Choosing A Doctor..,

Iconic characters are very delicate properties...

Casting the right actor to convey in body, mind and presence is essential to getting not only the character right, but the story as well.  Such is the case with characters that have rich histories like Doc Savage.  Although he is not as well known as Superman or Batman, he is as much of a cornerstone of Twentieth Century pop-culture.  He is not only as important albeit less known, he is the inspiration for those characters.  Parts of Superman come directly from this pulp hero (just as the Shadow has elements that went into Batman).

There are only so many actors that would be able to portray The Man of Bronze.  So I thought we'd look at a few (the few) that could play this character well, but also do justice to him.  So what does he look like?  Who is he really?  Here are several actors that Blue Sky believes would go along way toward creating a believable adaptation of one if the last century's first super heroes.

Chris Hemsworth - If you want to cast from the James Bama interpretation of the character them Hemsworth would fit the bill.  Yes, I know he is known for playing another famous pop-culture creation, but if Harrison Ford can be both Han Solo and Indiana Jones, then this actor can be both the God of Thunder and the Man of Bronze.

Armie Hammer - Another very good actor with the size (Hammer is actually taller than Hemsworth at 6'5" to Thor's 6'3") to play the character.  Hammer has shown that he can play a goodie two shoe before, let's just hope they don't make fun of the character like they did with Kimosabe.  But Black appears to understand Clark Savage Jr. and if Armie Hammer got the job he would have excellent direction.

Alexander Skarsgard - If you 're not going the James Bama route and focus in the classic 30's look then Skarsgard might fit the bill.  Maybe he doesn't display the hulking presence of those Sixties reprints, but he carries the intelligence and intensity needed to make the icon believable.

Joel Edgerton - A much lesser known actor, Edgerton would carry a smart presence reflecting the calm authority of a man trained to be a perfect man from childhood.  While not as well known as others, Shane Black may have to use some of his newfound power if he goes with a lesser name like Joel Edgerton.  But getting the right person for the role doesn't mean that this actor wouldn't make an interesting choice, and the right choice

These are by no means the only choices to play Doc Savage, but they are an example of how to cast the role.  Knowing who will play the pulp figure will give us a look into the world that Shane Black is working to create.  That world is buried in the pages of many adventures that have been going on since the early 30's.

I can't wait to visit it, and welcome it to a new century...

Hat Tip to Paul Malmont for his pulp perspectives.

Savage Past, Savage Future...

Shane Black moves forward with his/my dream project...

The director of the biggest box office hit of the year did an interview with IGN about the status of his next fim, the big screen, authentic, period themed "Doc Savage".  He goes on to discuss the problems of adapting a pulp character that makes Superman's goodness look gritty (think Raiders of the Lost Ark starring Clark Kent).  Add to this the problem of finding an actor able to carry the physique of this pulp icon and you can see the challenges that exists for this film,

But all films are a challenge; filming some movies are akin to going into battle with an army.   Star Wars was an extremely difficult shoot, any production that Stanley Kubrick mounted was a mental and physical challenge.  And the obsticles sometimes make the film better.

Black seems to have an honest take on the character and genuinely knows the material.  It's not like many productions that twist and contort a character until he's unrcognizable to the audience you're aiming for.  With his newfound clout, Shane Black is the perfect person to adapt this classic property.  He's a geek that's been made.  If anyone can make the film pulp fans have wanted, he fits the mold.

Now he has to find an actor who fits the mold...

Hat Tip to /Film.

From Iron Man To Man Of Bronze...

Artwork from The Pulp.net.

It looks like Christmas has come early...

For me, at least.  If you follow Blue Sky regularly you know I'm a big "Doc Savage" fan.  And I've wanted to see an adaptation of these classic pulp characters for what feels like eternity.  And now it's here.  Officially.

Shane Black signed on to direct and co-write this almost four years ago.  But the project stalled after a year of development.  But a blessing happened soon after that.  Within a year of that project being put on hold, Kevin Feige and his Marvel Suits were looking for a director to film the next Iron Man sequel.  And Black's name came up.

He fit the Marvel mode.  Someone that was talented, hungry and cheap.  That's how they get you.  But it's a hell of a job to take.  Super hero films are to this decade what the buddy films were to the 80's.  And Shane Black was the founder of those type of films.  I think he knew that this was a chance to show he could deliver a big hit.  And that would give the Suits over at Sony the testicular fortitude to green light what might be a $150-200 million dollar crap shoot.

And now we have "Iron Man 3" with it's boxoffice of $700+ million dollars.  Money makes the world go around.  And in the film business, money makes wheels move quickly.  It's the oil to the engine.  So today, The Wrap gave us the news that Sony has green lit the film (The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision also verifies).  And now Sony Pictures has issued the official press release:

WRITER/DIRECTOR SHANE BLACKTO MAKE DOC SAVAGEFOR SONY PICTURES AND ORIGINAL FILM 

 CULVER CITY, Calif., May 7, 2013 –Sony Pictures Entertainment has closed its deal with Shane Black to co-write and direct Doc Savage, and Black is eyeing it as his next film, it was announced today by Doug Belgrad, president of Columbia Pictures, and Hannah Minghella, president of Production for the studio.  Black co-wrote the screenplay with Anthony Bagarozzi and Charles Mondry, based on the hero of pulp novels, films, and comic books.  Neal H. Moritz is producing the project with Ori Marmur through his Original Film banner. Michael Usland will also serve as a producer on the film. Commenting on the announcement, Minghella said, “We couldn’t be more excited to be building a franchise from the ground up with Shane and this team.  Shane and Neal have a fantastic understanding of the character and a great take on the material and we can’t wait to get this production up and running.” One of the most popular characters of the pulps of the 1930s and 40s, Doc Savage was also popularized on radio, film and television. He is a scientist, physician, adventurer, inventor, explorer and researcher. He has been trained since birth to be nearly superhuman in every way, with outstanding strength, a photographic memory, and vast knowledge and intelligence. He uses his skills and powers to punish evil wherever in the world he finds it. Black most recently co-wrote and directed Iron Man 3 which has grossed more than $700 million since opening a little more than one week ago. He previously wrote and directed Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Sam Dickerman and Lauren Abrahams are overseeing the title for Columbia Pictures along with Minghella. Black is represented by David Greenblatt, WME and his attorney Alan Hergott.

So now we have to wait and hear who is cast in these parts.  Doc Savage is a particularly hard one, because he's supposed to be a perfect human specimen: physical and mental.  So they are going to need an actor that can convey the action, but also the depth.  Now, I know he's no thespian, but if Arnold Schwarzenegger had the physique of his body in "Predator", he'd look perfect with blonde hair and a tanned body.  Unfortunately, he doesn't.  So the casting call will have to go out and find someone else.

Some people have suggested Dwayne Johnson, whom I've enjoyed in films like "The Rundown" and a few others.  He has charisma, but I don't see him as Doc.  Of course, I'll trust Shane Black.  Did any of you see "Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang" before?  I expect that he knows what he needs in an actor, and the box office of this Marvel film will go a long way toward giving him the creative freedom to do what he wants.  I'm so there.  The script is apparently a go.  So the film could start pre-production very soon.  That means we could be going back to the 30's/40's within a couple years.  That could be 2015.

There goes that year again...

Iron Man 300,000,000...

So today is the day Phase Two starts...

At least for America.  So begins Shell Head's third outing.  It's already a huge hit overseas with over $300 million so far, and an expected $450 million by the end of the weekend.  That's not included what it's expected to make here.  That's an estimated $177 million more for a total of over $600+ million by Sunday.  I think it's safe to say that this film may make its money back.

Will it make more than "The Avengers" though?

Doubtful, but it'll likely wind up being the second most profitable Marvel film.  It may nip at the heels of the team up film, but there would have to be an extra push to get it over the threshold that Joss Whedon's film set.  Now the question for you is: "Is it worth it?"

Now, I don't do reviews anymore.  I don't consider myself a reviewer, but simply a film fan, a movie lover and Disney obsessor.  My favorite Marvel film is "The Avengers" film, but "Captain America: The First Avenger" is a very close second.  Iron Man 3 is right behind Cap.  It's a very good film.  It's a smart, intelligent detective film, disguised as a popcorn film that succeeds on almost every level.  It's my favorite Iron Man film.  It has the best display of characters of all three films, and it sets a bar for the films to follow.  In other words, it starts off Phase Two with a big, loud bang.

Too bad the Creatives and Suits decided against that Stark Expo for Innoventions...

What The Doctor Ordered...

Well, now that "Iron Man 3" is already an amazing blockbuster, it also introduces us to a very hot director...

Shane Black has been famous for almost three decades.  He got his start with the speck script, "Lethal Weapon" in the mid 80's, which launched his trademark wit and humor.  That decade would be filled with his films, and many knockoffs of his work.  He's been wanting to direct an adaptation of my favorite pulp hero since he starting writing screenplays.  We've been reporting about Shane Black's desire to make a Doc Savage film since he signed on to write/possibly direct the film a while ago.

Now, with the success of the third Iron Man film, he may have that chance.  Sony Pictures still holds the rights to the project and they're waiting for Black to finish his work on this film before he gets serious about turning his attention to the Man in Bronze.  And it looks like after years of development hell, the character is finally going to get a fair treatment on the screen (Making a film that has already grossed $300 million dollars before it even opens in America will give him quite a bit of clout.).

Everyone who reads Blue Sky knows that I love serials and my favorite film is "Raiders of the Lost Ark".  As well as I love all things pulp (Doc Savage, The Shadow, The Spider, Secret Agent X. etc.), and have been following Tinsel Town trying to make this since Arnold was lined up to play the character (Although, he was a little past his prime to play the character even when announced.).  Sadly, that project came and went, but the hope for a new film, one that is authentic to the time period and heroes, has always been kept alive.  Now, it looks like we may finally see Doc's adventures being given justice on the silver screen.

Just like the justice he delivered in those old, ripped and torn page adventures of long ago...

Black Get's "Man's" Job...

Black is the new red and gold, baby...









Deadline Hollywood is reporting that Marvel Studios is closing in on a deal with Shane Black...

YES!!! Well, maybe yes. As of now, it's confirming a deal for directing the film, but my hope is that he actually winds up writing and directing it the same way that Joss Whedon is doing with "Avengers." That would get me tremendously excited about the project as Black is pitch perfect for the writing of Tony Stark/Iron Man. It'd be a match made in heaven reteaming him with Downey again. I'd almost want to see this than the Avengers film.

I can imagine the action scenes with his dialog. I would see this as a restart of the series as I think his participation would bring the franchise up to the next level. I can only dream that when it hits the trades it says: "to be written and directed by." One question is did he go into the meetings with the Marvel Suits with his own take on the character or do they already have an idea as to who/what they want and wish him to configure the story according to their desires.

It's not a done deal, but this is like a blessing sent down from the geek gods...

Black Opportunities...

Now this is the kind of rumor that makes a fanboy feel like he's died and gone to Comic-Con...

The Hollywood Reporter is saying that among the short list of directors to take the place of Jon Favreau is Shane Black. Not only to direct the film, but possibly write it as well. The writer-director is said to be meeting with Marvel and is on the short list of people that are being considered for the job. PLEASE, please, please let this happen, Black is one of a few people that would be perfect for this deal. His ability to write smart, funny scripts filled with action would make him an ideal choice to helm the third adventure of Shellhead. It would also reunite Black with Robert Downey Jr., with whom he worked on the wonderfully fun, "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang." That film was one of the early works that got Downey back on track after his rehab and let the actor shine in his performance. If Marvel Suits like Kevin Feige are smart, they will lock this deal asap because it's simply too good to be actually be true.

Almost as if it were a tale straight out of a comic book...

Black Bronze...

The next man, the post-modern man...


Man of science, both mental and physical...

You know I love me some pulp...

I reported last year on Ain't It Cool News' story of Shane Black writing a script adaptation of pulp hero Doc Savage with Anthony Bagarozzi and Chuck Mondry. Now comes news from Variety that he'll direct the film as well. And knowing Black's love of the character is like mine, him setting it as a period film is wondrous. Now if they'll just find the right actor I'll be floating around on Cloud 10.

Cloud 9 is way, way down there...

Shane's Savage Tales...

According to Ain't It Cool News, Shane Black is writing a screenplay for Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman that involves my favorite pulp literature figure...

If you are a regular reader of Blue Sky you know that I love old serials and pulp magazines. Heck, if you go to my Twitter page you can pretty much understand that. But I've always enjoyed reading these dime store novels and listening to the 30's radio programs or Saturday morning serials. I've got endless stories of The Spider, The Shadow or The Avenger. Even Conan or Solomon Kane, which I just finisher reading are great pulp figures. But they're not my favorite.

Doc Savage is.

Clark Savage Jr. is a character I've known about since I was a teen, but didn't get around to reading till a decade later. I've seen the cheesy 70's movie that was made about him and shudder when remembering it. That was kind of like watching that Captain America television movie made in that decade as well. Taking a classic archetype character and throwing away all that is good and creating a campy version of what you think people will want. He's always been a figure of missed opportunity. Handled right, this could be something along the lines of "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Handled wrongly, it could come off like "The Mummy 3" film, or worse, the Russell Mulcahy version of "The Shadow," which got the look right, but the tone and feel exactly the opposite.

About a decade ago, there were plans to make a big budget film version of it that sounded spot on, for the most part. Frank Darabont and Chuck Russell were producing it with a script by David Leslie Johnson for Arnold Schwarzenegger to star as the Man of Bronze. Although Arnold was about ten years older than what he should be to play this (if it'd been made around the time he did "Predator" he would have looked spot on), he was still a good fit for the roll, although not exactly what Lester Dent had in mind when he created the adventurer. Alas, that was not to be. The script came in and was apparently budgeted at a level of something James Cameron would create. Understandable, since the world Doc Savage's in involves action on an epic scope most of the time. So the studio got cold feet and it languished in that wonderful place called Development Hell.

Until now...

Shane Black is writing the new adaption of the character. And it sounds like he's being faithful to the character with no modernizing him, no updating him, no messing with the mythology of his existence. Sounds great to me. But when it's done, I have no idea who to cast for him. Doc Savage, like Indiana Jones, is a character that belongs where his story is cast: the 30's. Thankfully it sounds like Black is going to keep true to the times and feel. I look forward to hearing more about this. Especially who they wind up having direct it. That will be a critical decision just as choosing Black as writer. The project has many obstacles to overcome even after these, but should this come together It'll be on my radar for the next couple of years. Hopefully it won't fade away like the last, aborted attempt.

And I keep wondering who's going to fill the Doc's shoes since Arnold is too old and too busy to play the part...