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UNCONFIRMED NEWS & RUMORS (ARCHIVED)
July 16, 2008: Mix of live action with animation
< Excerpt from an article at Ign.com>
Andrew Stanton has been with Pixar since the early days, co-directing A Bug's Life and directing Finding Nemo and WALL-E. He's also contributed to the writing of Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo and WALL-E. He'll next be involved in an adaptation of John Carter of Mars which will mix live action with animation.
< End of Excerpt from an article at Ign.com>
Note from Editor: I wouldn't even post it normally as it's more of the same stuff we've heard in the past, but what makes it cool is it's a VERY recent article. So, at this point in the game where Stanton has said repeatedly that he doesn't know which way the film will go, it's pretty cool to see it in B&W that the writer got the vibe it will be CG & live action mix!
Article at: Ign.com
Author: Team Pixar
April 9, 2007: Frazetta rumor most likely not true
As a follow-up from the exciting news below, we spoke with Arnie Fenner, Frank's publisher about the rumor of Frank working as Production Designer, and unfortunately, he said the following:
Yup, complete crap. Unless they reached some sort of agreement to use Fritz’s various Doubleday illos as a basic jump-off—or “someone” sold services without knowing what they were doing, which I doubt—Frank simple is incapable of taking on the role of production designer and the rigors (and expectations) such a job would entail. Nor do I think he’d be interested in doing so even if he was healthy: too much work.
When Rodriquez was going to direct, he visited the Frazettas, but there was never any talk about Frank designing his film.
April 9, 2007: Frazetta back on project as Production Designer!
What does it take to finally get this webmaster off his duff and update his website? How about news like this...
"However, most exciting for me, Frank Frazetta has been brought on board as a production designer, meaning there will likely be swoopy headpieces, tiny bikinis, massive monsters and eye-searing palettes for all! " - Eliza Gauger, Wired Magazine
Webmaster's Notes: In case you don't know, this is wonderful news! Frazetta was one of the greatest pulp fiction artists on the planet. Frazetta and Whelan were responsible for the most memorable paperback covers during the early pulp era. Frazetta more so in my opinion. We have Frazetta to thank for putting a face on John Carter. He best captured what most people feel JC should look and act like, as well as the fantastic scenery and creatures on Mars.
Back when Paramount first picked up the film and when they had Rodriguez as director, Frazetta was hired on as a conceptual artist consultant as well. I am so pleased to see Disney going back to the same source. This means Disney is probably going to go for a pulp feel! Exactly what we hoped for! THIS IS INDEED VERY, VERY GOOD NEWS.
Article at: Wired.com
Author: Eliza Gauger
February 23, 2007: Might be live action!
Disney studio chairman Dick Cook brushed off any suggestion that the studio was slow to greenlight movies these days. They're moving full speed ahead on a slightly reduced annual slate, he said. John Carter's Princess of Mars will be a combination of live action and animation, he thinks; they're still trying to figure it out. And Disney will unveil footage from Pirates 3 and Ratatouille for exhibitors at ShoWest.
Article at:
Hollywood Reporter
Author: Anne Thompson
January 23, 2007: Angry Films joins forces with PIXAR
Couldn't help but notice on IMDB.com that Angry Films is now listed with Pixar under Production Companies. Check out http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0401729/companycredits Angry Films has been involved in projects such as the League of Extraordinary Gentlement and the upcoming Transformers movie (which, when I saw it's Mars-based teaser one day in the theater I could have sworn it some super secret teaser for JCOM and nearly flipped out until the title credits came on)! What a great company to bring on board! Will post more news as I find it... things are finally moving again!! Whoo hoo!
Webmaster: Mike Carambat
January 22, 2007: All signs point to PIXAR
JCOM's recent aquisition by Disney has sparked a lively debate among several listserves. Speculation about what treatment the movie will receive has run rampant. Given Disney's capabilities and history, the movie could have gone into one of the three types of movies Disney does: Live Action, 2D Cell animation or 3D CG (ie: Pixar). Well folks, the mystery's over. Personally, I would have though Live Action would have been the route, but to my surprise Pixar will most likely be getting the movie.
I am both excited and horrified about this. Excited because it might actually get done now. Pixar has a great track record of completing projects once in their queue. There will probably much less internal politics with Pixar at the helm. I'm horrified because I don't want to see John Carter utter the phrase "To Infinity and Beyond!" and have Mars with a bright blue sky, vibrant and colorful foliage and neon green Tharks.
To me, Pixar movies have a very consistent style and color palette. It's a wonderful style, don't get me wrong, just not what I would deem appropriate for JC. Pixar excels in what they do because they write most of their own storylines. Their story lines, writing style and wit is one of the things that makes Pixar films so successful. I am very nervous with them taking on a project written in a style so (excuse the pun) "ALIEN" to their previous experience. I think we can assume that our hoped for 90% accurate to ERB is gonna go out the window.
I hope they can change their style to suit the more early 30-50's sci-fi genre that this film needs (my personal preference which I why I was such a shill for Conran). This may well be the case considering their latest movie "Meet the Robinsons" which has a somewhat retro 50's feel to it. If they can reach outside their box, and turn this more into the EPIC that it is, I would be VERY EXCITED. This is because Pixar is the undisputed leader in quality character animation and emotion. Their characters never look "wooden" or "hollow" because they never try to do more than the technology allows. Thus, it's doubtful we'll see a photo-realistic portrayal of JC. It's probably gonna be a cartoon representation. Sure, a movie like Final Fantasy had some amazing visuals, and IMHO the best attempt at realistic people portrayal to date, but even those fell somewhat flat. Photo realism is simply not worth the effort and expense unless you can get it 100%. I would actually prefer a believable cartoon performance to a wooden photo-realistic one. This still isn't necessarily a bad thing if done with the incredible skill and talent Pixar has. Still a very scary proposition for us waiting in the wings.
Anyhoo, here's a few links as to why we're pretty sure it's going to Pixar:
IMDB COMPANY CREDITS: http://www.imdb.com/company/co0017902
ANIMATION MAG CREDIT: http://www.animationmagazine.net/article/6356
OVERHEARD AT ERBList:
...I will reveal a bit of information I've obtained from very good sources:
Think Pixar.
This might help to narrow the discussion. :)
-Tangor, ERBList
Webmaster: Mike Carambat
August 24, 2006: The Continuing Saga
Word has been received from a trusted source that Paramount Pictures has chosen not to renew its option on the JCOM series. ERB, Inc. is currently looking over offers from other film companies. Check back here later for further updates.
June 3, 2006: JCOM Status
Tangor of ERBlist reports the following:
My insider and I finally managed to hook up.
1. Paramount liked the presentation.
2. Paramount is faced with deficits (failures)
3. Paramount knows Star Trek sells (even if badly).
Ergo: No POM at this time.
Meanwhile, Favereau is hot to trot. Took the Iron Man for Marvel as the next
best gig. Hopes to return to POM in 2008 for a final production in 2009-10.
(snip)
I won't play Tangor's Broken Record ala POM, but will say that everyone I've
chatted and worked with for the project has been top-notch. Cross-fingers, live
a few years longer, keep your eyeballs in shape. There will be (eventually) a
POM. Let us all be here to raise a glass of cheer or jeers
Quoted by permission,
Diana Cole, News Editor
March 26, 2006: JCOM Meeting at Paramount!!
ERBzine reports on a conversation with Favs...
"There is also a big meeting over at Paramount this week regarding John Carter of Mars. We've got a first draft of the script in as well as a fat portfolio of artwork. Let's hope they're serious about making this movie. I've been in active development on it since the year began and I really want to know where the project stands. I'll let you know as things start to fall into place."
Origin: ERBZine
Author: Bill Hillman
March 26, 2006: Possible writer?
I've just heard over the grapevine that Mark Fergus (writer/director) may be helping Favs with a draft of the script! To what degree, I'm not sure. If it's the same Mark Fergus I think he is, his credits would include writing for Consequence (2003) and First Snow (2006), both of which are action/thriller type movies.
An odd choice... i'll keep you updated if I find out more :) - Mike Carambat, webmaster
January 30, 2006: Rumors from the front!
Tangor from the ERBList reports...
"My insider close to the project says everything in Development Hell is going well. I can reveal there are TWO scriptwriters collaborating on the project."
"POM remains a period piece (Civil War) AND the extensive list of actors under consideration tends to lean toward younger, less known performers."
"Faveraux predicts there will be three films."
"Art, Script, Etc. is scheduled for presentation to Studio sometime in MARCH, at which time a green light for production is expected."
Origin: ERB Listserv
Author: Tangor
December 16, 2005: Why so quiet?
Hi folks, just your friendly webmaster here. In case you were wondering, I'm just as curious as to what is going on with JCOM as you are. We haven't heard anything since Favreau took the helm. This could be for several reasons (I'm guessing here):
1. Nothing new is going on right now worth mentioning
2. The exec shake-up at Paramount (see rumors archive) is still having some fallout. I just came across a November 6th article from Variety which reads:
Fortunately for the new regime, Par's seen a significantly better performance this year at the box office. The studio underperformed during the last years of Lansing's reign, but once she left -- as happened during previous regime changes at Sony and U -- Paramount's seen solid performance thanks largely to Lansing's greenlights on "The Longest Yard," "War of the Worlds" and "Four Brothers."
Viacom reported Nov. 1 that Paramount's net income surged to $110 million in the September quarter from a meager $5 million in the year-ago period, with revenue jumping 54% to $845 million.
Key question yet to be resolved is whether Par has the desire -- and the money -- to expand its business in tentpoles and franchises beyond "Mission: Impossible." Top candidates so far are "John Carter of Mars," with Jon Favreau attached; "The Spiderwick Chronicles," with John Sayles rewriting the script; and "Ripley," based on the life of the creator of "Ripley's Believe It or Not."
3. They are extremely busy with the project and haven't had time for a press release.
We'll hope for the last item. The minute I get some news though, I will post. Till then, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
August 17th, 2005: Harry Allays Our Fears
Just had a long conversation with Harry Knowles yesterday about the rumor going 'round. Here's what he had to say, "Rumors of John Carter's death are - as usual with John Carter... greatly exaggerated. The latest script draft isn't even finished yet - the first 52 pages have just been handed in to me - we're letting the studio have a peek at that to see the progress - everyone is still quite excited about this. The rumor at comic con was allegedly started by (name removed) who has had a grudge with the production for quite some time."
"Paramount has been quite insistent on getting the new draft because they're excited about the project, not the other way around."
"John Carter has often had claims about his death, they have NEVER been true. The latest draft isn't due for completion till the second week of September. As with all films, the key factor is the quality of the script and if the studio sees the inherent marketibility of the property."
"The more support that you and the public have - the better." Apparently, the petition is still a good idea regardless.
So if you haven't already, sign it today!
August 15th, 2005: A Glimmer of Hope! Slowdown Rumor Denied!
A viewer has just informed me that the rumor is FALSE concerning Paramount thinking the script sucked and that they have lost hope on the project. He says the truth is that someone at ComicCon began this rumor and it has spread.
He continues to say that Paramount has not even read the rewrite. The rewrite due next month and Paramount will read it then, and make a decision on the film's schedule. What the Conrans and the JCoM production crew have accomplished so far is remarkable.
WEBMASTER'S NOTE: I do not know much about the person who contributed this and he wishes to remain anonymous, so I cannot attest to this rumors' validity. But he was at one point involved in the film and still may be. And heck, I'll take good news from anyone right now :)
August 14th, 2005: More on Paramount and JCOM
Tangor writes, "...the heads of Paramount changed last February. That means all previous as yet unfinanced projects went on hold while the new guys continue to take a look at things (and figure out how to pay off on promises made to those who supported their coming to power etc.) It is about studio budget and how it is sliced that will determine if POM is funded..."
"...a lot of promising films are currently on hold, or have been cancelled since the change of officers at Paramount last February. If only the POM project had started a year earlier! The $100m is a bargaining chip that will be used to pay off some supporters (ie, fund THEIR pet projects) and Paramount has only so many $100m projects they can fund in a year."
"Currently, in Conran's offices, all is proceeding full bore in creating film tests, concepts, modeling, etc. The core production staff of POM is still gung ho. But they can only go as far as the seed money allows. Then, they will have to do one of the following:
A. They get more money and a go.
B. They Run Out of Money and wait.
C. Get no more money and are told it's over.
Conran is still eager to go. Danton is eager to go. We're all still quite eager to go.
August 12th, 2005: Beginning of the End?
Sorry about the following bit of depressing gossip... but Tangor reports from a friend of a friend that Paramount has renewed the POM / JCOM contract for just another 6 months, the final script apparently sucks (not sure who thinks so specifically) and Conran is now dubious as to the movie's completion.
This is only RUMOR, RUMOR, RUMOR... and greatly lacking detail, but scary as hell and just in case it is true (which I'm still NOT CERTAIN of) I've built a petition page just in case.
EVERYONE STILL INTERESTED IN THIS MOVIE (and their family and friends) need to sign it to show Paramount that there is a huge market for this movie and that we care. There is also contact information so we can send them encouraging and supporting letters.
I don't know if this will help or not, because I don't know the real reasons why they are possibly throttling down, but it couldn't hurt.
June 29th, 2005: Paramount Heads want a Modern day John Carter
Tangor on the ERBListserve reports that Paramount heads want a modern day John Carter rather than a Civil War era John Carter. Don't panic. I know how bad this sounds. But we've got to trust that the movie is in good hands, regardless of what the studio heads want. The movie must make money. Apparently, a modern day John Carter will relate to people today better and sell more tickets. It is important to reach those who aren't the die hard fans; or those haven't even read a single ERB book. I can understand that. But sadly, I suppose then that 19th century chilvary, honor and values just aren't attractive or valued in today's society. Small wonder. We just gotta have faith that Kerry and the producers can work under these limitations to create a movie we as fans can be proud of.
June 29th, 2005: Ehren Krueger: He's On... He's Off.. He's On AGAIN...
I'm starting to feel like a yo-yo. I keep get contrasting reports from two reliable sources. I'm just gonna put all three of these Ehren reports into this RUMOR area until I get an official PUBLIC response to the general media. Geez... here's the latest from Tangor on the ERBListserve:
"I reported a few weeks back that Ehren Kruger was off the project. Turns out that report was CORRECT. That said, tonight I learn he is still off the project BUT has been given the opportunity to REWRITE HIS SCRIPT--since he is still under contract and is still receiving money from Paramount.
My source close to the project has nothing revealing to say regarding Kruger's script, rightfully hedging even after I belabored that person about the head and shoulders with a wet noodle! I will keep my own opinions to myself regarding the scriptwriter's previous works, those should speak for themselves..."
June 18th, 2005: Ehren Krueger Rumor Denied
I have been told that Ehren Krueger is still working with the script. He was never fired and there does not appear to be any basis for the rumor (still listed below) that he was taken off the project. This comes from a key person on the project.
June 5th, 2005: Ehren Krueger, possibly off project
...Mr. Kruger is no longer doing the script. I have that information from someone who is central to the Conran team. They are looking for a script or scriptwriter now. They produced a five-minute presentation of Barsoom, narrated by a prominent Burroughs fan, and he told me that the five minute film brought tears to his eyes.
November 12, 2004: Continued Collaboration with Cinematographer Eric Adkins Likely
Director Kerry Conran and cinematographer Eric Adkins, who worked most recently on Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, are testing the HD Viper camera for use on the outer space sequences...
Webmasters Note: Exactly what do they mean by outer space sequences? I don't remember any in the novel unless they mean the sky battles which could maybe have been near orbital?
January 28, 2004: Josh Duhmel considered for 'John'
Rodriguez is actually NEGOTIATING for the adaptation (the deal is nearly closed). Look for this project to go super fast once he signs on as Paramount is in desperate need of a franchise. Producers are looking at Josh Duhmel for 'John'.
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