Warchmen legal nonsense settled

So a lots been going on in the geek film world, but one of the best pieces of news in a while is the word that Warner's and FOX have finally resolved their conflict over the Watchmen film.

If you'll remember it was over a rights issue. Basically FOX had the rights to the comic, Warner's the film, but it wasn't clear that Warner's could made the film without the consent of FOX. You have to wonder, since the suit wasn't even brought up publicly until after the film was well in the can if FOX knew about it all along and just wanted to wait for Warner to foot the bill then sweep in and take a cut, or if it really was just an oversight. Regardless, it looks like that's just about exactly whats happened as FOX and Warner reached a settlement deal, behind closed doors, before the judge had to make a public decision, most likely ordering Warner's to pay up anyhow. The really good part about this news: there will be no delay, no hesitations nothing to hinder or impede the release of the film now. So ultimately, we're the ones that win out. Although that said, I've no doubt some legal heads have rolled over this snafu at Warners.

From the trades though it seems the two companies are putting on an amicable face to the public. Care of Latino Review ne the trades, "Warner Bros. acknowledges that Fox acted in good faith in bringing its claims, which were asserted prior to the start of principal photography," the statement read. "Fox acknowledges that Warner Bros. acted in good faith defending against those claims."

See how nice and friendly that sounds... everyone wins, especially us. yay!
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Watchmen pics

Care of AICN check out these wonderful new Watchmen character posters.

Also, over at Empire Online they've got a few sweet new pictures like this one to peruse.

Very nice stuff eh? This film just looks awesome :) Look for it in theaters on May 6th, 2009.
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A long list of quick hits

There is a lot of coverage on the San Diego Comic Con out there, but much of it is buried in panel reports and drawn out press events. Also the world has not stopped turning just because of the con. There is other cool entertainment news to be had as well. But I just don't have the time to write up posts about everything. So maybe a few quick hits are in order. I mean, theres a lot of cool stuff going on, I wouldn't want to miss it. And with that said here are a few quick stories or links for you.

According to THR, Leonardo DiCaprio and his Apian Way production company are looking to possibly make a series of movies out of old Twilight Zone stories. They've put the call out to writers for pitches.

Some descriptions of the 3 minutes of Tr2n footage that was screened at the con can be read here and here, with more follow up details at AICN. And just a note, the footage was NOT actually from the new movie.

Cartoon Network is developing 3 comic book titles into tv movies. The first is Firebreather, a story about a teenager growing up in a divorced family with a typical worrying mother, and a fire-breathing dragon for a father. The next is The Mice Templar, a book about templar mice, a prophecy, and oh so much more. When I was at Wizard World the creator gave me a full 5 minutes on the book after I guessed that it was probably just like Mouseguard... And the third is The Vanishers, about a fifth grader who travels through time to rescue his friends after they start disappearing from existence.

Bryan Singer is developing a feature based on the comic miniseries Freeedom Formula , a sci fi about a high speed illegal mecha racing circuit and the cost of freedom in a fascist techno-future. Seems reminiscent of IGPX with a bit of Akira.

You can watch the trailer to Afro Samurai: Ressurection at Spike TV right now, or read more about the show here.

You can watch a painfully bad clip with Paris Hilton singing from Repo! The Genetic Opera over at MTV right now.

An honestly pretty cool trailer for Sam Raimi's new family friendly tv show Legend of the Seeker (formerly Wizards First Rule) has landed online. The show is based on Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth book series, and premieres on ABC on Nov 1st, '08.

Kevin Feige said at the SDCC Marvel panel that FOX was waiting the see how well the Wolverine movie does before moving forward on the Silver Surfer solo film.

NBC has posted videos of their Knight Rider and Kings panels on their website. Also catch this new one minute KR trailer.

The will be NO Dinobots in Transformers 2 say the writers.

Care of IGN watch the trailer for the upcoming animated film Resident Evil: Degeneration. No word on a western release date yet.

MTV interviews The Rock on Shazam, and Sam Jackson on Nick Fury.

AICN has a review of what is apparently a terrible script rewrite on Escape From New York by Jonathan Mostow.

IESB has heard that The Rock may appear in the Johnny Quest film, as Race Bannon!

Watch almost 4 minutes of new footage from Star Wars Clone Wars right here on Yahoo!

MTV has a preview up for the upcoming direct to dvd Marvel animated film "Hulk vs Wolverine" and it is killer.

Read Comingsoon.net panel reports and coverage on The Spirit, Watchmen and here, Day The Earth Stood Still, Prince of Persia, The Wolfman,

Read AICN panel reports and coverage on Wolfman, Watchmen, Twilight, Wolverine, Batman: Brave and the Bold and here, and a non-con Star Trek report

Read Latino Review's reports on the Hasbro panel (G.I. Joe), the Fox panel (DTESS, Max Payne, Wolverine), Watchmen, Punisher WZ, The Spirit, Ninja Assassin, Star Wars, and a video interview for Red Sonja,

Read IESB.net's well written reports on Watchmen, Twilight, the Fox panel, the best Wolverine footage breakdown online, and video interviews on Wolverine, Max Payne, and DTESS

And that's about all I can handle for now. That's sure a ton of info, And there'll be even more tomorrow after the Saturday panels get going at Comic Con. It's kinda crazy, but very cool stuff overall. Anything in this list really stand out to you as awesome? In my opinion the Star Wars footage steals the show so far. I'll post it up on its own later this weekend. Until then, I'm off to bed.
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Watchmen animated comic

You know, I kind of go back and forth on the whole animated comics thing. The process of bringing comics to semi animated life, usually for an online audience, really works sometimes, see Broken Saints, or The Maxx tv series, and other times it just ends up looking like that horrible 70s style Thundarr the Barbarian, Xerox based technology animation. Most often you end up with something that kinda mostly works, like the Marvel dotcomics. And such is case with the new Watchmen animated comic, Chapter 1 of which has just launched on iTunes for FREE.

Despite not totally working at times for all the expected reasons. What I love about this, is that it makes The Watchmen comic book even more accessible to people who might not want to read the actual comic book. It doesn't short change the comic. I definitely recommend you check it out, whether you love the book, or have never read it, you'll definitely get a bit of a sense why this comic is so renowned. And it avoids all that messy and tiresome reading aspect of reading :) besides, the voice cast is excellent. Check it out HERE.

While you're downloading you comic, have a look at this very nice pinup artwork of Sally Jupiter, as seen in the recent Watchmen trailer, care of Comingsoon.net.

Very nice. The Live action Watchmen movie hits theaters March 6th, 2009.
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Watchmen trailer

Hooray for us. Its a big big day for us because the WATCHMEN trailer has dropped online. As a fan of the comic I'm not sure how people new to the property will react to the trailer. For me, it plays fantastically. I really love this trailer. Its awesome in so many ways. But then again, I know where pretty much everything I see in that trailer happens in the film. I think as an outsider you'll still think is a cool trailer, but I don't know that it really explains what the movie is actually about. Watch the trailer though, and tell me what you think.



I'm really stoked to see how great everything and everyone looks in the movie. Dr Manhattan especially looks just awesome. And that end shot on Mars! wow! just awesome.

If you want, you can watch the trailer in HD over at the Apple trailer page, also check out the official page for a bunch of nifty updates on the film. And finally, the July 25th issue of Entertainment Weekly has a cover story on the new movie which you can preview, alongside a bunch of new photos from the film, at www.EW.com.

As you should know by now, Watchmen comes out March 6th, 2009.
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Watchmen video journal 4

Here it is, finally a comment on The Watchmen film from a non-curmudgeonly comic creator. It's Dave Gibbons who illustrated the OGN in the newest installment of the Watchmen video journal. Enjoy.



Watchmen comes out in theaters, March 6th, 2009. And these video journals will keep coming one a month until then. Oh and if you're interested, check out IESB's report on their in depth set visit.
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Watchmen video 3

The third of twelve production video journals from Zack Snyder's film Watchmen has landed online over at CHUD. This time they talk about the riot scene at the prison. And you even get to see a guy lit on fire. Very cool.



The movie comes out on March 6th, 2009.
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Watchmen video journal 2

After a long break while I was in Toronto for a wedding, I'm going to try to play a bit of catch up here. To start, check out this video, care of JoBlo. It's the second video journal for The Watchmen film. This one is on the costumes, and is pretty cool. There is a hell of a lot of attention to detail going into this film, and I think everyone appreciates that. Check it out.



The movie comes out March 6th, 2009.
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Watchmen video journal 1

Care of WB via Coming Soon, the first a 12 planned video production blogs for the upcoming Watchmen film has hit the net, and it's great. This entry is on the 'Sets and Sensibility' of the film. Watch and learn :)



Expect the next video blog to drop online on May 6th. The Watchmen movie however isn't set to open until March 6th, 2009. oh why so long... sigh.
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Watchmen pics

As posted today on the official Watchmen production blog, here courtesy of director Zack Snyder is the first look at a number of the Watchmen's key characters up close and personal. Check it out, and don't forget to click to enlarge.

Rorschach


The Comedian


Silk Spectre


Ozymandias


Nite Owl

The film is one year exactly from release today, as it comes out on March 6th, 2009. I think its looking great :) This could be a absolutely fantastic movie. Especially since as I mentioned a few days ago, it has now been confirmed that The Black Freighter story within the story will be made. Possibly to be included on the dvd, and rumored to an animated film that will be "direct to dvd" and released in conjunction with Watchmen; the chillingly morbid tale will feature Gerard Butler, as The Captain.

Have a good night everyone and enjoy this picture of Rorschach in his element...

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Warner's gets smart with ideas

So as we should all know by now, There is a Get Smart movie in the works. It comes out on August 15th, and I think looks pretty funny. Check out the trailer.



I mean, maybe it won't be the funniest movie ever, but it definitely looks decent enough for a rental. And I'm sure if I was a bigger fan of the original tv series I would be all over the film, but frankly it was a bit before my time. Just ever so slightly...

Some really interesting news has come out of Warner's recently regarding the film. Sci Fi Wire reports that the secondary characters Bruce and Lloyd, played by Masi Oka, and Nate Torrence are going to be getting their own spin-off film. And not in a year or two; they are actually going to be getting a spin-off movie that will be direct to dvd, and come out within a few weeks of the theatrical release of Get Smart. The characters as far as I can tell are the techhie guys and provide zany comic relief. Well more zany comic relief. The spin-off is unfortunately not set to feature Steve Carell at all.

While kind of cool in and of itself, the implication is also made that this, multi platformed media onslaught is all part of a new business plan for Warners. Get Smart director Peter Segal, who did not direct the spin-off film, said its "a new idea that Warner Brothers is trying to do, and we are sort of the maiden voyage." I have to say I think this is a great idea. I know there are lots of times I've watched a film, and been more interested in the secondary characters than the predictable main plotline. Or even just being able to get more backstory in general, is a great idea.

What other upcoming Warner films do you think would benefit from this kind of treatment? I's have to go immediately for something like Speed Racer, although here's already the animated series on the way. How about Ender's Game, if that ever gets made actually, but Bean's story is an obvious choice there. The Watchmen film is another great chance, and Warner's is stepping up already on that with a plan to release an accompanying anime film, of The Black Freighter, starring none other than Gerard Butler.

This is a great plan of action for Warners and I hope other studios follow suit. It doesn't have to be as big a budget as the main property, but when I like a film I want to see a lot of it. And if it comes to an extra little direct to dvd film, or an accompanying anime, or tv series spinoff; planning ahead of time to make something that can come together at the same time as the original just makes the most sense. We'll have to wait and see what other films get this extra special treatment, hopefully it'll be all the ones I like most.
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At the Con - Warner Bros panel

So I'm not sure I've really done my trip to Comic Con the justice it deserves here. I had a great time. There was tons of cool stuff I saw, and while you should definitely all go check out my Flickr photos, there was really alot of other neat stuff that I didn't capture on film. The panels were fun, the convention floor was fun and a bit crazy, and I had a blast. I thought I'd share a few more thoughts on my time overalll. and some specific things from a few of the panels I attended.

Since there was so much stuff happening though I think I'll break up my thoughts on everything a bit. The Con really kicked off for me on Friday morning when I stated out directly by going into the Warnber Brothers panel. I didn't even hit the convention floor, just right into the panel session. And since it was by far the biggest panel I went to I thought I'd share some thoughts on it.

First up at the panel was was Get Smart. They showed a really funny and long extended trailer for the film. While that actual extended trailer isn't online, you can see the regular trailer here. I enjoyed the footage, and was surprised at how much action it contained. After the trailer we had a good panel session with Steve Carell, the director and a bunch of other people including Masi Oka (of Heroes fame) who has a bit prt in the flick. I wasn't that interested in the film before not being overly into the old tv series, but I think I will check it out now, although it still might be a drental, so I guess for the most part mission accomplished for them.

Then they showed The Invasion trailer (watch here), and a 'special message' from Nicole Kidman. meh, this might be a rental i suppose. They did give us all Invasion t-shirts. I think I might sell mine on ebay though.

Next up was a horror/thriller called One Missed Call which is a remake of a Japanese horror film by Takashi Mike. After the fine but nothing special trailer, they brought out Ed Burns and Shannyn Sossamon for what I have to say was one of the most awkward Q&A panel sessions ever. These people were so wooden it was pretty embarrassing. I think this ones probably a pass.The only really nice thing was they gave out like 5 or 6 iphones to people in the audience.

They showed us the 10 000 BC trailer then, which looked even aw4esomer on the big screen s they had set up all over the convention hall.

After that they went right into Whiteout. This was one of the main reasons I wanted to attend this panel session. Whiteout is an upcoming film based on a fantastic graphic novel. I've talked about it here before in fact, and was very interested to see what they'd done with the film. Well, I was definitely very impressed with what I saw. They showed us a great trailer, and then launched the Q&A panel with the director, Dominic Sena, the writer of the Eisner award winning comic Greg Rucka, one of the most talented producers ever Joel Silver, and eventually Kate Beckinsale. They were really great too. Kate and Joel got most of the questions and they were fantastic. Kate especially was really really charming and funny, but kinda dirty too. So it was good. The film looks great and I know it will be a fantastic thriller.

Then we got the first look at a trailer for a horror film called Trick r Treat. Its not a film I'm interested in but you can watch the trailer here.

Finally after all that came the big guns: Watchmen. Director Zack Snyder came out and talked about the film for quite a while, answering questions and I think really allaying people's fears that he might not be as on top of things as we'd hoped. So that's really good news. He spoke at length about his reverence for the material, and how his process was going to stay true to the book. He was also really practical about things too. His feeling is that when Watchmen came out in '85 and how it spoke to the comic book fans, it was really one of the biggest catalysts for comic books to grow up; and us along with it. He feels that now the rest of the world, especially middle America is now saturated to a point where they are in the same place comic fans were at then, now. This film is obviously for fans, but it should also be able to reach middle America, who yes, now honestly knows something about spider-man, yes they know about the Hulk, they've seen Batman, and they understand the concept Superhero in a way that they never did before. Now they can see the greatest story of superhero deconstruction ever told. And they will be in a place to actually get it.

That said, this isn't a film that he's going to actively go out to market very hard. It is a film he thinks that people will find if and when they need it. The film will almost definitely be an R. Its not being 'changed' to suit us. It's also not being updated. The film still takes place in the alternate reality 80s. Well really, from the 50s all the way up to the 80s. Anyhow, he confirmed the cast, which he had planned to surprise announce at Comic Con only to be scooped by a number of websites. He noted his plans for attention to detail especially now as they're getting into some of the production design stages. He claimed that Dr Manhattan was going to be CG in the same vein of Pirates of the Carribean, which is much better than slapping some blue paint on someone. And finally someone did ask him about the "pirate story" section of the book, and he said he really REALLY wants it in, but its still a bit up in the air.

He left it I thought by really emphasizing his reverence and respect for the source material. And ultimately that was the moist important thing for me to hear. I was glad I got a chance to hear the discussion. I honestly think that Watchmen is in good hands now. Oh, and since this weekend the official Watchmen site is now live. Click on the smiley face for some stuff :)

That was the end for the Warner panel. I'll would've put a few pictures in this post but unfortunately Erica had the camera while I was at the Warner panel. But I got it back in the afternoon so I have pics of most everything else. All that aside though, I was very satisfied with everything I saw and heard at the panel. And yet there was so much more to go. I'll be back later.

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Watchmen cast is confirmed

Care of a Hollywood Reporter story the Watchmen cast has been confirmed. Most of the rumors circling around the web last week were true too. As I posted here a few days ago, the main cast members are mostly from the television world or haven't broken really big yet onto the movie scene. However they are all noteworthy as being acclaimed for excellent performances in past roles and I for one am extremely happy with the cast. Frankly I'm glad Brad Pitt, or Jude Law are not in this film. I'd rather see a cast of basically unknowns dazzle me. I feel that this film, this story is bigger than any "star" and I'm glad I won't be watching this thinking about the starpower behind it.

As mentioned before.

Billy Crudup will be playing Dr Manhattan who is especially noteworthy as the ONLY character in the Watchmen worl who has real "super powers".
Malin Akerman is confirmed to be playing the Silk Spectre (II),
and Matthew Goode has been cast as Adrian Veidt aka Ozymandias

Additionally

Jackie Earle Haley of Little Children fame has been cast as the tortured 'narrator' of sorts Rorschach.
Patrick Wilson who was also in Little Children will play Night Owl, probably the most stable of all the "heroes" his investigations provide a more centered backbone for the story than Rorschach.
and Jeffrey Dean Morgan who played Denny Duquete on Grey's Anatomy has been cast as the very violent vigilante The Comedian.

So, I'd say its pretty good news all around. Hopefully I'll get a bit more info at the Watchmen panel at comic con on Saturday. I'd also be interested in finding out exactly what Gerard Butler will be doing for Watchmen, as director Zack Snyder has confirmed that he wants the Spartan in his film. We'll see what becomes of it though. Until next time, later.

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A Few Watchmen Updates

Well, I haven't written a Watchmen post in a little while, so I thought I'd give you an update on a few of the rumors, circulating around the film. Firstly, last time I posted about the film I mentioned a new website that had gone online Rorschach's Journal. Unfortunately it turns out that this is NOT an official film site. And for the record in case people were duped, The Veidt Method website is also not at all affiliated with Warner in any official capacity. That said, RJ does seem to be a pretty decent fan blog keeping up with all the Watchmen movie happenings.

In more official news, a short spoiler free synopsis of the film has made its way onto the net. Don't worry its more of like what you'll find on the back of the dvd than any kind of inside information. Check it...

"Watchmen" is set in an alternate 1985 America in which costumed superheroes are part of the fabric of everyday society, and the "Doomsday Clock" – which charts the USA's tension with the Soviet Union – is permanently set at five minutes to midnight. When one of his former colleagues is murdered, the washed up but no less determined masked vigilante Rorschach sets out to uncover a plot to kill and discredit all past and present superheroes. As he reconnects with his former crime-fighting legion – a ragtag group of retired superheroes, only one of whom has true powers – Rorschach glimpses a wide-ranging and disturbing conspiracy with links to their shared past and catastrophic consequences for the future. Their mission is to watch over humanity... but who is watching the Watchmen?"

In casting rumor news, there are a number of names floating around for this ensemble cast. Of them the ones that sound like the most confirmed rumors ;) CHUD is saying that Billy Crudup has been cast as the big blue man himself Dr Manhattan. Which in my opinion is an inspired choice. They claim that Snyder will reveal all at his comic con panel. And since I'll be there I will let you know as soon as I do. Next from the more reliable rumor department comes the Latino Review's report that hottie Malin Ackerman has been cast as Laurie Jupiter aka The Silk Spectre (II). Additionally IESB has their own scoop claiming that newcomer Matthew Goode has been cast as Ozymandias. And finally director Zack Snyder has publicly expressed interest in casting both Gerard Butler and Thomas Jane in unknown roles ion the film. We'll see how those things come together though. Personally I'm really waiting to find out who will be cast as Nite-Owl, who is a much more accessible protagonist than Rorschach. We will undoubtedly find out more on this later this week at comic con. For now though I'm starting to think that this film might actually get off the ground.

In one final kind of amusing tidbit film producers have put out a casting call for historical lookalikes to appear in the film. The are reportedly trying to find actors to portray Richard Nixon, Henry Kissinger, H.R. Haldeman, Ted Koppel, John McLaughlin, Annie Liebovitz, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Fidel Castro, Albert Einstein, Norman Rockwell, John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, Andy Warhol, Mao Zedong and Larry King. That just makes me smile :D

Until we find ourself standing on more firm footing though, lets leave the Watchmen. Not to worry though I should be back with more updates on the film next week.

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Rorschach arrives...

I know that a lot of you out there aren't familiar with The Watchmen graphic novel. But let me just say that it is one of, if not the most fascinating comic book I've ever read. Oh I might enjoy re-reading Give Me Liberty, or Batman The Long Halloween more especially on a regular basis, but Watchmen is just utterly fascinating storytelling. It grabs you and simply will not let you go. If you are interested in reading a great dark thriller, are intrigued by more adult serious comics, and want to see the first and still best story of superhero deconstruction, I urge you to check out this book more than any other comic. And you might want to do it before the film version comes out. :)

For those in the know...
Rorschach is online.
What this site is, or will become, I have no idea.
I just saw this post from AICN and followed.



The site is basically empty for now, except for that pic. which links to the email address: rorschach@rorschachsjournal.com
BUT if you go to the page and highlight the space below the pic, you'll find some Morse code hidden invisotext style. Copy it into any of the many online Morse code descramblers and you find the message:
"Thanks for emails. will reply soon. the veidt method is a lie"
That said even knowing who Adrian Veidt, aka Ozymandias is... and knowing his significant role in Watchmen mythos, I'm not sure I understand it. Oh I'm intrigued all right, just not sure I actually get it.

Maybe viral marketing is getting a bit too complicated these days. Or maybe I'm just missing something... Ah well, I suppose I don't technically even know that this is an official Watchmen film site, but I suspect it probably is. And I'm definitely interested to see what becomes of the film which is being helmed by 300 director Zack Snyder. Of course its still in the hazy land of pre-production. But mark my words it will be buzzed about huge online once it finally starts to come together... that is of course assuming it really does.

For now the film is targeted to begin filming in Vancouver this September.

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300 Trailer and a bonus!

So check out this hardcore trailer for 300. Its just fantastically badass. While I know this can't be as gory as Sin City, this R-rated trailer definitely has me wondering if it might come close. I'm planning on seeing this film on Saturday, so I should be able to let you know what I think of it next week. But seriously just watch this vid.



Damn, that's cool. But why you may wonder exactly is this video like 6 minutes long, when the trailer is only two minutes thirty seconds. Well director Zach Snyder has hidden a little bonus in the filler at the end. It's a single frame of footage visible apparently at the 1:52 mark. The image in question is a test frame from Snyder's next project the MUCH anticipated Watchmen film. I'm keeping my fingers crossed this actually gets made. Its been a really long haul to bring it to the screen, and I had all my hopes up last year when Paul Greengrass was on it, so now I'm just holding back until production actually begins. But wow man. I mean WOW.


Click on the pic for a bigger view. This is a picture, coming from Harry over at Ain't it Cool News, is of the protagonist in Watchman, Rorshach. He is the last active member of a former group of one time superheroes. One of his old partners has now been killed, and he has decided to uncover why. He is the detective, he is the everyman; and the story follows his race to find out who is committed and continues to commit the ongoing crimes against 'masks'.

If you don't read comics you might not know. But Watchmen is considered by many people, including me, to be the best comic of all time. It is the only comic to ever win a Hugo award, was the first great superhero deconstruction story, popularized the graphic novel format, has been taught at university level classes, and has influenced American culture, comics, and film since its publication in the mid 80s. It is an amazing, layered and intricate story that grips you from beginning to end.

Man, now I really want to read it again. Seriously, alongside Maus, and Give me Liberty this book has changed the way I read. I'll tell you, I've got a friend who I've been lending comics to for almost a year now, trying to slowly expose him to the right ones, and its only just now that I think he might be ready to ready and appreciate Watchmen. maybe. It is a book that says SO much and is so important to me, and a ton of other people out there, that I know we all want to see it done justice on the big screen... that is if it can really even be made into a film.

The picture is awesome, the picture is WOW, not because it literally shows anything that spectacular, but in that it represents the farthest development anyone has come towards making this movie a reality.

I know Alan Moore hates the movie adaptations of his work, and in most cases rightly so, but for the rest of us geeks. This is some great news, and a very cool little bonus.