Will Smith already said that he won't return for any more "Men in Black" installments, which is likely why Sony Pictures is planning a reboot. According to Deadline, the studio is still moving forward with the new film and has set a producing team to move things forward. Meanwhile, Sony is also progressing with its reboot of the "Zorro" franchise by hiring Chris Boal (The Hurt Locker) to write the script. The plan is to make a film similar in style to "The Dark Knight" by creating a new backstory, gritty realism and an emotional core. "Zorro" will have sword fighting, combined with the martial arts that came from Europe and created a deadly combination of swords, daggers, grappling and bare knuckles.
- 3/10/2014
- WorstPreviews.com
Art by Francesco Francavilla
Sony Pictures is looking to make some more progress on their new Zorro reboot. This version of the story is supposed to be more dark and gritty than previous incarnations. They've hired Chris Boal to write the script for the film. I'm not familiar with his work, but apparently he's a playwright and was a competitive fencer.
According to Deadline "the ambition of the movie is less traditional swashbuckler, and more of a Dark Knight-style unveiling of the character with a new backstory, gritty realism and emotional core. There will be swordplay, combined with the martial arts that came from Europe and created a deadly combination of action and lethal fighting systems that combined swords, daggers, grappling and bare knuckles."
It sounds like it could be a lot of fun. Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald are producing it. They are also trying to get a reboot...
Sony Pictures is looking to make some more progress on their new Zorro reboot. This version of the story is supposed to be more dark and gritty than previous incarnations. They've hired Chris Boal to write the script for the film. I'm not familiar with his work, but apparently he's a playwright and was a competitive fencer.
According to Deadline "the ambition of the movie is less traditional swashbuckler, and more of a Dark Knight-style unveiling of the character with a new backstory, gritty realism and emotional core. There will be swordplay, combined with the martial arts that came from Europe and created a deadly combination of action and lethal fighting systems that combined swords, daggers, grappling and bare knuckles."
It sounds like it could be a lot of fun. Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald are producing it. They are also trying to get a reboot...
- 3/9/2014
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Box Office Despite the failure of other recent swords-and-sandals movies and the fact that it's been seven years since the original, 300: Rise of an Empire is expected to rule the box office this weekend. In light of its $3.3 million Thursday late-night take and estimated $16 million-plus Friday, the sequel to 300 is predicted to have a $40 million-plus debut at the domestic box office. The movie is also doing well overseas, taking in an estimated $12.1 million in its first two days.
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Reboot Sony Pictures is looking to reboot its Zorro franchise and they've tapped competitive fencer-turned-screenwriter Chris Boal (Old Man's War) to craft "a new backstory" that combines "gritty realism" with an "emotional core." Though the studio wants to avoid making a "traditional swashbuckler," there will be plenty of sword fights and bare knuckle boxing, reports Deadline. Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald, currently...
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Reboot Sony Pictures is looking to reboot its Zorro franchise and they've tapped competitive fencer-turned-screenwriter Chris Boal (Old Man's War) to craft "a new backstory" that combines "gritty realism" with an "emotional core." Though the studio wants to avoid making a "traditional swashbuckler," there will be plenty of sword fights and bare knuckle boxing, reports Deadline. Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald, currently...
- 3/8/2014
- by BJSprecher Sprecher
- Reelzchannel.com
According to Deadline, Sony Pictures is moving forward with a planned reboot of the “Zorro” franchise based on the 2005 Isabel Allende novel, which centers on the young Zorro who witnesses the brutal injustices dealt to Native Americans.
Screenwriter Chris Boal, brother of Mark Boal (“Zero Dark Thirty,” “The Hurt Locker”), has come onboard to rewrite a draft previously penned by Matthew Federman and Stephen Scaia. Boal was a competitive fencer on the national circuit before becoming a writer.
This new project will have nothing to do with the Antonio Banderas films The Mask of Zorro and The Legend of Zorro but will have a sort of “Batman Begins” style of approach, with a new backstory, gritty realism and emotional core. So for those of you who have seen the Banderas films, this will follow Anthony Hopkins character’s backstory. There will be swordplay, combined with the martial arts that came...
Screenwriter Chris Boal, brother of Mark Boal (“Zero Dark Thirty,” “The Hurt Locker”), has come onboard to rewrite a draft previously penned by Matthew Federman and Stephen Scaia. Boal was a competitive fencer on the national circuit before becoming a writer.
This new project will have nothing to do with the Antonio Banderas films The Mask of Zorro and The Legend of Zorro but will have a sort of “Batman Begins” style of approach, with a new backstory, gritty realism and emotional core. So for those of you who have seen the Banderas films, this will follow Anthony Hopkins character’s backstory. There will be swordplay, combined with the martial arts that came...
- 3/7/2014
- by Kellvin Chavez
- LRMonline.com
Given the pace at which old properties are being revived these days, the only surprising thing about Sony’s planned Zorro reboot is that it’s taking them this long. But it’s better late than never, and now the project is gaining some serious steam. The studio has just signed playwright and screenwriter Chris Boal to pen […]
The post Gritty, ‘Dark Knight’-Esque ‘Zorro’ Reboot Gets a Writer appeared first on /Film.
The post Gritty, ‘Dark Knight’-Esque ‘Zorro’ Reboot Gets a Writer appeared first on /Film.
- 3/7/2014
- by Angie Han
- Slash Film
If you’re someone who believes that Hollywood isn’t coming up with anywhere near enough new and original ideas, then you may want to turn away now!
Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald are already producing a reboot of the Men in Black franchise, but Sony have now enlisted them to oversee a remake of Zorro as well. The iconic character obviously has a long history in all forms of media, but his last big screen outing was 2005′s The Legend of Zorro starring Antonio Banderas in the title role.
According to Deadline, playwright Chris Boal has signed a deal to pen the screenplay, and the the plan is for Zorro to be less of a traditional swashbuckler in order for there to be a bigger focus on “a Dark Knight-style unveiling of the character with a new backstory, gritty realism and emotional core.”
The site goes on to add that,...
Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald are already producing a reboot of the Men in Black franchise, but Sony have now enlisted them to oversee a remake of Zorro as well. The iconic character obviously has a long history in all forms of media, but his last big screen outing was 2005′s The Legend of Zorro starring Antonio Banderas in the title role.
According to Deadline, playwright Chris Boal has signed a deal to pen the screenplay, and the the plan is for Zorro to be less of a traditional swashbuckler in order for there to be a bigger focus on “a Dark Knight-style unveiling of the character with a new backstory, gritty realism and emotional core.”
The site goes on to add that,...
- 3/7/2014
- by Josh Wilding
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Go ahead and grab a shirt that you don.t mind getting shredded, because Zorro is about to come back into your life with his signature three slashes. You might also want to bring bandages and antiseptic, as Zorro now takes place in a dark future instead of the sunny southwest, so his vision might not be as good. Sony Pictures is pouring fuel back onto the swashbuckler.s fire by hiring playwright Chris Boal to take over screenwriting duties for the upcoming reboot. Playwrights are usually known for their grasp of dialogue, which may very well be one of the saving graces with this oddball project. Sony started kicking this remake around two years ago, and as Deadline establishes once again, this pic will take the character into grittier territory, with a larger focus on realism as he is given an original backstory. We could talk at length about...
- 3/7/2014
- cinemablend.com
News Simon Brew 7 Mar 2014 - 07:07
Sony wants a gritter Zorro in the style of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight movies. And it's hired a new writer for the reboot...
Sony is continuing with its quest to reboot the Zorro movie franchise, and it's hired a new writer to help it with its latest masked endeavour.
Chris Boal, a playwright who's turning his hand to screenwriting, has been hired to take over a previous draft of the new Zorro film. A script has already been written by Matthew Federman and Stephen Scaia, and it's unclear whether Boal will be starting afresh, or working with the earlier draft.
We do know that the earlier script was based on a mock biography of Zorro, that was written be Isabel Allende.
According to reports, the plan for the new Zorro is - you probably could have guessed this - to go darker and gritter,...
Sony wants a gritter Zorro in the style of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight movies. And it's hired a new writer for the reboot...
Sony is continuing with its quest to reboot the Zorro movie franchise, and it's hired a new writer to help it with its latest masked endeavour.
Chris Boal, a playwright who's turning his hand to screenwriting, has been hired to take over a previous draft of the new Zorro film. A script has already been written by Matthew Federman and Stephen Scaia, and it's unclear whether Boal will be starting afresh, or working with the earlier draft.
We do know that the earlier script was based on a mock biography of Zorro, that was written be Isabel Allende.
According to reports, the plan for the new Zorro is - you probably could have guessed this - to go darker and gritter,...
- 3/7/2014
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
In today’s day and age, movie franchise reboots are a dime a dozen. Some successfully introduce characters to a new generation, while the rest go back on the shelf and await their next reboot. Zorro was one of those characters, after coming back from the dead in 1998′s The Mask of Zorro, starring Antonio Banderas in the titular role, and its sequel, 2005′s The Legend of Zorro. The first film grossed $250 million worldwide and earned an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. The follow-up made only $142 million and fared far worse with critics, landing a sad 26%.
Thus, the franchise was put aside and placed on Sony’s reboot list, though it apparently has been a priority “for some time.” Now that it’s been nearly ten years since Zorro was last in theaters, the studio is moving forward with the reboot and has hired Chris Boal to pen the screenplay. Boal is relatively new to the business,...
Thus, the franchise was put aside and placed on Sony’s reboot list, though it apparently has been a priority “for some time.” Now that it’s been nearly ten years since Zorro was last in theaters, the studio is moving forward with the reboot and has hired Chris Boal to pen the screenplay. Boal is relatively new to the business,...
- 3/7/2014
- by James Garcia
- We Got This Covered
Sony Pictures is moving forward with a planned reboot of the "Zorro" franchise based on Chilean author Isabel Allende's 2005 novel.
Fencer-turned-screenwriter Chris Boal, brother of Mark Boal ("Zero Dark Thirty," "The Hurt Locker"), has come onboard to rewrite a draft previously penned by Matthew Federman and Stephen Scaia.
The Zorro character first appeared in Johnston McCulley's 1919 novella "The Curse of Capistrano", Allende's work is an origin tale and prequel to the events of that story, and contains numerous references to other famous Zorro works including 1998's "The Mask of Zorro".
Laurie MacDonald and Walter Parkes are set to produce the film which aims to bring a "Batman Begins" style approach to the character with a new backstory, gritty realism and emotional elements.
The project is not to be confused with Fox's rival sci-fi take "Zorro Reborn" which puts the character in a "Mad Max"-esque apocalyptic wasteland.
Source:...
Fencer-turned-screenwriter Chris Boal, brother of Mark Boal ("Zero Dark Thirty," "The Hurt Locker"), has come onboard to rewrite a draft previously penned by Matthew Federman and Stephen Scaia.
The Zorro character first appeared in Johnston McCulley's 1919 novella "The Curse of Capistrano", Allende's work is an origin tale and prequel to the events of that story, and contains numerous references to other famous Zorro works including 1998's "The Mask of Zorro".
Laurie MacDonald and Walter Parkes are set to produce the film which aims to bring a "Batman Begins" style approach to the character with a new backstory, gritty realism and emotional elements.
The project is not to be confused with Fox's rival sci-fi take "Zorro Reborn" which puts the character in a "Mad Max"-esque apocalyptic wasteland.
Source:...
- 3/7/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
A new Zorro has been developing for a long time at Sony. Antonio Banderas last donned the black hat for Martin Campbell back in 2005, and a reboot has been in the works pretty much ever since. There are still no director or star attached, but this morning we do finally at least have news of a writer. Chris Boal will pen the latest draft, with a view to introducing the masked swordsman to a new generation.Christopher Stetson Boal, to give him his full moniker, hasn't had any films released so far, but has written an untitled Julius Caesar film for Jonathan Liebesman, and Viking actioner The Vanguard, which has Alexander Skarsgard attached to star. Before the writing he was a competitive fencer on the Us national circuit, so he knows how to swash a buckle, and could presumably carve an expert Z into your clothing if you asked him nicely.
- 3/7/2014
- EmpireOnline
Exclusive: Sony Pictures is crossing swords with Chris Boal, signing the playwright and scribe to reboot its Zorro franchise. The reboot has been a Sony priority for some time, and the studio has Parkes/MacDonald’s Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald producing it. They are also spearheading the studio’s reboot of Men In Black. Lauren Abrahams is overseeing it for Sony and Marc Resteghini for P/M. I’m told that the ambition of the movie is less traditional swashbuckler, and more of a Dark Knight-style unveiling of the character with a new backstory, gritty realism and emotional core. There will be swordplay, combined with the martial arts that came from Europe and created a deadly combination of action and lethal fighting systems that combined swords, daggers, grappling and bare knuckles. Boal was a competitive fencer on the national circuit before becoming a writer. He just adapted the sci-fi...
- 3/6/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Columbia Pictures is moving forward with their proposed reboot of the Zorro franchise. Deadline reports that they've hired professional fencer/playwright-turned-screenwriter Chris Boal (the brother of The Hurt Locker scribe Mark Boal) to rewrite the draft previously scripted by Matthew Federman and Stephen Scaia, in turn based on the 2005 Isabel Allende novel that served as a mock biography of he fictional character. That book is officially described as follows: A swashbuckling adventure story, "Zorro" reveals the history behind the legendary masked man. Born in Southern California in the late eighteenth century, Diego de la Vega is a child of two worlds. His father is an aristocratic Spanish military man turned landowner, his mother a Shoshone warrior. From...
- 3/6/2014
- Comingsoon.net
Shadowman
"Babylon 5" creator and "Changeling" scribe J. Michael Straczynski has been hired to pen the script for a film based on the comic "Shadowman" at Valiant Entertainment.
Set in New Orleans, the story follows a man who must accept his supernatural legacy as forces of darkness close in and are determined to claim the city for themselves. Jason Kothari, Dinesh Shamdasani, Sean Daniel and Jason Brown will produce. [Source: Deadline]
Old Man's War
Chris Boal is set to rewrite the script for Wolfgang Petersen's adaptation of John Scalzi's sci-fi novel "Old Man's War" at Bluegrass Films.
The story follows a 75-year old man who agrees to trade his old carcass for a younger, genetically-enhanced body so that he can join a military coalition in outer space. There he's rescued by a woman who appears to be a younger version of his wife. [Source: Variety]
Wonderland
NBC is finalizing a deal for...
"Babylon 5" creator and "Changeling" scribe J. Michael Straczynski has been hired to pen the script for a film based on the comic "Shadowman" at Valiant Entertainment.
Set in New Orleans, the story follows a man who must accept his supernatural legacy as forces of darkness close in and are determined to claim the city for themselves. Jason Kothari, Dinesh Shamdasani, Sean Daniel and Jason Brown will produce. [Source: Deadline]
Old Man's War
Chris Boal is set to rewrite the script for Wolfgang Petersen's adaptation of John Scalzi's sci-fi novel "Old Man's War" at Bluegrass Films.
The story follows a 75-year old man who agrees to trade his old carcass for a younger, genetically-enhanced body so that he can join a military coalition in outer space. There he's rescued by a woman who appears to be a younger version of his wife. [Source: Variety]
Wonderland
NBC is finalizing a deal for...
- 10/15/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
I like John Scalzi’s “Old Mans’ War”. Hell, I even reviewed the book. The movie has been in development with “Troy’s” Wolfgang Petersen directing for a few years, but like most ambitious sci-fi books, it’s taking a while to get there. Looks like things are still in the very early stages. Variety reports that Paramount has hired former playwright turned screenwriter Chris Boal to take a crack at the script. “Road to Perdition’s” David Self was originally hired to adapt the book, but apparently the studio was not entirely happy with that one. “Old Man’s War”, based on the John Scalzi novel of the same name, follows “a 75-year old man who, having lost the love of his life, is agrees to trade his old carcass for a younger, genetically-enhanced body so that he can join a military coalition sent to protect human colonies in outer space.
- 10/15/2012
- by Nix
- SciFiCool.com
Ironically, Poseidon almost sank Wolfgang Petersen.s career. That hardly seemed likely at time, since the director has multiple hits on his resume, from In the Line of Fire and The Perfect Storm to Air Force One. But Petersen has hasn.t made a film since his 2006 remake of The Poseidon Adventure sank at the box office, so it.s encouraging to hear that he.s found a project and recently hired a promising screenwriter to help him whip it into shape. Variety says that playwright and emerging scripter Chris Boal has been hired to rewrite the current draft of Old Man.s War for Petersen to produce and direct. Set in a distant future, the story . based on John Scalzi.s science-fiction novel . follows a 75-year-old man who volunteers for a military process that trades his beaten-up and decrepit body for a genetically-enhanced body that allows him to join...
- 10/15/2012
- cinemablend.com
Back in February 2011, Paramount slapped down the cash for the rights to John Scalzi’s science fiction novel Old Man’s War. We’ve been monitoring this one with interest, not least because Scalzi’s canon is something of a favourite over in Empire’s La office. Road To Perdition’s David Self had been writing the adaptation for Wolfgang Petersen, but now it’s been passed to Chris Boal.Old Man’s War is tale of John Perry, a 75-year-old who enlists in the colonial defence forces after agreeing to serve alongside his wife, who's 65. In exchange for his service and the fact he’ll never return to Earth, his consciousness is uploaded into a healthy, augmented new body and he’s sent off to battle a variety of alien forces caught up in a territorial scramble for the available planets of the galaxy.Scalzi’s work has drawn...
- 10/14/2012
- EmpireOnline
Alexander Skarsgård might be known to most for his turn on HBO’s vampire drama True Blood, but he’s looking to make a big-screen breakthrough with a particularly interesting project. Variety reports that Skarsgård is set to produce and star in a Viking epic, which will derive from a pitch by screenwriter Chris Boal recently acquired by Warner Bros.
Read more on Warner Bros. snags Viking epic set to star Alexander Skarsgård...
Read more on Warner Bros. snags Viking epic set to star Alexander Skarsgård...
- 7/14/2011
- by Julian Stark
- GordonandtheWhale
Breakout "True Blood" blond hunk Alexander Skarsgard is being lined up to star in and produce the Viking-themed epic "The Vanguard" at Warner Bros. Pictures and Atlas Entertainment reports Variety.
Chris Boal will pen the script which follows two Viking warrior brothers who toil to return to Sweden after being banished to North America. The tone is said to be akin to "Gladiator" and "Braveheart".
Charles Roven and Richard Suckle will produce. Skarsgard appears in the upcoming "Straw Dogs" remake, Lars von Trier's "Melancholia" and Peter Berg's action tentpole "Battleship".
Chris Boal will pen the script which follows two Viking warrior brothers who toil to return to Sweden after being banished to North America. The tone is said to be akin to "Gladiator" and "Braveheart".
Charles Roven and Richard Suckle will produce. Skarsgard appears in the upcoming "Straw Dogs" remake, Lars von Trier's "Melancholia" and Peter Berg's action tentpole "Battleship".
- 7/14/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Alexander Skarsgard (HBO’s True Blood), the son of fellow actor Stellan Skarsgard (Taking Sides) will next be seen in a skimpy Viking costume. The vampire bad boy with a true, but not-beating heart will take his Nordic good looks in a new epic that is said to be in a similar vein to Gladiator or Braveheart.
The movie, which is going by the working title The Vanguard, will be written by screenwriter Chris Boal, brother of The Hurt Locker scribe Mark Boal.
The story centers on the adventures of two Viking warrior brothers who embark on a journey to return to Sweden after being banished to North America.
The project is being eyed as a potential tentpole for WB Studios.
Since Skarsgard has three brothers, named Gustaf, Bill and Valter, one of them could be the second one Viking warrior, at least.
Because this is in the very early stages,...
The movie, which is going by the working title The Vanguard, will be written by screenwriter Chris Boal, brother of The Hurt Locker scribe Mark Boal.
The story centers on the adventures of two Viking warrior brothers who embark on a journey to return to Sweden after being banished to North America.
The project is being eyed as a potential tentpole for WB Studios.
Since Skarsgard has three brothers, named Gustaf, Bill and Valter, one of them could be the second one Viking warrior, at least.
Because this is in the very early stages,...
- 7/14/2011
- by Nick Martin
- Filmofilia
Director of Battle: Los Angeles to helm epic telling story of emperor's life up to his defeat of Pompey, say reports
The renaissance of the swords and sandals epic continues with the news that Hollywood plans to bring the daddy of all Roman generals, Julius Caesar, to the big screen, Deadline reports.
South African Jonathan Liebesman (Battle: Los Angeles) will direct for Warner Bros, working from a screenplay by Chris Boal, author of an acclaimed play about Caesar entitled 23 Knives. The studio is planning a sweeping drama that begins with the young general's departure to Spain to take up a governorship and ends with him triumphant as undisputed leader of the Roman empire following his defeat of rival Pompey.
The film does not venture into the second half of Caesar's life, in which he brought Egypt and parts of the Middle East under his control; those events will presumably be dealt with in a sequel.
The renaissance of the swords and sandals epic continues with the news that Hollywood plans to bring the daddy of all Roman generals, Julius Caesar, to the big screen, Deadline reports.
South African Jonathan Liebesman (Battle: Los Angeles) will direct for Warner Bros, working from a screenplay by Chris Boal, author of an acclaimed play about Caesar entitled 23 Knives. The studio is planning a sweeping drama that begins with the young general's departure to Spain to take up a governorship and ends with him triumphant as undisputed leader of the Roman empire following his defeat of rival Pompey.
The film does not venture into the second half of Caesar's life, in which he brought Egypt and parts of the Middle East under his control; those events will presumably be dealt with in a sequel.
- 7/14/2011
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Alexander Skarsgård has joined the cast of upcoming drama The Vanguard. The True Blood actor will play a Viking in the film, which revolves around two Swedish brothers who are exiled to America. Skarsgård will also produce the movie for Warner Bros, with a script from Chris Boal, according to Variety. Movie bosses are reportedly comparing the project to epics Braveheart and Gladiator. The (more)...
- 7/14/2011
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
Battle: Los Angeles director Jonathan Liebesman has been recruited by Warner Bros to direct an epic based around the life of Roman general Julius Caesar. Penned by Chris Boal, the film will track Caesar’s formation of the 10th Legion and the battles that eventually led to him becoming ruler of the Roman republic. A franchise-hungry Warner Bros are hoping the story has enough depth and scope to turn into a profitable series. Their plan is to create a hit by casting a major star as Caesar (you can bet they’ve got Michael...
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- 7/14/2011
- by Josh Winning
- TotalFilm
Good news for ‘True Blood’ star Alexander Skarsgard. The popular actor, who is best known as the hunky vampire Eric Northman to fans, is reportedly set to take the lead role, and make his debut as a producer, in a newly purchased flick by Warner Brothers. The movie, with a working title of “The Vanguard”, was sold by Atlas Entertainment and is being described as a Viking story in the making that could be the next Braveheart or Gladiator. At least that’s what movie heads behind the project, and fans, will hope to see. While additional details surrounding the movie’s plot, written by Chris Boal, is slim at the moment,...
- 7/14/2011
- by sluoma
- ShockYa
Alexander Skarsgard has signed up to play a Viking in 'The Vanguard'. While details of the plot are being closely guarded, it has been revealed the 'True Blood' star will play one of two brothers who are attempting to return home to Sweden after being exiled to America, although his co-star has not yet been cast. Alexander will also produce the movie - which has been compared to 'Gladiator' and 'Braveheart' - from a script written by playwright Chris Boal, the brother of Oscar-winning 'Hurt Locker' writer Mark Boal. Along with his role on TV...
- 7/14/2011
- Virgin Media - Movies
Warner Bros has acquired a pitch for a big-budget film based on the general and Roman leader Gaius Julius Caesar that will be written by Chris Boal (writer of "23 Knives" play and brother of "The Hurt Locker" writer Mark Boal) and directed by Jonathan Liebesman (Battle: Los Angeles). The new movie is not a biopic, but will cover the time in which Caesar was sent to Spain for a job no one else wanted. There, he built the 10th Legion fighting force that would eventually march on Rome, overrun the forces of his close friend-turned-rival Pompey, and establish Caesar as the unrivaled ruler of the empire. The movie would end with Caesar's coronation, but leaves open the possibility of a second film, which would chronicle his trip to Egypt and eventual assassination.
- 7/14/2011
- WorstPreviews.com
Alexander Skarsgard has a Viking-themed epic on his sleeve. The actor, who plays Eric Northman on HBO's hit series "True Blood", is attached to produce and star in a movie project which is developed under the Warner Bros. Pictures with the working title of "The Vanguard".
Details on what character Skarsgard will take on have yet been disclosed, but the movie centers on a pair of Swedish Viking warrior brothers who try to go back to their homeland after being banished to North America. As for his role behind the lens, this movie will mark his producing debut.
According to Variety, WB has bought "The Vanguard", which is said to be in the vein of "Gladiator" and "Braveheart", from Atlas Entertainment. The script will be provided by Chris Boal, while Jon Berg and Chris Gary will oversee the project for WB.
Skarsgard himself has several other movie projects in waiting.
Details on what character Skarsgard will take on have yet been disclosed, but the movie centers on a pair of Swedish Viking warrior brothers who try to go back to their homeland after being banished to North America. As for his role behind the lens, this movie will mark his producing debut.
According to Variety, WB has bought "The Vanguard", which is said to be in the vein of "Gladiator" and "Braveheart", from Atlas Entertainment. The script will be provided by Chris Boal, while Jon Berg and Chris Gary will oversee the project for WB.
Skarsgard himself has several other movie projects in waiting.
- 7/14/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Forget about those stories where a fictional character is trotting along a place that existed hundreds of years ago, let's bring a real person into the mix. That's exactly what Warner Bros has in mind right now since they're scooping up a pitch about Gaius Julius Caesar that's set to be written by Chris Boal. Jonathan Liebesman ("Battle: Los Angeles") will be directing off of Boal's script.Supposedly the "epic-sized" pitch will start with him as he slowly ascends into power, ending with his coronation. The way that it works if that if the Caesar film is successful then they have the prospect of making a sequel which would end with his assassination. Along with that, this project is perfectly set for a major actor to be front and center in the potentially large film.Liebesman recently wrapped filming "Clash of the Titans 2" with Sam Worthington reprising the lead role.
- 7/14/2011
- LRMonline.com
A 'True Blood' star is headed for colder climes.
It's a warrior's life for Alexander Skarsgard as he signs on to both star in and produce an epic Viking adventure for Warner Bros., according to Variety.
Atlas Entertainment sold the pitch to the studio, which currently has the working title of "The Vanguard." Chris Boal is set to write the script that follows the adventures of two Viking warrior brothers who embark on a journey to return to Sweden after being banished to North America.
We have a feeling a girl will be involved as well, one with whom the brothers may form a love triangle. Hey, do we know our Viking epics or what?
WB is hoping this will be a tentpole film along the lines of "Gladiator" and "Braveheart." Skarsgard is the perfect choice for this, if only for the fact that he pretty much looks like a Viking already.
It's a warrior's life for Alexander Skarsgard as he signs on to both star in and produce an epic Viking adventure for Warner Bros., according to Variety.
Atlas Entertainment sold the pitch to the studio, which currently has the working title of "The Vanguard." Chris Boal is set to write the script that follows the adventures of two Viking warrior brothers who embark on a journey to return to Sweden after being banished to North America.
We have a feeling a girl will be involved as well, one with whom the brothers may form a love triangle. Hey, do we know our Viking epics or what?
WB is hoping this will be a tentpole film along the lines of "Gladiator" and "Braveheart." Skarsgard is the perfect choice for this, if only for the fact that he pretty much looks like a Viking already.
- 7/13/2011
- by Bryan Enk
- NextMovie
It sounds like Clash of the Titans 2 director Jonathan Liebesman isn.t ready to walk away from the realm of swords and sandals once he puts the finishing touches on his mystical sequel. He and screenwriter Chris Boal -- brother of The Hurt Locker scribe Mark Boal -- just pitched Warner Bros. on an epic telling of the rise of Roman leader Julius Caesar which could set up a potential sequel and, if all goes well, a multi-picture franchise. Deadline reports that Liebesman and Boal.s pitch eschews the traditional biopic and takes an approach to Caesar.s history that would mirror Franklin J. Schaffner.s Oscar-winning Patton, which didn.t span a lifetime but instead focused on specific battle victories in the iconic general.s long military career. Boal.s idea would be to start with Caesar in Spain, where he assembled the 10th Legion that eventually marched...
- 7/13/2011
- cinemablend.com
We have an official update to this morning's Evil Dead remake story as well as news of a new film for Alexander Skarsgard, a potential new project for Spike Jonze and Charlie Kaufman and David Goyer is penning a new script. Get all the details below...
Alexander Skarsgard ("True Blood", Straw Dogs) is attached to star and, for the first time, produce The Vanguard, an epic Viking pitch to be written by playwright Chris Boal, half-brother of The Hurt Locker scripter Mark Boal. The story follows the adventures of two Viking warrior brothers who embark on a journey to return to Sweden after being banished to North America. [Variety]
Warner Bros. has picked up a new, untitled project from the duo behind Being John Malkovich and Adaptation, director Spike Jonze and writer Charlie Kaufman with Joaquin Phoenix attached to star. All that's known about the plot is that it is a...
Alexander Skarsgard ("True Blood", Straw Dogs) is attached to star and, for the first time, produce The Vanguard, an epic Viking pitch to be written by playwright Chris Boal, half-brother of The Hurt Locker scripter Mark Boal. The story follows the adventures of two Viking warrior brothers who embark on a journey to return to Sweden after being banished to North America. [Variety]
Warner Bros. has picked up a new, untitled project from the duo behind Being John Malkovich and Adaptation, director Spike Jonze and writer Charlie Kaufman with Joaquin Phoenix attached to star. All that's known about the plot is that it is a...
- 7/13/2011
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Warner Bros. has bought an epic viking project with True Blood's Alexander Skarsgard attached to star and produce. Variety reports the that the studio bought the pitch from Atlas Entertainment. The project is using the working title of The Vanguard, and has playwright Chris Boal attached to write the script. The story follows "the adventures of two Viking warrior brothers who embark on a journey to return to Sweden after being banished to North America." Other details about the story are being kept quiet, but the tentpole project is said to be in the same league as Best Picture winners Gladiator and Braveheart.
The project is being produced by Charles Roven and Richard Suckle for Atlas along with execs Andy Horwitz and Jake Kurily. This marks the first time that Skarsgard will produce a feature, but he should feel right at home playing a Viking since he plays a vampire one on True Blood.
The project is being produced by Charles Roven and Richard Suckle for Atlas along with execs Andy Horwitz and Jake Kurily. This marks the first time that Skarsgard will produce a feature, but he should feel right at home playing a Viking since he plays a vampire one on True Blood.
- 7/13/2011
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
The magic of "Harry Potter" will be coming to a computer near you thanks to a brand new app.
A "What's Your Patronus?" application has popped up on the web thanks to Warner Bros, The Los Angeles Times reports. Fans can check out the app on Warner Bros' website to figure out what their personal patronus protector is. After all, we can't let those Dumbledore's Army kids have all the fun!
Check out the rest of today's movie news after the jump!
"Godzilla" Gains David Goyer
Hollywood's latest attempt at the Godzilla franchise just got a hell of a lot more exciting. Deadline is reporting that David Goyer, who worked on Christopher Nolan's "Batman" films and Zack Snyder's "Man of Steel," has been tapped to pen the "Godzilla" screenplay based on a draft written by Callaham for Legendary Pictures. Color us curious as to what his take on the monster flick will be.
A "What's Your Patronus?" application has popped up on the web thanks to Warner Bros, The Los Angeles Times reports. Fans can check out the app on Warner Bros' website to figure out what their personal patronus protector is. After all, we can't let those Dumbledore's Army kids have all the fun!
Check out the rest of today's movie news after the jump!
"Godzilla" Gains David Goyer
Hollywood's latest attempt at the Godzilla franchise just got a hell of a lot more exciting. Deadline is reporting that David Goyer, who worked on Christopher Nolan's "Batman" films and Zack Snyder's "Man of Steel," has been tapped to pen the "Godzilla" screenplay based on a draft written by Callaham for Legendary Pictures. Color us curious as to what his take on the monster flick will be.
- 7/13/2011
- by Terri Schwartz
- MTV Movies Blog
Call me crazy, but I thought Jonathan Liebesman’s “Battle: Los Angeles” was a rollicking good time. Sure, it didn’t really meet all of my expectations, but it met enough that I would give it a thumbs up if, you know, BeyondHollywood.com indulged in such silly rating systems. Liebesman is currently in the midst of shooting “Clash of the Titans 2″ for Warner Bros., but the director has already found his next project — a Cesar biopic of epic proportions, with apparently great emphasis on the “epic” part. The untitled film, which will be written by Chris Boal and Liebesman, will be “Patton”-like in approach, and cover Caesar’s life, starting when he was “sent to Spain on a detail no one else wanted. There, he built the 10th Legion fighting force that would eventually march on Rome, overrun the forces of his close friend-turned-rival Pompey, and establish...
- 7/13/2011
- by Nix
- Beyond Hollywood
Filed under: Movie News
We've pretty much died and gone to Valhalla with the news that 'True Blood' vamp Alexander Skarsgard will take his Nordic good looks to the big screen in a Viking epic that's said to be in the vein (ahem) of 'Gladiator' and 'Braveheart.'
We love Skarsgard as towering, blond 1,000-year-old Viking-turned-vamp Eric Northman on 'True Blood,' and 'Thor' only whetted our appetites for more blond Viking action heroes.
In the film, which has the working title of 'The Vanguard,' Skarsgard will play one of two Viking warriors who embark on a journey to their native Sweden after being banished to North America.
It's scripted by Chris Boal, an acclaimed playwright who also happens to be the brother of Oscar-winning 'Hurt Locker' scripter Mark Boal.
Who should play the other warrior? Well, Skarsgard has three brothers -- Gustaf, Bill and Valter -- who are also actors.
We've pretty much died and gone to Valhalla with the news that 'True Blood' vamp Alexander Skarsgard will take his Nordic good looks to the big screen in a Viking epic that's said to be in the vein (ahem) of 'Gladiator' and 'Braveheart.'
We love Skarsgard as towering, blond 1,000-year-old Viking-turned-vamp Eric Northman on 'True Blood,' and 'Thor' only whetted our appetites for more blond Viking action heroes.
In the film, which has the working title of 'The Vanguard,' Skarsgard will play one of two Viking warriors who embark on a journey to their native Sweden after being banished to North America.
It's scripted by Chris Boal, an acclaimed playwright who also happens to be the brother of Oscar-winning 'Hurt Locker' scripter Mark Boal.
Who should play the other warrior? Well, Skarsgard has three brothers -- Gustaf, Bill and Valter -- who are also actors.
- 7/13/2011
- by Sharon Knolle
- Moviefone
Before he became the sultry, swaggering vampire that makes the ladies swoon on True Blood, Alexander Skarsgard’s Eric Northman was a Viking. So it somehow makes sense that he should be more than ready to play another of the warriors in a new film called The Vanguard.Right now, that’s just the working title for the adventure that Warner Bros. is buying. Most of the story is being kept a tightly guarded secret (rumour has it, two giant blokes with battle axes are standing outside the vault where the paper with the full plot is stored), but Variety was able to ferret out that Skarsgard would be one of two Viking brothers exiled to America who begin a quest to make it back to Sweden.And it’s a big day for playwright Chris Boal, who is also behind a script pitch about Julius Caesar that Battle: Los Angeles...
- 7/13/2011
- EmpireOnline
I'm not certain that I'd say Battle: Los Angeles director Jonathan Liebesman truly delivered with that ground-level aliens attack movie, but he certainly made an impression on Warner Bros. The studio already has the guy directing the Clash of the Titans sequel that is wrapping this week. As a follow-up to that picture, he is now signed to make an "epic-sized" account of Roman leader Gaius Julius Caesar. Deadline [1] has the news, with the intriguing report that Chris Boal, brother of The Hurt Locker co-writer/producer Mark Boal, is writing. The film might not exactly take the full biopic route, as Deadline references Patton, explaining that the film will similarly focus on one point in Caesar's life. That will be when he fought in Spain and built the 10th Legion that helped him take power in Rome. (Companies involved may be tantalized, too, by the possibility of a sequel following the leader's later career.
- 7/13/2011
- by Russ Fischer
- Slash Film
Warner Bros. Pictures and Thunder Road have acquired a pitch for a sweeping dramatic epic about Julius Caesar reports Deadline.
Not a straight-up biopic, the film is being described as something akin to "Patton" and will cover the period in which a young Caesar was sent to Spain on a detail no one else wanted.
There, he built the tenth legion fighting force which would eventually march on Rome, overrun his rival Pompey, and establish Caesar as the ruler of the empire.
The film would end on his coronation, but could have a sequel about his trip to Egypt and eventual assassination. Both films would essentially re-tell the story that spanned the first season of HBO's "Rome".
Chris Boal ("23 Knives") will pen the script, Jonathan Liebesman ("Battle: Los Angeles," "Clash of the Titans 2") will direct and Basil Iwanyk will produce.
The film has little to do with the William Broyles...
Not a straight-up biopic, the film is being described as something akin to "Patton" and will cover the period in which a young Caesar was sent to Spain on a detail no one else wanted.
There, he built the tenth legion fighting force which would eventually march on Rome, overrun his rival Pompey, and establish Caesar as the ruler of the empire.
The film would end on his coronation, but could have a sequel about his trip to Egypt and eventual assassination. Both films would essentially re-tell the story that spanned the first season of HBO's "Rome".
Chris Boal ("23 Knives") will pen the script, Jonathan Liebesman ("Battle: Los Angeles," "Clash of the Titans 2") will direct and Basil Iwanyk will produce.
The film has little to do with the William Broyles...
- 7/13/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Warner Bros. is striking a deal with director Jonathan Liebesman (Battle La) for a original Caesar period film pitch that he will direct. This “epic-sized” tale is being written by Chris Boal, writer of the play 23 Knives. Deadline says reports that it's...
...not a biopic as much a Patton-like approach that covers the time in which Caesar was sent to Spain on a detail no one else wanted. There, he built the 10th Legion fighting force that would eventually march on Rome, overrun the forces of his close friend-turned-rival Pompey, and establish Caesar as the unrivaled ruler of the empire. The idea is to create a sweeping drama with a big movie star part, and the pitch came with some of the action scenes choreographed. The film would end with his coronation but leaves open the prospect of a second film that chronicled his trip to Egypt and eventual assassination.
...not a biopic as much a Patton-like approach that covers the time in which Caesar was sent to Spain on a detail no one else wanted. There, he built the 10th Legion fighting force that would eventually march on Rome, overrun the forces of his close friend-turned-rival Pompey, and establish Caesar as the unrivaled ruler of the empire. The idea is to create a sweeping drama with a big movie star part, and the pitch came with some of the action scenes choreographed. The film would end with his coronation but leaves open the prospect of a second film that chronicled his trip to Egypt and eventual assassination.
- 7/13/2011
- by rpmcmurphy
- GeekTyrant
"True Blood's" Alexander Skarsgard will star in a Viking epic tentatively titled "The Vanguard" for Warner Bros., according to Variety. The film will center on two Viking brothers who are banished to the previously-unexplored North America and decide to attempt the harrowing journey back to their Swedish homeland. Playwright Chris Boal ("Crazy For the Dog") will write the script, while Charles Roven and Richard Suckle will produce for Atlas Entertainment. Skarsgard will also make his producing debut on the film. Skarsgard has a busy schedule these days; he's in the middle of his fourth season playing Eric on "True Blood," and...
- 7/13/2011
- by HitFix Staff
- Hitfix
More epic historical action coming our way. Deadline reports that Warner Bros has acquired a pitch for an "epic-sized" story about Roman leader Gaius Julius Caesar, but it is not a biopic. The project is being developed by director Jonathan Liebesman (The Killing Room, Battle Los Angeles, Clash of the Titans 2) from a screenplay by Chris Boal, The Hurt Locker writer Mark Boal's brother. They explain that the "idea is to create a sweeping drama with a big movie star part" and it will of course have plenty of fights, so maybe a bit like 300, but with the Roman empire, as the story focuses on Caesar building the 10th Legion in Spain. The idea for the project, which doesn't have a title but I wouldn't be surprised if it's called Caesar, originally came from Jonathan Liebesman and was developed by Warner Bros producer Basil Iwanyk, who's currently working...
- 7/13/2011
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Despite lackluster buzz behind his latest film, Battle: Los Angeles, director Jonathan Liebesman is still very much a hot commodity in the directing world.
Recently wrapping up his next film, Clash Of The Titans 2, he’s set to re-team with producer Basil Iwanyk, as Deadline is reporting that WB has picked up a pitch from writer Chris Boal that will find Liebesman helming a film surrounding the life of Julius Caesar.
Read more on WB picks up Jonathan Liebesman-backed Julius Caesar pitch...
Recently wrapping up his next film, Clash Of The Titans 2, he’s set to re-team with producer Basil Iwanyk, as Deadline is reporting that WB has picked up a pitch from writer Chris Boal that will find Liebesman helming a film surrounding the life of Julius Caesar.
Read more on WB picks up Jonathan Liebesman-backed Julius Caesar pitch...
- 7/13/2011
- by Joshua Brunsting
- GordonandtheWhale
Exclusive: Warner Bros is acquiring a pitch for an epic-sized telling of the story of general and Roman leader Gaius Julius Caesar that will be written by Chris Boal and directed by Jonathan Liebesman. The film will be produced by Basil Iwanyk and his Warner Bros-based Thunder Road banner. I’m told that it’s an original pitch that is not a biopic as much a Patton-like approach that covers the time in which Caesar was sent to Spain on a detail no one else wanted. There, he built the 10th Legion fighting force that would eventually march on Rome, overrun the forces of his close friend-turned-rival Pompey, and establish Caesar as the unrivaled ruler of the empire. The idea is to create a sweeping drama with a big movie star part, and the pitch came with some of the action scenes choreographed. The film would end with his coronation...
- 7/13/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
The Vanguard casts Alexander Skarsgård of True Blood in epic Viking pitch sold to Warner Bros. Pictures. Atlas Entertainment has preemptively sold an epic Viking pitch to Warner Bros. where Skarsgård will star and take his first step into producing, reports Variety. The Vanguard is a working title with playwright Chris Boal writing the script which follows the adventures of two warrior brothers who travel back to Sweden after being banished in North America. That's it as far as the story goes for now, but sources say the project is being eyed as a potential tentpole for Warners and in the vein of previous epics Best Picture winners like Braveheart and Gladiator.
- 7/13/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The Vanguard casts Alexander Skarsgård of True Blood in epic Viking pitch sold to Warner Bros. Pictures. Atlas Entertainment has preemptively sold an epic Viking pitch to Warner Bros. where Skarsgård will star and take his first step into producing, reports Variety. The Vanguard is a working title with playwright Chris Boal writing the script which follows the adventures of two warrior brothers who travel back to Sweden after being banished in North America. That's it as far as the story goes for now, but sources say the project is being eyed as a potential tentpole for Warners and in the vein of previous epics Best Picture winners like Braveheart and Gladiator.
- 7/13/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The Vanguard casts Alexander Skarsgård of True Blood in epic Viking pitch sold to Warner Bros. Pictures. Atlas Entertainment has preemptively sold an epic Viking pitch to Warner Bros. where Skarsgård will star and take his first step into producing, reports Variety. The Vanguard is a working title with playwright Chris Boal writing the script which follows the adventures of two warrior brothers who travel back to Sweden after being banished in North America. That's it as far as the story goes for now, but sources say the project is being eyed as a potential tentpole for Warners and in the vein of previous epics Best Picture winners like Braveheart and Gladiator.
- 7/13/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
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