Tyrese as a Thundercat?

While this isn't much more than a snippet of a rumor, its a good indication that things are still on the move for a planned Thundercats movie. If you'll remember, there is a film in the works for the coolest kitties on Third Earth. Last we heard the movie has a draft script, by Paul Sopocy, and a director, Gears of War game helmer Jerry O'Flaherty, although it's still at the early stages of development and is sure to change as things move forward. The movie was announced by Warners as a CG property with an eyed 2010 release. Of course we can't know exactly what is still true on the film front, but at least we're getting a bit more. And its from the unlikely source of Transformers actor Tyrese Gibson.

In a recent interview Tyrese stated that he is in negotiations for the project and while he wouldn't confirm anything, he indicated that there are a number of options in terms of what role he would play. Whether this means a voice over role in a animated film, or a live action part is unknown, but he suggested that we should get more information soon.

Of course the obvious guess for a part is Panthro. Is that racist... I think especially if its an animated film though it really wouldn't matter who he plays. I think this is a good sign regardless. Tyrese needs another good action film, and anything that bring the Thundercats closer to cinematic reality is a good thing. We'll just have to wait and see if this develops into more than a rumor.

For the latest info and more on the planned Thundercats movie, check out The Thundercats Lair message boards. These really guys know what they're talking about.
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Animated Tcats

Well it looks like there was a bit of an internet miscommunication last week over the Thundercats movie. Last week it was reported that the classic 80s toon Thundercats was being brought to the big screen. Now while this is all true, it has now been clarified that the film will NOT be live action as reported but instead it will be an animated feature.

This is good news, I know I was a bit concerned with the prospects of a live action film. I mean can you imagine any stars wanting to actually dress up like a big cat??? I guess maybe they could... but it would definitely be a hard sell.

So good job Warner. Now just bring us something cool, that respects the source material, while updating it for a more modern sensibility, with lots of action, a story that actually progresses, with real consequences for the players, some good funny bits, a few inside jokes, and plenty of heart, and I'll be happy :)

Thundercats Hooooo!!!

Well kids its finally happened. The world has gone topsy-turvy and we're actually going to get a big screen, live action Thundercats movie! I know, totally insane. My inner geek may be squealing with delight over this news, but the entire rest of my being is just sitting back and saying oh my god, how the hell can this be anything other than total garbage...

Variety reports that the film, being penned by neophyte feature scribe Paul Sopocy, will tell an expanded origin story of the anthropomorphic kitties. Specifically the plot will focus on the coming of age of Lion-O, who as we all know, is the often petulant leader of the Thundercats. Of course defending Third Earth from the likes of Mumm-Ra, and the mutants is no easy task; so Lion-O will be assisted by a host of the original Thundercats on his mission.

What I really worry about though isn't so much the story. I've re-watched a lot of the old 80s cartoon series on dvd and while it moves pretty slow at times, there are flashes of creative brilliance that especially in the context of a straightforward comic book fantasy work very well. What I really worry about is the look of this as a film. How an third earth do you expect people to look at the cartoon colors, and anime hair, the barbarian warrior garb, and the mystical weapons of the Thundercats in live action and not find it absurd. Is this really a property that can be taken even tongue in cheek seriously as a live action film? I personally don't think so.

I know this is just a fan made example, but check out this live action Thundercats fan film.



For what its worth, I think they really did the best they could. It's not that the film is actually that badly made, particularly for a fan film. Look past the production value and I think the problem is really that these characters just look ridiculous in the real world. There's this Vincent from Beauty and the Beast quality to humanoid cats that just makes me think of cheesy special effects.

I hope to god the real aliens don't look like humanoid cats; or I'll never be able to take their threats of death ray annihilation for real. As for the Thundercats movie. well I am really extremely interested to see where they take it. I just hope that they can find a way for it to work. For now we'll just have to wait and see.

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