Buying The Alphabet...

ABC, easy as 1,2,3...


Fifteen years ago today, the Walt Disney Company purchased a little business known as Capital Cities Communications...

The convoluted and confusing name of the American Broadcast Company.

It was run by a man by the name Robert Alan Iger.

A lot has happened in those years...

Rebirth To Rebirth 2...

Bring on the non-princesses...

It's been an interesting few years for Walt Disney Animation Studios...

When John Lasseter took over it was literally thought of as the second coming. And in a sense, it was, but it has been a far more difficult effort to reproduce the lightning in a bottle that is the Lamp as I mentioned in my post, "In Betweeners." From the last film made by Walt Disney Feature Animation, "Meet The Robinsons," which John wound up tinkering with so that the ending of the film would be more coherent, to the current films, the Mouse has been looking for a turnaround. A rebirth from its rebirth, so to speak.

Beginning with "Bolt," the Suits and the new animation heads were expecting a great shift in the direction that the once, crown of animation unit was headed. Sadly, Calvin Klein Vampires in a badly told, badly acted film drove a stake in the opening weekend box office of this critically well received film and it wound up limping the way to the finish line. The next film, last years "The Princess and the Frog," also critically well received film under-performed at the box office, and people were wondering what was up. With that, the princess problem began and all the turmoil surrounding the renaming of the upcoming film, "Rapunzel" to "Tangled" happened.

And so the Hat Building waits to see the reaction to this latest film, which, from those I've talked to is quite good actually. It's far more classic in its telling than that horrid teaser trailer with the rock music score would have you believe. It's not a direct attempt to mimic the pop-cultury films of rival studio DreamWorks Animation. It's just the marketing departments sad attempt to take a film that is what it is, and try to make it appeal to more boys. Which, if you think about it is a stupid thing to do, because once those boys realize they've been sold a bill of goods, they'll stomp out of the theater and head toward the exit.

And then there is next years film, "The Further Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" or whatever the final name becomes. It's adding to another classic character and it is also supposed to be a very entertaining story from what the Bothans have told me. One thing that has definitely changed since John and Ed took over is that the quality of the last few features has dramatically gone up, even if the box office hasn't.

The problem is the Mouse is treading old, familiar ground, while it's younger brother is experimenting with different concepts. Yes, they've started to make sequels, but they haven't sacrificed the quality and no one has stopped exploring other ideas that would make you think Pixar is getting comfortable with its success. But that is the problem for WDAS. It's looked at as not being risky. Milking a formula that people have come to expect. And what appears to have been needed is to boldly go out in uncharted directions, not just appeal to what was expected.

It takes a long time to make an animated film and changes appear slowly. Make that, sloooooooooowly. But, now with the new slate of stories that Disney Animation is working on it appears the future will be filled with films that are absent tiaras for the remaining future. It most likely won't appear for a couple years as there is a lull in 2012, but starting in 2013 you will likely see a whole different collection of films. Ones that tread a path not known for over a decade and certainly a departure from the strategy that began a few years ago.

So what is on the slate for the next few years? Well, as you know, the schedules for these are nowhere near set and dates can change and some of these could even be canceled because they're in development now, not production. Once you hear they're in production, you can expect firmer release dates and a clearer picture of what lies ahead. But here is what you can expect to see in front of you, with the blurry vision of a distant future that is always in flux. There are various pitches being prepared for theatrical and a few for shorts (with one featuring Lanny and Wayne, again). As of right now, (after Rich Moore's film) two CG animated films have been approved for development and one hand-drawn animated film.

Around 2013, you can expect to see "Reboot Ralph" come into theaters if the schedule solidifies. This is the project by Rich Moore that bares a slight history with "Joe Jump." Very slight, as most of what you will find in Moore's story has very little resemblance to the tale that Joe was. Kind of how "American Dog" was vastly different that what "Bolt" became. Except perhaps that J.J. was never in as much of a story mess as Dog was. But the original story didn't gel, unlike the new one which seems to be heading along at a brisk development pace. We should start hearing more about this project as we get into the new year when Disney gets closer to putting it into production.

What then/after?

A while back, Chris Williams presented to Lasseter, Catmull and Ross his pitch for his next project. It was rejected outright by the Chairman of Walt Disney Studios as playing "too young" so it was shelved and Chris went away trying to retool his pitch. Now you all know that Disney Animation was going to do a film called "The King of the Elves," based on the Philip K. Dick story. Well, it too was shelved because of story problems. The take that Aaron Blaise & Robert Walker had wasn't going smoothly. Lasseter decided to stop development on it until they had a better take on the project. Well, now they have that better take, and the version that will be going forward is much different thanks to Chris Williams new direction on the project. That's right, Williams is the new director of KOTE, and it is moving forward in development. While it hasn't received approval to go into production, Williams is one of John's "first finds" at WDAS and he likes what he sees in the young animator/director. Since he came aboard, the story flow has become much smoother than the previous try.

The hand-drawn feature is one of two projects that two venerable Disney directors pitched to Lasseter, with the hopes that one of those would get the green light to move forward. And while details are slim, this project is being described as unlike any project that these two directors have done before and takes Disney into territory it hasn't really explored. This will be no princess movie. It's still in the embryonic state, but the development of this project that we'll call the "Untitled John Musker & Ron Clements film" is moving forward. That's right, the duo are back at it, but no release date is set as it hasn't been put into production and likely won't until at least next year.

One other project is in development from Dean Wellins that is the other CG animated feature, it is in the formative stages as well. Again, the story is very unlike what we've seen in the past, but we will wait to see how this one evolves. It all depends on how the development process goes, but the direction that John and Ed have now plotted is far more interesting than the original line-up a few years ago.

There have been several ideas shot down. Some are what you'd expect, like using classic characters in new situations. Others, like Chris Buck's project have been shelved. What was Buck working on? Well, after his Snow Queen project was shelved, he started working on a twist on a classic fairy tale. He was planning a big animated "Jack and the Bean Stalk" film. He had a very good and aggressive pitch that he poured his heart into, but Ross and Co. turned it down. You see there is a little project that Brian Singer is working for Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures on called "Jack the Giant Killer" that would have been out well before Chris' project and the Suits didn't want any brand confusion with the competition. And so Buck went back to working on another pitch. His and several others are planned to be heard by Lasseter in the coming weeks, so another one could be greenlit for development before the year goes out. There are many ideas at work in the Hat Building. The walls there cannot stop them; eventually they'll get out.

It takes time. More time than we would like, but Disney Animation is moving on and moving forward. Now that Lasseter has improved the storytelling, he's trying to improve the bottom line. The more money the Burbank animation unit generates, the less it will be compared to its younger brother. Once the hits start coming, the moral will improve and the letting go of talent will cease. And as that happens, the depth of stories and ideas in the production pipeline will improve and grow. It's frustrating, but when you break something apart like what was done to WDFA in the late 90's/early 00's, it takes time to find all the pieces and correct your bearings. But based on some of the projects I've heard about, those bearings may have finally been found.

Patience...

Channeling Tron...

You know, you tube, you me...





Click on, click over...
There has been lots of news since Comic-Con about the "Tron Legacy" film...

But have you checked out all the other "viral" or online media? There is Tron Legacy's Facebook site on Facebook. Then there is Tron Twitter for Tron Legacy over at Twitter. And even more interesting, is the Tron Channel for Tron Legacy on YouTube. There are many, many videos that you can watch to get clips, interviews, etc. and a great deal more of what to expect from this future tent pole.

Take a look, information is power, programs...

A Tangled Poster...

I hope Hairy Potter doesn't ruin this...







Walt Disney Pictures has released another teaser poster for their 50th animated feature...

Very hairy, don't you think?

November, we'll be able to see through all the hair for ourselves...

Hat Tip to Yahoo! Movies.

Suits Me...

I like Sean Bailey, I really do...

He may be Hollywood, but he seems to get the movie-going public and the world at large, far better than most suits, much less, heads of production at a major studio. It was one of the reasons that I was a little less worried once Rich Ross came on board. He's a talented producer that knows his way around Hollywood and Burbank. I think his help in navigating the upcoming film slate of the Mouse will be quite valuable to everyone from film maker to film fan.

With that said, El Guapo himself has posted an interview with the man over at Latino Review Then there is Frosty over at Collider that was able to get an interview with Bailey about all things, "Tron," "Black Hole," Pixar, 3D and all things Disney that you may/will like. Also, over at /Film, Peter Sciretta has done a nice interview with Bailey that mentions a bit about the Fincher/20k reboot and a few other interesting tidbits. Click over and enjoy.

It'll be interesting to see what comes down the pipeline from Bailey and Ross over the next year or so...

More Del Toro Madness...

Yesterday, while I was out in the real world some exciting and geeky news broke...

Michael Fleming over at Deadline Hollywood broke that Guillermo del Toro next project was going to be his long desired, dream project, H.P. Lovecraft's "At the Mountains of Madness" before del Toro could announce it. It was expected that Guillermo would announce his next directing project right after Comic-Con (he said so, after all). But before he could, Fleming let the cat out of the bag. I'd wondered if he would announce this long in development hell project, not having any inside information on it, I just speculated if he was finally going to get his chance. There are other films that the man is lined up to either direct or produce over the next few years and I wondered which would come first. It looks like his dream project will be it.

The Film Maker is having a serious bounce back from his having to leave "The Hobbit" when you consider that this film has long been talked about as his holy grail and getting to write and produce the "Haunted Mansion" project is also a dream come true for the man. I know there are those out there that were disappointed to hear he was making the film, but he's a huge fan of the attraction. If he had the time, he's said that he'd direct it himself, but with his prior commitments, he'll simply have to guide it forward. I'm willing to settle for the writing/producing credit because I know he'll find the right person to interpret his story. But over the next couple years, we will get to see some serious film-love from this man, who I'm sure right now is just giddy.

A maddening time for sure...

An Animated Direction...

Over at Collider, they're starting to post a great deal on their attending the Walt Disney Animation Panel...

The sites Bill Gram posts his interview with "Tangled" directors, Byron Howard and Nathan Greno. Very interest talk with a couple of nice, talented guys. I'm rooting for them to hit this one out of the bleachers and from what I'm hearing, it's a great film filled with what you want from a classic Disney film. Go over and take a look and get a little perspective of what goes on in making a major animated feature.

It's great to see the talent that Lasseter is putting in charge of the Mouse's animation house...

Behold...

Marvel Studios has released the trailer footage that it showed at Comic-Con...

Personally, I love the stuff in Asgard, but I'm not quite sure when he makes it to Earth. If you remember my post, "Unfinished Business" about the Top Best Scripts Hollywood Never Made, then you'll remember that "Thor" was on that list. But this one has been vastly rewritten, so I don't know how much will be left from what I read. The one I read had Thor Odinson being cast down to our world, but it fit the film because it was set in viking times and played more like a mythological tale. Seeing cars fly by this guy that is supposed to be the God of Thunder looks a little, I dunno, hard to take? Take a look and judge for yourself.

Now, about that "Captain America" trailer footage...

The Darkening Seasons...

There's always room for Star Wars, we like to say...

At Comic-Con this year, they showed a preview of the upcoming Season 3 of the "Clone Wars" animated series on Cartoon Network. Here it is for your enjoyment. I'm sure that Decadent Dave is already getting his DVR ready as I type.

Say what you will about this show, the quality and story are becoming far better and more interesting than the Prequels ever were (save for some of Sith). Of course, that in and of itself isn't saying very much. Season 3 starts this October.

And Lucasfilm is already planning the fourth...

Wanting Justice...

For those of you that have longed to see a Justice League film...

This trailer may be your only look at what it'd be like. And it would be AWESOME according to this.

Wow.

This November, Sony and Warner will release DC Universe Online. A game in which you create your own character (hero or villain) and get to interact with the characters of DC Comics in their world. Be it the slums of Gotham City to the halls of the Daily Planet in Metropolis. There is an offline challenge mode that allows you to actually play characters like Batman, Green Lantern and others as well. But this video gives you an idea of what fun can be had watching these characters do battle. An entire film like this would be jaw droppingly, mind numbing. We await that opening day.

Until then, the Avengers will have to do...

Guillermo Comes Out To Socialize...

Boo...



MTV spoke with Guillermo del Toro about the news of his "Haunted Mansion" film and came away with a few more details...

He elaborates on the feel and look as well as talks about the villain of the film, the Hat Box Ghost a bit more. For those of you that don't know, the character is a long lost part of a scene from the original attraction's opening in 1969. He was originally in the attic scene with the Bride. The character, a ghoulish looking skeletal man in top hat with a hat top box would stand there with an evil smile on his face. His head would vanish as you passed by and reappear in the hat box. The effect was never fully realized and he was removed shortly thereafter.

I have a feeling if this film is successful, we can look forward to his return. New technology as well as the Mouse's desire to tie in their films could mean that fans of the mythology of this character could get a warm, scary surprise a few years.

Scary thoughts, I can't wait to see visualized...

Betraying Tron...

Comics first, then the world...




You would have to figure that will the Mouse's four billion dollar purchase there would be a lot of cross-cultural tie-ins...

They will happen. Slowly. But one example coming out soon is the Marvel Comic two issue series "Tron: The Betrayal," set in the World of Tron. The company is coming out with a prequel to "Tron Legacy" in October. Imagine if it's a success? Imagine a monthly Tron comic the way Star Wars had one for many years over at Marvel in the late 70s through the 80's. Imagine that and a whole lot more, because it's coming.

Not just for Legacy, but a great deal of the Mouse's other works...

A Tangled World...

Let down your inhibitions...



Walt Disney Animation Studios next feature is just around the corner...


So, we're going to start hearing more and more about it. The Mouse has released a video in which they describe the look of the world of Rapunz-, uhm, I mean "Tangled." And it's a beautiful place I can't wait to see come November.

Take a look...

UPDATE: If you'd like to read more coverage of the "Tangled" panel then check out Collider's article on it, with more to come.

Rossovers...

Eating crow, don't ya know...
You know, I must admit that I'm pleasantly surprised at the first year of Rich Ross' tenure at the Mouse...

I mean, it won't be a full year until October and we haven't seen much about what he's greenlit or put in development. Some of what he has done, I've liked. Fincher on 20K reboot? Color me interested. Some of what he's done, not so much. A buddy comedy called "What's He Got?" Color me bored. Some of what he's decided on, I'm nervously liking, but... Remake a disappointment into a Sci-Fi heavy "Black Hole." Again, interested but very unoriginal (of course, that is Tinsel Town right now).

Part of my fears were soothed over when they hired Sean Bailey to be his second in command, and I believe he's been a great balancing act to the new boss. But as you've noticed in the news lately, he's done a few surprising things that I think are very positive for the company and what Hollywood should take note of. He's been very collaborative and open with the various parts of the company (WDAS, Pixar, Marvel, Touchstone, etc.) and it's partners (DreamWorks). Particularly in dealing with the Lamp. He's had them advise on several projects in other parts of the company. Some that you've heard of and some you haven't. Trust me, "Tron Legacy" and the "Muppets" aren't the only ones he's taken an active role in having crossovers of talent from various divisions look at and critique what is being made. With regards to Pixar, he's done something that Dick Cook never did. He's brought him into the closed door meetings that involve the production pipeline and what is being developed. As much as I loved Cook, he would never let John go behind those doors. All of Hollywood respects and envies the running streak that Pixar has. Nothing speaks volumes like success and Ross is showing a surprising amount of understanding when it comes to this.

Now remember, I haven't been his greatest cheerleader, but I had hoped for the best. But the person that gave us "Hannah Montana" didn't exactly give me great hopes that the projects he'd like to see done would be what I have a taste for. He's been very respectful of Walt Disney Animation Studios so far, but also surprisingly honest with some of the projects that they have wanted to put on their slate of development. And he and Lasseter seem from what I hear to have gotten along quite well. It really is refreshing to see him bring in others from Disney North and their associates to gauge how something is doing. It's going to be interesting to see how Jerry Bruckheimer reacts to this new process. For the most part he's had free reign on the lot for projects that he's in charge of, but with the latest box office disappointments ("G-Force," "Prince of Persia," hello), he may find that his choice of projects will become more limited in the coming year.

There are still test ahead and it won't be another year or so before the Ross regime is in full swing, but let me say that I'm cautiously optimistic...

Marvanime...

A lot of stuff got announced over the past four, crazy days...

Strangely, a lot of DC Entertainment announcements that had been expected thanks to Geoff Johns teasing didn't. Shame on him. Something had to be up though, and I expect we'll be hearing details about Warner's schedule as we get toward the fall. I think that they're being cautious right now, but come next summer, with "Green Lantern" we're going to be in the middle of a blizzard of DC news (especially if GL turns into a blockbuster).

Now with that said, there was a lot of Marvel announcements over the weekend, but while everyone was talking about the "Thor" panel, the "Captain America" panel and the unveiling of the assembled at the "Avengers" panel, other Marvel news was announced by head of Marvel TV, Joseph Loeb.

We know that DisneyXD is getting a couple of series to bring in the boys (actually, a couple more projects are already on the drawing boards). But it was announced that four new half-hour series/12 episodes each, based on Marvel characters done in the "Anime" style would be coming to G4TV in 2011. That's 24 hours of Marvel mayhem for those that went to public school. I know most are asking why this isn't being shown on XD as well, and I believe it's because the stories and plot will be more mature in nature and they want to distance those type of stories from what will be seen on Disney's "Boy Channel."

I have faith that these shows will be of a certain level of quality because of who is overseeing them: Warren Ellis. With his guidance and a more free reign to have some different takes on the Marvel Universe, this could be fun. Here's the press release:

G4 ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE DEAL WITH SONY PICTURES TELEVISION FOR FOUR NEW ANIME SERIES BASED ON MARVEL CHARACTERS

Original Series "Iron Man," "X-MEN," "Wolverine" and "Blade" to Make U.S. TV Premiere on G4 in 2011

Los Angeles, CA, July 26, 2010 - G4 will be the exclusive U.S. television home of four brand-new anime series featuring some of the most successful and iconic brands from the Marvel Universe. Produced by Madhouse for Marvel Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan (SPEJ), these four original series will feature iconic characters from "Iron Man," "X-MEN," "Wolverine" and "Blade" in an edgy new anime world. These series will premiere on the network in 2011, it was announced Friday at San Diego ’s International Comic-Con.

"We are excited to partner with Sony Pictures and Marvel to bring these incredible icons to G4," said Neal Tiles , President, G4. "Marvel has shattered box offices around the world and captured the imagination of our G4 viewers. Combine that with the passionate following the world of anime brings with it, and we believe this project has incredible potential for the network”.

Jeph Loeb, Executive Vice President, Head of Television at Marvel Entertainment said, “Bringing Marvel and our characters to G4 is such an awesome opportunity. The size and scope of the animation from top-flight studios Madhouse and Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan is nothing short of mind-blowing. We look forward to the start of a beautiful friendship and can’t wait to see the reaction from our worldwide fan-base.”

Each of the four new anime properties - "Iron Man," "X-MEN," "Wolverine" and "Blade" - will air as standalone series made up of twelve 30-minute episodes. Guided by multiple Eagle award winner Warren Ellis, the four shows will feature a matrix of interlinked storylines and shared guest characters that further enhance this intellectual roller coaster ride for G4 viewers.

"Iron Man"

In an effort to make amends for his weapons manufacturing past, Tony Stark has dedicated himself to building the world up rather than tearing it down. Traveling to Japan to build a new arc reactor that will deliver unlimited free energy to the Japanese people, Stark is challenged by the Japanese government and the media when he attempts to import the necessary nuclear priming device. And when the reactor-in-construction is repeatedly attacked by the mysterious Zodiac consortium, Stark must gather his allies to take on Zodiac and its mastermind.

"X-MEN"

The X-MEN are reunited following the death of a teammate, and are summoned by Charles Xavier to Japan following the abduction of Hisako Ichiki (Armor). There, they confront the U-MEN, a lunatic cult that steals and transplants mutant organs to further strengthen their own army, and the battle for justice is on.

"Wolverine"

Based on the popular graphic novel by Frank Miller, the series begins in Japan , where Logan is challenged by Shingen Yashida, the notorious leader of a powerful mafia clan. When Shingen's employee Yukio, a female assassin, falls out of Shingen's favor, she must kill him or be killed. Teaming up with Logan , the pair seek out the villain to exact their revenge.

"Blade"

Eric Brooks -- known as Blade -- seeks revenge on Deacon Frost, the vampire lord who killed his mother while she was still pregnant with Eric. With all the powers of a vampire and none of their weaknesses, Blade's quest leads him throughout Southeast Asia in search of Frost, and, in Viet Nam , he discovers a vampire plot that threatens to take down the whole world.

The new "Iron Man," "X-MEN," "Wolverine" and "Blade" series will be produced by Madhouse and Marvel Entertainment in association with Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan, and will make their exclusive U.S. TV Premiere on G4 in 2011. Sony Pictures Television is the distributor.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com.

About Comcast Entertainment Group

Based in Los Angeles , Comcast Entertainment Group operates E! Entertainment Television, the 24-hour network with programming dedicated to the world of entertainment, and E! Online; The Style Network, the destination for women 18-49 with a passion for the best in relatable, inspiring and transformational lifestyle programming; and G4, offering the last word on gaming, technology, animation, interactivity and "geek culture" for the male 18-34 demo. E! is currently available to 97 million cable and satellite subscribers in the U.S. and the E! Everywhere initiative underscores the company's dedication to making E! content available on all new media platforms any time and anywhere from online to broadband video to wireless to radio to VOD. The Style Network currently counts 65 million cable and satellite subscribers and Mystyle.com keeps women up to date on all the latest fashion and beauty news on the web. G4 is available in 70 million cable and satellite homes nationwide and G4tv.com is a top web destination for video game news and information.

About Sony Pictures Televison

Sony Pictures Television is one of the television industry’s leading content providers, producing and distributing programming in every genre, including series, telefilms, theatrical releases and family entertainment around the world and for every platform: broadcast and cable television, first-run and off-network syndication and digital distribution. SPT is a leader in local language productions around the world, some of which are co-produced with local partners, and sells SPE-owned formats in approximately 70 countries. SPT's worldwide television networks portfolio is a key strategy in SPE's long-range commitment to the global marketplace, with 122 channel feeds, which are available in more than 140 countries reaching almost 438 million households worldwide. Additionally, SPT owns premium video website, Crackle.com, Dutch entertainment company 2waytraffic, production company Embassy Row, an HD movie channel and is a part owner of cable channel GSN, a new 3D channel, FEARnet, the premier horror/thriller website and VOD service, and national media sales company ITN Networks, Inc.

Progressing...

Got To Have Character...

Hopefully, In brightest day...





During the Con, lots of marketing goes on...

There is lots of swag to buy and be given, many shirts to be worn and several posters and banners to be seen and ogled over. Warner Bros. released these four character sheets that give you a glimpse of some of the other stars of this other than the Emerald Warrior.

Enjoy...

Hat Tip to /Film which has large versions of each if you want to click over.

Deadline's Geek's Wishlist...

Nikke Finke's Deadline Hollywood has an interesting post...

It seems that Michael Fleming has a list of fifteen projects (games, books, anime, ect.) that are on a geek's list of what they'd love to see as a film adaptation. I'd have to agree that all of them are pretty cool, although I wouldn't place them in that order and I would have substituted/added a few others.

Check it out...

Being Prepped...

Sunday is usually a light day for Comic-Con...

But with the popularity of the event there are a lot more panels to go to and cover on this last day. That said, only one panel would have interested me.

The one with Paul Dini talking about his new live-action program for the Cartoon Network. He was there to discuss his new series, "Tower Prep" and show some sneak previews, but I'm sure someone had to ask about "Arkham Asylum 2," because he's the writer on it.

Here's the teaser for the series, which doesn't show much, but I'll still check it out because Dini created it and I have rarely seen anything he's done that I don't like. In fact, I usually love anything he's involved in. I'll be sure and watch for anything new, revealing and interesting coming about about this show.

Prepping now...

DreamWorks & del Toro...

I've known some bits about this for a couple weeks...

I got a few e-mails that Guillermo del Toro was setting up an office over at DreamWorks Animation. Seems he's working on an evolving animation deal with Jeffrey Katzenberg's little animation house.

As it's all still coming together, we don't know what to expect yet, but it won't be "Trollhunters" or any of the ideas that were going to be part of the now defunct Disney Double Dare You!, so maybe there's still some hope that those projects can be revived or morph into something further. I'd love to see his involvement with the "Haunted Mansion" project grow into a much closer deal with the studio. Heck, if was up to me, he'd be exclusive to the Mouse the way that Jerry Bruckheimer is. But I think the deal that Guillermo has with Universal will prevent that. One can dream, though.

Developing...

Website & Cast Assembled...

Assemble, baby...


Marvel Studios has put up the official "Avengers" website...

It ain't much, but it's a start and proof that this geek dream is soon to be a reality. Early next year they start filming. Two years and we see the fruit of all this sweat and labor.

Then the fun begins...

UPDATE: From the SDCC Marvel Panel; the cast is now set.

Your Avengers are:

The Invincible Iron Man - Robert Downey Jr. (Duh)

The Mighty Thor - Chris Hemsworth (another Duh)

The Incredible Hulk - Mark Ruffalo (?)

The First Avenger, Captain America - Chris Evans (Duh, Duh)

The Black Widow - Scarlett Johannsen (sexy Duh)

The Archer, Hawkeye - Jeremy Renner (nice)

The Head of S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury - Samuel L. Jackson (Whassup!)

The Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., Phil Coulson - Clark Gregg (back again, and again)

The Director - Joss Whedon (officially, for a change)

And I feel we're going to get a few more S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents and cameos over the coming months...

A Real Suckerpunch...

Just got off the phone with the Colonel...

While waiting for the "Cowboys and Aliens" panel after sitting through the "Let Me In" panel a fight broke out. In the hot weather in San Diego tempers can sometimes flare even at the Con, but usually nothing really happens.

Not today.

Someone got stabbed. Two suspects were being taken in and there were a whole lot of police walking around Hall H. The events got postponed/delayed and some poor guy got stabbed by an idiot with a temper to match his IQ. I told you that this place is crazy this time of year.

I expected madness, just not that kinda madness...

Religious Experience...

So I got another call from the Colonel...

Seems he attended the Sony panel that had there films on display for the Con-Goers, "Priest," "Green Hornet," and "The Other Guys." He was apologetic and giddy all at once. Sorry for his EPIC FAIL on the "Tron Legacy" panel, but stoked that he was able to get into this panel. But for reasons other than why he went in.

"I am a convert to 3D!" He told me. You see, the Colonel has for the most part, always been a skeptic about wearing glasses. Comes from all those years he used to scream down at the enlisted men, calling them "four eyes" and whatnot. But after seeing some of Sony's presentation, he's starting to warm to it. He didn't think you could take a film that wasn't shot in 3D and make it look good. He was wrong. I guess he's finally recovered from the "Clash of the Titans" experience and this ain't it.

What was it that he found so seductive? Well, there was the three minute trailer that showed a lot of cool action and slick/sick violence. And then there was that opening sequence for Priest that was animated by Genndy Tartakovsky which blew his mind. It was wickedly violent in an almost unbelievable way. But that set the stage for the rest of the film. For those that don't know, Priest is a loose adaptation of a popular Korean manhwa title. And for those that don't know what manhwa is, well, what comics are to America, manga is to Japan and manhwa is to Korea. Now for those that don't... ahh, to heck with it. It was published here by Tokyopop. Try and keep up, please.

Well anyway, Scott Stewart introduced the clips and provided the description of things. It seems to take place in an alternative world where Christians battle Santanist in wars that have lasted centuries. Karl Urban plays the villain, Black Hat and the scenes they showed happen to make Kurtz feel that this is a much better film than "Legion," which he was forced to watch. Luckily he didn't have a cyanide capsule or this trip to San Diego wouldn't of been possible. But there were some interesting scenes with trippy vampires and intense action. The mood was good and the third dimension was actually cool. He's planning on buying a ticket to this one, which says a lot.

Next was "The Other Guys," which was originally known as "The B-Team." Get it? Like A-Team, so on and so on... Yeah, the Colonel was laughing about that, being as he's one of the few that went and saw that film. It brings back nostalgia for him. I don't know if it's for the 80's or his years in combat, but it gives him the flutters every time someone fires a gun. Anyhoo, back to the film. This was the best of all three films. It's going to make a ton of money. Make that tons (plural). The cast and crew were hilarious and Adam McKay and Will Ferrell were in prime form. This looks like it was the favorite judging by what Kurtz was noticing.

Then there was the "Green Hornet" film. What did he have to say about this? Well, once the stars and director were announced and took the stage, people started heading for the exits. Seems it wasn't a lot of people's cup-o-tea. They showed a clip that looked Ok, but nothing earth shattering. They're playing it over the top, but it fell flat on the dear Colonel. Nothing that he'd want to see on opening night. He thinks it's going to bomb. I don't know if it will, but I'm agreeing with him. He and I are also in agreement that Seth Rogen, whom I like, is not Britt Reid. This seems to be a misfire by Sony. Hopefully, we turn out to be wrong, as I don't wish any one or any film to fail.

And then a dial tone filled my ear and he was gone. He had to go to another panel and promised me he'd make the Marvel panel tomorrow, but he wasn't sure about the DC panel. It figures coming from a guy who's favorite character is Spider-Man. The Colonel's taste, not mine.

Expect tomorrow to be filled with an unbelievably amount of insaneness...

Message In A Bottle...

Yo, ho, yo, yo...


Those that were lucky enough to get in to the "Tron Legacy" panel got more than a few surprises...

One of those was a message from a rum drunk captain by the name of Jack Sparrow.

Enjoy his rantings, and his bloody mary...

Tron Lingerings...

Well, having just talked to the Colonel I now know some interesting things...

I was setting by window reading when my iPhone rang. I checked the ID and noticed it was Colonel Kurtz calling. Looking at my watch I noticed that the "Tron Legacy" panel had just ended. I answered the call and heard deep breathing. Was Kurtz alright? Well, yes and no.

You see, after getting up early and making it to the convention center, he stood in line, dutifully to take notes for us here at Blue Sky. Not that I had to force him, it was one of two or three things that were on his "must see" list. And so, after waiting in line for over two hours, he made it up toward the front only to be told that it was full. Full.

Full?

He wouldn't be getting in. He wouldn't be seeing the panel. He wouldn't be watching the footage. He wouldn't be seeing the trailer. He wouldn't be reporting on all the awesomeness that he had seen. How was that. The Colonel made sure that he was in line way earlier than he had been for other panels held at Hall H before. How? Why? Well, as I said earlier, Comic-Con has just gotten that big. It's so massively large right now that certain events take great effort to just simply attend.

So off Colonel Kurtz lingered in a daze, until he finally went trudging through the main hall, starring over at the Tron Legacy display area that Disney had set up, taunting him. Holding back tears, he walked on down the aisles and glanced over his schedule to see what was his next destination. Finally, after looking about the floor, fighting the crowds and trying to buy back small bits of his childhood, he whipped out his iPhone to call me and inform me of the bad news.

He was stunned that he had traveled all this way to be denied. I told him that it was ok as several other websites already had descriptions of the panel online. Just don't miss the "other" panels you were supposed to be at. And he hung up, whimpering. Ok, he wasn't whimpering so much as sulking. The Colonel wouldn't like me make him out to be a man that cries. Because he doesn't. Or at least, would never admit it. And so the drama that is the Con goes on and on.

We've got three more days of this madness, so prepare for more hectic craziness...

Tron Legacy Trailer 2.0...

December, why are you the last month of the year...


Walt Disney Pictures has released a new trailer for "Tron Legacy" just as their Comic-Con panel starts up...

Oh. My. God.

No need for further commentary.

Watch it...

Shockingly Good News Is Scary...

So, at the end of the "Tron Legacy" panel, they had a couple surprises...

One was a certain captain of a ship telling us what a wonderful adventure he's having. But after that, they showed a clip from a new/old Disney film that made people go: "huh?" Now, after this, Patton Oswalt wanted to introduce the new head of this project. Everyone, was wondering if it was a joke. And then Guillermo del Toro walked out onstage and the place went nuts.

He announced his next production (not directing it, since he's announcing that next week) gig would be an E-Ticket movie that he is writing with Matthew Robbins. And no, it won't be a comedy and it won't star Eddie Murphy. In fact, he joked that they're not returning Eddie's calls. So "The Hobbit" looses him and Mouse fans get him instead. I like that.

This project, along with films like "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" and several others (not the defunct Disney Double Dare You!, sadly), will hopefully make him quite busy for Disney Studios over the next few years. Maybe Ross made a deal with him to do this and then he'll finance "At the Mountains of Madness" through the Touchstone label? Sad that he couldn't make the trip to Middle Earth because of all this MGM mess, but glad he gets to go play with 999 ghost.

I've always thought "The Haunted Mansion" would make a great film adaptation if done right. Obviously, the one done seven years ago wasn't it. So now comes the press release:

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – July 22, 2010 –Guillermo del Toro surprised the 6,500 fans gathered today at Comic-Con with the announcement that he is currently developing a new film for The Walt Disney Studios based on the classic Disney theme park attraction, The Haunted Mansion.

“Dark imagery is an integral part of the Walt Disney legacy. After all, Disney himself was the father of some really chilling moments and characters - think Chernabog from Fantasia or Maleficent as the Dragon or the Evil Queen in Snow White,” said del Toro. “I couldn't be more excited to be a part of my own adaptation of the original theme park attraction Walt envisioned and that remains- for me- the most desirable piece of real
estate in the whole world!"

“Millions of people from around the world visit The Haunted Mansion each year, but no one has ever had a tour guide like Guillermo del Toro,” said Rich Ross, Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. “Guillermo is one of the most gifted and innovative filmmakers working today and he is going to take audiences on a visually-thrilling journey like they’ve never experienced before.”

Since August 1969, foolish mortals have dared to trespass on the macabre grounds of Disney’s Haunted Mansion. A hallowed landmark in Disneyland’s New Orleans square, it’s the dwelling place of 999 happy haunts dying to meet new visitors each day. The plantation-style of the mansion’s facade is a sweet deception for visitors. Inside, ghostly doom buggies line the hallways. Since its construction, the mysteries of the mansion have transcended the attraction with stories surfacing about horrifying encounters with the supernatural. Versions of the daunting edifice have been built at other Disney theme parks in Orlando, Tokyo and Paris.

I feel that the film we hoped to see, now may come to fruition after all...

The Grail of Geeks...

Take a look at this...

There are a lot of fun toys, giveaways and expensive gadgets to be gotten at Comic-Con, so feast your eyes on the white hot item at CC 2010.

Unfortunately, you can't have it as they've already sold out...

Hat Tip to Ain't It Cool New's Capone.

Comic-Cannes...

Time's change...

Everything moves and turns, becoming something else. You either evolve or die. For the majority of the 20th century, the Cannes Film Festival in France was the preeminent place to show films, make deals and see what was coming down the line. Slowly, over the past couple of decades in general and the last decade in particular, that has changed.

If you want your film shown, known or plan on making deals for a new generation of filmgoers, then you better be in San Diego for The Con. Comic-Con is the new place for film. Oh, I'm not saying that the films or stars will go away from that celebration in Europe. And Sundance will still be there, to a diminished degree at least. But Comic-Con IS the new place, for good or bad, to be in the know of what is culturally hot. And what will be.

The number of studios and stars showing up keeps growing and growing. The marketing has gone from a few posters, banners and a few behind the scene photos to the kind of advertising you'd see for an Oscar campaign. Elaborate displays and previews of new films that won't be seen by the general public for sometimes a year or more. Comic-Con has become more than just a few events set up around finding the back issue of your favorite comic that you happen to be missing a few issues. You used to be able to get copies of your favorite television show that is no longer on the air and not yet on VHS (now DVD), but know you wait in large rooms filled with screaming fans waiting to see a cavalcade of producers, directors, writers and actors talk about projects that sometimes even the trades didn't know about yet.

We'll be here at Blue Sky giving you the skinny on what Colonel Kurtz's perspective of what he saw and the events and parties he attended. I just wish I'd be there for tomorrows "Tron Legacy" panel, but the real world calls.

Developing...

Knowtz From Afar...

Vacation, la, la, la...





I'll be away for a few days, guys...

Blogging will continue near the end of the week when Comic-Con begins to wreak carnage of geek minds everywhere.

Until then, enjoy your week...

55 For 55...

It all started Fifty-five years ago today...

Walt Disney opened his version of what a theme park should look like, and in doing so he reinvented it. It was the first, the original and unheard of at that time. Disneyland became the park that all others would emulate. Doesn't look too shabby for being born all the way back in 1955, does it?

Through most of his life Walt struggled to get money for his projects, from shorts to films... he very often gambled the fate of his studio on projects that if they were to fail, would have doomed his own company to failure. And when it really counted, like "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" or "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" he came through stronger and more able than before. But after Disneyland opened he never ever had trouble getting financial backing again for anything.

Anything...

Happy Birthday to the one and only!

Living The Dream...

Bring On the Bat...




Every generation has at least one great visionary director whose creative genius transcends their visual craft in a way that defies the conventional norm and is revered by critics and audiences for their originality and brilliance. Christopher Nolan is, without doubt, this generation's Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock, Ingmar Bergman, Akira Kurosawa, or Orson Welles and will long be remembered among that pantheon as one of the greatest film directors of all time.

Inception is the movie that The Matrix wanted to be but wasn't and only dreams that it could have been while it was more preoccupied making itself look cool with science fiction technology and special effects, it merely stood at the precipice of the elaborate canvas of storytelling genius that Nolan presents us here with Inception's intricately complex and labyrinthian narrative as he so masterfully demonstrated in Memento (2000) that relies upon virtually no science fiction technology at all, simply the dreams and imagination of its narrative construct. There is never a dull moment as the viewer's mind is forced to keep up with the expository action racing along like a proverbial freight train. The special effects are relatively seamless and exist only to support the rich, complicated framework of its story rather than distract from it with gratuitous explosions and an overindulgence of CGI that dominate the morose offerings of modern summer movie blockbusters. Nolan's visual scope and canvas are vast and epic but grounded in a believable and conventional reality, an illusion every bit as effective as the slight-of-hand deception of The Prestige that will leave the viewer questioning what reality really is and which level of reality they are watching long after the film has ended.

There are plenty of nods and send-ups to Nolan's favorite films and their influences are evident throughout, the most obvious of which being Blade Runner which Nolan is quoted as his biggest inspiration and also On Her Majesty's Secret Service which he cited as his favorite James Bond film. For my money, they should just hand the keys to the Bond franchise over to Nolan right now and let him re-invigorate it with the same sophistication and panache that he brought to the Batman franchise with Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Tom Hardy already proved his theatrical range as a serious performer with his breakout performance as Bronson (2009) and delivers an exceptional supporting performance as Eames mixing sly wit with a focused intensity that would be perfect to see him bringing to the role of future James Bond.

Although I've never really cared much for Leonardo DiCaprio as a leading actor and have always regarded him as that "kid" from Titanic but I was completely taken by his emotionally intense performance as Cobb. Nolan has a knack for casting only the best actors of the highest caliber for his roles and here Leo proves that he is more than a capable leading actor of his generation. Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe, and Michael Caine once again bring an heir of class and benediction to their supporting roles as they had done previously in Batman Begins.

Hanz Zimmer's intense score for Inception is extraordinary delivering a lucid electronic ambiance that is both as ethereal as it is urgent, even darker and more melancholy than his score for The Dark Knight. Zimmer composes an auditory dreamscape that compliments the visual experience of the film by implanting its haunting melody in your mind and staying with you long after you've left the theater.

Summer 2010 was looking pretty bleak until Nolan came along and rescued it much like he did in 2008 with The Dark Knight. All my fears and doubts about how he was going to top that with the third Batman film have easily been subdued. I have no doubt in my mind that he will deliver a spectacular finale to his chorus of Batman films with the same sophistication as he has demonstrated in Inception. The Dark Knight is in good hands. Now, just let him have the keys to the Astin Martin and let him write his own ticket. Nolan is the real architect of our dreams.

Jobs' Reception...

The video for Apple, Inc. press conference is now up at their site...

Watch it if you want to see how the Chairman of the Little Fruit Company responds to the media backlash.

Just don't click on it with your left hand or you may have trouble viewing it...

Nerdvana Returns...

The pilgrimage is about to begin again...

Once a year, all geeks, or at least those within driving/flying distance, must make the travel to that temple down in San Diego. It is written. A rule, a law, a holy tenant in the world of pop culture. And yet again, I am sinning this year. For I will not be going. Again.

Forgive me.

But I/we will be reporting on all the news coming out next week. I just happened to have a previous engagement that I made a while back and couldn't break it. Again, forgive me. My good Bothan, Colonel Kurtz will be reporting back to me though and I will be reporting all his rants as he rallies his troops through the jungle of Comic-Con. Why?

Every year the event gets bigger and bigger. It's hard to believe that it's possible. The first year I went, I was amazed at how many people were there. I would literally have to start looking for my friends an hour before I was supposed to meet up with them just so I would have time to find them. This was in an era before I had a cell phone. Much less, my lovely and gorgeous iPhone, which is the only phone I now have.

But big the Con has got.

As many people as were there that first weekend I went, it is far more difficult now. A sea of bodies swarm through the main hall and rooms inside that big building by the shore. I really don't think that the Con will move from San Diego as has been talked about that last few months. Although it would be interesting to see it in Anaheim, but some of the magic that it has would fade away. Somehow the convenience of that trip would be overshadowed by the theme park that's next door. There is something to be said about taking that two hour drive with friends down the 5 freeway with food and drink in hand while watching Adam West in the 60's "Batman" series on our TV, while talking the religion as each mile passes. Fun for us, weird for you. I look forward to it each year. Including this year, which I won't be at.

Why?

Because it's going to be big. Big. BIG. I have talked to several Bothans and would love to be there for those big announcement, those panels and the big surprises that will follow. And not everything will be about Disney. Even though this year's show will/could be remembered as Comic-Tron, there will plenty of news for every stripe of the geek tribe.

The announcements from Warners are especially interesting. Being a DC Guy, I await a lot of footage of next years "Green Lantern" film, but also quite a few surprising events to unfold. Plus, if you've ever attended one of these, then you know that they always have surprise guests and I have a pretty good idea of who might show up. It will be four days filled with a lot of geeky love being thrown out. And it all starts with "Tron Legacy" on Thursday. And then there are those animation panels I want to get a seat in. But I'll have to wait for that FaceTime call from Kurtz. I'll be posting some of his impressions and thoughts as well as my own reaction. I just hope he gets me a couple of those Tron T-Shirts that appear pretty swanky. And I'm going to call him all kinds of names when he tells me how fun it was playing "Tron Evolution." And then all the other things he is going to dangle in front of me. But be prepared for the onslaught next week guys.

It's going to wild, simply wild...