Not to be confused with the 1986 Gary Paulsen novel that was on your fifth-grade reading list, Adam Green's 2007 slasher "Hatchet" was intended to be an homage to the plentiful stalk-and-kill movies from the 1980s. The first "Hatchet" takes place deep in the swamps of Louisana where feckless city-dwellers get lost while taking a swamp tour. They trade stories of Victor Crowley, a local kid with facial differences who, years ago, was trapped in a burning house set ablaze by prankster teens. Crowley was accidentally killed by his father when he recklessly used a hatchet to free him from the fire. Victor's spirit is now said to haunt the swamp and murder interlopers. Of course, Victor will appear to start the predicted murders.
Victor Crowley was played by stuntman Kane Hodder, perhaps best known for playing the masked killer Jason Voorhees in "Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood,...
Victor Crowley was played by stuntman Kane Hodder, perhaps best known for playing the masked killer Jason Voorhees in "Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Star Wars is still a cherished part of many people’s childhoods. Beyond the nostalgia, its sheer coolness and grandeur make it perfect for the theaters. However, it’s no secret that the Star Wars universe is expansive, with a plethora of spin-offs and sequels, which amounts to a $10 billion franchise.
Hollywood director George Lucas (image credit: Wikimedia Commons)
It’s remarkable to think that the franchise remains relevant with new movies still coming out to this day. Nevertheless, it’s only natural that, despite its popularity, Star Wars has had its occasional oopsie-daisy moments. One such instance is The Phantom Menace, which even George Lucas, the creator of the universe, admits to being a bit “disjointed.”
Even George Lucas Agrees This Star Wars Movie Was Hard to Watch
Despite its commercial success, The Phantom Menace was a critical disaster. Of course, it was a commercial success, as the fans...
Hollywood director George Lucas (image credit: Wikimedia Commons)
It’s remarkable to think that the franchise remains relevant with new movies still coming out to this day. Nevertheless, it’s only natural that, despite its popularity, Star Wars has had its occasional oopsie-daisy moments. One such instance is The Phantom Menace, which even George Lucas, the creator of the universe, admits to being a bit “disjointed.”
Even George Lucas Agrees This Star Wars Movie Was Hard to Watch
Despite its commercial success, The Phantom Menace was a critical disaster. Of course, it was a commercial success, as the fans...
- 4/24/2024
- by Sampurna Banerjee
- FandomWire
One of the most famous scenes in the Star Wars film saga almost didn’t happen at all. Although the movie was always going to end with Anakin Skywalker losing a few limbs, the stunt team behind Prequel Trilogy closer originally choreographed a different climax for Revenge of the Sith‘s final duel between brothers. In fact, an earlier version of the fight on Mustafar didn’t have Obi-Wan getting the high ground on Anakin at all; there was no cocky last leap from young Skywalker to seal his fate.
As Revenge of the Sith stunt coordinator Nick Gillard explained to Empire magazine, “Originally, they both land on the side of the lava flow and immediately start fighting. Anakin disarms Obi and grabs him by the throat. He’s about to chop his head off, but Obi sucks the lightsaber into his hand in a defensive move to try and block it,...
As Revenge of the Sith stunt coordinator Nick Gillard explained to Empire magazine, “Originally, they both land on the side of the lava flow and immediately start fighting. Anakin disarms Obi and grabs him by the throat. He’s about to chop his head off, but Obi sucks the lightsaber into his hand in a defensive move to try and block it,...
- 4/9/2024
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Back in 1999, no cinema event was as hotly anticipated as the return of Star Wars. Thus the prequel trilogy began, unfolding George Lucas’ epic tragedy – vastly expanding the galaxy that fans loved, while pioneering the future of digital production. Now, to celebrate 25 years of the prequels, Empire presents an epic new look back at the trilogy that changed everything – packed with brand new interviews, rarely-seen concept art, and explorations of the greatest set pieces.
The issue hits newsstands on Thursday 15 February, with collectible light side and dark side covers – but in the meantime, here’s a sneak peek inside the mag.
Star Wars: 25 Years Of The Prequels
This is where the fun begins. Empire celebrates the Star Wars prequels on a landmark anniversary in a massive special – packed with brand new interviews. Including…
Hayden Christensen
Anakin speaks! The man who would become Darth Vader revisits his wild ride with Star Wars,...
The issue hits newsstands on Thursday 15 February, with collectible light side and dark side covers – but in the meantime, here’s a sneak peek inside the mag.
Star Wars: 25 Years Of The Prequels
This is where the fun begins. Empire celebrates the Star Wars prequels on a landmark anniversary in a massive special – packed with brand new interviews. Including…
Hayden Christensen
Anakin speaks! The man who would become Darth Vader revisits his wild ride with Star Wars,...
- 2/14/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Here’s the thing about Emperor Palpatine: somehow, he always returns. First, Ian McDiarmid donned old-age makeup to play the role of Star Wars’ arch-villain in 1983’s Return Of The Jedi. Then, he returned 16 years later to play Palpatine again in the prequel trilogy – this time as the politician who would become the Emperor. And in 2019’s The Rise Of Skywalker, he came back one last time as the rotting, reincarnated ruler, ready to emerge from the shadows and execute his plan once and for all. Palpatine’s resurrection in Episode IX was a controversial point for some fans – not just since Luke and Vader vanquished the Emperor together at the end of the original trilogy, but because the galaxy’s age-old enemy hadn’t featured in the other sequel trilogy films.
But to McDiarmid himself, it makes sense. Speaking to Empire in a major new interview – celebrating 25 years of...
But to McDiarmid himself, it makes sense. Speaking to Empire in a major new interview – celebrating 25 years of...
- 2/13/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Carrie Fisher took the virginity of Indiana Jones. At least, that's how she told it while she was alive. Specifically, that's what she told me. In her own words: "I wrote it with George [Lucas.] We wrote Indiana Jones losing his virginity to Mata Hari. It went very well."
I had been asking about her work on the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, so this answer came a bit out of left field. However, it's a little-known fact that Fisher worked as a writer on many George Lucas projects, doing an uncredited polish on the scripts for the prequels and even coming up with adventures for Indiana Jones to go on in his TV series, "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles."
So, how did Indiana Jones actually lose his virginity, and what part did Fisher play?
Read more: The 18 Best Action Movie Actors Ranked
Bigger Than Life
"She was a bigger-than-life character and...
I had been asking about her work on the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, so this answer came a bit out of left field. However, it's a little-known fact that Fisher worked as a writer on many George Lucas projects, doing an uncredited polish on the scripts for the prequels and even coming up with adventures for Indiana Jones to go on in his TV series, "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles."
So, how did Indiana Jones actually lose his virginity, and what part did Fisher play?
Read more: The 18 Best Action Movie Actors Ranked
Bigger Than Life
"She was a bigger-than-life character and...
- 2/13/2024
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
Ever since he first popped up in Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Mace Windu has been one of the baddest motherfu- sorry, baddest Jedi Masters in the business. Quite literally, in fact – Samuel L. Jackson has the letters ‘Bmf’ etched into the hilt of the lightsaber he kept. And so, since we never actually saw him perish, there have long been rumours – and wishes from fans – that maybe, just maybe, he didn’t die in Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith. Sure, his hand was sliced off by Anakin, and he was seriously sizzled by Palpatine’s Force lightning before being flung from a window into the Coruscant sky. But in the Star Wars galaxy, is that really enough to kill the coolest Jedi?
Not according to Jackson. For the new issue of Empire – celebrating 25 years of the Star Wars prequels – we fired off a few questions about the galaxy far,...
Not according to Jackson. For the new issue of Empire – celebrating 25 years of the Star Wars prequels – we fired off a few questions about the galaxy far,...
- 2/12/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
With the arrival of Revenge Of The Sith, Hayden Christensen thought his time as Anakin Skywalker was over, having picked up the baton from Jake Lloyd and plunged the Jedi Knight into darkness. But as it turned out, he wasn’t done quite yet. In recent years, Christensen has returned to Star Wars on screen in Obi-Wan Kenobi and most recently in Ahsoka, once again portraying Anakin (and Vader) in fights, flashbacks, Force-fuelled visions and more. Most notably, in Ahsoka, he got to play a version of Anakin that he’d never played before: his Clone Wars incarnation, previously only seen in animated form (and voiced by Matt Lanter) in The Clone Wars series.
As Christensen tells Empire in a major new interview – for our Star Wars prequels 25th anniversary issue – getting to star in live-action opposite Anakin’s one-time Padawan Ahsoka Tano was a big deal. “The scenes that...
As Christensen tells Empire in a major new interview – for our Star Wars prequels 25th anniversary issue – getting to star in live-action opposite Anakin’s one-time Padawan Ahsoka Tano was a big deal. “The scenes that...
- 2/12/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
The epic Darth Maul vs. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn duel. The thunderous Boonta Eve Podrace. The battle of Naboo. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is packed with moments best witnessed on the big screen, spooling back to the very beginning of the Skywalker Saga to depict Anakin Skywalker’s first encounter with the Jedi, the beginnings of the galactic civil war, and the menacing meddling of Palpatine. Well, good news: to mark 25 years since the film first hit cinemas in 1999, it’s coming back to cinemas later this year. Cue the fanfare!
This May the 4th weekend, The Phantom Menace will be re-released in cinemas for a limited time, meaning you can revisit all your favourite moments as large and loud as George Lucas intended. Not only that, but the release is accompanied by epic new poster art from Matt Ferguson – with Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon ready to head into battle,...
This May the 4th weekend, The Phantom Menace will be re-released in cinemas for a limited time, meaning you can revisit all your favourite moments as large and loud as George Lucas intended. Not only that, but the release is accompanied by epic new poster art from Matt Ferguson – with Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon ready to head into battle,...
- 2/10/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Talk about pressure. There are few villains in cinema as iconic as Darth Vader – recognisable from the briefest glimpse of his distinctive helmet, or the merest mechanical hiss of his respirator. So when Hayden Christensen signed on to play Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequels, he took on a formidable task: presenting the man behind the mask. Across Episode II – Attack Of The Clones and Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith, Christensen showed us how exactly how the galaxy’s brightest hope turned from the light and plunged into total darkness – and through that time, his own Star Wars experience was a mix of light and dark too. After weathering years of criticism, he’s now been wholeheartedly embraced by the fandom.
Speaking to Empire in a major new interview – and original photo shoot – for our 25th anniversary celebration of the prequel trilogy, Christensen opened up on his time in the galaxy far,...
Speaking to Empire in a major new interview – and original photo shoot – for our 25th anniversary celebration of the prequel trilogy, Christensen opened up on his time in the galaxy far,...
- 2/9/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Star Wars Prequel Cast Revisits The Trilogy 25 Years Later In Empire’s Anniversary Issue – Exclusive
Back in 1999, a brand new era in the galaxy far, far away came to life. George Lucas’ Star Wars prequels told an epic tale of fallen Jedi, forbidden romance, and the dismantling of democracy – assembling a whole new cast to inhabit his vast space-opera. The stars who entered that sandbox took a bold step, not only working at the frontier of digital filmmaking techniques, but conjuring a Star Wars saga that stood apart visually and tonally from the beloved originals. The likes of Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Liam Neeson and Ian McDiarmid became an entire generation’s set of Star Wars heroes (and villains) – and they all spoke to Empire for our epic new issue, celebrating 25 years of the trilogy.
For Ewan McGregor, the pressure of playing the young Obi-Wan Kenobi was eased by working alongside Liam Neeson – whose Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn suffers a noble end in...
For Ewan McGregor, the pressure of playing the young Obi-Wan Kenobi was eased by working alongside Liam Neeson – whose Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn suffers a noble end in...
- 2/9/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
The fall of Anakin Skywalker. The collapse of the Galactic Republic. The rise of Emperor Palpatine and creation of Darth Vader. It’s been 25 years since the Star Wars prequels changed everything – back in 1999, The Phantom Menace exploded into cinemas in an unprecedented cultural event. In its wake followed Attack Of The Clones and Revenge Of The Sith, unspooling George Lucas’ visionary, technically ambitious, and thematically-dense trilogy of tragedy. The reception at the time was unsteady; today, they’re hailed as a vital and beloved era of Star Wars history.
The new issue of Empire is an epic celebration of Episodes I, II, and III, revisiting the movies with the people who made them. Inside, we have brand new cast interviews, including major conversations – and exclusive photo shoots – with Anakin Skywalker himself, Hayden Christensen, and the one and only Emperor Palpatine, Ian McDiarmid; also speaking to Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman,...
The new issue of Empire is an epic celebration of Episodes I, II, and III, revisiting the movies with the people who made them. Inside, we have brand new cast interviews, including major conversations – and exclusive photo shoots – with Anakin Skywalker himself, Hayden Christensen, and the one and only Emperor Palpatine, Ian McDiarmid; also speaking to Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman,...
- 2/9/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
One of the biggest complaints that critics of the "Star Wars" prequels have is the idea that George Lucas was simply enabled by so-called "Yes Men." As they would tell it, George Lucas was so powerful and infallible that no one around him thought they could tell him "no" for anything. More than that, these yes men would just do whatever Lucas asked without thought to whether or not it was a good idea. For a long time, it seemed like this was the established wisdom; forget the fact that many people actually love the prequels as they are and aren't concerned about what did or didn't happen behind the scenes during their development.
Was this really an issue? Did it even happen? Well, we here at /Film have taken it upon ourselves to get to the bottom of this pervasive attitude.
Read more: The Best Star Wars Books Ever Written
Yes Men?...
Was this really an issue? Did it even happen? Well, we here at /Film have taken it upon ourselves to get to the bottom of this pervasive attitude.
Read more: The Best Star Wars Books Ever Written
Yes Men?...
- 1/25/2024
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
Everyone remembers the "Star Wars" Special Editions, which came out almost 30 years ago. In 1995 and 1996, Lucasfilm marketed the Thx video release of the original "Star Wars" trilogy as, "The Original, one last time." That was because George Lucas had begun work on finishing "Star Wars" the way he saw fit, with the remastered and altered "Special Edition."
The Special Edition releases of "Star Wars" were a huge box office success and brought the saga back into the minds of an eager public in 1997, a full two years before it would take over the world once more with "The Phantom Menace." But according to Lucasfilm producer Rick McCallum, George Lucas wasn't initially interested in re-releasing the "Star Wars" films in theaters for its 20th anniversary.
Read more: The Best Star Wars Books Ever Written
A Truck Full Of Letters
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Lucasfilm, I was able...
The Special Edition releases of "Star Wars" were a huge box office success and brought the saga back into the minds of an eager public in 1997, a full two years before it would take over the world once more with "The Phantom Menace." But according to Lucasfilm producer Rick McCallum, George Lucas wasn't initially interested in re-releasing the "Star Wars" films in theaters for its 20th anniversary.
Read more: The Best Star Wars Books Ever Written
A Truck Full Of Letters
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Lucasfilm, I was able...
- 1/9/2024
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
When the "Star Wars" special editions were released in theaters beginning in 1997, there were a lot of upset fans. While George Lucas was able to realize more of his vision for the original trilogy with new technology in the special effects realm, many people wished he'd left them the way they were. I mean, there was a reason they became so popular without the new additions. Things seemed shoved in there and overdone. Sure, there were great moments, like watching all the planets celebrate the fall of the Empire, but a lot of it was bantha poodoo.
One thing that was actually cool — and I remember thinking this the day I saw the "Return of the Jedi" special edition — was the fact that Jabba the Hutt's enslaved Twi'lek dancer Oola (Femi Taylor) got more to do. I do not like that stupid song in the scene where she dances,...
One thing that was actually cool — and I remember thinking this the day I saw the "Return of the Jedi" special edition — was the fact that Jabba the Hutt's enslaved Twi'lek dancer Oola (Femi Taylor) got more to do. I do not like that stupid song in the scene where she dances,...
- 12/8/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
George Lucas hadn't officially directed a movie in 20 years when he stepped back behind the camera for "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace" in 1997, and it didn't take long for him to remember why, starting with 1980's "Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back," he'd left the business of shouting "Action!" and "Cut!" to hired hands.
Anticipation for a new, canonical, live-action "Star Wars" movie was feverish. Lucas had been teasing the possibility of a prequel trilogy for over a decade, and now he was set to tell the tragic saga of how a young Anakin Skywalker betrayed his wife, his mentor, and his fellow Jedi to become Darth Vader. The pressure was immense, but Lucas produced these movies independently of their distributor, 20th Century Fox. He could blow a release date deadline if he absolutely had to. The franchise changed Hollywood in 1977, and, with promised advancements in CG,...
Anticipation for a new, canonical, live-action "Star Wars" movie was feverish. Lucas had been teasing the possibility of a prequel trilogy for over a decade, and now he was set to tell the tragic saga of how a young Anakin Skywalker betrayed his wife, his mentor, and his fellow Jedi to become Darth Vader. The pressure was immense, but Lucas produced these movies independently of their distributor, 20th Century Fox. He could blow a release date deadline if he absolutely had to. The franchise changed Hollywood in 1977, and, with promised advancements in CG,...
- 8/19/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Television archaeologists take note: you don’t need to dig deep into the medium’s origins to uncover a diamond in the rough. Treasures can be found in the recent past. And one of those treasures involves the greatest fictional archaeologist of them all, Indiana Jones.
On March 4, 1992, ABC premiered the two-hour movie pilot of “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles” in its 8 p.m. slot to much fanfare. The show’s titular hero was a younger (and older) version of Harrison Ford’s blockbuster icon, who at 10, 17, and yes, 93, had his own set of primetime adventures. Since the series was the brainchild of filmmaker and franchise-builder George Lucas, outlets like USA Today, The Washington Post and The New York Times covered it extensively. Lucas wanted his “Chronicles” to do what movies couldn’t: tell one big story over 20 to 40 hours of programming. In today’s streaming landscape, that sounds perfectly conventional,...
On March 4, 1992, ABC premiered the two-hour movie pilot of “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles” in its 8 p.m. slot to much fanfare. The show’s titular hero was a younger (and older) version of Harrison Ford’s blockbuster icon, who at 10, 17, and yes, 93, had his own set of primetime adventures. Since the series was the brainchild of filmmaker and franchise-builder George Lucas, outlets like USA Today, The Washington Post and The New York Times covered it extensively. Lucas wanted his “Chronicles” to do what movies couldn’t: tell one big story over 20 to 40 hours of programming. In today’s streaming landscape, that sounds perfectly conventional,...
- 7/4/2023
- by Michael Kogge
- Indiewire
Back in the early '90s, television audiences were treated to "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" — which have now been retitled "The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones." These adventures explored the earliest adventures of everyone's favorite archeologist, long before he chose that as his profession.
The series is split with two actors playing Indy. The youngest, Corey Carrier, gets to examine Indiana Jones in his school days, whisked around the world by his parents with a tutor in tow. Those episodes put him in contact with everyone from Theodore Roosevelt to Pablo Picasso and were nothing short of charming. Sean Patrick Flanery took the role of Indiana Jones during his late teens and early 20s, a sliver of the part that was originated by River Phoenix in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."
Originally, each episode was bookended with an intro and outro from a one-eyed, 80-year-old Indiana Jones played by George Hall.
The series is split with two actors playing Indy. The youngest, Corey Carrier, gets to examine Indiana Jones in his school days, whisked around the world by his parents with a tutor in tow. Those episodes put him in contact with everyone from Theodore Roosevelt to Pablo Picasso and were nothing short of charming. Sean Patrick Flanery took the role of Indiana Jones during his late teens and early 20s, a sliver of the part that was originated by River Phoenix in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."
Originally, each episode was bookended with an intro and outro from a one-eyed, 80-year-old Indiana Jones played by George Hall.
- 6/1/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
Remember “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles”? No, not the opening sequence of “The Last Crusade” starring River Phoenix as a teenage version of Harrison Ford’s iconic archeologist. We’re talking about the short-lived ’90s series starring Sean Patrick Flanery as the title character. The two-season curiosity has been mostly left behind in its decade, but now Disney has acknowledged it — and is putting it on Disney+, no less.
The news was announced out of The Walt Disney Company’s Upfronts Presentation on Tuesday afternoon. The show will be available to stream on Disney+ starting May 31, in anticipation of the release of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” in theaters next month. In addition, all four of the initial “Indiana Jones” movies — “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “The Temple of Doom,” “The Last Crusade,” and “The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” — will also be added to the streamer, after...
The news was announced out of The Walt Disney Company’s Upfronts Presentation on Tuesday afternoon. The show will be available to stream on Disney+ starting May 31, in anticipation of the release of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” in theaters next month. In addition, all four of the initial “Indiana Jones” movies — “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “The Temple of Doom,” “The Last Crusade,” and “The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” — will also be added to the streamer, after...
- 5/16/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
The Battle of Geonosis in "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones" featured the most Jedi anyone had seen in one single frame up to that point. It's the special effects centerpiece of the film, a chance for George Lucas to cram as many robes and lightsabers into one giant set piece so he could excitedly show how badass these once-mysterious warrior monks actually are. There are tons of minor characters who briefly pop up and then reappear in future media like Kit Fisto and Ki-Adi-Mundi, but the real shocker is that the boy band Nsync almost became a part of the "Star Wars" extended universe.
Ok, so maybe the members of Nsync would have never gone on to become Glup Shittos, but some of them did almost appear in a cameo during the scene. "Star Wars" has had its fair share of special celebrity cameos, mostly in the post-Disney acquisition era,...
Ok, so maybe the members of Nsync would have never gone on to become Glup Shittos, but some of them did almost appear in a cameo during the scene. "Star Wars" has had its fair share of special celebrity cameos, mostly in the post-Disney acquisition era,...
- 4/23/2023
- by Andrew Housman
- Slash Film
Christopher Lee appeared in over 200 movies throughout the course of his magnificent 57-year career, and while he took roles in all types of films, he was primarily celebrated for his work in Hammer horror flicks. Lee was deliciously wicked in seven movies as Count Dracula, and a 6-foot-5-inch tower of menace as the creature in "The Curse of Frankenstein." He was also, however, prolific in action films as a skilled dueler. According to former stuntman Derek Ware, Lee holds the filmmaking record for onscreen swordfights, and he was still wielding the blade into his 80s.
Most of his dueling was done with swords, but he is easily best known to modern moviegoers for his faceoff with a shockingly spry Yoda in "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones." As the nefarious Count Dooku, Lee is also surprisingly light on his feet for an 80-year-old man. He's so nimble,...
Most of his dueling was done with swords, but he is easily best known to modern moviegoers for his faceoff with a shockingly spry Yoda in "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones." As the nefarious Count Dooku, Lee is also surprisingly light on his feet for an 80-year-old man. He's so nimble,...
- 4/2/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
The "Star Wars" saga has always worked best as a form of political commentary. In recent years, the newer films have gotten a bit of flack for that, but it's not hard to see the parallels in most "Star Wars" projects. Even before George Lucas' prequels dove headfirst into the machinations of the Galactic Senate — and drew inadvertent parallels to the War on Terror — the franchise was basically one huge condemnation of fascism. The original films have drawn a lot of comparisons to Nazi Germany for this reason, and the saga's overarching Big Bad, Emperor Palpatine, has been compared to dictators like Adolf Hitler in turn. Lucas did borrow quite a bit from the Third Reich when building out his fictional Empire, but his main inspiration for Palpatine actually hits a lot closer to home.
In "The Making of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi," J.W. Rinzler recounts an anecdote about the Emperor's origins.
In "The Making of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi," J.W. Rinzler recounts an anecdote about the Emperor's origins.
- 3/10/2023
- by Lyvie Scott
- Slash Film
“McCarthy,” the upcoming biopic of Republican Senator Joseph McCarthy, has secured multiple international deals ahead of EFM.
HanWay Films, who are handling international sales, have closed a multi-territory deal with Vértice Cine as well as The Jokers (France), Paradiso (Benelux), Icon (Australia and New Zealand), Tohokushinsha (Japan), Arna Media (Cis), Front Row (Middle East), Bir (Turkey), Cinemania (former Yugoslavia) and Shaw (Singapore).
CAA Media Finance is overseeing U.S sales.
“McCarthy” stars two-time Oscar winner Michael Shannon (“Nine Perfect Strangers”) as the Republican Senator whose name became a byword for political intolerance while “Game of Thrones'” Emilia Clarke plays his ambitious wife Jean Kerr.
Joining Shannon and Clarke are Dane DeHaan (“The Stranger”) as “ruthless young lawyer” Roy Cohn and Scoot McNairy (“Narcos: Mexico”) as Ray Kiermas, McCarthy’s trusted friend and colleague.
Václav Marhoul (“The Painted Bird”) directs from a screenplay by “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” scribe Tom O’Connor.
“[‘McCarthy’ is] the...
HanWay Films, who are handling international sales, have closed a multi-territory deal with Vértice Cine as well as The Jokers (France), Paradiso (Benelux), Icon (Australia and New Zealand), Tohokushinsha (Japan), Arna Media (Cis), Front Row (Middle East), Bir (Turkey), Cinemania (former Yugoslavia) and Shaw (Singapore).
CAA Media Finance is overseeing U.S sales.
“McCarthy” stars two-time Oscar winner Michael Shannon (“Nine Perfect Strangers”) as the Republican Senator whose name became a byword for political intolerance while “Game of Thrones'” Emilia Clarke plays his ambitious wife Jean Kerr.
Joining Shannon and Clarke are Dane DeHaan (“The Stranger”) as “ruthless young lawyer” Roy Cohn and Scoot McNairy (“Narcos: Mexico”) as Ray Kiermas, McCarthy’s trusted friend and colleague.
Václav Marhoul (“The Painted Bird”) directs from a screenplay by “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” scribe Tom O’Connor.
“[‘McCarthy’ is] the...
- 2/7/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
In a presentation delivered to buyers this week during the virtual American Film Market, the stars of biopic “McCarthy,” Michael Shannon and Emilia Clarke, as well as its director Václav Marhoul and screenwriter Tom O’Connor, explained why the story of the venomous demagogue Joseph McCarthy had to be told now.
The film, now in development, follows McCarthy’s journey from being an ambitious Republican Senator to the most powerful and feared man in the U.S., culminating in a dramatic and absolute ruin.
“Given that McCarthy is such a darkly iconic figure in our history I was shocked that there had never been a film made about him,” O’Connor said.
O’Connor relied on research to tease out details of McCarthy’s origin story, such as his fascination with Adolf Hitler. “Being from Wisconsin, with a heavy German population, McCarthy had been given a copy of ‘Mein Kampf’ by one of his supporters,...
The film, now in development, follows McCarthy’s journey from being an ambitious Republican Senator to the most powerful and feared man in the U.S., culminating in a dramatic and absolute ruin.
“Given that McCarthy is such a darkly iconic figure in our history I was shocked that there had never been a film made about him,” O’Connor said.
O’Connor relied on research to tease out details of McCarthy’s origin story, such as his fascination with Adolf Hitler. “Being from Wisconsin, with a heavy German population, McCarthy had been given a copy of ‘Mein Kampf’ by one of his supporters,...
- 11/2/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Michael Shannon will portray U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy, a venal politician so evil he spawned his own -ism, in the aptly named film “McCarthy.”
The two-time Oscar nominee, known for off-beat performances in the likes of “Nocturnal Animals” and “Revolutionary Road,” will try to find the dark heart of the demagogue who used show-trials and red-baiting to rise to power on a wave of anti-communist hysteria. He will be aided in that effort by director Václav Marhoul and a cast that includes “Game of Thrones” star Emilia Clarke and “The Place Beyond the Pine’s” Dane DeHaan. Scoot McNairy rounds out the ensemble.
“McCarthy” charts the rise and fall of notorious and powerful senator and his enablers, a group that includes his politically ambitious wife Jean Kerr (Clarke), his ruthless young lawyer Roy Cohn (DeHaan) and his trusted friend and colleague Ray Kiermas (McNairy). Long may they live in infamy.
The two-time Oscar nominee, known for off-beat performances in the likes of “Nocturnal Animals” and “Revolutionary Road,” will try to find the dark heart of the demagogue who used show-trials and red-baiting to rise to power on a wave of anti-communist hysteria. He will be aided in that effort by director Václav Marhoul and a cast that includes “Game of Thrones” star Emilia Clarke and “The Place Beyond the Pine’s” Dane DeHaan. Scoot McNairy rounds out the ensemble.
“McCarthy” charts the rise and fall of notorious and powerful senator and his enablers, a group that includes his politically ambitious wife Jean Kerr (Clarke), his ruthless young lawyer Roy Cohn (DeHaan) and his trusted friend and colleague Ray Kiermas (McNairy). Long may they live in infamy.
- 10/13/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Director Václav Marhoul (The Painted Bird) has tapped two-time Oscar nominee Michael Shannon (Nocturnal Animals) to star as controversial U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy in the biopic we first revealed last year.
McCarthy will look at the man behind anti-communist doctrine McCarthyism to understand what drove a lawyer and decorated former U.S. Marine down an unprecedented path of demagoguery, show-trials and venomous populism.
Emmy nominee Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Dane DeHaan (The Place Beyond the Pines) and Scoot McNairy (C’mon C’mon) will star together with Shannon.
Clarke will play McCarthy’s politically ambitious wife Jean Kerr; DeHaan will be his ruthless young lawyer Roy Cohn. Pic is slated to go into production in the fall 2022 in Prague and the U.S.
Tom O’Connor (The Hitman’s Bodyguard franchise) wrote the original screenplay. The film is produced by Zach Studin together with O’Connor. Rick McCallum, producer of the three...
McCarthy will look at the man behind anti-communist doctrine McCarthyism to understand what drove a lawyer and decorated former U.S. Marine down an unprecedented path of demagoguery, show-trials and venomous populism.
Emmy nominee Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Dane DeHaan (The Place Beyond the Pines) and Scoot McNairy (C’mon C’mon) will star together with Shannon.
Clarke will play McCarthy’s politically ambitious wife Jean Kerr; DeHaan will be his ruthless young lawyer Roy Cohn. Pic is slated to go into production in the fall 2022 in Prague and the U.S.
Tom O’Connor (The Hitman’s Bodyguard franchise) wrote the original screenplay. The film is produced by Zach Studin together with O’Connor. Rick McCallum, producer of the three...
- 10/13/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Period dramas rarely break the fourth wall, but for Mans Marlind, the creator-writer-director of Tandem’s “Shadowlands,” “we don’t have to be traditional. Especially with period, you need to be even more modern, to avoid the stiffness of costume drama,” he says.
“Television’s development [is] creating audiences that are smarter, meaning we can be more and more daring, which is what audiences are looking for,” says “Shadowplay” co-director Bjorn Stein. The show has been shooting since April 29 in and around Prague.
“Shadowplay’s” edge and moral ambiguities have attracted more talent. Star Taylor Kitsch recalls his agent, CAA’s Jack Whigham, passing him the first two episodes’ scripts.
“We’re always looking for something different. I pride myself on taking risks,” he told Variety.
“Shadowplay” is set on a large-scale canvas, the bombed-out Berlin of 1946, one year after World War II, as the war’s former Allies, the U.S and Russia,...
“Television’s development [is] creating audiences that are smarter, meaning we can be more and more daring, which is what audiences are looking for,” says “Shadowplay” co-director Bjorn Stein. The show has been shooting since April 29 in and around Prague.
“Shadowplay’s” edge and moral ambiguities have attracted more talent. Star Taylor Kitsch recalls his agent, CAA’s Jack Whigham, passing him the first two episodes’ scripts.
“We’re always looking for something different. I pride myself on taking risks,” he told Variety.
“Shadowplay” is set on a large-scale canvas, the bombed-out Berlin of 1946, one year after World War II, as the war’s former Allies, the U.S and Russia,...
- 7/19/2019
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
English-language drama revolves around three boys from different sides of the conflict united by football.
Cherie Blair has boarded UK director John Deery’s long-gestating Jerusalem-set drama The Rock Pile. The film explores the Middle East conflict through the tale of a jaded war correspondent assigned to city where he befriends three young boys divided by religion but united by soccer.
Hugh Bonneville, who previously worked with Deery on his 2003 Irish Catholic Church drama Conspiracy Of Silence, signed to play the lead role in 2017.
Blair has taken an executive producer credit and it marks a first foray into film for...
Cherie Blair has boarded UK director John Deery’s long-gestating Jerusalem-set drama The Rock Pile. The film explores the Middle East conflict through the tale of a jaded war correspondent assigned to city where he befriends three young boys divided by religion but united by soccer.
Hugh Bonneville, who previously worked with Deery on his 2003 Irish Catholic Church drama Conspiracy Of Silence, signed to play the lead role in 2017.
Blair has taken an executive producer credit and it marks a first foray into film for...
- 6/19/2019
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
Cherie Blair will make her first foray into film-making as she serves as executive producer on Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) drama The Rock Pile.
The barrister and wife of former UK prime minister Tony Blair is taking on her first producing role on the film, which will tell the story of Time magazine correspondent Bob Hastings (played by Bonneville) who while on assignment in Jerusalem uncovers a story of three young boys of different faiths who are brought together through soccer.
John Deery (Conspiracy Of Silence) is set to direct the English-language film with shoot planned to take place in New York and Israel. David McBrayer (Beat The Drum) has scripted the project which is produced by Deery for Joejack Entertainment, McBrayer for Z Productions and Haim Mecklberg for 2-Teams Productions (Sand Storm).
Also executive-producing are Charles Moore (The Lady In The Van), Gabriela Christian-Hare (The Pinkertons), Rick McCallum (Star...
The barrister and wife of former UK prime minister Tony Blair is taking on her first producing role on the film, which will tell the story of Time magazine correspondent Bob Hastings (played by Bonneville) who while on assignment in Jerusalem uncovers a story of three young boys of different faiths who are brought together through soccer.
John Deery (Conspiracy Of Silence) is set to direct the English-language film with shoot planned to take place in New York and Israel. David McBrayer (Beat The Drum) has scripted the project which is produced by Deery for Joejack Entertainment, McBrayer for Z Productions and Haim Mecklberg for 2-Teams Productions (Sand Storm).
Also executive-producing are Charles Moore (The Lady In The Van), Gabriela Christian-Hare (The Pinkertons), Rick McCallum (Star...
- 6/19/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Cannes –Taylor Kitsch, Michael C. Hall and Nina Hoss are set to star in period thriller “Shadowplay,” one of the big series – with “War of the Worlds,” “Zero, Zero Zero,” “Years and Years” – on Studiocanal’s upcoming, event-series studded production slate.
Created by Måns Mårlind, co-creator of “The Bridge,” a banner Nordic Noir title, and “Midnight Sun,” one of Studiocanal’s biggest and best-received recent international co-productions, “Shadowplay” is set on a large-scale canvas, the bombed-out 1946 Berlin, one year after World War II, as its former Allies, the U.S, Russia rival for power in the wrecked city, and its survivors dare to hope to rebuild their lives.
Described by lead producers Tandem Productions and Bron Studios as a “gritty dramatic thriller,” and conceived by Mårlind as two “chapters” of eight-episodes, “Shadowplay’s” first chapter will shoot from April 30 in Prague and environs. Kitsch will play Max McLaughlin, an Brooklyn...
Created by Måns Mårlind, co-creator of “The Bridge,” a banner Nordic Noir title, and “Midnight Sun,” one of Studiocanal’s biggest and best-received recent international co-productions, “Shadowplay” is set on a large-scale canvas, the bombed-out 1946 Berlin, one year after World War II, as its former Allies, the U.S, Russia rival for power in the wrecked city, and its survivors dare to hope to rebuild their lives.
Described by lead producers Tandem Productions and Bron Studios as a “gritty dramatic thriller,” and conceived by Mårlind as two “chapters” of eight-episodes, “Shadowplay’s” first chapter will shoot from April 30 in Prague and environs. Kitsch will play Max McLaughlin, an Brooklyn...
- 4/10/2019
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Taylor Kitsch and Michael C. Hall are set to lead the cast of Shadowplay, a gritty dramatic thriller series from The Bridge co-creator Måns Mårlind, Studiocanal’s Tandem Productions and Bron Studios in co-production with Zdf. Nina Hoss, Sebastian Koch, Tuppence Middleton, Logan Marshall-Green (Prometheus) and Mala Emde round out the cast of the series’ first chapter.
Mårlind has conceived Shadowplay as a 16-episode series, told in two chapters. The initial eight-episode shoot will begin April 29 in Prague, and an additional eight episodes are planned for filming in 2020.
Created and written by Mårlin, Shadowplay is a character-driven thriller set in Berlin. It centers on the story of Max McLaughlin (Kitsch), an American cop who arrives in the city in the summer of 1946 to help create a police force...
Mårlind has conceived Shadowplay as a 16-episode series, told in two chapters. The initial eight-episode shoot will begin April 29 in Prague, and an additional eight episodes are planned for filming in 2020.
Created and written by Mårlin, Shadowplay is a character-driven thriller set in Berlin. It centers on the story of Max McLaughlin (Kitsch), an American cop who arrives in the city in the summer of 1946 to help create a police force...
- 4/10/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Until recently, most Star Wars fans generally agreed that Episode I: The Phantom Menace is the worst film in the entire saga. And even George Lucas himself was not thrilled after seeing a rough cut of prequel film. Lucas was so bothered by the climax of the film, he admitted to the small screening room he "may have gone too far in a few places."
Star Wars: The Last Jedi has divided fans, but it continues to dominate the box office, THR recently took a look back at a making-of featurette that was included on The Phantom Menace DVD, which showed Lucas, in part... had a bad feeling about this.
Critics bashed the film which holds a 55% on Rotten Tomatoes, and most fans were also disappointed in the final product. One of the biggest complaints, besides Jar Jar, was the underwhelming climax of the film. The funny thing is that...
Star Wars: The Last Jedi has divided fans, but it continues to dominate the box office, THR recently took a look back at a making-of featurette that was included on The Phantom Menace DVD, which showed Lucas, in part... had a bad feeling about this.
Critics bashed the film which holds a 55% on Rotten Tomatoes, and most fans were also disappointed in the final product. One of the biggest complaints, besides Jar Jar, was the underwhelming climax of the film. The funny thing is that...
- 12/29/2017
- by Kristian Odland
- GeekTyrant
Rob Leane Nov 13, 2017
A live-action Star Wars TV series is on the way! Let’s look back at Underworld, the last attempt to get one made...
Last Friday was an exiting day for Star Wars fans, with UK followers of that galaxy far, far away waking up to some massive news. While we were sleeping, Disney chief Bob Iger announced a new trilogy of Star Wars films and a live-action Star Wars TV series.
See related The Greatest Showman: first pics from Hugh Jackman musical The Greatest Showman On Earth: Zendaya joins Hugh Jackman in cast
Iger’s announcement included some details about the new movie trilogy (The Last Jedi’s Rian Johnson is helming it, with the story being totally separate to the Skywalker-centric ‘episode’ films), but the TV project was left utterly mysterious. All the fans were told is that the live-action TV series will be released...
A live-action Star Wars TV series is on the way! Let’s look back at Underworld, the last attempt to get one made...
Last Friday was an exiting day for Star Wars fans, with UK followers of that galaxy far, far away waking up to some massive news. While we were sleeping, Disney chief Bob Iger announced a new trilogy of Star Wars films and a live-action Star Wars TV series.
See related The Greatest Showman: first pics from Hugh Jackman musical The Greatest Showman On Earth: Zendaya joins Hugh Jackman in cast
Iger’s announcement included some details about the new movie trilogy (The Last Jedi’s Rian Johnson is helming it, with the story being totally separate to the Skywalker-centric ‘episode’ films), but the TV project was left utterly mysterious. All the fans were told is that the live-action TV series will be released...
- 11/12/2017
- Den of Geek
Corsan boss accused of swindling, forgery, tax breaches and money laundering.
Belgian film financier Paul Breuls, founder of Corsan, has been arrested as investigations continue into allegations of fraud against his company.
The 66-year-old Monaco-based producer is currently being detained by authorities in Antwerp, Belgium, facing criminal prosecution as well as civil action.
Belgain tax shelter specialists Corsan co-financed such films as Lee Tamahori’s The Devil’s Double, Killing Season starring John Travolta and Robert De Niro, and Paul Haggis’s Third Person, which starred Liam Neeson.
The company is also behind Tamahori’s yet to be released adventure epic Emperor, starring Adrien Brody.
A spokesperson for the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Antwerp confirmed to Screen that Breuls has been held in detention in Antwerp since June 21 because he is considered a flight risk.
He stands accused of swindling, forgery, tax breaches and money laundering, whether through Corsan or affiliated companies.
“In general...
Belgian film financier Paul Breuls, founder of Corsan, has been arrested as investigations continue into allegations of fraud against his company.
The 66-year-old Monaco-based producer is currently being detained by authorities in Antwerp, Belgium, facing criminal prosecution as well as civil action.
Belgain tax shelter specialists Corsan co-financed such films as Lee Tamahori’s The Devil’s Double, Killing Season starring John Travolta and Robert De Niro, and Paul Haggis’s Third Person, which starred Liam Neeson.
The company is also behind Tamahori’s yet to be released adventure epic Emperor, starring Adrien Brody.
A spokesperson for the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Antwerp confirmed to Screen that Breuls has been held in detention in Antwerp since June 21 because he is considered a flight risk.
He stands accused of swindling, forgery, tax breaches and money laundering, whether through Corsan or affiliated companies.
“In general...
- 7/5/2017
- by geoffrey@macnab.demon.co.uk (Geoffrey Macnab)
- ScreenDaily
Hope Davis also joins John Deery’s Israel-Palestine drama.
Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Hope Davis (American Crime) and Alan Ritchson (Hunger Games: Catching Fire) have joined Middle East-set drama The Rock Pile.
The film is directed by John Deery (Conspiracy of Silence), written by David McBrayer (Beat the Drum) and produced by Joejack Entertainment, Z Productions LLC and 2-Teams Productions.
It is also being produced with the support of the Jerusalem Film Fund and the Palestinian community.
The producers are in the process of appointing a sales agent. Worldwide rights for the film are currently available.
Executive producers are Charles Moore (Lady In The Van), Penny Wolf, Rick McCallum (A United Kingdom) and Mark Foligno (The King’s Speech).
The Rock Pile follows the story of British journalist Bob Hastings, played by Bonneville, who is relocated to Jerusalem. There he learns the story of three young boys of different faiths who are brought together through football.
“There...
Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Hope Davis (American Crime) and Alan Ritchson (Hunger Games: Catching Fire) have joined Middle East-set drama The Rock Pile.
The film is directed by John Deery (Conspiracy of Silence), written by David McBrayer (Beat the Drum) and produced by Joejack Entertainment, Z Productions LLC and 2-Teams Productions.
It is also being produced with the support of the Jerusalem Film Fund and the Palestinian community.
The producers are in the process of appointing a sales agent. Worldwide rights for the film are currently available.
Executive producers are Charles Moore (Lady In The Van), Penny Wolf, Rick McCallum (A United Kingdom) and Mark Foligno (The King’s Speech).
The Rock Pile follows the story of British journalist Bob Hastings, played by Bonneville, who is relocated to Jerusalem. There he learns the story of three young boys of different faiths who are brought together through football.
“There...
- 6/14/2017
- ScreenDaily
Watch the first Us trailer for A United Kingdom, directed by Amma Asante (Belle) and written by Guy Hibbert (Eye In The Sky). The film stars David Oyelowo (Selma) and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl).
A United Kingdom is the true story of the forbidden love of King Seretse Khama of Botswana (David Oyelowo) and Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike), a white woman from London, which caused an international uproar when they decided to marry in the late 1940s just as apartheid was being introduced into South Africa. It was a decision that altered the course of African history.
A United Kingdom is scheduled to be released on February 17, 2017.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and opened in UK cinemas in November.
In their Tiff review, Hey U Guys’ Stefan Pape wrote, “the film looks remarkable, and much like Asante’s preceding picture Belle, there’s an...
A United Kingdom is the true story of the forbidden love of King Seretse Khama of Botswana (David Oyelowo) and Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike), a white woman from London, which caused an international uproar when they decided to marry in the late 1940s just as apartheid was being introduced into South Africa. It was a decision that altered the course of African history.
A United Kingdom is scheduled to be released on February 17, 2017.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and opened in UK cinemas in November.
In their Tiff review, Hey U Guys’ Stefan Pape wrote, “the film looks remarkable, and much like Asante’s preceding picture Belle, there’s an...
- 12/8/2016
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The studio on Friday confirmed the acquisition of North American rights to Amma Asante’s film that recently premiered in Toronto and will open the BFI London Film Festival on Wednesday (October 5).
Fox Searchlight plans a February 2017 theatrical release on the David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike starrer after securing rights from Pathe UK on behalf of the filmmakers.
Pathé, BBC Films, the BFI and Ingenious Media financed the true story about the forbidden love between King Seretse Khama of Botswana and Ruth Williams, a white woman from London, which caused an international uproar when they decided to marry in the late 1940s as Apartheid was being introduced into South Africa.
Guy Hibbert of Eye In The Sky fame wrote the screenplay.
Richard McCallum produced with Oyelowo, Brunson Green, Peter Heslop, Justin Moore-Lewy and Charlie Mason.
Searchlight released Asante’s previous directorial outing Belle in the Us in 2014.
Fox Searchlight plans a February 2017 theatrical release on the David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike starrer after securing rights from Pathe UK on behalf of the filmmakers.
Pathé, BBC Films, the BFI and Ingenious Media financed the true story about the forbidden love between King Seretse Khama of Botswana and Ruth Williams, a white woman from London, which caused an international uproar when they decided to marry in the late 1940s as Apartheid was being introduced into South Africa.
Guy Hibbert of Eye In The Sky fame wrote the screenplay.
Richard McCallum produced with Oyelowo, Brunson Green, Peter Heslop, Justin Moore-Lewy and Charlie Mason.
Searchlight released Asante’s previous directorial outing Belle in the Us in 2014.
- 9/30/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Fox Searchlight Pictures has acquired the North American rights to “A United Kingdom,” director Amma Asante’s biographical drama about King Seretse Khama of Botswana’s marriage to Ruth Williams, a white woman from London, in the 1940s. The film stars David Oyelowo as Khama and Rosamund Pike as Williams and is produced by Richard McCallum, Oyelowo, Brunson Green, Peter Heslop, Justin Moore-Lewy and Charlie Mason.
Read More: David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike Bring Historical Love Story to Satisfying Life – Tiff Review
Pathé, BBC Films, the BFI and Ingenious Media financed the movie, which hits theaters on February 17, 2017.
“This moving love story spans continents while also being intimate and specific, anchored by the powerful performances of David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike,” Fox Searchlight Presidents Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley said in a statement
Asante’s 2013 film “Belle,” about the mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral in 18th century England,...
Read More: David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike Bring Historical Love Story to Satisfying Life – Tiff Review
Pathé, BBC Films, the BFI and Ingenious Media financed the movie, which hits theaters on February 17, 2017.
“This moving love story spans continents while also being intimate and specific, anchored by the powerful performances of David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike,” Fox Searchlight Presidents Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley said in a statement
Asante’s 2013 film “Belle,” about the mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral in 18th century England,...
- 9/30/2016
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
Last month we learned that ABC was having conversations about developing that live-action Star Wars: Underworld series that George Lucas was developing before he sold his life's work to Disney.
As you've probably already heard, there are said to be over 100 completed scripts of a 400 episode series that are ready to rock and roll when and if Lucasfilm ever decided to develop them further. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy previously talked about these scripts saying they are "gold" and that she does, in fact, want to "develop those things further."
It seems like it's going to be a very long time before that ever happens. In a recent interview with THR, Ben Sherwood, the President of Disney-abc Television Group, said that fans shouldn’t get their hopes up for a live-action series anytime soon. He also says that as of right now, they are more focused on the next animated Star Wars...
As you've probably already heard, there are said to be over 100 completed scripts of a 400 episode series that are ready to rock and roll when and if Lucasfilm ever decided to develop them further. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy previously talked about these scripts saying they are "gold" and that she does, in fact, want to "develop those things further."
It seems like it's going to be a very long time before that ever happens. In a recent interview with THR, Ben Sherwood, the President of Disney-abc Television Group, said that fans shouldn’t get their hopes up for a live-action series anytime soon. He also says that as of right now, they are more focused on the next animated Star Wars...
- 9/15/2016
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
We'll never really know how close we got to having a live-action Star Wars television series over the years. The project was commissioned by producer Rick McCallum awhile back, and 50 scripts were written for what was at the time known as Star Wars: Underworld. However, the cost of the series was rather expensive, given what would be needed for costume, effects and so forth, and there were... Read More...
- 8/4/2016
- by Billy Donnelly
- JoBlo.com
Amazon and Sky have given the greenlight to the new Britannia TV show, starring Kelly Reilly, David Morrissey, and Zoe Wanamaker. Britannia is set in 43Ad. The drama features the Roman Imperial Army which, Amazon says is "determined and terrified in equal measure, returns to crush the Celtic heart of Britannia, a mysterious land ruled by wild warrior women and powerful Druids who can channel the powerful forces of the underworld."The Britannia TV series, is currently in production, with an eye toward a 2017 premiere. Written by Jez Butterworth and Tom Butterworth, with Richard McBrien, Britannia is produced by Rick McCallum and executive produced by Vertigo Films’ James Richardson with Pippa Harris and Nicolas Brown from Neal Street Productions and Anne Thomopolous.Read More…...
- 8/4/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Simon Brew Jul 21, 2016
Writer Matthew Graham takes us behind the scenes of George Lucas' since-abandoned Star Wars live-action TV show...
Matthew Graham was the co-creator and co-executive producer of hit shows Life On Mars and Ashes To Ashes, and he’s just brought Childhood’s End to the screen in the Us. But off the back of the success of Life On Mars, he was picked by George Lucas to be one of the chosen few to work on the seemingly-abandoned live action Star Wars television show. And whilst he couldn’t share story details from the show – it’s all owned by Disney now – he was able to take us behind the scenes.
Here, then, is the first of two interviews we've done with Matthew. The second, coming to the site shortly, will look at his recent Syfy TV show, Childhood's End, as well as what he's up to now.
Writer Matthew Graham takes us behind the scenes of George Lucas' since-abandoned Star Wars live-action TV show...
Matthew Graham was the co-creator and co-executive producer of hit shows Life On Mars and Ashes To Ashes, and he’s just brought Childhood’s End to the screen in the Us. But off the back of the success of Life On Mars, he was picked by George Lucas to be one of the chosen few to work on the seemingly-abandoned live action Star Wars television show. And whilst he couldn’t share story details from the show – it’s all owned by Disney now – he was able to take us behind the scenes.
Here, then, is the first of two interviews we've done with Matthew. The second, coming to the site shortly, will look at his recent Syfy TV show, Childhood's End, as well as what he's up to now.
- 7/20/2016
- Den of Geek
Drama starring David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike to receive European premiere at Lff.
The 60th BFI London Film Festival (Oct 5-16) will open with director Amma Asante’s (Belle) drama A United Kingdom, starring David Oyelowo (Selma) and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl).
The film will receive its European premiere at the festival on Wednesday Oct 5, marking the second consecutive year that London has opened with a film from a female director following last year’s opener Suffragette.
Cast and filmmakers are expected to attend the screening, which will be cinecast across the UK.
Set in the late 1940s, the true story centres on Prince Seretse Khama of Botswana (Oyelowo), who caused an international stir when he married white British office worker Ruth Williams (Pike).
Screenplay comes from Guy Hibbert (Eye In The Sky), based on the book Colour Bar by Susan Williams. Other cast includes Jack Davenport (Pirates of the Caribbean), Terry Pheto (Mandela), Tom Felton ([link...
The 60th BFI London Film Festival (Oct 5-16) will open with director Amma Asante’s (Belle) drama A United Kingdom, starring David Oyelowo (Selma) and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl).
The film will receive its European premiere at the festival on Wednesday Oct 5, marking the second consecutive year that London has opened with a film from a female director following last year’s opener Suffragette.
Cast and filmmakers are expected to attend the screening, which will be cinecast across the UK.
Set in the late 1940s, the true story centres on Prince Seretse Khama of Botswana (Oyelowo), who caused an international stir when he married white British office worker Ruth Williams (Pike).
Screenplay comes from Guy Hibbert (Eye In The Sky), based on the book Colour Bar by Susan Williams. Other cast includes Jack Davenport (Pirates of the Caribbean), Terry Pheto (Mandela), Tom Felton ([link...
- 6/21/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Drama starring David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike to receive European premiere at Lff.
The 60th BFI London Film Festival (Oct 5-16) will open with director Amma Asante’s (Belle) drama A United Kingdom, starring David Oyelowo (Selma) and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl).
The film will receive its European premiere at the festival on Wednesday Oct 5, marking the second consecutive year that London has opened with a film from a female director following last year’s opener Suffragette.
Cast and filmmakers are expected to attend the screening, which will be cinecast across the UK.
The story centres on Prince Seretse Khama of Botswana (Oyelowo), who causes an international stir when he marries a white woman (Pike) from London in the late 1940s.
Screenplay comes from Guy Hibbert (Eye In The Sky), based on the book Colour Bar by Susan Williams. Other cast includes Jack Davenport (Pirates of the Caribbean), Terry Pheto (Mandela), Tom Felton (Harry Potter), Arnold Oceng ([link...
The 60th BFI London Film Festival (Oct 5-16) will open with director Amma Asante’s (Belle) drama A United Kingdom, starring David Oyelowo (Selma) and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl).
The film will receive its European premiere at the festival on Wednesday Oct 5, marking the second consecutive year that London has opened with a film from a female director following last year’s opener Suffragette.
Cast and filmmakers are expected to attend the screening, which will be cinecast across the UK.
The story centres on Prince Seretse Khama of Botswana (Oyelowo), who causes an international stir when he marries a white woman (Pike) from London in the late 1940s.
Screenplay comes from Guy Hibbert (Eye In The Sky), based on the book Colour Bar by Susan Williams. Other cast includes Jack Davenport (Pirates of the Caribbean), Terry Pheto (Mandela), Tom Felton (Harry Potter), Arnold Oceng ([link...
- 6/21/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Before ‘The Force Awakens,’ or a mooted new “Star Wars” trilogy was ever on the table, there was “Star Wars: Underworld,” a live-action TV show announced in 2005. "It's kind of like 'Episode IV' — it's funny and there's action, but it's [a] lot more talky,” George Lucas told Total Film the time. “It's more of what I would call a soap opera with a bunch of personal dramas in it. It's not really based on action-adventure films from the '30s — it's actually more based on film noir movies from the ‘40s.” Read More: Disney Pushes Back Rian Johnson's 'Star Wars: Episode VIII' The series was later described as “darker, grittier, and more character-based” with producer Rick McCallum hinting at bounty hunter involvement and later describing it as “ ‘Deadwood’ in space" and " 'Empire [Strikes Back]' on steroids.” Later, rumored details said the show was to be set in the Coruscant...
- 1/22/2016
- by Rodrigo Perez
- The Playlist
With Star Wars once again a pop culture force to be reckoned with, the time would seem ripe to revive that long-gestating live-action series set “in a galaxy far, far away.” But the project remains about as active as R2-D2 in The Force Awakens. Why? It’s complicated.
PhotosStar Wars on TV: 36 Favorite Moments
Back in 2005, a live-action series — Star Wars: Underworld — was not only announced, it had been developed by George Lucas himself. The hour-long drama was said to be set between the original film trilogy and its prequels, and would focus on two families’ battle for control...
PhotosStar Wars on TV: 36 Favorite Moments
Back in 2005, a live-action series — Star Wars: Underworld — was not only announced, it had been developed by George Lucas himself. The hour-long drama was said to be set between the original film trilogy and its prequels, and would focus on two families’ battle for control...
- 1/22/2016
- TVLine.com
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In the Special Editions, the Rebo Band were big victims of George Lucas' digital wand. Here's how CGI changed them - seemingly forever...
In 1997, Star Wars began its ineluctable turn to the digital side. A New Hope, re-released in January that year, marked the first of George Lucas’s Special Edition revamps of his blockbuster saga; then 20 years old, the original 70s print was decaying. Effects shots were damaged. Darth Vader’s once imposing black mask and cloak had faded to a wan shade of pale blue.
To combat the ravages of time, Lucas embarked on an expensive and lavish restoration of the movies, improving the quality of the sound, re-balancing and correcting the colours and placing them back where they belonged: on the big screen. While fans were delighted at the prospect of seeing Star Wars in theatres again, Lucas’ reissues didn’t stop at...
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In the Special Editions, the Rebo Band were big victims of George Lucas' digital wand. Here's how CGI changed them - seemingly forever...
In 1997, Star Wars began its ineluctable turn to the digital side. A New Hope, re-released in January that year, marked the first of George Lucas’s Special Edition revamps of his blockbuster saga; then 20 years old, the original 70s print was decaying. Effects shots were damaged. Darth Vader’s once imposing black mask and cloak had faded to a wan shade of pale blue.
To combat the ravages of time, Lucas embarked on an expensive and lavish restoration of the movies, improving the quality of the sound, re-balancing and correcting the colours and placing them back where they belonged: on the big screen. While fans were delighted at the prospect of seeing Star Wars in theatres again, Lucas’ reissues didn’t stop at...
- 1/21/2016
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
A United Kingdom
Director: Amma Asante
Writer: Guy Hibbert
Following the critical success of her 2013 sophomore film Belle (read review), which showcased the impressive talents of Gugu Mbatha-Raw, actress turned director Amma Assante assembles acclaimed talents Rosamunde Pike and Davie Oyelowo for this tale of forbidden love, which filmed in the UK and Botswana. A United Kingdom details the tribulations of Seretse Khama, the man who would become the first president of Botswana after gaining freedom from England, his marriage to a white woman would compromise his relations with surrounding countries which deemed such a union illegal.
Cast: Rosamund Pike, Tom Felton, Jack Davenport, David Oyelowo
Production Co./Producers: Brunson Green, David Oyelowo, Peter Heslop, Charlie Mason, Rick McCallum, Justin Moore-Lewy
U.S. Distributor: Rights Available. Tbd (domestic). Pathe (international).
Release Date: Fox Searchlight managed to give Assante’s handsomely assembled Belle the platform it deserved, and her continued recuperation...
Director: Amma Asante
Writer: Guy Hibbert
Following the critical success of her 2013 sophomore film Belle (read review), which showcased the impressive talents of Gugu Mbatha-Raw, actress turned director Amma Assante assembles acclaimed talents Rosamunde Pike and Davie Oyelowo for this tale of forbidden love, which filmed in the UK and Botswana. A United Kingdom details the tribulations of Seretse Khama, the man who would become the first president of Botswana after gaining freedom from England, his marriage to a white woman would compromise his relations with surrounding countries which deemed such a union illegal.
Cast: Rosamund Pike, Tom Felton, Jack Davenport, David Oyelowo
Production Co./Producers: Brunson Green, David Oyelowo, Peter Heslop, Charlie Mason, Rick McCallum, Justin Moore-Lewy
U.S. Distributor: Rights Available. Tbd (domestic). Pathe (international).
Release Date: Fox Searchlight managed to give Assante’s handsomely assembled Belle the platform it deserved, and her continued recuperation...
- 1/5/2016
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Slashfilm recently interview Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy over the weekend during the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" press junket. The interviewer asked Kennedy about the prospect of two abandoned projects that never received the green light while Lucas was in charge. The two projects in question are the live-action "Star Wars: Underworld" TV series and the "Star Wars 1313" video game.
The "Star Wars: Underworld" TV series was supposed to set on the planet of Coruscant and take place during "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith" and "Star Wars: A New Hope." The series was said to be "funny" and with "action." The tone of the series would've been based on the noir films of the 1940's and chronicle the underworld of Coruscant. The 'Star Wars' prequels producer Rick McCallum described the series as "'Deadwood' in space" and "'The Empire Strikes Back' on steroids."
On the status of the TV series,...
The "Star Wars: Underworld" TV series was supposed to set on the planet of Coruscant and take place during "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith" and "Star Wars: A New Hope." The series was said to be "funny" and with "action." The tone of the series would've been based on the noir films of the 1940's and chronicle the underworld of Coruscant. The 'Star Wars' prequels producer Rick McCallum described the series as "'Deadwood' in space" and "'The Empire Strikes Back' on steroids."
On the status of the TV series,...
- 12/10/2015
- by J.B. Casas
- LRMonline.com
Before Disney bought Lucasfilm and took over the Star Wars franchise, George Lucas had two major projects in development. One was a TV drama called Star Wars: Underworld and the other was a video game called Star Wars 1313. Many fans assumed these projects were dead, but as it turns out, Lucasfilm is very much looking at still developing those!
The news comes from Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy who was asked about the Star Wars: Underworld project by /Film during a press event. This is what Kennedy told them:
"Interestingly enough, that's an area we’ve spent a lot of time, reading through the material that he developed is something we very much would like to explore. And there was 1313 the game, where there was…unbelievable. So our attitude is, we don’t want to throw any of that stuff away. It’s gold. And it’s something we’re spending...
The news comes from Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy who was asked about the Star Wars: Underworld project by /Film during a press event. This is what Kennedy told them:
"Interestingly enough, that's an area we’ve spent a lot of time, reading through the material that he developed is something we very much would like to explore. And there was 1313 the game, where there was…unbelievable. So our attitude is, we don’t want to throw any of that stuff away. It’s gold. And it’s something we’re spending...
- 12/9/2015
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
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