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CONFIRMED NEWS (or click here for Unconfirmed Rumors)
June 29, 2008 Deseret News Interview with Stanton
< Excerpt from an interiew at desertnews.com>
As much as I love "Finding Nemo" (2003) and loved the new movie "WALL*E" even more, it's the things in Andrew Stanton's future that really have me excited.
A Pixar executive with a good track record, Stanton also co-directed "A Bug's Life" (1998) and co-wrote "Monsters, Inc." (1998) and "Toy Story 2" (1999).
And his next feature will be "John Carter of Mars," a long-in-development fantasy that's based on the Edgar Rice Burroughs novels. Have I mentioned that I'm a big fan of those books?
In a recent interview in Salt Lake City Stanton pooh-poohed my suggested casting of Hugh Jackman as the lead. (Stanton said Jackman is "too old," apparently forgetting the character is supposed to be a Civil War veteran.)
But I was pretty intrigued by his talk about digitally animated versions of Burroughs' green-skinned, multi-armed Martians, or Tharks.
Also, Stanton chuckled when I suggested Michael Clarke Duncan as the body model — or at least the voice of Carter's Martian brother-in-arms Tars Tarkas.
Unfortunately, it will be at least four years until we get to see the movie.
Original Article: deseretnews.com
Author: Jeff Vice
June 27, 2008 The Ledger Interview with Stanton
< Excerpt from an interiew at theledger.com>
Stanton's next project, an adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic sci-fi/fantasy novel "John Carter of Mars," will be an animated feature. Beyond that, though - speaking of expansions - would he be interested in live action?
"Sure," he says. "I had to do a little bit of live action on this film [ Wall-E ]. And I loved it, I loved it!"
Weeks and months for single shots means that Stanton's projects take a very long time. The release date of "John Carter of Mars" is 2012. Stanton says he's gotten used to working on a four-year cycle.
"I rely on that now," he admits. "I still work as fast as I freaking can. ... I've never gotten anything right in under two years."
<end excerpt>
Note from Editor: I spoke with the writer this morning. Actually, the actual interview for this article took place a few weeks *before* the AICN interview (see below). And the conversation he had with Stanton was FAR from conclusive. So, no worries yet folks. It's still up in the air :)
Original Article: theledger.com
Author: Mark Feeney
June 24, 2008 Ain't It Cool news Interview with Stanton
< Excerpt from an interiew at ainttitcoolnews.com>
Capone: Are you planning to make this JOHN CARTER OF MARS your next film?
AS: That's the movie I'm doing!
Capone: That's what I thought, but that film has changed hands so much...
AS: I know, and I'm hoping I'm not on that list. We want to make these shirts that say, "Break the curse." I have been a fan of those books since I was 10, and I've watched vicariously from the sidelines as it has gone from studio to studio since I was in college in the '80s. And just as fan, wanting to see it be made, and praying to God it would be done right. I thought it was truly going to get done by Jon Favreau, and the minute it fell apart, I couldn't believe it. And the timing was just right with my schedule, and I said, "I don't know, this is crazy but I'm going to see if we can get it." And here we are. Believe me, if it doesn't fall apart for other reasons, I'm going to do it right, because I have been a huge fan of those books.
Capone: When does that really get going for you?
AS: Mark Andrews and I are writing it together; he was the head of story on RATATOUILLE and THE INCREDIBLES. I like to say I'm a little big country, he's a little bit rock and roll. We make a great combo together, and we're just spending this year writing. We've learned from the Pixar methodology: don't get distracted about how and all these things everybody else wants to ask; just make a great story and everything else wants to fall into place. So all the other specifics we aren't even going to decide upon until next year, once we have a script that we think is worth making.
Capone: Does that include whether the film is animated or live action?
AS: That's what we don't want to decide until next year. And believe me, we're not going say, "Oh, it's a Pixar film, so it's got to be G-rated." We're going to do what's right for the movie and then we'll find the right way to distribute it.
Capone: I'm very excited to see how that comes together.
AS: I am too. [laughs]
Original Article: aintitcoolnews.com
Author: Capone
June 23, 2008: JCOM Looks to be in Good Hands
A while back ComingSoon.net interviewed Andrew Stanton concerning the new Wall-e movie. At the end of the interview he was asked about work on the JCOM movie. He revealed that he and co-scriptwriter Mark Andrews have been fans of the Martian series from way back:
"CS: A couple of things you mentioned, like the mixing of live action and CGI and creating new languages, those are also all part of the next project you're doing for Pixar, "John Carter of Mars"?
Stanton: [Laughs]. Look at you guys. It's very telling who does their research on the internet and who doesn't. That is my next project. I'm in the middle of writing it right now with Mark Andrews, who was the head of story on "Ratatouille" and "Incredibles."I always like to say I'm a little bit country and he's a little bit rock and roll and together we sort of cover the bases of what we feel that story should be. We both grew up loving that series of books and can't believe to this day that we've managed to get it in our laps, because it was almost going to be made by so many people and we're hoping we're not just one of many in another line of this stuff. So we're spending this whole year trying to make sure that the story is as worthy as it can be. It's the one thing that I've learned working at Pixar is regardless of the sexiness of who you might cast or how it might be done or all this stuff, just don't be distracted by that and write the greatest story you can write, because you're only going to get more distracted as you go. So we haven't even thought about how we're going to execute it. We're just going to devote this year to writing and improving as best we can for the screen."
Diana Cole, Asst. News Editor
June 19, 2008: Andrew Stanton Briefly Updates JCOM Adaptation
Last week we (FirstShowing.net) first reported that Pixar's Andrew Stanton is officially writing an adaptation of the classic John Carter of Mars sci-fi series of novels written by Edgar Rice Burroughs. We followed up with Stanton in our interview with him at Pixar Studios in San Francisco earlier this week and got a very brief update. He doesn't add too much that we don't already know and that's because they're only working on fleshing out the story at the moment. Stanton did add that Pixar's One Man Band director Mark Andrews is adapting the novel with him and that they're specifically adapting the first book in the series, titled The Princess of Mars. Stanton also talks briefly about the development of the project.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the project is whether they're planning on staying CGI or integrating live action. Stanton starts off by saying that "we honestly don't know," but adds that "it's clearly got to be a hybrid of some sort." As for what to expect, I suggest you don't even begin to start guessing what that might mean. Pixar always tends to push the limits of our imagination and I think that's what we can expect here. He explains that this first year is all spent "worrying about the story" and asserts that thinking about the visuals and figuring out how the film will look is a distraction from the actual writing. Instead, "this year is just about writing the script to make it as good as it can possibly be."
Before we wrapped up our brief discussion on John Carter of Mars, Stanton assured us that he's not worried about any of the violence in the books. "We'll find the proper venue to put the movie out." Additionally, he adds that decisions surrounding ratings, distribution, and visuals "should all be decided based on the story." As much as we wanted to get more out of him, I admire his belief that the focus should be the story and once they've got that figured out, then they can work on the rest. The basis for every great movie is a great story and I think it's best to leave Stanton and Andrews to their work.
Original Article: FirstShowing.net
Author: Alex Billington
--- Clipped from the Pixar Blog ---
Andrew Stanton personally confirmed for me and others attending today's roundtable discussion in Toronto that he is currently writing John Carter of Mars for Pixar.
The disclosure came at the end of the short, but extremely enjoyable, discussion (excerpts of which will be published here soon), when a writer from Suite101.com asked about Stanton's next project, to which Stanton mentioned (not too loudly) 'John Carter of Mars'.
Doubting what I'm hearing, I interject, "What is that?" "John Carter of Mars, Stanton replies." "You're confirming John Carter? Are you serious?" At this point, I turn my tape recorder back on, "...say that on tape!", I tell him. Stanton: "I am writing John Carter of Mars right now." "Oh man, you just doubled my page views!", I say. Everybody laughs.
-- End Clip --
Original Article: ThePixar Blog
March 17, 2008:
My Google Search brought this up at about 12:45 this morning. Wish I could have posted it earlier and scooped the other lists, but unfortunately I had to get some sleep so I could get up early to go to work. 6:00 PM will have to do. It's still just as exciting as when I first read it: Diana Lea Cole, News Editor
Jim Hill Media, 3/17/08
http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2008/03/17/as-disney-gets-nervous-about-narnia-pixar-now-sets-its-sights-on-mars.aspx
As Disney begins to get nervous about "Narnia," Pixar now sets its sights on "Mars"
Jim Hill brings you the latest buzz from Burbank. Which suggests that -- unless "Prince Caspian" does huge business when it's released to theaters in May -- Disney may opt to pull the plug on the "Narnia" series. Replacing that film franchise with a trio of Pixar-produced "John Carter of Mars" movies
Last week, the trades were full of stories about how Brad Bird was getting ready to make his live action debut. How the director of "The Incredibles" and "Ratatouille" would soon be helming the big screen adaptation of James Dalessandro’s "1906."
Now some animation fans had initially assumed that this disaster pic (Which will recreate the Great San Francisco Earthquake) would be Pixar’s initial foray into live action. Well, not quite. "1906" will actually be a co-production, with Warners and Disney / Pixar splitting this sure-to-be-expensive movie’s production costs.
Mind you, Pixar Animation Studios is getting ready to put its first really-for-real live action project into production. Don’t believe me? Okay. Then check out the batch of domain names that the Walt Disney Company registered this past Friday:
JOHNCARTERANDTHEGODSOFMARS.COM
JOHNCARTERANDTHEWARLORDOFMARS.COM
GODSOFMARS-MOVIE.COM
GODSOFMARSMOVIE.COM
THEGODSOFMARS-MOVIE.COM
THEGODSOFMARSMOVIE.COM
THEWARLORDOFMARS-MOVIE.COM
THEWARLORDOFMARSMOVIE.COM
WARLORDOFMARS-MOVIE.COM
These titles -- coupled with the ...
JOHNCARTEROFMARS-MOVIE.COM
JOHNCARTEROFMARS-THEMOVIE.COM
JOHNCARTEROFMARSTHEMOVIE.COM
...domain names that the Mouse snagged back on August 18, 2007 as well as that
CHILDRENOFMARS.COM
... name that Mickey registered back in November suggest that what Andrew Stanton supposedly told the staff at Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. back in October of last year is true. That Disney / Pixar definitely is gearing up to do a trilogy of films based on the "John Carter of Mars" books.
According to what Mouse House insiders recently told me, Mark Andrews (i.e. the Oscar-nominated screenwriter of "Ratatouille") has allegedly already completed a first pass on a screenplay for the first film in the proposed "Mars" series. And given that both Pixar and Disney execs have reportedly responded very enthusiastically to Andrews’ script ... Well, both companies are now anxious to put this project in the development pipeline ASAP.
"So what sort of timetable are we talking about here?," you ask. Well, really serious work on the first "Mars" movie can’t get underway ’til this Fall. Which is when Stanton will finally be through with all of his "WALL * E" -related promotional obligations (i.e. First Andrew has to spend several weeks this spring helping to promote the domestic & international release of Pixar’s latest. Then -- after a short break -- Stanton has to jump right back in and begin promoting the DVD version of "WALL * E").
But all of this actual selling-of-"WALL-*-E" work is completed ... Andrew is then expected to sit down with Mark & Jim Morris (i.e. A Lucasfilm Digital vet who made the jump to Pixar back in 2005. He’s reportedly been tapped to be the producer on the "Mars" project) and map out a battle plan for "John Carter of Mars." Which is now tentatively slated to be release in 2012 ... or possibly earlier.
"Why earlier?," you ask. Well ... From what I’ve heard, studio suits seem to be cooling to the idea of producing movie versions of all seven of C.S. Lewis’s "Narnia" books. And unless "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" does truly huge box office once it’s released to theaters in May of this year ... Disney & Walden Media (i.e. Mickey’s partner on the "Narnia" film series) will probably still go forward with production of the already-in-development "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader." But after that ... The Mouse would then mostly likely pull the plug on the rest of the proposed "Narnia" film series.
And were that to happen ... That would then leave Walt Disney Pictures with a very big hole in its release schedule for 2011 and beyond. And given "Narnia" was initially supposed to have been this on-going franchise, with the Mouse once envisioning releasing a brand-new chapter in the "Chronicles" to theaters every May from 2008 through 2013 ... Well, Mickey would love to be able to fill that hole with another film franchise.
Which explains some of the urgency that now surrounds the "John Carter" films. Should "Prince Caspian" stumble once it hits theaters this Spring, Disney may be looking for Pixar to begin its mission to "Mars" pretty damned quick.
November 4, 2007: A Snipet of News
IESB.NET
Wining and Dining with Pixar
Written by Silas Lesnick
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Social Hollywood was host to another exciting event this week, the premiere of Ratatouille and Cars on Blu-Ray DVD.
IESB was in attendance both on the red carpet and at the elaborate party which turned much of the building into Ratatouille's French restaurant, complete with food from world-famous chef Michael Richard.
Everyone seemed to be in great spirits walking the carpet. Brian Dennehy (who voiced Djano in Ratatouille) joked that his next move would be to dethrone John Ratzenberger as the go-to guy for Pixar voicework.
Lips were tight on both 1906, Brad Bird's upcoming live-action film and the much-anticipated John Carter of Mars series. Composer Michael Giacchino confirmed that he'll be doing the score on the former while animator Andrew Jimenez would only say that the latter will defy all expectations.
<snip>
It's clear that Disney and Pixar are in the hands of people that care deeply about what they do and surround themselves with not only talent but personalities to match. Their list of upcoming projects grows and grows and they consistently prove they can do no wrong, combining cutting-edge technology with classic storytelling. If anyone deserves a night of the finest French dining this side of the Atlantic, it's these guys.
Diana Lea Cole, News Editor
October 14, 2007: JCOM Pre-production Work Underway!! The contracts have been signed and personnel are being assembled to begin the groundwork for what we hope will finally become a completed JCOM production. Word from reliable sources has been that it will be a combination of live action and CGI animation. This is the latest information via post from Bill Hillman of ERBzine, the authorized ERB, Inc. website:
Pixar's "John Carter" Team Visits Tarzana
Tarzana, CA: October 2, 2007
===================================
Pre-production for the Disney/Pixar "John Carter of Mars" film is gathering steam.
The Pixar creative team spent Tuesday morning exploring the massive Edgar Rice Burroughs archives in the ERB, Inc. offices on Ventura Blvd. Pixar's Jim Morris (vp), Andrew Stanton (director), Mark Andrews (script) discussed the "John Carter of Mars" film project with Burroughs representatives, Danton Burroughs, Sandra Galfas and Jim Sullos.
All six members at the meeting expressed a deep commitment to the project, acknowledging that they had been inspired by Burroughs' creations from a very early age. This is evidenced in the excitement held for the John Carter property and the plans for a film trilogy faithful to the Burroughs books. Projected release date is sometime before 2012.
Danton Burroughs presented the creative team with a wealth of resources, including art samples and books by ERB scholars such as Irwin Porges and John F. Roy. They noted that their major resource to date had been the thousands of official ERB, Inc. Webpages and Webzines.
www.ERBzine.com/news
Bill Hillman
Editor and Webmaster for the
Official Edgar Rice Burroughs Tribute Sites
www.Tarzan.com
www.Tarzan.org
www.JohnColemanBurroughs.com
www.BurroughsBibliophiles.com
www.DantonBurroughs.com
www.ERBzine.com
This is the article as Bill Hillman has posted it. There have been other versions of this article appearing on other websites with their reporter's own spin as to what is happening, but for now I would rather simply repeat what Bill has stated, since we can be sure of his information.
Diana Lea Cole, News Editor
June 1, 2007: IESB interview with Lasseter and Catmull
The staff at IESB.net was at the premier of Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End and they used the opportunity to get a few quick interviews with John Lasseter and Ed Cutmull of Pixar concerning John Carter of Mars. Our undying thanks to them for providing us a little moisture to the Barsoomian level of news drought we've had over the past few months!
Snippets from the interview:
Ed gave up a little saying that John Carter will be different when compared to other kid friendy Pixar/Disney Animatd Films because it will be based on the book. Hmm, so does that mean we will get something with a little more punch than your standard animated Pixar film?
John Lasseter was a little less forthcoming, we tried twice to get him to say something about the property but all he would say is that it’s moving forward and that he can’t say much more than that. Hey, we had to try.
Original Article: IESB.net
Author: Robert Sanchez
March 23, 2007: Mark Fergus of Queens
What does a screenwriter do for an encore after earning an Oscar nomination for Children of Men? Easy: he directs his first feature, nudges John Lasseter towards an epic and gives Robert Downey Jr. the comeback role he's been looking for.
Screenwriter and first-time director Mark Fergus (First Snow) came this close to convincing Paramount to move forward with an adaptation of the Edgar Rice Burroughs novel John Carter of Mars. But he’s still stoked at the prospect of Pixar picking up the slack, either by way of animation or special effects enhanced live action.
“[Executive producer] John [Lasseter] brought us in to do an adaptation of the trilogy,” Fergus explains during a recent interview with FilmStew. “The trilogy is huge and I hadn’t read them before, which was great because it made it fresh material. I was like, ‘Wow. Everyone has pillaged these books over the years for sci-fi stories and movies.’”
“What we really had to do is focus it to just be a mythical fairy tale,” he adds. “It could be a four-hour movie if you wanted it to be. But it’s quite a simple story when you strip away the hundreds of side characters and layers and all of that. When we showed them that we knew how to travel through this material and find that story, I think that’s really what made them want to get us involved. I think we nailed that.”
“I felt so happy about that draft. It’s a giant proposition for anyone who wants to make that. It’s almost employing technology that’s not even invented yet. It has got to be very scary to a filmmaker to need the resources that that one might take, to mix different size creatures and different worlds and different layers and have it all be very seamless. Even if the creatures are not of this earth, you’d still get an actor to do a performance and their face would actually be melded with the creature, so you’d get a real performance. I think Pixar is going to do it now.”
Author: Daniel Robert Epstein
February 7, 2007: The Walt Disney Studios and Academy Award(R)-Winner Director Robert Zemeckis and Producing Partners Form New Company That Will Produce 3D Performance Capture Films
The multi award-winning team of Robert Zemeckis, Jack Rapke and Steve Starkey join forces with The Walt Disney Studios to set-up a new performance capture film company, it was jointly announced by Dick Cook, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios and producer/director Robert Zemeckis.
The company will create films using the performance capture technology, a technique of digitally recording actors' movements that are fed into a computer allowing for the development of state-of-the-art 3D motion pictures.
Zemeckis, Rapke and Starkey will produce all of the films with Zemeckis expected to direct a number of the projects. The Walt Disney Studios will distribute and market the motion pictures worldwide.
In making the announcement Cook said, "The creation of this new company is yet another step in our leadership role in cutting edge technology as it relates to the movie industry." Cook continued, "Bob is an amazing director who continues to push the envelope in creating the best in cinematic experiences. Along with his partners, Jack and Steve, they are one of the finest producing teams in the business. They have a real pulse on the future of motion pictures especially as it pertains to the creativity and technology of motion capture and 3D film experiences. They are true leaders in every sense of the word and we are proud to be partners with them in this new endeavor."
Zemeckis added, "Jack, Steve and I are looking forward with great excitement to be working with Dick Cook and his team. In addition to being an enthusiastic champion of 3D movies, The Walt Disney Studios is committed to the advancement of digital cinema in all areas including performance capture."
Zemeckis, along with executive producing partner Rapke and producer Starkey, first used this innovative film technology of performance capture when he directed the highly successful animated feature film "Polar Express."
Following up on the success of "Polar Express," Zemeckis was executive producer on his second performance capture film, the Academy Award-nominated Best Animated Film "Monster House," with Rapke and Starkey producing. Additionally, Zemeckis is directing and producing the performance capture film, "Beowulf," with Rapke and Starkey also producing. The film is due out in theaters in 2007.
Among some of their other credits are: "Castaway" -- Zemeckis director and producer and Rapke and Starkey producers; "What Lies Beneath" -- Zemeckis director and producer and Rapke and Starkey producers; "Contact" -- Zemeckis director and producer and Starkey producer; "Forrest Gump" -- Zemeckis received an Academy Award for Best Director and Starkey was awarded the Best Picture Oscar for his role as producer; "Back to the Future" trilogy -- Zemeckis directed and Starkey served as associate producer on part 2 and 3 and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" -- Zemeckis directed and Starkey was associate producer.
Disney Press Release
(More at JimHillmedia.com)
January 16, 2007: After a long dry spell, things are beginning to happen again, for good or ill. Thanks to Jeff Doten for alerting us to the TMZ and AICN posts!
TMZ.COM
Exclusive: 'John Carter of Mars' Arriving at Disney? -- Jan 12th 2007 5:46PM
by Claude Brodesser-Akner
"John Carter of Mars," meet Dick Cook of Burbank.
Our spies tell us that the estate of Edgar Rice Burroughs is in negotiations with Walt Disney Pictures to turn the eleven volume "John Carter of Mars" series of books into a motion picture franchise -- some ninety years after it first became a best-seller.
It won't be the first time Hollywood tries to do so. An attempt was made in 1970 to turn the massive, sprawling sci-fi epic into a film, and again in 2005.
Two years ago, Paramount hired Jon Favreau to direct it, and "The Mummy" producers Sean Daniel and Jim Jacks, to produce it. Even Harry Knowles, the founder of Ain't It Cool News, came aboard to produce the venerable sci-fi series. The estate briefly negotiated with Fox and Walden Media to make the movie there, but that deal fell through, insiders tell TMZ.
While Rice Burroughs is best known for creating "Tarzan," "John Carter" is, in my opinion, definitely the cooler character: He's a wealthy gentleman gold mine owner who cannot truly "die," but is constantly ferrying, via astral projection between states of existence on Earth and Mars -- reembodied in his handsome, strapping human form each time.
"John Carter" is certainly in keeping with Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group chairman Dick Cook's mandate to make more family friendly epics that can do huge business worldwide. More, as the New York Times points out in this weekend's Arts & Leisure section, there's no pesky author to impede its progress, as was the case with Ayn Rand's forever-postponed "Atlas Shrugged."
Knowles, Daniel and Jacks have now left the project, as has Favreau, who is mired in bringing the long-gestating Marvel Comics character "Iron Man" to the big screen for New Line Cinema.
Calls to Disney Studios went unreturned at press time, whatever that means around here.
January 16, 2007: An Insider's View
CHUD.COM
JOHN CARTER OF... DISNEY?
By Devin Faraci -- 01.16.07
Contributing sources: TMZ, Don Murphy
Some projects never go away. For a while John Carter of Mars, the other famous series of books from Tarzan creator Edgar Rice Burroughs, was in development with Jon Favreau as the director and Aint It Cool News’ Harry Knowles as one of the producers. That fell apart, though, and Favreau moved on to Iron Man.
Now gossip site TMZ is reporting that the Burroughs estate is about to sell the film rights to the 11-volume series, beginning with A Princess of Mars, to Disney. But is that really the case? Knowing that legendary producer Don Murphy has been involved in the efforts to get this movie to the screen over the last few years, I gave him a call to see what’s what.
I caught Don on location in Vancouver, where he’s on the set of While She Was Out, a Kim Basinger-starring indie thriller he described as "hardcore." Don happily gave me the inside poop on just where a potential A Princess of Mars movie is at the moment.
The Burroughs estate hasn’t finalized a Disney deal, Murphy says, and he doesn’t see why they necessarily would. Don’s working with Walden Media, the folks behind The Chronicles of Narnia movies, and he says that part of their offer is a guarantee to have a film in production in 18 months. Disney, meanwhile, is making no such offer, and is in fact interested in sitting on the film for Andrew Stanton, the director of Finding Nemo. Apparently Stanton wants to do a live action movie, and John Carter is what he fancies… but he’s lined up to do Pixar’s post-post-Ratatouille film, meaning he wouldn’t get started on John Carter, at the earliest, until next decade.
Whoever ends up with John Carter’s rights, we’re going to see a PG/PG-13 version. Don told me that when Fox was interested, they wanted to do a Conan the Barbarian-style R-rated movie, but Walden’s whole mission is about family-friendly fare. Disney, meanwhile, is refocusing on only making blockbusters, and you have a better chance of making John Carter of Mars a blockbuster if you keep it PG or PG-13.
Will we ever see A Princess of Mars on the big screen? My gut tells me that if Disney gets it, and holds it for Stanton, we might not. Who knows whether Stanton will still be interested three or more years from now? This film has languished in development hell for years, and may yet linger there longer.
January 16, 2007: Harry Knowles' Reaction
Ain't It Cool News
JOHN CARTER OF... Disney?!? -- 1/16/07
Ahoy, squirts! Quint here with some news on the movement of the JOHN CARTER OF MARS project. TMZ got the scoop on the film being moved from Paramount to Disney, with Jim Jacks, Sean Daniel, Jon Favreau and Harry Knowles no longer involved. TMZ said they "left the project." Knowles tells me nothing, so I asked him about it and he responded with this:
None of us left the project. Paramount's ex-president of production decided not to renew the rights. Jim, Sean and I - along with Jon Favreau were heartbroken when Paramount didn't renew the rights, but that happens. Ultimately I'm just proud to be a part of the long history of people that tried to bring this great story to the screen. We came the closest - I wish, whatever studio gets it the best of luck, it's a great story and deserves to be told the best way possible.
Of course I'm sad for Harry, but I'm also extremely sad for Jon Favreau, who really was aching to do this movie. Click here to read the interview I did with him when he first came to the project!!! He really seemed to understand Edgar Rice Burroughs' worlds and characters.
Stripping all that down and just looking at the source material, Paramount made a big mistake letting this one go. I hope Disney doesn't cartoon the films up and make them Narnia clones. It doesn't have to be hardcore, but look at the balance LOTR struck. It was pretty rough, but still family friendly. It might have crossed that line a few times, but I think people really liked their fantasy taken seriously and not treated like as a simple children's story.
As a fan of Burroughs' books, I'd love to see this series actually come to life. I'll definitely be keeping my ear to the tracks on this one as it moves around Disney
August 29, 2006: Official Paramount Option Announcement
Bill Hillman at erbzine.com/news has posted the following update, confirming what we had heard:
Paramount Pictures have not renewed their option with ERB, Inc.
on the John Carter of Mars film project.
Paramount have recently gone through many major and somewhat baffling shake-ups.
Numerous other film companies have long been interested in the JC property and ERB fans can look forward to ongoing and exciting new developments.
July 16, 2006: Update from Jon Favreau
On Wednesday, July 12, 2006, Jon posted the following on his JCOM forum at myspace.com:
Had dinner tonight with ERB's grandson Danton in Tarzana. We were discussing how best to get the movie made ASAP. He controls the rights and the Paramount hold is up for renewal. I'll let you know if anything comes of it. By the way, he told me his daughter is named Deja Burroughs. Not a bad handle.
Also, according to Bill Hillman at erbzine.com/news/:
Favreau also gave Danton a preview of the very impressive production art that has been created for John Carter of Mars.
Diana Cole, News Editor
June 10, 2006: JCOM - There is still hope!
Some time has gone by since the announcement that JCOM has been delayed, however fans continue to post on the JCOM forum at myspace.com, and Jon Favreau has continued to answer many questions. Naturally, the foremost question is "when will this movie be made?" I have gone thru the threads of the myspace JCOM and Iron Man forums to pull out the revelant entries in an effort to bring the information here up to date.
Posted: Friday, April 28,2006 - 8:46 AM by Jon Favreau
Iron Man will indeed be my next movie. Marvel is distributing it through Paramount which, for those of you playing at home, is also the studio that is developing John Carter of Mars. That project is still a huge priority for me and I am still very much attached to it both as a director and producer.
Iron Man is the first Marvel production under its new distribution arrangement. My hope is that this will be refelected in the quality of the movie. Their films are self-financed and, as a result, don't have to run the typical creative gauntlet of studio development. What Marvel says, goes.
As far as specifics, it will be set in the present and, as you would probably expect, includes a version of the origin story.
I have set up a MySpace discussion group. I will post new info there as things come together. The internet is full of faulty info. I wanted to have at least one place where the facts would be correct.
http://groups.myspace.com/ironmanmovie"
Posted: Apr 29, 2006 9:03 PM by Jon Favreau re JCOM movie
I'm hoping that if IM goes well, the studio may be a bit more enthusiastic about a project that I am passionate about.
Posted: May 16, 2006 4:41 PM
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Randall Wrote:
It was a real eye opening experience to visit your IRON MAN group and see that some topics have hundreds of postings. So here's the question:
It seems unlikely to me that anyone at Paramount would be watching or caring about the poor results of the JCOM group participation, but is that true? Is the fact that there is just a fraction of the response you are getting on IRON MAN going to hurt JCOM at some point? |
I think that there isn't a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for JCoM over at Paramount regardless. If there was they would've made it. The script and art were great. My hope is that Iron Man's momentum will put me in a position to get it made over there. JCoM has always been a tough sell. I really want to break the curse.
Posted: June 3, 2006 8:10 PM
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Jeffrey Wrote:
So in 2-3 years when things are going great for ya, Iron Man rocks and you're looking at Mars once more, and of course it's all green lit, does all the art go back to the drawing board ?
I'm asking because you had such great people as Ian McCaig and Ryan Church. Or is it, that you just go ahead from where you where at into set and costume and model making, based on the work from you've got ? - Curious Jeff Doten |
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I hope to pull the script and art off ice and continue where I left off. And I don't think it will be 2 or 3 years. It is conceivable that this thing gets going while IM is still in post. When the tide turns on a project, it turns very rapidly. I will pounce on it when it does.
Posted: Jun 3, 2006 8:11 PM
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Randall Wrote:
When John Carter travels to Mars, was the script going to send him to the Mars of today or try to come up with another idea. Such as to a different planet in another star system, or maybe send him to Mars of the past? |
I stayed true to the period and logic of the book.
Posted: Jun 3, 2006 8:13 PM
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RandallWrote:
Besides directing it, would you consider playing a small part in JCOM when and if it gets made? |
Of course. A thark. Wouldn't you if you were directing?
Posted: Jun 3, 2006 8:16 PM by Jon Favreau
I'm still trying to pull it together. I will learn a lot about Paramount over this next project. I'll find out the best way to get it made.
And finally a question which was directed to the Iron Man group, but since Jon has said that he is passionate about the JCOM movie, it seems to apply here also:
Posted: Jun 3, 2006 8:06 PM
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nativeson Wrote:
Will this movie be like a labor of love for you, or will it be just an exciting project to work on? I believe the answer to that will make the difference in the quality of the film. |
I can't direct a film that I am not passionate about. You can get through a script as a writer with a bit of creative inspiration. As an actor, you can buck up and plow through a role if you have a fun hook to hang on to for a few weeks/months. As a director, you have to live in the world for years and hang your whole career on a movie. I can't imagine doing that if I didn't love it.
Diana Cole, News Editor
 April 27, 2006: JCOM back on the woodpile
It is unfortunately my duty to inform everyone that John Carter of Mars has been officially put back on the woodpile. Apparently, it's been shelved to make way for other "similiar" stuff and of course Star Trek in 2008. Here's what Favs had to say at myspace.com:
"Unfortunately, due to the 2008 Paramount production of Star Trek, it looks like Carter is not going to happen in the near future. I assure you that the script and artwork were very well received, but they've got a lot of "similar" stuff in the pipeline at the studio. I am trying to help position the film to get made and remain committed to seeing it through. That said, it's not going to happen this year. Sorry for the disappointment. Believe me, after spending six months trying to make this my next film, I too am disappointed."
-- end quote --
As the webmaster of this site, I am making inquiries as to what we can do, if anything to change their minds, but I am not very hopeful. I will continue to maintain this website, though devoid of news it may be during the rest of this sad, sad year.
Webmaster: Mike Carambat
April 23, 2006: Jon Favreau takes time to answer a few of our questions!
Earlier in April I went to the JCOM forum at myspace.com and posted a few questions we've all had concerning the upcoming movie. I'm excited to announce that Mr. Favreau recently took the time to answer every one of them! They are as follows:
QUESTION 1: Lots of rumors about the script. Are you guys finally happy with it now? And if so, who finally helped finish it up?
The script is great. Very true to the book. No problem there.
QUESTION 2: It was rumored JC would now go back to Civil War era and not be modernized as he was during Krueger's writing. Is this still the case?
It is set just after the end of the Civil War and Carter is a Confederate Cavalry Captain, as in the books.
QUESTION 3: Where will the money for the movie go primarily? Talent, CG/FX, etc? In other words what's the most important to you to spend the most time and resources on?
There are few, if any, shots that are not a visual effect. The lion's share of the budget will, no doubt, go to that area.
QUESTION 4: Can we get a glimpse at *any* production art so far? How about the unused Conran stuff at least?
The images are tremendous. I doubt that I could post anything. Studios are not very enthusiastic about that sort of thing. I will ask, however.
QUESTION 5: What's taking so long to get a green light!?!? :)
The project is slowly working its way up the Paramount ladder. For the first time, the project has some fans at the studio. I have been working on it since late '05 and have foregone many directing offers in hopes that this might be my next movie. The plan was originally to have an answer by the end of February '06. Then March. Then April. Half a year has gone by and I still have no solid commitment. The studio has been very supportive, but this is not some small project that they can make without weighing out many things. Now, with their announcement of releasing Star Trek in '08, I wonder if there is an appetite over there to make this movie this year. Regardless of when or how, I am commited to getting it made. The script is there, I know how to execute it and I am passionate about making it.
April 16, 2006: John Carter versus the Easter Bunny
Overheard at the JCOM forum at myspace.com:
"Paramount is reading the new draft over Easter weekend. A decision will have to be made soon as to what my next movie is. I will inform you all as soon as I'm sure what my next one is. Summer '08 release seems to be the target for all projects in play."
"Happy Easter and Passover to all of you."
Author: Jon Favreau
April 10, 2006: Myspace.com forum is confirmed!
I now have confirmation from a reliable source that the myspace.com JCOM group is indeed a forum moderated by the man himself, Jon Favreau! Any future postings from the myspace.com forum will now be put into confirmed news.
Webmaster: Mike Carambat
April 9, 2006: News overheard at FAVs myspace.com forum!
Apparently, Jon Favreau, director of JCOM, has set up a new JCOM forum at myspace.com (a popular service used for people to share ideas, pictures and email) and is the group leader. Apparently, he personally reads and responds to posts made there!
This is an amazing public gesture you rarely see someone in his position take and it shows his commitment to the movie and it's fans. I don't know how long it will be before it becomes unweildy for the already busy Jon Favreau to personally respond, but until then, way to go Favs!
He has already responded to several comments from fans who have already gone through the 7 day waiting period that myspace requires before you can post:
Concerning who will play Dejah Thoris, Fav writes,
"No discussions have been had yet. I will read the suggestions that you post, though."
Concerning the depiction of the Tharks, Fav writes,
"The artwork I've been supervising keeps them at the books dimensions of 15 ft male/8 ft female for the first time, as far as I can tell, in the film's development. They've attempted to make them more human in scale in the past."
Lastly, concerning the current project status,
"The script and artwork have both been well received we are awaiting a round of script notes and a budget. When these are complete we will make our final submission to see if they have an interest in moving forward with the movie."
I think I've got about 2 days left before I can leave a few posts of my own at myspace and I'm excited about this new facility Favs has provided us! :)
Webmaster: Mike Carambat
April 1, 2006: Current script is finished!
Producer Harry Knowles writes, "In still other news, the latest script for JOHN CARTER OF MARS came in and it's the best one yet! Can't wait to get this in front of cameras."
March 20, 2006: Splitsville for Pair at Alphaville
"Alphaville partners Sean Daniel and James Jacks have ended their 12-year producing marriage and are forming separate companies."
"The split, which had been expected for several months, was confirmed by the pair Friday."
"After the Alphaville deal expired Wednesday, Daniel immediately struck a two-year, first-look deal with Paramount and christened his new banner the Sean Daniel Co. He is bringing two Alphaville creative executives with him to the new company: Jen Moyer, who will be the company's new executive vp; and Andrea Chu, who will serve as director of development."
"Meanwhile, Jacks has formed his own company, Frelaine, which is housed on the Paramount lot, where he will produce "Believe it or Not!" with Daniel and Richard Zanuck (who works with director Tim Burton), as well as "John Carter of Mars," which they will produce with the film's helmer, Jon Favreau; a college comedy with Richard Linklater; "County Sheriff," with Sam Raimi; and a CollegeHumor.com film, which the pair will produce with Moyer. According to Jacks, another "Mummy" installment is in the works at Universal."
Read entire Article at: Backstage
Author: Tatiana Siegel
January 3, 2006: Finally! News at last!!!
At last! Recent news from Favreau himself... and if you read between the lines, alot of it is actually quite stellar! Here's what myself and a few other ERB fans have UNOFFICIALLY gleaned from the article:
- Favreau wants a Civil War era JC!!!
- Very likely the Tharks will be CG
- Conceptual artists are very busy right now
- A script is being worked on (so perhaps a writer has been chosen?)
- It ain't dead yet, but it's future still isn't certain
- Will probably know by spring whether it's still a go
Be sure to read the whole article listed at right
October 10, 2005: WOW! Favreau Interview at AICN
Jon Favreau gives us a great deal of insight for his plans with John Carter of Mars in an interview at Ain't it Cool News (Oct. 9th).
Webmaster's Note - After reading this, I now feel much better about his involvement in the project. He really wants to keep it as true to the book as possible, including keeping JC Civil War era! Let's hope he's given lots of support by higher ups.
October 6, 2005: Jon Favreau chosen as Director
 Paramount execs have chosen a new director and it's Jon Favreau! Jon Favreau has some history as a successful director for Elf and more recently, Zathura which is a family oriented sci-fi flick. When this film airs November 11th, we'll all get a good idea of how well Mr. Favreau can direct in the sci-fi genre.
Harry Knowles, producer, is on record as being very positive and excited about the new choice of director and believes Favreau has a passion for the material and the process involved.
"Signing Jon on has been further proof of just how much Paramount values the John Carter property."
"Jon's first order of business is to bring on a screenwriter to bring the script back closer to Burroughs. He loves that novel. At this stage Jon is securing the effects and design team that we've had through Kerry's tenure on the project and just continue to chip away at the awesome mountain of pre-production that will make this film amongst the finest science fiction-fantasy films of all time."
Additionally, read more about this at Variety
September 24, 2005: Kerry Conran leaves JCOM project
Well, we've lost another one. Another director that is. This film seems to go through directors like most people go through socks! Kerry Conran has left due to creative differences to pursue other projects he was developing -- apparently including one dear to many John Carter lovers. This information comes from a reliable inside source at the Barsoom Atmosphere plant. :)
On a happier note, a new director means possibly a new script. It's been rumored that the current script was lacking, and as well all know, had John Carter living in modern times rather than the late 1800s. Maybe now we'll have a shot at keeping him in the right era.
Webmaster's Note: - Personally, I really wanted to see Conran do this film. He is a master of the early sci fi pastiche and would have brought a unique visual flair to the project. He will be missed greatly. I can only hope the next director has as much creative vision and attention to detail.
August 12, 2005: Another Concept Artist Discovered!
Stephanie D. Lostimolo, an excellent production illustrator & color stylist who has credits in several Star Wars productions, apparently had done some work on JCOM from February through May 2005. On her resume page at her website she describes her position there as "managed organization of the art department and all artwork; created character sketches and digital paintings for the concept phase of a live-action film." Sorry, no JCOM artwork on her site, but check out her other stuff, it's beautiful!
Thanks to a viewer for this tip!
 June 29th, 2005: G'Day Mates! Producers eye the Outback
According to an article from Encore Magazine (an Australian movie industry magazine), producers are scouting locations in Australia for JCOM. Specifically where in Australia is anyone's guess, but Encore predicts it may be based out of Melbourne's Central City Studios because the other studios will be booked when then plan on shooting. Read entire article here
Possible Locations
Southern Australia's outback has been used in movies before. Namely the Coober Pedy location (see map). Coober Pedy is located in the harsh desert of South Australia, near Australia's geographical center. It's long been popular among science fiction filmmakers. Red Planet and Pitch Black were filmed there, but by far the most famous film shot in the area was 1985's "Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome" in which climactic chase scenes took place along a railroad line roughly 25 miles west of town. (paraphrased from an article at www.space.com.
Lastly, if you really want some interested data. Visit the Mars Society's Jarntimarra Database. It provides tons of data about locations in Australia that are most like Mars. It's designed for engineers to test vehicles and space suits on future trips to Mars. But there's no reason why Hollywood can't use it for movie locations as well... specifically, check out the Stuart Stony Desert. You can't find a more Mar's like area.
June 29th, 2005: Marty Katz: Producer
According to the Encore Magazine Article(same article reference in Australia article above) Marty Katz is now listed as a producer for the production along with Jim Jacks, Sean Daniel abd Harry Knowles. Katz's credits include The Four Feathers, Reindeer Games, Mr. Wrong, Lost in America, and The Great Raid, which was shot at Queenslandm Australia's Warner Roadshow Studios in 2002.
June 17, 2005: James Rothwell: Animatic Supervisor
An animatic is a sequence of still frames (some brief animation) complete with a narration which tells the story of the film. An animatic is basically a sketch for the final film. James Rothwell supervises this work. Previous projects include Spider-Man 2, Hulk and Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events.
June 17, 2005: Conceptual Artists Chosen
Contributor and artist, Jeff Doten writes, "I know they have Ian McCaig from the recent Star Wars movies (gorgeous work) Berni Wrightson, and have talked with Michael Kaluta and Bill Stout. The deal wasn't right for Stout. Too bad, he's a Mars guy." (See Bill's Link for more info)
Webmasters Note: It is currently unknown how many artists are on the project and who is lead at this point.
May 31, 2005: Ehren Krueger on board as screen writer
Screenwriter Ehren Krueger (Brothers Grimm and The Skeleton Key) is currently working on "John Carter of Mars;" a screen adaptation of the Edgar Rice Burroughs story.
"I'm in the writing process for 'John Carter of Mars,' working with director Kerry Conran," says Krueger. "He's in too, with his visual design team - the effects, and the sort of outlandish worlds that need to be created for that. He has to design all that. So we're pretty [well] along with the script. It's a faithful adaptation to the novels, but the novels were written in the teens and 20's, so there's some degree of modernization just to the tone of them. But in terms of the story, we are trying to be as faithful as we can because those novels inspired a lot of science fiction and fantasy that came later in the century."
December 2, 2004: Conran and Paramount Team Visit ERB, Inc. Tarzana Offices
Director Kerry Conran, along with brother Kevin and a team of production personnel, met with Danton Burroughs at the Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. offices in Tarzana today, to discuss the Paramount John Carter of Mars film project.
Danton shared Edgar Rice Burroughs' vision for Barsoom adventures on film, while longtime ERB fan and Hollywood writer Tracy Griffin added his expertise to the discussions.
A plethora of Barsoom reference material was presented to the Conran team: pulp magazines, comics, American and foreign editions of the Mars series, the Library of Illustration volumes, Trendmaster and other toys and memorabilia, games, fanzines, biographies and bibliographies.
Original Article: ERBZine
Author: Website Hosts
September 10, 2004: Kerry Conran, Director
"In truth, Princess of Mars was something that I never could have imagined even agreeing to do, or wanting to do in that regard because I really only wanted to do my own stuff...
May 21, 2004: Robert Rodriguez leaves Production:
Rodriguez's recent move to leave the DGA was triggered by his desire to co-direct "Sin City" for Dimension Films with Frank Miller, who created, wrote and illustrated the three-book graphic novel series on which the "Sin City" pic is based...
Original Article: Variety
Author: Claude Brodesser, Dave McNary
April 2, 2004: Harry Knowles, Producer
Harry Knowles, creator of the Internet movie gossip Web site Ain't It Cool News, is coming on board to co-produce "Princess of Mars," Paramount Pictures' adaptation of the Edgar Rice Burroughs pulp classic that Robert Rodriguez is directing.
March 2, 2004: Robert Rodriguez, Director
Director Robert Rodriguez has already got a project lined up for after Sin City, an adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' science fiction classic A Princess of Mars. Mark Protosevich has drafted a script and the porject will come from Paramount Pictures.
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