry]

May I suggest reading the current series? It's really nice with some very good artist rotating on it.
In the issues from 13 to 15, reprinted in the third TP, there's the latest version of his origins.
http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=8198

[Keyser Soze]

Josh Brolin is a really good choice for Jonah Hex.

What a weird day. First, my top choice for The Flash might be Green Lantern. Now, one of my candidates for Green Lantern might be Jonah Hex! :)

[Eddie Dean]

Yeah, along with Gosling this is a great choice.

[Lobo]

First the Gosling rumor, and now Brolin as Jonah? **** yeah :D Man I hope these come true gives me a lot of faith in the upcoming DC movies :)

[Antonello Blueberry]

Courtesy of SlashFilm
http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/brolinjonahhex.jpg

[Man of Tomorrow]

Unlike Gosling for Hal,

Josh Brolin for Jonah Hex is GREAT casting.

[Keyser Soze]

Unlike Gosling for Hal,

Josh Brolin for Jonah Hex is GREAT casting.

I think both are great casting, as both are excellent actors potentially headlining films I'm already anticipating.

[Spider-Fan83]

abit of a type cast, but, I could see it

[Ronny Shade]

good casting. Not very out there, but solid. Brolin rocks.

[cerealkiller182]

NIce. I could see Brolin working real nice. It annoys me I never thought of that actually. I love Brolin and Hex. Its a Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man kinda situation, "I should have thought of that" sorta thing. I was pulling for Sean Bean but this is equally good

[Ronny Shade]

Sean Bean's too Irish.

[Philly Phanboy]

There'd better be a lot of No Country for Old Men fans buying tickets for this, otherwise it'll be straight to the DVD clearance bin at the video store. I don't think Josh has enough star power for this.

[Keyser Soze]

There'd better be a lot of No Country for Old Men fans buying tickets for this, otherwise it'll be straight to the DVD clearance bin at the video store. I don't think Josh has enough star power for this.

Josh Brolin has plenty of star power for this. Is he an A-list megastar whose name alone greenlight a film? No. But he IS a highly talented actor who has shown before he can be a leading man, and is a good fit for the character. And that's all "Jonah Hex" needs.

[Philly Phanboy]

When was the last time anybody has ever said "hey let's go out and see that new Josh Brolin movie"?

Westerns are a niche market, so are comic book movies; they need somebody bigger like a Viggo Mortensen who has established a fanbase among both western and fantasy genres.

[Ronny Shade]

When was the last time anybody has ever said "hey let's go out and see that new Josh Brolin movie"?

Westerns are a niche market, so are comic book movies; they need somebody bigger like a Viggo Mortensen who has established a fanbase among both western and fantasy genres.
I said that about No Country :o

seriously.

[Keyser Soze]

When was the last time anybody has ever said "hey let's go out and see that new Josh Brolin movie"?

Westerns are a niche market, so are comic book movies; they need somebody bigger like a Viggo Mortensen who has established a fanbase among both western and fantasy genres.

When was the last time anybody has ever said "hey let's go out and see that new Tobey Maguire movie"? No wonder putting him in a niche-market comic book movie like "Spider-Man" led to it going straight to the DTV clearance bin....oh, oh wait...

The time of stunt-casting in the A-list megabucks megastars to make up for studios' lack of faith in comic book movies seems to have passed. This is why Tom Cruise in Iron Man became Robert Downey Jr in Iron Man (oh man, Robert Downey Jr, when was the last time people flocked to see the new Robert Downey Jr movie?). This is why we now have the likes of Heath Ledger and Aaron Eckhart as our Batman villains rather than Jim Carrey and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The best way to make these comic films as good as possible, is to cast legit actors in the roles.

I'm not talking about going for total inexperienced unknowns. Josh Brolin may not be a huge box office draw, but he is a respected actor, who brings added legitimacy to the project, and who you know is talented enough to actually give a great performance in the role. Viggo Mortensen is the same type of actor, actually. It's not like the film is a surefire flop with Brolin, but will break records with Mortensen. If Appaloosa is anything to go by, a Viggo Mortensen western is hardly guaranteed money.

[Ronny Shade]

Spider-Man is Spider-Man, though. Most people have no idea who Jonah Hex is.

[Lobo]

And, they could always cast a bigger name than Brolin as the villain Quentin Turnbull. A name that will draw the general audience.

[Keyser Soze]

Spider-Man is Spider-Man, though. Most people have no idea who Jonah Hex is.

Joe-Blo Public didn't know who Iron Man was either. But that did pretty well without an A-list superstar in the lead.

Of course, Jonah Hex is another few steps down in the obscurity scale. But by all accounts, this isn't supposed to be some huge summer tentpole movie that needs to recoup a monstrous budget. It's a wild, high-concept, action-packed Western by the people who brought you the wild, high-concept, action-packed Crank. I'm sure that's how it'll be marketed.

And if the script review is anything to go by, a big selling point will be the badassness of Jonah Hex himself. So casting a strong actor that can bring that to life (which Brolin is) is all the film needs. It's not like you're going to need to make "Will Smith is Jonah Hex" to stop the film running at a huge loss.

[cerealkiller182]

Sean Bean's too Irish.

Actually hes English and hes got a good American accent

[cerealkiller182]

Spider-Man is Spider-Man, though. Most people have no idea who Jonah Hex is.

Do they need to know?

This concern always comes up with comic movies. How many original stories are told in cinema? People enter those movies knowing very little of the characters since this is the first time they see them. Why is this different? If the general audience doesnt know Hex than he might as well not have a comic series for all intents and purposes.

I also dont know where all this Brolin isnt big enough crap is coming from. Considering he had some of the longer screentime in last years Best Picture according to the Academy. Hes also appearing in W and in Milk. One of which is expected to get controversy and one which is expected to have more Oscar buzz.

[Keyser Soze]

Do they need to know?

This concern always comes up with comic movies. How many original stories are told in cinema? People enter those movies knowing very little of the characters since this is the first time they see them. Why is this different? If the general audience doesnt know Hex than he might as well not have a comic series for all intents and purposes.

I also dont know where all this Brolin isnt big enough crap is coming from. Considering he had some of the longer screentime in last years Best Picture according to the Academy. Hes also appearing in W and in Milk. One of which is expected to get controversy and one which is expected to have more Oscar buzz.

Totally agreed. He's been in Oscar-winning films, he's shined in both leading and supporting roles, and he's hot right now. I don't see what else Josh Brolin needs to do to be "big enough" for a medium-scale film about a lesser known comic book character.

[The Sage]

Joe-Blo Public didn't know who Iron Man was either. But that did pretty well without an A-list superstar in the lead.

Of course, Jonah Hex is another few steps down in the obscurity scale. But by all accounts, this isn't supposed to be some huge summer tentpole movie that needs to recoup a monstrous budget. It's a wild, high-concept, action-packed Western by the people who brought you the wild, high-concept, action-packed Crank. I'm sure that's how it'll be marketed.

And if the script review is anything to go by, a big selling point will be the badassness of Jonah Hex himself. So casting a strong actor that can bring that to life (which Brolin is) is all the film needs. It's not like you're going to need to make "Will Smith is Jonah Hex" to stop the film running at a huge loss.

Script review? Link please.

[Keyser Soze]

Script review? Link please.

http://forums.superherohype.com/showthread.php?t=298361

Plus, the actual script has been leaked. Was doing the rounds on here a while back, though I sadly missed it.

[cerealkiller182]

Totally agreed. He's been in Oscar-winning films, he's shined in both leading and supporting roles, and he's hot right now. I don't see what else Josh Brolin needs to do to be "big enough" for a medium-scale film about a lesser known comic book character.

IN addition he was in both Valley of Elah and American Gangster both movies with Oscar buzz but just couldnt compete.

The niche market of comic book movies always seemed to share the spotlight with horror and sci/fi flicks and properties. Check any ComicCon type of convention and you'll see. The only difference is comic movies reach mainstream way more often. Brolin was in the better half of Planet Terror in a very good role. So theres a little geek cred there, not a lot but enough.

[Ronny Shade]

Do they need to know?

This concern always comes up with comic movies. How many original stories are told in cinema? People enter those movies knowing very little of the characters since this is the first time they see them. Why is this different? If the general audience doesnt know Hex than he might as well not have a comic series for all intents and purposes.

I also dont know where all this Brolin isnt big enough crap is coming from. Considering he had some of the longer screentime in last years Best Picture according to the Academy. Hes also appearing in W and in Milk. One of which is expected to get controversy and one which is expected to have more Oscar buzz.To appreciate the movie? No. To go see it with no A-list stars? yes.

Look at Wanted. Nobody outside the comic community had any idea what that was...also nobody gives a **** about James McAvoy even though he's talented.

All I heard was "the new Angelina Jolie movie"

and people went and saw it!

if you get a Jolie in this movie and its decent it'll do well. If you don't it probably wont.

[Lobo]

Sage, check that link i sent you ;)

[The Sage]

Sage, check that link i sent you ;)

Oh ok. :yay:

[cerealkiller182]

To appreciate the movie? No. To go see it with no A-list stars? yes.

Look at Wanted. Nobody outside the comic community had any idea what that was...also nobody gives a **** about James McAvoy even though he's talented.

All I heard was "the new Angelina Jolie movie"

and people went and saw it!

if you get a Jolie in this movie and its decent it'll do well. If you don't it probably wont.

But thats because there was Angelina Jolie. If there was no Jolie it wouldnt be considered the new Angelina Jolie movie it would be considered another generic action movie (cause thats exactly what it was marketed as). Thats exactly what you meant but that doesnt mean its always true, but I think the "equation" you're implying is more often than not because a name actor enters a less marketable movie. Western genre is seeing a small reemergance led by a few great pictures here and there instead of one every summer that could range anywhere from lame to incredble (ie superheroes and generic action movies). Assasination of Jesse James was not "that Brad Pitt western" it was all about Casey Affleck who at the time was in a similar situation to Brolin. Supporting actor in many great flicks and a few Oscar buzz movies (Gone Baby Gone got robbed!)

If Brad Pitt and George Clooney could be in every role the studio would put them into them but they cant. Jonah Hex is exactly the kinda movie someone can cut their teeth on. Relatively low-tech, low-budget flick with a talented actor , one whose name might not be recognizable (except for his dad) but his face probably is (he was in the Goonies afterall). This is a "breakout" kinda role.

[Ronny Shade]

Y'all are going to laugh, but I'd love to see Nick Cage in this part.

[Keyser Soze]

Y'all are going to laugh, but I'd love to see Nick Cage in this part.

I'd like to see Nick Cage remember how to act. Oh Nick, how far you have fallen...

[Double Down]

Brolin is definitely a solid choice.

[StorminNorman]

When was the last time anybody has ever said "hey let's go out and see that new Josh Brolin movie"?

Westerns are a niche market, so are comic book movies; they need somebody bigger like a Viggo Mortensen who has established a fanbase among both western and fantasy genres.

Wait

Wait

Wait

Wait

Wait

Wait

When the **** was the last time anyone said "lets go see the new Viggo Mortensen movie?" As far as name recognition goes, the two are equals.

[Ronny Shade]

right Viggo has LOTR and Brolin has Planet Terror

[cerealkiller182]

Viggo had LOTR but after that nothing as successful (although still good as far as Im concerned). His name is as recognizable as Brolins though, that I agree.

[Philly Phanboy]

And, they could always cast a bigger name than Brolin as the villain Quentin Turnbull. A name that will draw the general audience.

That's probably what they're going to need to do.

Of course a bigger name villain method seems to only work fine when the comic's hero is known to the public (Spider-Man, Superman Returns) but not so much when the character is fairly unknown (Spawn, Punisher).

Here's hoping they might buck the trend...

[Batspider77]

Very good Casting Choice.....i just hope this Movie will turn out violent and rude, exactly like this Kick ass Script from Mark Neveldine & Brian Taylor.
I couldn´t stand it if this turns out another Wild Wild West.

[Antonello Blueberry]

People here seems to forget that Brolin is the star of W. and the early reviews say great things about his performance, someone openly said it's Oscar worthy.
And not every comic-book movie needs to have Iron Man budget and gross.
Regarding Viggo Mortensen as the key to success at the box office, it's not like Appaloosa is doing great numbers? And how much money did Alatriste make? And Hidalgo?

[Dark Knight]

Great casting if true!

WB's getting Gosling possibly for Green Lantern and now maybe Brolin for Jonah would be steals if they can get it done.

To bad though because I was hoping Brolin would be cast as Green Arrow in the eventual SuperMax film....but he will be solid as Jonah Hex.

[[A]]

Come on Jonah Hex thread--beat that Green Lantern! :funny:

[Philly Phanboy]

People here seems to forget that Brolin is the star of W. and the early reviews say great things about his performance, someone openly said it's Oscar worthy.

Nobody here has said Brolin lacks the acting chops, it's his credibility as somebody the general public would pay to see that is up in the air. My guess is that this will end up being one of those cult classics and not a box office success.

And not every comic-book movie needs to have Iron Man budget and gross.
Regarding Viggo Mortensen as the key to success at the box office, it's not like Appaloosa is doing great numbers? And how much money did Alatriste make? And Hidalgo?

Josh has only been the top billed actor for a skateboard movie from the 80's, the upcoming W and maybe this movie; and his western cred consists of a pony express series with Stephen Baldwin and a made for TV movie neither of which he had top billing. Comparing Josh's resume and bankability to Viggo's is absurd.

[chamber-music]

Viggo had LOTR but after that nothing as successful (although still good as far as Im concerned). His name is as recognizable as Brolins though, that I agree.

Brolins will always be Mikeys brother from the Goonies. I liked him in american Gangster, Mimic and Hollow Man (although Kevin Bacon deserved better).

[[A]]

Jeff Wells is reporting that his sources tell him that Josh Brolin is signing on as Jonah Hex in the big screen movie based on the DC Comics western hero to be directed by Neveldine & Taylor, the madmen behind Crank. Brolin's people told Wells that the story wasn't true, but he's still hearing that the deal is done.

I immediately ran to Google because I had heard this story before, but I can't find it anywhere on the web. That may mean I heard it in an 'off the record' conversation, but while I can't remember who told it to me, I do remember that I heard it some time ago.

Brolin would be pretty terrific in the role, and this would be the kind of franchise that a guy at his age could ride for a good long while, assuming it connects with audiences (and considering that the film is a supernatural sci-fi western, that's a big assumption). And with his career resurgance over the last few years, a franchise is just what he's looking for.

But is it true? I'll check around, but am not convinced I'll get any answers. Either what I heard about Brolin being interested and being courted a long time ago is true, or Wells is getting old news that is already outdated.

http://chud.com/articles/articles/16579/1/PUTTING-A-JONAH-HEX-ON-GEORGE-BUSH/Page1.html

[Evil Twin]

Josh has only been the top billed actor for a skateboard movie from the 80's, the upcoming W and maybe this movie; and his western cred consists of a pony express series with Stephen Baldwin and a made for TV movie neither of which he had top billing. Comparing Josh's resume and bankability to Viggo's is absurd.

Western cred? If you don't consider No Country for Old Men at least Western influenced, you weren't paying attention.

Also, Viggo has no bankability. Seriously, the only movies of his that were big hits were LOTR, and he was a supporting character in those. Appaloosa, Alatriste, Eastern Promises, A History of Violence, and Hidaldgo didn't set the box office on fire. Maybe The Road will change that, but there's no evidence that his name brings out people in substantial numbers.

Both are good actors. Neither is a box office draw. Heck, who says Viggo is even interested?

By the way, I don't think anyone is suggesting that Jonah Hex cost $100 million and open in the middle of Summer. You don't need high priced actors if you keep the budget reasonable and pick a good opening date, like March 2010. I could certainly see it marketed as a followup to 300 and Watchmen if WB marketing is on the ball.

Edit: Heck, why are we even concerned about how much bank Jonah Hex will make? Do you have stock in WB? I'm much more concerned about whether it's a good movie and Josh Brolin should do a fine job in the role. Let the accountants worry about the rest.

[Keyser Soze]

Josh has only been the top billed actor for a skateboard movie from the 80's, the upcoming W and maybe this movie; and his western cred consists of a pony express series with Stephen Baldwin and a made for TV movie neither of which he had top billing. Comparing Josh's resume and bankability to Viggo's is absurd.

Of course, when you look at Westerns, Mortensen's resume is mediocre-to-awful, while Josh Brolin is hot off a modern-day Western that just won Best Picture at the Oscars. Then again, if you look at "A History of Violence" as a modern-day Western too, I guess you could call them about even on that front.

I'd hardly say comparing Brolin's resume and bankability to Mortensen's is absurd. When you take LOTR out of the equation (I'd hardly say people were calling them "the new Viggo Mortensen movies") both guys are comparable in terms of star power. Both great actors, and both have succeeded in leading roles, but neither is a box office titan. I don't see how you think Mortensen = box office smash, but Brolin = box office poison. It seems to me that you'd have been as critical of anyone announced in this thread whose name wasn't Viggo Mortensen.

You say that with Brolin in the lead, "Jonah Hex" will be a cult movie instead of a box office smash. But it's going to be a cult film anyway. It's based off a cult comic book. This isn't some huge summer blockbuster with a titanic budget. I'm sure it'll be a modestly-budgeted action film, with a modest box office return expected. And that's what it'll probably get, whether it's Brolin or Mortensen in the leading role.

[StorminNorman]

I still really REALLY want to know who in the hell sits around with their friends and asks "hey, you wanna go see that new Viggo Mortensen movie"?

That is truly the most baffling comment I have heard on this thread in weeks...

or well, hours at least...

[Philly Phanboy]

Western cred? If you don't consider No Country for Old Men at least Western influenced, you weren't paying attention.

Also, Viggo has no bankability. Seriously, the only movies of his that were big hits were LOTR, and he was a supporting character in those. Appaloosa, Alatriste, Eastern Promises, A History of Violence, and Hidaldgo didn't set the box office on fire. Maybe The Road will change that, but there's no evidence that his name brings out people in substantial numbers.

Both are good actors. Neither is a box office draw. Heck, who says Viggo is even interested?

By the way, I don't think anyone is suggesting that Jonah Hex cost $100 million and open in the middle of Summer. You don't need high priced actors if you keep the budget reasonable and pick a good opening date, like March 2010. I could certainly see it marketed as a followup to 300 and Watchmen if WB marketing is on the ball.

Edit: Heck, why are we even concerned about how much bank Jonah Hex will make? Do you have stock in WB? I'm much more concerned about whether it's a good movie and Josh Brolin should do a fine job in the role. Let the accountants worry about the rest.

When did this suddenly become the Josh Brolin vs Viggo Mortensen thread? Go back and read what's been said here before trolling. :whatever:

[Keyser Soze]

When did this suddenly become the Josh Brolin vs Viggo Mortensen thread? Go back and read what's been said here before trolling. :whatever:

Ahem...

When was the last time anybody has ever said "hey let's go out and see that new Josh Brolin movie"?

Westerns are a niche market, so are comic book movies; they need somebody bigger like a Viggo Mortensen who has established a fanbase among both western and fantasy genres.

Josh has only been the top billed actor for a skateboard movie from the 80's, the upcoming W and maybe this movie; and his western cred consists of a pony express series with Stephen Baldwin and a made for TV movie neither of which he had top billing. Comparing Josh's resume and bankability to Viggo's is absurd.

[Evil Twin]

Yeah, what's up with that?

One thing that Josh Brolin has going for him is that he's the right age, especially if they want to do sequels. Ideally you'd want someone in the mid-30s who could pass for younger in flashbacks, but Brolin at age 40 is certainly not far out of line.

[Philly Phanboy]

I still really REALLY want to know who in the hell sits around with their friends and asks "hey, you wanna go see that new Viggo Mortensen movie"?

That is truly the most baffling comment I have heard on this thread in weeks...

or well, hours at least...

At least people know who he is and not wazzisface James Brolin's son from Goonies. :hehe:

[Keyser Soze]

But I bet they could spell/pronounce Josh Brolin easier than Viggo Mortensen... ;)

[Evil Twin]

If marketing can't sell Josh Brolin as the lead actor (whether true or not) of the Western influenced, Best Picture winning No Country for Old Men, they're not doing their job. No law saying you can't remind people of that during advertising. People may not know Josh Brolin by name, but they probably know the name of a recent Best Picture winner.

[Octoberist]

I still really REALLY want to know who in the hell sits around with their friends and asks "hey, you wanna go see that new Viggo Mortensen movie"?

That is truly the most baffling comment I have heard on this thread in weeks...

or well, hours at least...

It's not like Viggo struggling either.

You can't take credit away from Viggo, who has been in two critically acclaimed films (both from Cronenberg), History of Violence and the awesome Eastern Promises. And let's not forget The Road (which is coming up).

I think Viggo realizes that he's not a draw, so he's better at smaller films anyway.

[cerealkiller182]

It's not like Viggo struggling either.

You can't take credit away from Viggo, who has been in two critically acclaimed films (both from Cronenberg), History of Violence and the awesome Eastern Promises. And let's not forget The Road (which is coming up).

I think Viggo realizes that he's not a draw, so he's better at smaller films anyway.

I dont think anyone thinks Viggo is struggling, its just the statement "they need someone more marketable like Viggo" that many (including I) dont think makes sense. They both have had better success in cult and indie pictures except Viggo who was in LOTR. LOTR is barely mentioned in terms of the actors anymore but as cinema history itself. I think they are both good but I never really liked Viggo for the role. I dont think he would have been mentioned had he never done Hidalgo in the first place. The fact that hes played a cowboy seems to be his only preresequite

[Evil Twin]

I don't think anyone is taking anything away from Viggo and suggesting he's not a good actor or wouldn't make a good Jonah Hex. We're just saying that in the big picture, it's silly to diss Josh Brolin for not being a draw and use that as a reason to prefer Viggo.

And, really, we've no idea if Viggo was asked and said "Not interested."

As far as Brolin goes, he's a very good actor, rugged, has demonstrated credibility in what is required of Jonah Hex in No Country For Old Men, right age, and may be interested in the part. What's not to like about the choice even if he's not your favorite?

[Doctor Jones]

Sounds like a great casting choice. Watch No Country For Old Men and you'll see why. But, back in the day, we all know that Clint Eastwood would of made a kick-ass Jonah Hex.

[Project862006]

so having

American Gangster
No Country For Oldmen
W.
In The Valley Of Elah
and the upcoming "MIlk"

i guess he is no good lol

[Octoberist]

well, the news made it to the trades

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117993724.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

[[A]]

Is there a Jonah Hex expert in the room..?

[Batspider77]

so having

American Gangster
No Country For Oldmen
W.
In The Valley Of Elah
and the upcoming "MIlk"

i guess he is no good lol

don´t forget "Outsiders"

[Evil Twin]

Is there a Jonah Hex expert in the room..?

Well, I've read Showcase Presents, various issues of the 70s series not included in Showcase Presents, every one of the Lansdale/Truman mini-series, and every issue of the current series. Does that count?

[Lobo]

well, the news made it to the trades

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117993724.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

Thanks. That's a good sign. I can't wait to see this film get made.


Also, guys, enough of this Brolin vs Mortensen nonsense, any more of it and I will just delete the posts.

[Brian Braddock]

Damn; ever since someone made the suggestion in the 'Supermax' thread - I was kinda hoping that Brolin would be Slade Wilson.

[[A]]

Well, I've read Showcase Presents, various issues of the 70s series not included in Showcase Presents, every one of the Lansdale/Truman mini-series, and every issue of the current series. Does that count?
I was asking because--if you know the material, how fantastic would you say the material is..? Would it be a big budget project or a small budget would do..?

[Sawyer]

so having

American Gangster
No Country For Oldmen
W.
In The Valley Of Elah
and the upcoming "MIlk"

i guess he is no good lol

Dont forget The Goonies...

[Dr Strange]

I think this is great casting, i'm a big Hex fan and i think he is an ideal casting choice.

[Doctor Jones]

Always wanted to read the comics. I should soon though.

[cerealkiller182]

I was asking because--if you know the material, how fantastic would you say the material is..? Would it be a big budget project or a small budget would do..?

Theres been supernatural elements, but the basic stuff is definitely low budget

[[A]]

Theres been supernatural elements, but the basic stuff is definitely low budget
so it can afford to not be a blockbuster

[cerealkiller182]

so it can afford to not be a blockbuster

Im not entirely sure what you mean but maybe this will clear it up...

Its not Transformers. It wont be an astronomical budget. It should have practical effects along the lines of your average western (Open Range, Appaloosa). As far as "blockbuster" goes I cant say, but its easier to cut corners with the budget I think.

[[A]]

Its not Transformers. It should have practical effects along the lines of your average western (Open Range, Appaloosa)
That'd be good. So.. it also can have.. sequels! :woot:

[Evil Twin]

Yeah, Jonah Hex definitely won't be a CGI fest. Really, it only needs two "name" actors, for Hex and Turnbull. It's really up to the director to how fancy he wants to get and what kind of shots he wants to stage, but you could do a down and dirty Jonah Hex movie for $30 million. And, a fancy one for probably $60 million at the top end.

If you can figure $20 million for opening weekend at a minimum, you'll make money and probably set up a sequel.

[Keyser Soze]

Yeah, Jonah Hex definitely won't be a CGI fest. Really, it only needs two "name" actors, for Hex and Turnbull. It's really up to the director to how fancy he wants to get and what kind of shots he wants to stage, but you could do a down and dirty Jonah Hex movie for $30 million. And, a fancy one for probably $60 million at the top end.

If you can figure $20 million for opening weekend at a minimum, you'll make money and probably set up a sequel.

That brings up the question.... who would you cast for the role of Turnbull?

[Octoberist]

i just read the script - it's a fun read. It's dark, funny, raw, and to the point! Very Rated R!

[Changeling]

Was it very magic-ish? Or straight western?

[[A]]

i just read the script - it's a fun read. It's dark, funny, raw, and to the point! Very Rated R!
Lucky you :cmad: ...........:hehe: nice avatar, by the way

[Octoberist]

it has that 'Weird West' vibe. yes, there are supernatural stuff in there! And a LITTLE bit of steampunk (don't expect robots or flying ships or anything)

[Changeling]

Kk. Yeah I have the script but I havent read it. What would u rate it?

[Octoberist]

i would say an 8.5. it is what it is. it's not meant to be deep, but Jonah is a compelling character with some redeeming values. It's not very PC, which is good. Turnbull needs some work; he's kinda flat, along with the other henchmen. His evil plot needs to be fleshed out a bit more with a few more scenes.

[The Denialist]

I don't think I've been happier about a casting choice, at last as far as movies based on comic books go. Brolin is an excellent choice for Hex.

[Zephyr Alexian]

i just read the script - it's a fun read. It's dark, funny, raw, and to the point! Very Rated R!

Sounds interesting. I hope this film gets a great director.

[Lobo]

Neveldine/Taylor are directing

[[A]]

Neveldine/Taylor are directing
yeah, the guys from Crank (:whatever:)

[StorminNorman]

That brings up the question.... who would you cast for the role of Turnbull?

Sam Elliot?

[Lobo]

yeah, the guys from Crank (:whatever:)

Never saw that but they're also the guys who wrote this script, which I'm finding pretty damn good so far.

[StorminNorman]

Watchmen is being done by the guy from Day of the Dead...and it looks to be an epic masterpiece.

[Doctor Jones]

I read the script review online. And it was pretty positive and sounded cool. Except I heard about the ride off into the sunset thing. They have to come up with something else more creative.

[[A]]

Watchmen is being done by the guy from Day of the Dead...and it looks to be an epic masterpiece.
Dawn of the Dead, you mean. And I don't get the epic masterpiece vibe

[StorminNorman]

Dawn of the Dead, you mean. And I don't get the epic masterpiece vibe

Yea - whatever.

The reviews of the footage shown are orgasmic - plus the fact the source material IS an epic masterpiece and all indications appear that Snyder has been nothing but faithful and thats where I am getting that vibe.

[Lobo]

Someone with talent needs to do a Josh as Jonah manip.

[Ronny Shade]

Sam Elliot?
Sam Elliot = God.

already done two comic movies, though...more? Hope so.

[StorminNorman]

Sam Elliot = God.

already done two comic movies, though...more? Hope so.

You can never do too many comic movies.

[Ronny Shade]

Yea - whatever.

The reviews of the footage shown are orgasmic - plus the fact the source material IS an epic masterpiece and all indications appear that Snyder has been nothing but faithful and thats where I am getting that vibe.

copying a great comic onto the screen doesn't mean a great movie.

[Metamorpho1977]

He wasn't on my list for Jonah Hex, but he's the perfect candidate. A few years back, I liked Brolin for Superman, but he's getting too old for that now. Maybe the Earth 2 Superman.

[Evil Twin]

Sam Elliott would work for Turnbull. Tommy Lee Jones also crossed my mind, although I can't decide if a No Country reunion would be a boon or a little too precious. I'm sure Robert Duvall would knock it out of the part, if he was interested.

[Commodore Schmidlapp]

i would say an 8.5. it is what it is. it's not meant to be deep, but Jonah is a compelling character with some redeeming values. It's not very PC, which is good. Turnbull needs some work; he's kinda flat, along with the other henchmen. His evil plot needs to be fleshed out a bit more with a few more scenes.
Sounds pretty good

[JokerLedger]

yeah, the guys from Crank (:whatever:)

My friend is in Crank 2 as one of the villains :woot:
I should ask him if there was any talk of Jonah Hex on set.

[StorminNorman]

copying a great comic onto the screen doesn't mean a great movie.

No, which is why I am paying a closer attention to the changes Snyder has made and the film effects he has used.

Again - I went into this thinking Snyder would make a good adaption - I am now convinced he is making a great movie.

[Ronny Shade]

No, which is why I am paying a closer attention to the changes Snyder has made and the film effects he has used.

Again - I went into this thinking Snyder would make a good adaption - I am now convinced he is making a great movie.
That statement means more to me that my unwavering cynicism on the project might suggest.

[That-Guy]

Is Josh Brolin on a mission to play every redneck part that Hollywood has to offer?

[Zephyr Alexian]

The LR script review sounds promising.

[[A]]

bumpity bump with news!

Josh Brolin Might Not Be JONAH HEX – Updated with Exact Quotes

Today is junket central here in Los Angeles. I’m currently on break from the Milk roundtables and getting ready to interview everyone in Twilight. But since I have 5 free minutes…here’s a quick Jonah Hex update.

During the roundtable interview with Josh Brolin we asked him about playing Jonah Hex in the Neveldine/Taylor movie that’s being put together at Warner Bros.

While everyone thought he was going to be playing the role for sure…he said don't be so sure. Yes, he thinks the role is cool and he’s contemplating playing the character…but he’s also thinking about working with Tony Scott in his upcoming film. We asked him about that movie and what it’s about, but he wouldn’t tell us anything.

The way he spoke to us about Jonah Hex made it seem to me like it’s a long shot for him actually doing the role. While he spoke highly about Neveldine/Taylor and said all the right things, I didn’t get the sense that the project really excited him.

Also, with the recent string of movies he’s been in, I think he wants to make sure the next project he does is something that’s the perfect career move.

I wonder what will happen to Jonah Hex if Josh officially drops out…I don’t think the project will fall apart, so I wonder who else is on the short list of actors they’d cast….

And one last thing…after the interview was over I told him that I thought he’d be perfect in the role of Jonah Hex and I’d love to see him work with Neveldine/Taylor. While his publicist was trying to get him out of the room, he actually stopped and asked me a lot of questions like why did I think he was great for the role and was I a fan of Crank, etc…

So if you all of a sudden hear that he’s going to be Jonah Hex…I want some thanks!

(...)

Q: You will be playing a comic book character soon. You’re doing Jonah Hex, right?

Josh: Nope.

Q: You’re not doing Jonah Hex?

Josh: Don’t know yet.

Q: Have you had meetings with Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor?

Josh: No.

Q: Do you want to?

Josh: Don’t know. I have a very tough time deciding, except for “Milk.” I don’t know what I’m going to do. I don’t know. It’s a very good time. It’s a very good time and I don’t want to slight anybody and I don’t want to insult anybody, but the fact of the matter is with more decisions comes a little more pressure. For me, I just try and find that thing that really resonates. There’s one thing that Tony Scott’s doing that I love and that I really want to do, and trying to find the timing and all that…

Q: Which is?

Josh: I can’t tell you.

Q: The studios seem to be gearing up for major productions come February and March. There seems to be a lot coming. Is that the reason why you’re hesitant about Jonah Hex because there’s so much about to launch?

Josh: Not entirely. No, no. A little, little bit, a little bit because of more possibilities and all that, but no. I think Jonah Hex is a really, really interesting story. I think it would be risky also, which I like, and I don’t know if it’s the thing to do. Got me all ****ed up now…

Q: Why do you have such a hard time deciding?

Josh: Because it’s my process, man. It’s just like when I play a character. I carry around a memo pad and I write a thousand questions. I like to ask myself those questions before I start a movie so I’m not in the middle of the movie going, what did I do? I want to give myself entirely to the film and to the filmmaker when I decide to do the movie. So, I would rather go through all the crap before that and if it doesn’t turn out, that’s okay. That’s when I don’t worry about it because I know I went into it with the right intentions. I always have to weigh out, why am I going into this? Is it the characters? Is it the story? Is it the filmmakers? Is it the other actors that I can round up? Is it greed? Is it money? Is it the fact that they’re offering me a lot of money? Yeah, that’s nice. I don’t get paid, man. I do the art films or whatever. Character actor, **** that. It’s a nice trajectory and I love working with great filmmakers, like I said. I would also work with a first time filmmaker. If I see his reel and I go, “Oh my god, this guy’s amazing.” There’s a great commercial director in London, Johnny Green. I think he’s a phenomenal talent, phenomenal, so I’m trying to get together with him and create something together because I think he’s an amazing talent. I could be wrong but I think he is. So, I don’t know. You just got that much of my process that goes on in my head just now. This happens for months. It’s exhausting. I’m starting to get embarrassed.

Then at the end of the interview Josh asks us what we think about Neveldine/Taylor…

Josh: Hey, let me ask you guys a question, what’d you think of “Crank”?

Q: Neveldine and Taylor are ****ing awesome. They are just great and I want to see you in that universe.

Josh: Why do you think they’re awesome?

Q: Because they just do **** that nobody else does. They shoot on rollerblades. It’s like the shots that they get are crazy. They’re just exciting filmmakers and they’re good people.

Josh: They are good people. They’re very good people. Okay, I gotta go. I’m very interested in this.



http://www.collider.com/entertainment/news/article.asp/aid/9779/tcid/1

[Keyser Soze]

Hmmmm...... seems like the jury's out here, could go either way. But Josh Brolin is a great actor and - by the sounds of this interview - a pretty coold guy, so I'd like to see him decide to do "Jonah Hex"!

[cerealkiller182]

Brolin sounds logical, but it could really go either way as him as Hex now it seems

[Webhead2006]

Yea i hope he decides to do the film. He right now is just doing what most actors do before signing onto a project. He wants to make sure probably its the project he wants to get involved with and is not a career killer move.

[cerealkiller182]

When he came to the end of the interview he seemed like he had one idea of what to say but when the interviewer said something about the Crank filmmakers and pulled a 180

[Dark Donnie]

Neveldine, Taylor leave 'Jonah Hex'
Josh Brolin expected to star in adaptation
By MICHAEL FLEMING

Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor have dropped out as the directors of "Jonah Hex," the DC Comics property that is expected to headline "W." and "Milk" star Josh Brolin as a partly disfigured gunslinger and bounty hunter.

Neveldine and Taylor wrote the script, but their exit as directors was attributed to "creative differences." The studio is moving quickly to set a new director, determined to keep Brolin in the fold for a spring start. Neveldine and Taylor are best known for writing and directing the Jason Statham starrer "Crank."

"Jonah Hex" is produced by Andrew Lazar's Mad Chance and Akiva Goldsman's Weed Road.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117996197.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

[cerealkiller182]

yea that sucks.

Brolins on the fence and the writer/directors just dropped out. This movie had possibilities and its falling fast.

[Webhead2006]

man it sucks to see the writers/directors leave the project. Besides gl this one looked like it was going to happen more then supermax/green arrow film. Hopefully wb/dc can find a new replace and dont lose to much steam on the project. It just sucks we get nothing from dc and all that.

[Keyser Soze]

Damn, that sucks! In the interview posted above, Brolin seemed on the fence, but it was the prospect of working with Neveldine/Taylor that was piquing his interest. I hope them leaving doesn't mean everything else about this film falls apart.

The script was great. Reading that made me desperate to see this film. I hope the departure of Neveldine/Taylor as directors doesn't mean new writers will get brought in too.

[Webhead2006]

we will have to see if this keeps up steam or falls into the pile of developmental hell like flash/ww are in.

[Evil Twin]

Since Brolin is still reportedly attached, it's quite likely that the "creative differences" were between Brolin and Neveldine/Taylor, and WB liked Brolin's take better. Based on the script, it's very possible that when they were talking about shooting, Neveldine/Taylor proposed a pedal to the metal EXTREME!!! version and other parties were imagining something a little more traditional.

The script is still there, so that's a good starting place. You would certainly think that WB has someone in mind as a replacement too.

[Antonello Blueberry]

http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/11/20/josh-brolin-declares-jonah-hex-script-awfuli-love-it-as-directors-leave-project/

[[A]]

http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/11/20/josh-brolin-declares-jonah-hex-script-awfuli-love-it-as-directors-leave-project/

also..

Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor have dropped out as the directors of "Jonah Hex," the DC Comics property that is expected to headline "W." and "Milk" star Josh Brolin as a partly disfigured gunslinger and bounty hunter.

Neveldine and Taylor wrote the script, but their exit as directors was attributed to "creative differences." The studio is moving quickly to set a new director, determined to keep Brolin in the fold for a spring start. Neveldine and Taylor are best known for writing and directing the Jason Statham starrer "Crank."

"Jonah Hex" is produced by Andrew Lazar's Mad Chance and Akiva Goldsman's Weed Road.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117996197.html?categoryId=1350&cs=1

[Lobo]

I'm upset they dropped out. i wonder who the new director will be?

[[A]]

I'm upset they dropped out. i wonder who the new director will be?

McG or Brett Ratner :hehe:

[Philly Phanboy]

Since Brolin is still reportedly attached, it's quite likely that the "creative differences" were between Brolin and Neveldine/Taylor, and WB liked Brolin's take better. Based on the script, it's very possible that when they were talking about shooting, Neveldine/Taylor proposed a pedal to the metal EXTREME!!! version and other parties were imagining something a little more traditional.

The script is still there, so that's a good starting place. You would certainly think that WB has someone in mind as a replacement too.

Yeah it definitely sounds like creative differences caused them to leave. Too bad, those guys could have served up something other than a generic paint-by-number comic book adaptation. :csad:

[Lobo]

McG already has Spaced and that spy flick coming up.

[Philly Phanboy]

http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/11/20/josh-brolin-declares-jonah-hex-script-awfuli-love-it-as-directors-leave-project/

So Brolin wants Malkovich as Turnbull? Interesting.

[Keyser Soze]

Sure, the years worth of behind-the-scenes drama surrounding “Watchmen” is an epic story in itself, but lately it seems as though an adaptation of DC Comics’ “Jonah Hex” is starting to give it a run for its money.

This morning, Variety broke the news that due to “creative differences,” Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor have officially dropped out as directors for the in-early-development, big screen adaptation of “Jonah Hex” — DC’s resident post-apocalyptic, anti-hero cowboy. And while we could speculate all day as to what those “differences” were, the writing was on the wall when we spoke to Josh Brolin a few days ago, the actor who’s had an on-again, off-again attachment to the lead role of Hex.

“When I first read it I thought, oh my God it’s awful!” Brolin exclaimed to MTV News. “And then I had a moment a week later and I thought why is it awful? Maybe the thing to do is to do the most awful movie I can find.”

The idea of doing “Hex” grew on Brolin, the actor told us, proclaiming that in the hands of the right director and cast it could be a winner. When asked if the “Crank” helmers were still on board, Brolin replied, “It’s all up in the air,” an early indication of today’s announcement that the duo were leaving the project.

According to Brolin, it’s the zaniness of the story that attracts him to the project. “[I love] the absurdity of it,” he said. “It almost allows you to create a new genre. I love going back into the spaghetti western idea and completely turning it around.”

When pressed further if and when he plans on making an official announcement regarding taking the role, Brolin replied, “Soon. In the last couple months I’ve been going back and forth about it. I went back to my gut. Is it a sell out? What is it I like about this movie? … It’s so tongue in cheek. It’s so ridiculous. But once I started putting people in my mind and saying what if I put Malkovich in this role then what does this movie become? Now let’s put this producer and director on it and think about how it plays out. Then it becomes fun. Now I love that movie. If you have a great filmmaker come in then suddenly these gags and characters become interesting.”

...

When I read this, it definitely sounds like Josh Brolin is on-board. Which is great news, helping to ease the pain of Neveldine & Taylor departing. Brolin would be a great Hex.

And before people criticise him about looking down on Jonah Hex... he could have a point. I loved the script. But a big part of it's charm was the high-concept absurdity of it, the ridiculousness of some of the set-ups, and the way it slyly pulled the rug out from under the feet of various Western cliches.

[The Guard]

As long as this doesn't kill the project, this isn't horrible news. We'll see what happens.

[Evil Twin]

Yeah, it definitely sounds like Brolin steamrolled Neveldine and Taylor off the project and is bringing in his own director. Part of what I like about the script is how over the top portions of it are as it twists some standard cliches, but if it's brought back to a more traditional spaghetti western, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Malkovich as Turnbull works for me. I wonder, is Brolin trying to sell the Coens on this, considering he and Malkovich just worked with them?

[cerealkiller182]

Coens said they have their own uber-violent western spec script they want to make. They could possibly be persuaded to make the movie

[Keyser Soze]

I dunno about the Coens. It's highly unlikely they'd do Jonah Hex, but if they did, it would likely be with their own script, so we would get something very different from the great script we currently have. But on the plus side, the Coens are among the very best filmmakers in the world today, and their involvement in Jonah Hex would almost certainly guarantee something amazing.

Of course, the Coens is a total long-shot. They're leagues and leagues above Neveldine/Taylor - and most directors, for that matter - so I'd expect to get someone more on the level of Neveldine/Taylor.

[Evil Twin]

I agree it's far more likely someone like the Johnny Green guy Brolin namedropped in that previous article. But it certainly sounds like Brolin wants to make the film under the right conditions, and those conditions don't include Neveldine and Taylor.

But, as far as the Coens go, doing traditional stories with a twist is what they do. I think they're a real longshot, but I could see them doing something a little more commercial in order to finance a bigger project. They have the rights to The Yiddish Policeman's Union and that won't be cheap to film and probably can't be done without studio backing. But, I agree, lottery ticket longshot.

[Doctor Jones]

I see this film in somewhat the same tone as Leone's "Dollars" trilogy. Particularly The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. But a little darker.

[Webhead2006]

hopefully the project doesnt stall for to long with the directors gone, hopefully they can find a speedy replacement and get it rolling.

[Jay Lifestar]

Huge fan of Jonah Hex whether he's fighting outlaws, zombies, circus freaks, "Tremor" worms ....:cwink: so I'm very excited about the possibilty of seeing a film made (and with all the different "real" and surreal situations the character sometimes finds himself in you have the makings a franchise that can adjust to different types of directors and visions). It's my hope to get kick a## western with a Robert Rodriguez pulp feel.

[[A]]

http://forums.superherohype.com/showthread.php?t=315518

[Crockett]

Edit

[[A]]

Ahem.

[Crockett]

Ahem.

Sorry about that mate, have edit it now. :O

[[A]]

^ It's not a crime :funny: They'll probably end up merging threads

[cerealkiller182]

Lexi's meh for now. I loved Green Street Hooligans, and I'm pulling the wait-and-see card with Punisher, but so far its not incredibly promising. Not bad, just too different. I wanted Punisher to be really grounded, same with Hex (if any comics these two should be in general). But Lexi does seem very in tune with the Crank writers as far as style though.

[Dark Knight]

Sure, the years worth of behind-the-scenes drama surrounding “Watchmen” is an epic story in itself, but lately it seems as though an adaptation of DC Comics’ “Jonah Hex” is starting to give it a run for its money.

This morning, Variety broke the news that due to “creative differences,” Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor have officially dropped out as directors for the in-early-development, big screen adaptation of “Jonah Hex” — DC’s resident post-apocalyptic, anti-hero cowboy. And while we could speculate all day as to what those “differences” were, the writing was on the wall when we spoke to Josh Brolin a few days ago, the actor who’s had an on-again, off-again attachment to the lead role of Hex.

“When I first read it I thought, oh my God it’s awful!” Brolin exclaimed to MTV News. “And then I had a moment a week later and I thought why is it awful? Maybe the thing to do is to do the most awful movie I can find.”

The idea of doing “Hex” grew on Brolin, the actor told us, proclaiming that in the hands of the right director and cast it could be a winner. When asked if the “Crank” helmers were still on board, Brolin replied, “It’s all up in the air,” an early indication of today’s announcement that the duo were leaving the project.

According to Brolin, it’s the zaniness of the story that attracts him to the project. “[I love] the absurdity of it,” he said. “It almost allows you to create a new genre. I love going back into the spaghetti western idea and completely turning it around.”

When pressed further if and when he plans on making an official announcement regarding taking the role, Brolin replied, “Soon. In the last couple months I’ve been going back and forth about it. I went back to my gut. Is it a sell out? What is it I like about this movie? … It’s so tongue in cheek. It’s so ridiculous. But once I started putting people in my mind and saying what if I put Malkovich in this role then what does this movie become? Now let’s put this producer and director on it and think about how it plays out. Then it becomes fun. Now I love that movie. If you have a great filmmaker come in then suddenly these gags and characters become interesting.”

...

When I read this, it definitely sounds like Josh Brolin is on-board. Which is great news, helping to ease the pain of Neveldine & Taylor departing. Brolin would be a great Hex.

And before people criticise him about looking down on Jonah Hex... he could have a point. I loved the script. But a big part of it's charm was the high-concept absurdity of it, the ridiculousness of some of the set-ups, and the way it slyly pulled the rug out from under the feet of various Western cliches.


It sure seems like Brolin wants to do Hex, but do it right!

Good for him....he wants better creative talent behind the project and I applaud him for doing that.

Lets hope they get the right director and writers involved.

[protocida]

Who are the main characters of the script besides Jonah Hex and Jonathan Turnbull?

[Webhead2006]

good question, who esle is in the film. I know next to nothing on the character besides his look and a little bit of his story.