Lost In Space...

Not everything that starts out in the Hat Building always makes it out...

Just ask the creators of "My Peoples", "Musicana", "Hare in My Soup" or a number of orher animated films/shorts that started out blasting off the creative launch pad only to crash and burn years down the line.  But when projects die at Walt Disney Animation Studio, it's more like a slow, cold, isolated death.

There is usually no person to come in and tell you it's over and you're let go.  The words: "You're Fired!" rarely come out of the suit that's been avoiding you.  Instead, it's the loneliness of working on something that will never be seen.  It's the calls that aren't returned.  Or maybe the meetings that can never be set up.  The silence of walking down the hallway after working all night trying to get the kinks out of the story you've been working on for months, or years on some projects.  Such is the case of projects that just aren't working out, or of a creative falling out with the ones above you.

That appears to be the case on Dean Wellins "space race" film.  It was an attempt at something daring, but each passing version of it has fallen further from its goal.  While the film isn't dead, it is in the process that films go through before they fall off the chart as its creator moves on to another project or another studio.  No recognizable advancement has happened on the story for some time now.  It's moved further down the line as each project that is in better development moves ahead of it.

This shouldn't reflect badly on Dean.  He's a great animator and compelling storyteller.  Sometimes even a good idea can't find it's way out into the world.  It took "The Snow Queen" many years and several directors to make to the point someone was confident enough to green light it for production.  And even then, "Frozen" will bare little resemblance to the Hans Christian Andersen story, much less the first reels of the original animated version.  Sometimes stories move beyond their creators, and their creators simply move on.

There might be a story breakthrough on it.  There is time with so many films already in front of it.  But time isn't the main problem, story is.  While the project began like "Big Hero 6" as a story unlike any typical Disney animated film.  The Marvel project has moved forward, the adventurous attempt to capture Millenials with a tonal story involving science fiction, outer space and teen racing hasn't.  At least not enough to advance closer to production.  Several projects that were proposed after it have moved in front of it.

Hopefully this race doesn't get cancelled...

Legendary Impressions...

Looks like Jeff Robinov isn't the only one leaving the Bunny...

For almost a decade Warner Bros. has had a production deal with Legendary Entertainment, the production company/mini-studio that makes massive pop-culture films that geeks/nerds love and the rest of the movie going public warm up to.

But as we reported last year, that agreement is about to end.  And it looks like they're either playing a massive bluff, or they are going to pack their bags and go elsewhere.  Thomas Tull had gradiose plans for his company from the beginning and they've only gotten bigger.  From just wanting to make cool, fun entertainment, to television to now, digital media and comic books, Tull wants to turn the company into a true entertainment company.  Almost a studio of its own.  I think his ultimate goal is to eventually turn Legendary into its own studio.  While partnering with one of the big six studios might be his stated plan, his ultimate desire is to become one of the big boys.

Currently, Legendary Entertainment is currently in negotiations with four different studios about securing a much more financially attractive deal than what Warner currently is offering.  It looks like the studio under its new suit, CEO Kevin Tsujihara. is much less willing to share the profits as it's shared the financial burden over the past decade.  It seems to see all the profits coming in from its films, particularly superhero films, and wants a larger, if not all of the profits.  Perfectly fine from a business standpoint.  But from a creative perspective, Legendary has provided a lot of the studios top draw when it comes to development.  Warner Bros. is going to have to show they can step up and fill the shoes of the creatives at Legendary.  Over the past decade, they've been more than willing to just handle the bean counting part of that job.  We'll have to see if they hold their own once Legend goes, if they do go.

The four companies Tull is in negotiations with are Sony Pictures, Fox, Lionsgate and Universal.  From what is heard through the grapevine, Universal is the studio with the inside advantage as it likes the content that Legendary has been coming up with and looks to exploit it with a deal that includes attractions in its global theme parks.  But don't count out the smalls studio Lionsgate as it wants to be a bigger player.  So far, the Mouse has expressed no interest in a deal with Legendary, which I believe would be ideal for content, along with their previous relationship with Walt Disney Studios chairman, Alan Horn.  He knows how to deal with them and has a good working relationship with them.  They could be making films across the spectrum of Disney entertainment, from the live-action Walt Disney Studios moniker to the live-action adult fare of Touchstone.  Since Touchstone has been set aside for the distribution of Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks Studios slate of six films a year, it could use the shuttered moniker of Hollywood Pictures as a shingle for the films Legendary has planned.

                                                    

But that's just me sprinkling pixie dust on dreams.  Dreams do come true, but not always.  Sometimes these things turn out to be wishes.  And right now Thomas Tull has some pretty big wishes.

I'm just hoping he rubs on a certain Lamp for those wishes...

Next For Netflix...

More specifically, what series could be next for the streaming channel...

And by series, I mean cancelled series.  We've all heard of the new original content that they're going to be debuting over the next eighteen months, but the major buzz right now is for "Arrested Development" season four.  And we know a lot of other companies have pitched their cancelled shows (Terra Nova) to Netflix.  Their CEO has even talked about it, but the prospects for the resurrection of some shows was dampened by their diminishing returns of potential new viewers (Firefly).

That said, what other shows would make for a great addition to their lineup?

Imagine the return of your favorite show that the suits at some particular network decided to can?  There are many shows that would have been great were Netflix around when they got cancelled.  Batman 66?  Star Trek after 68?  Sadly, it's a little unrealistic to dream of these, but what about shows that have been put on ice in the past five or so years?  If AD can be brought back after seven years, it's possible some of these could too:

24 - Yeah, I know it just got picked up by Fox.  I'm simply giving it as an example of something with obvious potential, and who wouldn't love to have all 12 episodes viewable n demand?  Jack Bauer on Netflix would be a great draw if the Fox Suits were to make the bad decision to cancel it again.

Pushing Daisies - This show has a huge cult following and a critical pedigree that falls in line with Arrested Development.  This would be a strong pony for Netflix's growing stable of high quality shows.  Bryan Fuller's series is comedic drama filled with wit, clever humor and compelling stories that would be a great addition to their line of shows.

Boss - A lot of people were disappointed in STARZ for cancelling this show after only two seasons.  Kelsey Grammer's portrayal of a defeated Chicago mayor with physical problems that he claws back was critically acclaimed.  It was a surprise that the network let it go.  Could Netflix take this series and bring it back to life?

Fringe - Ok, it's a stretch, but this show was so bizarrely weird I'm sure there would be a way to explain the continuation of the series that fans would buy.  After all, alternate universes could pick up the show, right?  And I think that Netflix would love to get into business with J.J. Abrams.

Young Justice - Having picked up four shows from Disney, an original series from DreamWorks, and more on the way, the streaming service is looking for content for families.  This is a popular show amount the young male demographic, and superheroes seem to be a thing right now.  So...

Dollhouse - Joss Whedon's show took some strange turns and found trouble finding it's wheelhouse at times, but it has a fascinating plot, beautiful ladies and it was being produced by Whedon.  Maybe they can pick up a few years later with everyone's memory being wiped and everyone spending the entire season looking for answers as to who the bad guy is (hint: Fox Suits).

Flash Forward - Ok, this is a guilty pleasure for me.  If you've followed the site, you know I was a big fan of the show.  As the season when on the stories got a bit disoriented, but I'd like to see what else happened to the characters on the show.  And really, doesn't David Goyer have too much time on his hands?

Cupid - I'm referring to the original series (Jeremy Piven), not the reboot which didn't interest me.  The tale of a man that thinks he's Cupid and wants to help people fall in love.  It's a simple plot, but Rob Thomas (Veronica Mars) takes the plot and interesting characters through stories that you just can't help but fall in love with.

The Middleman - A geeky series that lasted one season was based on an obscure comic book about a female artist recruited into a secret agency to fight evil.  It was quirky and fun.  There were only twelve episodes made, and fans of the show hoped for another season to the ABC Family show, but to no avail.

Reaper - How could a show about the grim reaper only last two seasons?  A man turns twenty-one and finds out his parents sold him to Satan to be his "Reaper" that has to collect souls that have escaped from hell.  It's a fun, clever show that lasted two seasons.  I'm sure there are plenty of people that escaped from hell he could go after on Netflix.

Veronica Mars - Hey, I can dream, can't I?  Just imagine all those Kickstarter fans that would pay nine bucks a month to see a new season of this show?

I'm sure there are others that you'd like to see.  These are just ones we here at Blue Sky would be interested in giving mouth to mouth so that they come back from that shining light.  Somewhere down the road I have a feeling when a show gets cancelled, there'll be a call that day to Netflix, or maybe even Hulu or Amazon.  If the show has a connected following then it might have value to go on.  Essentially, some of these shows can/will be like a sports free agent.  If they're let go by one team, they can try out for another.

It's a new game out there...

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...

Perspecticle...

The show must go on...


Tomorrow morning we get a look at what Rich Ross has in store for the Mouse in film...

That's when he has a press gathering to talk about the future of films at Walt Disney Pictures. We'll finally get a look at some of the ideas he has decided to move forward with (hopefully greenlighting a few). I for one will be interested in how much he diverts from Dick Cook's plans for the company. Will he go more comedy? Less Action? Another internally developed property (Jungle Cruise, Swiss Family Robinson, ect.)?

It's going to be interesting to see what he's got up his sleeve. Cook was a master showman at these events and added a great deal of theatrical spectacle to these presentations. Ross is a rookie at this part. We finally get to measure him up. Of course, we won't be able to take him to task until several of the projects he finally approves arrive at the box office. Then it'll be up to the audience to decide if Bob Iger made the right choice. But I have one suggestion.

Please don't have are no more comedy movies in this line-up staring Travolta...

Meanwhile, Up At The North Pole...

Let it snow... Let it be... Let snow... Let it be...


If you've been following the posts here since X-Mas you've noticed my love for all things Lanny and Wayne...

And the public agrees, along with the critics apparently. As I mentioned a short while back, it's my favorite thing the new regime has done. It's also the most successful thing they've done. By far, actually. The ratings for the show were beyond what The Alphabet Network had hoped for. And out of all things done since John Lasseter entered the picture ("How to hook up you Home Theater," "Bolt," "Princess and the Frog," "Prep & Landing"), it's the one, true hit; the only piece of animation to make it out of the ballpark in every sense of the word. And with success comes more of what the people like/want.

Another adventure with Lanny and Wayne is currently being worked on inside the story department of WDAS. It was to be. There is development being pushed for another special, although I don't know if it'll be another Christmas special and it most likely won't be ready for this year. But that is the thinking and another thought that hasn't yet been approve is to turn this into Pooh. Whahh?

Remember how "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" was created? It wasn't made as a feature, originally broke apart into shorts. Walt didn't feel it was ready to be seen by the public as an entire film, so he broke it into pieces. Once the first part was a success, the rest moved into production and a few years after the last one was completed they combined all of them and put it together as a feature. No one today thinks anything other than it being a feature. By that I mean kids and most adults. The thinking right now amongst those at the hat is... maybe. They like this idea for the Christmas Elves, and that's the thinking of the moment. If the next special delivers the same kind of numbers it'll be a given that this strategy follows up.

Does that mean we get a full film that gets a DVD/Blu-Ray release or a theatrical release? Too early to know for sure, but should the further adventures of these little guys prove popular then a combined feature will get at least a limited run (ala: "Tinker Bell") before going to home video. If all things go well, you might see a full release on the schedule, but not for a few years. Think 2012 or 2013, at least. But it's fun and great to hear. I don't know if the original directors, Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton will be heading the project, but I'd trust it more if they were.

Time will tell...

Mouse House Shuffle/Tussle...

And so the deck of cards changes even more...

Truthfully, I was surprised when he wasn't let go when Dick Cook was fired. If you haven't heard the news, Oren Aviv, the President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production has been fired. Or resigned if you believe that Dick Cook did the same.

Much of the slate for this anointed marketing wundkind hasn't exactly panned out. He was one of Dick Cook's chief suits and was believed to be the one to succeed him should he step down. Aviv was the one primarily responsible for "National Treasure" and had guided much of the production as well as development over the past two years. Many of the projects he approved were disappointing in their box office returns, others like the "Jungle Cruise" adaption have failed to materialize. Here is his announcement:

Today, Oren Aviv announced that he is resigning his post of president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production.

Avis said, “As of today, I'm stepping down from my position as president of Production, Walt Disney Studios. I have loved every day that I have been at the studio and feel incredibly privileged to have been part of a team that enriched my life for 20 years.

I will miss all the amazing filmmakers, the many talented actors and most importantly the lifelong friends I've been so lucky to work with throughout my Disney career.

I'm proud of the hundreds of movies I've helped to make and market, especially the studio's upcoming films, from Alice in Wonderland and Prince of Persia to The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Tron. All have been extremely rewarding creative and personal endeavors for me, and have allowed me to work with the best group of executives and staff in the business.

I wish Disney, Bob Iger, Rich Ross and their new teams great success for many years to come.“

Rich Ross, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios stated, “Oren’s significant contributions to The Walt Disney Studios are well-documented and countless movie-goers have been entertained by his diverse portfolio of films,” said The Walt Disney Studios Chairman, Rich Ross. “We appreciate his work and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

A successor will be named at an appropriate time.

Expect more fallout as the Studio shakes off the last remnants of the Cook regime and moves forward with Ross' vision. As the NY Times artile mentions; expect a shake up in the home entertainment division soon, as well. And then there are "other" evolving situations.

Developing much more than you would know...

What Made Joe Jump...

Wakka, wakka, wakka...


As of yesterday there was a change in the schedule at Walt Disney Animation Studios...

We've talked recently about the road ahead for the Mouse in ink and paint a couple weeks ago, so consider this an addendum that will be followed by more addendums. The schedule for the next few years remains relatively the same. Next year comes "Rapunzel" and then the following we get the new "Winnie the Pooh" film, but then things start to get a bit bumpy. 2012 will possibly see a different film as that year's offering, "King of the Elves" has been pulled off the rails temporarily as it gets retooled. As to what that means, well, it's the direction the story is heading isn't where Lasseter and the Story Trust were expecting it to be. Being as they have time before it's supposed to start animation (approximately late next year), this doesn't mean the end of the project. Remember that this happens on many films at Disney and Pixar. Ratatouille was the last example of the Lamp retooling a project. I've heard that there were story problems as early as a couple months ago with the departure/removal of Robert Walker. Aaron Blaise will most likely get another co-director but that hasn't been announced yet.

Being as that project will be tinkered with, another computer animated project that was thought dead a couple years ago could now possibly take it's scheduling place. I mentioned "Joe Jump" coming back from development hell in a post earlier in the month. It appears that it may move from a tentative 2013 release to 2012. Kind of the way Pixar moved "Cars 2" up to 2011 from 2012.

Animation takes a long, long time to make; sometimes it takes detours and other times it takes extended pit stops. Disney Animation's "Joe Jump" has taken a long, winding road. A road where good and bad things happened. Animated films go through metamorphosis from early conception through the development process, all the way to opening up all across the world. Sometimes it turns into a Frankenstein project like "Chicken Little," and sometimes it turns into something of a gem like "Bolt."

Hopefully, JJ will turn into that one. As a matter of fact, it's looking that way right now. Remember how Bolt began life as something called "American Dog" from Chris Sanders? Well, that's the case with Joe Jump. There are enough elements of the story that survive, but the project has taken a different route that what Sam Levine intended. Joe Jump was his baby. He storyboarded his heart into this project with his writer and created something that was decidedly different that what Disney is known for. When Lasseter came in, all projects that weren't deemed "Disney" enough were cast aside. Levine knew that there was trouble even though John kept him and his writer on board for another year working on the project. After it started to languish he asked for a status. What should he do? Go on working on a project that there didn't seem to be a lot of love for, or move over to another project? He wasn't given a clear answer. And so Joe J. faded into the background. And Sam? I believe he moved on.

The new incarnation of the film bears elements to the original, but there is enough difference to consider it an entirely different film. Rich Moore, the film's new director is taking a different approach and Levin is nowhere to be seen, although his influence is felt. Notice there is one director attached to it? As of now, that's the case, although a co-director could be added later if problems arise. But that's the case for the next couple of projects. Remember that other untitled hand-drawn film that is supposed to come out in 2013? It also only has one director, as of right now, Chris Buck. But again, things change as the news about KOTE shows. Of course, the other news about Chris Williams new project will be interesting to hear when it finally gets announced. Hopefully that will happen next year. Let's just hope it doesn't get "retooled."

But let's not think it would be the end of the world if it happened...

All Tron, All The Time...

So, the guy likes science fiction.


Or at least tangentially related to it...

It seems everywhere I turn I keep stepping on new Tron news. If this keeps up, I'll have to change the name of the blog. Remember when we reported that Joseph Kosinski was working on a graphic novel titled: "Oblivion" in addition to his directing duties on "Tron Legacy" earlier this year? Well, it now appears that according to the Hollywood Reporter, that may be his next film after the sequel to the classic 80's film. Radical Publishing, who are producing the graphic novel are also planning on producing the film with David Fincher. Yes, that Fincher.

Intriguing...

Get 'Em While They're Hot, Or Not...

Well since my "Without Tights" post last month, there seems to have been a lot of movement on comic book properties...

Granted, some of these were already optioned, but they seem to be getting renewed focus of late. As Febreary's Variety mentioned about "Youngblood" being turned into a film by Brett Ratner. Uhm, that's not exactly what I meant, but I guess it's moving forward. Ratner has made a whole lotta ehh and adequate stuff over the last few years. I hope he knocks it out of the park on this one...

"The Bozz Chronicles" were in development in the earlier part of the decade and have languished of late. I hope that Disney notices this property and the fact they have Zemeckis in the House, he was developing it before... perhaps, again?

And then there's "The Umbrella Academy" that has been in development over at Atomic Fox for a time now. Actually, someone over at AF really likes comics because three or four of the titles I mentioned are optioned by them alone. In fact, so many of the comics I mentioned have been optioned that there aren't that many of them the Mouse could option! So maybe it's time I came up with another list? Probably... I'll have a part-two up by next week. But Disney better pay more attention when I do.

Because Hollywood is grabbing onto these properties almost as soon as the first issue hits. Comic books are the new "it" thing. Until one crashes and then they'll move on like a one night stand, but I have a feeling it may take a while(I say three or four years which is an eternity in Hollywood years). As long as films like the "The Dark Knight" are making a billion dollars, even Suits will have a little patience. I know Kingdom Comics was supposed to fill part of this idea void(the first title isn't to be revealed till Comic-Con this summer), but there are several great comic books still out there and a few that aren't yet published.

But they're going fast...

"The Man" Continues His Relationship With "The Mouse"...

The Walt Disney Company and comic book legend Stan "The Man" Lee's POW! Entertainment have reupped their first look pact. The new two-year deal covers everything from film, television, books, games, online and mobile entertainment.

Part of the deal including Disney greenlighting "Time Jumper", a digital comicbook series that Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment will produce and distribute across multiple platforms. Disney Interactive Media Group's Disney Online and Disney Publishing Worldwide are working to create content for Lee's new properties as well.

This marks the fourth project for the Mouse and Lee, the other three being "Nick Ratchet", "Blaze" and "Tigress".

Developing...

I've been getting a good amount of e-mails today asking about an article over at Ain't It Cool News about upcoming Disney films and franchises...

The post doesn't mention much but states the obvious. I will tell you what I know in relation to what the person said and what I can reveal. I have some sources in Burbank and not all of them are loosed lips but they tend to drop hints from time to time. Some of the Bothans there are in the know and all of what I know, which can't be revealed.

The source says that...

TRON the sequel/reboot will be in 3D.

This is a very good possibility since many projects at the Mouse will be 3-D by 2010, but first they have to come up with an acceptable and budgetable(read: not too expensive) script. That hasn't happened yet. Well see if by late summer something will be ready for approval.

There will be a CARS 2.

Ok, again this is highly possible but is not guaranteed. There are story people inside Pixar working on this as we speak. But no film will come out if a proper script doesn't come to the attention of John Lasseter. He loves these characters and wants them to be shepherded properly. Another thing is the dates seem about right... figure if one comes out it will be around 2012, which is coincidentally when the new Cars Land area opens up in DCA. This will make a great promotion for the park, but remember that at Pixar the first rule of film: STORY IS GOD. No story... no film. Time will tell. At least we'll have a new Cars short to tide us over until the movie... oops. Scratch that. Repeat after me: "You didn't hear about a Cars short, did you?".

National Treasure 3 is planned.

Actually, from what the Bothans tell me a National Treasure 4 is being planned... maybe even a fifth. The Suits inside Team Disney in Burbank couldn't be happier with the way this one is progressing. Nick Cage enjoys doing it and if they find a good idea to work with this series could go on for a while.

Pirates 4 is planned.

Well, yes. But as for the scope and scale of the story? We'll have to see. The writers are a little preoccupied right now with a period piece know as a " Western ". Some of you may have heard of it? I've heard that they have several ideas for the series, but that it will only involve Jack Sparrow and perhaps Barbosa. Will and Elizabeth will not return. As for the Fountain of Youth plot element? Not known, really. The ideas for the film are in an embryonic state and don't expect anything concrete to be penned down until the beginning of next year at the earliest.

Oh and don't ask about the "Jungle Cruise" film right now. I'm still trying to persuade my friends at TDB to get me a copy of the script and, sigh... I better shut up right here.

The article's header mentions 2011 as an important year for Disney. Now where have I heard that before? Lots more will be coming to Blue Sky Disney in the near future regarding this very transformative year for the Mouse... Stay tuned.

Well, that's all I know/or can say about these projects...

Hope that clears up the fog just a bit for you...

Disney Down With Decadence...

It appears that producer Scott Rudin has bought the rights to make a film version out of Robert Graves' sweeping Roman Empire novel, "I, Claudius". The Uber-Producer paid a hefty two million dollars for the rights to do so... and those aren't Disney Dollars.

Leonardo DiCaprio is said to be interested in starring and William Monahan("The Departed") is thought to be in line to adapt the novel, but no deal has been set as of yet.

What does this have to do with Disney you ask? Well, Scott Rudin's development deal is with the Mouse, so more than likely this will be a project for Disney's Touchstone Pictures label.

The novel, which was written in 1934, surrounds the Emperor Claudius who ruled Rome from 41-54 AD. It covers an extremely dark and decadent period of the Roman Empire where incest, cannibalism, paganism and just about every other "ism" was practiced... "Gladiator" it ain't. It makes "Rome" on HBO look tame by comparison. The book had previously been adapted twice before, most notably the BBC miniseries starring Derek Jacobi and John Hurt... oh and some guy named Patrick Stewart in 1976.

No word as to when a director will be attached as Rudin is trying to line up his script first. Expect this to be something seen in the later part of this decade should it get put on the fast track... should it not, we could always apply it to our "Forgotten Mouse Tales" posts sometime in the future.

One never knows...

Adventureland Film By Disney Studio...

Well, not exactly...

Miramax Pictures, a studio owned by the Walt Disney Company will produce, along with Sidney Kimmel a new film from Greg Mottola(Superbad) known as "Adventureland". The script was also written by Mottola. Jesse Eisenberg("The Squid and the Whale") is attached to star. Shooting is set for this fall in Pittsburgh.

Story, set in the summer of 1987, concerns an uptight recent college grad who's forced to take a minimum-wage job at the local amusement park: "Adventureland", after realizing he can't afford his dream European tour. The experience helps him to loosen up a bit as he finds first love, forms new friendships and matures just in time to enter the real world in the fall.

So much for the Mouse turning all its theme park rides into films. Could we say they're turning theme park lands into rides... not really, but it made a fun header and after seeing "Superbad" it'll most likely make a very funny film.

Disney's Dangerous Book For Boys...

Walt Disney Pictures will make the adaption of the best seller: "The Dangerous Book for Boys" by Conn and Hal Iggulden. Producer Scott Rudin will produce the film with Disney Vice President of Production and Development Brigham Taylor in charge for the Mouse.

The book, which is a tongue-in-cheek manual that gives today's disaffected youth instructions for potentially hazardous activities, such as how build go-carts, making bows, arrows as well as history, trivia and sage advice for life. No screenwriter has been attached or information given as to what direction the take on the book will be.



This marks one of the first purchases the literary minded, Rudin has made under his new deal with Disney which was just signed last year.

Disney's New Pet Robot...

The Mouse has purchased the film rights to the graphic novel "Pet Robots" by Scott Christian Sava. Set in the present, the story involves a bunch of futuristic robots that fall into the wrong hands. Jon Silk and Jake Weiner are producing for Walt Disney Pictures through their Benderspink production company. Casey Wolfe is the Suit for Disney in charge of the film. Hopefully this won't wind up on our "Forgotten Mouse Tales" posts...

Disney Finds Itself Cursed For Six Months...

Walt Disney Pictures has acquired the spec script "Six Month Curse," a romantic comedy by scribe by Julie Golden. The story is about a bride that discovers she has been cursed since birth so all her romantic relationships have a six-month shelf life. To save her marriage, she heads up the Brazilian rain forest to break the curse. Complications arise when she falls for her river guide. Jennifer Klein will produce through Apartment 3B Prods.

Forgotten Mouse Tales 4...

And yet another in our series of articles on scripts/pitches the Mouse had thought would be great films so they paid unbelievably large amounts of money for them and then let them float off into that never, neverland know as development hell.

Crusader 

Walt Disney Pictures bought this script by Jonathan Hales(Star Wars: Attack of the Clones) which was an epic science fiction story set in the future on an alien planet, in which two brothers battle each other for control of a kingdom. Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson were to produce.


Affirmative Action 

This drama written by Billy Ray was bought for Touchstone Pictures centered around a cultural collision between an African American FBI agent and white New Orleans cop brought together on a case.  The story was based on an idea by Affleck and was to star him and Will Smith. Jerry Bruckheimer would have produced.


The Napoleon Of Crime 

No, this was not about the Great Detective's nemesis: Moriarty. This script, also by Billy Ray, told the story of 19th century thief Adam Worth (to be played by Robert Reford) who, after robbing every worthwhile bank vault and train, moved on to London with his partner, Piano Charley Bullard. There, the two became intangled in a love triangle with an Irish barmaid named Kitty Flynn.  Again, Jerry Bruckheimer was to produce and Jeb Stuart and Terry George were doing a rewrite.


Peter Westbrook Life Story

Walt Disney Pictures purchased this pitch about the true life story of Peter Westbrook, who escaped the New Jersey housing projects by taking up the sport of fencing and went on to become and Olympic champ. Later, he created the Peter Westbrook Foundation, a fencing school in Harlem that has trained thousands of inner-city children, including three who represented the United States at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. The film was to be produced by Debra Martin Chase and writers Keith Mitchell and Allie Dvorian. Allie Dvorian was to write the script based on the pitch.


Signature

This pitch was purchased for a high six figures to be writen by Cormac Wibberly and Marianne Wibberly(The 6th Day). The science fiction thriller was the story was about the way violent criminals were rehabilitated in the future. Jerry Bruckheimer was to produce.


Illusion 

This action thriller was bought for a low six figures by Walt Disney Pictures. Written by William Brent Bell and Matthew Peterman this was the story of an illustionist falsely accused of a crime that then used his illustion skills to clear his name. Jonathan Frakes was to direct and produce with Lisa Olin.


The Sword In The Stone 

Walt Disney Pictures was planning to make this film based on the novel by T.H. White, published in 1958 known as "The Once And Future King", this live action version of the story that Disney animated earlier was to tell the story of a young boy named Arthur who comes of age and is taught the ways of the world by a wizard named Merlin. Stop me if you've heard this before... Jay Wolpert(The Count Of Monte Cristo) was to pen the screenplay.


The Forger 

This thriller penned by David Auburn was the story is about an American student who arrives in Paris in 1939 and is swept up in a plot to replace French masterpieces with forgeries before the Nazis confiscate them. Miramax bought the rights to the book by Paul Watkins. Laura Ziskin was to produce.


De-Fense

This script purchased by Walt Disney Pictures was about a comedy about a suspended NFL player(Ice Cube) sentenced by the league to return to his hometown of Los Angeles to coach a high school football team. While dealing with the teens and the sport, he finds the love of the game within himself again. Ice Cube's company, Cube Vision was to produce for Disney along with Gunn Films.

Disney Buys Unnamed Girl...

Walt Disney Pictures has bought "The Occasionally Interesting Anti-Adventures of an Unnamed Girl", a spec script by Brian Nathanson for a low-six figures. Scott Rudin will produce.

The script focuses on an imaginative young girl who, bored by her suburban life, runs away from her strict parents and finds a fantasy world that becomes darker than she had realized. The movie is described as a cross between "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" and "The Wizard of Oz."

Forgotten Mouse Tales 3...

In another of our series of articles on scripts/pitches the Mouse had bought or optioned that went nowhere, we continue to bring you more examples of how to spend lots of money for something and then loose interest in it...

Skinner's Eddy

A girl returns to her small town home after her uncle dies to care for his estate. While home, she meets a man who seems too good to be true... and he is. Walt Disney Pictures paid seven figures for this "Romantic Fantasy" writen by Carter Beane, which was to be proded by Ashok Armitraj and David Hoberman. Adam Shankman was to direct.

Tales of Mystery and Imagination 

Miramax purchased this one for six figures. Written by Michael Chabon, adapted from his upcoming book which had tales inspired by short story writers like H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allen Poe and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. There would've been a horror story, a Sherlock Holmes adventure, a ghost story, an adventure story, a science fiction story, a story of suspense, a costume or period or historical story and a sea story. This is one of the projects set up by the Mouse that I hope will come out of development hell, because this one has true potential.

Secret Service Project

This "Action Comedy" written by Jason Richman was bought by the Mouse and Jerry Bruckheimer in the early 2001 and was supposed to tell the story of a Secret Service Agent and the hilarity that insued as he attempted to do his job. Sounds funny already.

Thomas Edison Project

Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films paid in the low six figures for this fictional story by Ross Canter, of a young, teenage Thomas Edison. In the script, he teams up with Wild Bill Hickok and saves the Union from catastrphy during the Civil War using inventions that pre-date the great devices he'll invent in the Future. Bruckheimer Films executives Chad Oman and Mike Stenson were to produce.

New York Family

Written by Heather McGowan, this comedy was about the daily trials and tribulations of a New York family. Gary Winick was attached to direct McGowan's script for Walt Disney Pictures. Nothing else is known about this one as it quicky sank into oblivion.

Black Chapter

A supernatural thriller written by Danny McBride and Len Wiseman for the Mouse's Touchstone division. This script bought for mid six figures was another violent, action movies set up in responce to the visual style of Warner's "The Matrix".

The Ultimate Low Self-Esteem Movie

Bought for half a million versus a high back end, this comedy was about a women with terrible luck with men. After repeatedly being on the other end of the “I-don’t-think-this-is-working” conversation, she meets the man of her dreams. There’s one small problem: he happens to be a homicidal maniac. Now THAT'S funny... Written by Michelle Wolff and Jennifer Heath, this Miramax film would've been produced by Lynda Obst and Frank Oz was in talks to direct.

Snow Dogs Sequel 

Written by Mark Gibson and Philip Halperin, this sequel to the original family film would focus on a dentist who inherits a team of Alaskan sled dogs. Walt Disney Pictures was surprised that this was a box office hit and quickly ordered up a new story for a second film... we are still waiting on it.

Unnatural History

Walt Disney Pictures bought this story of a family stuck in the Smithsonian Institution when all the exhibits come to life. Ahem, I take it the writers of this were too slow to get it written before "Night At The Museum" came out? This one is most definately... dead.

Well, as you can see... creativity is not dead in Hollywood or the Mouse for that matter... Yeah. Right. Actually, a couple of those ideas sound very good. The Michael Chabon project sounds like it would be alot of fun, but as with all things in development... it may never see the light of day. Hopefully some of the new things in development that we've reported here on BlueSkyDisney don't become features of a new "Forgotten Mouse Tales".