 |
|
Science Fiction and Fantasy News
The Archives
> News Archive Menu > Back to Newswire
News for: February 27, 2001 - March 22, 2001
|
UPN ups offer for Buffy |
|
by
The Master, Thursday, March 22, 2001 |
Variety reports that UPN has upped its bid for Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The exact amount is secret, but some insiders have called it "a significant offer."
Most feel it unlikly that UPN will win the show, and the higher profile the popular series would provide. The WB has continued to pursue renewal of the show, and may have made an offer that was better than their previously reported $1.6M per episode.
At the same time, Fox TV network is still considered a strong potential player for the program, though no formal offers have been known to have been made yet. Fox produces the series, but there is some controversy over a studio pulling a hit show from one network to put it on its own.
ABC was previously reported as being interested, but little mention of the network has been made recently and they have not made a formal offer.
|
|
source: Variety |
|
|
DeSanto may not produce X Men sequel |
|
by
The Master, Thursday, March 22, 2001 |
Tom DeSanto, producer of the hit X Men movie, told Sci Fi Wire it's possible he won't be involved in the upcoming sequel. "We're still negotiating on that, so I'm not signed yet," DeSanto said. "So I don't know. I know that they're working away, but as yet, I'm not involved. But I'm hoping to be."
DeSanto had discussed sequel ideas with X-Men director Bryan Singer, who has reportedly signed on to direct the sequel. "I'd spoken to Bryan a while ago about where we wanted to take it for three films and possible storylines and actually set things up in the first one for the next two. But I'm not sure if those are going to pay off now." |
|
source: Scifi.com |
|
|
Battlestar Galactica sequel moving ahead |
|
by
The Master, Thursday, March 22, 2001 |
Tom DeSanto, developer of the Sci Fi Channel's update of Battlestar Galactica and Bryan Singer (X Men), told SciFi Wire "We open offices on [March 19], which is a good sign. Right now, we have outlines and a bible we're working on, characters and all that stuff."
DeSanto added, "We've got a bunch of ideas for the pilot. The basic storyline is all done, and where we're taking it for the first season, hopefully. ... [The timeline] will be a bit ahead. I won't say how many years, but it will be a little bit ahead." DeSanto declined to say whether the show would bring back characters from the original 1970s series, but said the title starship will be back, as will the Cylons. "I promise. ... I will leave the show if there is not a Battlestar Galactica on the show. Cylons will be back. But this time they won't be clunky. But they'll still be cool."
DeSanto said that reviving the show fulfills a long-standing dream. "It was a project, like X-Men, which was something from a kid that I wanted to do," he said. "Fortunately, X-Men was a hit, so now it affords the opportunity to go and pull Galactica out of mothballs. ... It's something I'd been working on, probably, since I was, like, 20 years old, just sketching Vipers. And I'd always write storylines and figure things out. ... All of those things that I had done behind a cash register when I was working retail--sketching new designs for Vipers--I can use them now."
DeSanto also said he was willing to sit down and talk with original series star Richard Hatch. Hatch has been pursuing his own resurrection of the show, and circulated a trailer for his vision last year, and has written novels based on the show. "I'm looking forward to sitting down and talking with Richard, because I think he's got such passion," DeSanto said. "Anyone who's really carried the banner for the show that he's done, I think he's really done an amazing job with the novels and the comics and all that stuff." |
|
source: Scifi.com |
|
|
Trouble on 7 Days set |
|
by
The Master, Wednesday, March 21, 2001 |
|
7 Days low ratings aren't its only problem. Entertainment Weekly Online reports that Justina Vail (Olga) walked off the set and quit the show. Sources for the magazine speculated that the cause was a strained relationship between the actress and series star Jonathan LaPaglia. The site reports that negotiations are under way to bring Vail back, with unnamed sources revealing, "They are filming around her and making it work." |
|
source: Entertainment Weekly |
|
|
Halloween 8 finally has a director |
|
by
The Master, Wednesday, March 21, 2001 |
Long after the initial project was announced, the planned Halloween 8 sequel finally has a director: Rick Rosenthal. Rosenthal previously directed Halloween 2.
The official website previously confirmed that Jamie Lee Curtis will have a cameo appearence in the movie. Principal photography is reported as set to begin in April, 2001, in Vancouver, Canada, with the movie scheduled for Fall 2001 release. It is unclear if production will be delayed due to the 11th hour selection of Rosenthal, or if the impending actor strike will affect the production schedule or release date. |
|
source: halloweenmovies.com |
|
|
Bakula may star in next Trek series |
|
by
The Master, Tuesday, March 20, 2001 |
The latest rumor about the developing fifth Star Trek television series is that Scott Bakula of Quantum Leap fame might be up for the role of the program's new captain.
According to report on TrekToday, Bakula is currently negotiating to take on the role of Captain Jackson Archer. The alleged casting sheet for the series is reporting as revealing that the character is as follows:
"Unlike the Starfleet captains in centuries to come, he exhibits a sense of wonder and excitement, as well as a little trepidation about the strange things he will encounter. He holds a grudge against the Vulcans, who he blames for impeding humanity's progress. But his science officer is Vulcan, and he's struggling to reconsider those preconceptions. Although he has a strong sense of duty, he's a bit of a renegade - he's not afraid to question orders or even disobey them if he feels in his gut that he's right... "
If accurate (always iffy with Trek rumors), it suggests that the series will indeed be set in the Trek history's past. Rick Berman has repeatedly denied this would be the case, but has offered little else in the way of dispelling such rumors. |
|
source: Cinescape |
|
|
Elvira movie site goes live |
|
by
The Master, Monday, March 5, 2001 |
The web site for Elvira's latest camp horror comedy, Elvira's Haunted Hills is online. Not only will you find the typical photos and movie info, but also the shooting schedule and copies of the call sheets used during production. An interesting tidbit if you are curious about how movies are made.
On the downside, this site needs serious instruction on how to optimize graphics for the web. Expect long waits for the overly bloated gifs (which should be jpgs) to download.
Elvira's Haunted Hills finished production on February 14, 2001, and is currently being shopped around for a distributor with a hoped for Fall 2001 release. |
|
source: Elvira Official |
|
|
Fuller on Voyager |
|
by
The Master, Monday, March 5, 2001 |
SciFi Wire has posted an interview tih Bryan Fuller, co-producer of Star Trek: Voyager.
The series' last few episodes will see a parade of familiar faces "to keep the audience happy", Fuller said. "We will see in the last few episodes some of the characters we've seen previously. We'll see Lt. [Joseph] Carey [played by Josh Clark] and Lt. Vorik [played by Alexander Enberg] again, who are two recurring characters on the show in previous seasons."
Fuller added, "We're going to see some Talaxians. We're going to see the hierarchy aliens again, from [the sixth-season episode] 'Tinker Tenor Doctor Spy.' ... We will see [Dwight Schultz as Reginald] Barclay again, definitely; I'm not sure if we'll see [Marina Sirtis as] Troi in the final two hours."
Fuller would elaborate on Voyager's ultimate fate--whether it gets to Earth and whether it will be the last episode or before then. "I've got mixed feelings about it," he said. "Voyager's always been an episodic show, as opposed to a serialized one like Deep Space Nine. There are also plot elements threaded through the last few episodes, where we have a sense of getting to the ultimate goal, without being quite so blatant about it. So within the last few episodes, we feel it building to some sort of crescendo, ... [but] there's no serialized arc. ... I'm of the opinion that Voyager has always been about Capt. Janeway's quest to get her crew home. ... If they do get home in the final two hours, that would be the end of that story, as opposed to getting back to Earth and telling several stories after that. It would be anti-climactic. ... The story should end with them getting home or not being able to get home ever."
In related news, SFX is reporting a rumor that Ethan Phillips (Neelix) will depart the cast of Voyager before the end of the series, and that the episode currently filming is Neelix's last.
According to the rumor, Voyager encounters a planet of Talaxians and Neelix decides to settle there rather than continue with the crew to Earth. |
|
source: Scifi.com |
|
|
Louis Edmonds dies |
|
by
The Master, Monday, March 5, 2001 |
Dark Shadows actor Louis Edmonds died March 3 following a brief illness. He was 76 years old.
Louis appeared in the entire five-year run of the cult-status gothic soap opera, including the role of Roger Collins and five other roles. He also reprised Roger Collins in the 1970 spinoff film House of Dark Shadows. |
|
source: Scifi.com |
|
|
Scooby cast photos |
|
by
The Master, Monday, March 5, 2001 |
About.com has posted pictures of the Scooby Doo live cast (no Scooby) taken from an official press release. Unfortunately, the pics are poor quality, grainy affairs, but it's a nice sneak peek at what the characters will look like. Sarah Michelle Geller makes a stunning Daphne--in lilac color go-go boots no less!
See the pics! |
|
source: About.com |
|
|
Matrix sequel tidbits |
|
by
The Master, Friday, March 2, 2001 |
Entertainment Weekly has posted an interview with Keanu Reeves about the upcoming Matrix sequels. Details remain intentionally hazy, but he did drop a few hints. "Filming starts late in March in Oakland. I've read both scripts and they're fantastic," Reeves said.
On topping the action sequences from the first film, Reeves said, "There are some weapons now". Prompted for more, he reveals "Before, all the fights were one on one and now there's going to be more multifighting." EW then quotes Reeves from his recent Rolling Stone interview, "There's going to be much more wire work (in the sequels) because the characters can fly. With this one I'll fight in the sky."
As previously reported, shooting begins in March in Oakland, California and is expected to last 200 days, including time off for the ever-more-likely actors strike this summer. The sequels will shoot for 12 weeks in California, then shut down for the strike (even if it doesn't happen) so editors and special effects people can work on the completed footage. Filming will then resume at Warner Bros. facilities in Australia.
"From what I've heard, I'm working until September 2002," Reeves told EW. Previously, it was assumed that Matrix 2 would be a summer 2002 release. It now appears that Christmas 2002 would be the earliest possible release date, although summer 2003 may be more likely. Of course, it is also possible for shooting to be somewhat staggered to allow Matrix 2 to meet a 2002 release date while Matrix 3 finishes production in time for a 2003 release. Considering that studios like to milk hit movies for all they are worth, and there is every indication that both films will be blockbusters, the latter may be a more reasonable assumption. Moreover, EW notes that a fall 2002 date would put the movies in direct competion with Star Wars: Episode II, an untenable position for any movie let alone one with a similar target markent.
Unfortunately, Warner Bros. won't confirm any release dates, so this is still all nothing more than speculation. |
|
source: Entertainment Weekly |
|
|
Whedon weighs in on Buffy wrangling |
|
by
The Master, Friday, March 2, 2001 |
In an interview with TVGuide.com, Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon said doesn't expect a happy ending to the drama surrounding the negotions for the series' renewal contract. "I'm not optimistic that anybody in any suit will be happy with anything," he sighs. "I think the WB will not reach an amicable arrangement, but I believe they will reach an arrangement... and I believe whatever happens, I will make the show."
On how a change in network would affect the Buffy spin-off Angel Whedon was optimistic. "I don't think it would help Angel, but I believe Angel can stand on its own," he says. "I'm not particularly worried — I'm never particularly worried. I'm either going to make the show or they're going to tell me to stop. As long as I'm trying hard to make it good, I don't notice anything else."
Fox reported wants the WB to pay somewhere between $2.3-$2.5 million an episode for the hit drama, up from its current $1 million asking price. However, the most the network has offered is $1.6 million. "I think it's 50/50, but I'm optimistic that it will fall our way," a WB rep says. "We love the show, we want the show back, and we think we made a very fair offer." March 1st was the deadline for The WB's exclusive negotiation rights, and Fox can now peddle the ratings winner to other networks.
If Buffy moves to another network, the WB would lose its signature series and Tuesday night anchor. 20th Century Fox may keep the show "in the family" and sell it to Fox or UPN (which has already expressed its desire to add the show to its faltering schedule), but ABC has also expressed great interest in the show. |
|
source: TV Guide |
|
|
SFX site doomed |
|
by
The Master, Friday, March 2, 2001 |
Sci Fi Wire reports that British company Future Publishing will suspend its SFX Network Web site due to "tough market conditions."
"The decision has been made as part of a worldwide rationalization to improve profitability," SFX assistant publisher Andy Ford told Sci Fi Wire.
Suspension of SFX "is one of a number of worldwide changes in the company's structure, made necessary by incredibly tough market conditions," Ford said. "We are now considering the future of our online sci-fi content. We have entered a 30-day period of consultation with all the staff involved. That consultation will include discussions on every aspect of the site and their employment with Future Publishing. Only after that consultation process is complete will any final decisions be made." Iain Hepburn and Tom Mayo are the editors of the SFX website.
According to Ford, Future's print SFX Magazine is unaffected by the decision. "I'm proud of the Web site Iain Hepburn and Tom Mayo have built, which is both one of the world's hottest entertainment news sites and a busy meeting place for thousands of sci-fi fans," Ford said.
No mention of the impending closure was found on the SFX Network website. |
|
source: Scifi.com |
|
|
Mummy Returns trailer online |
|
by
The Master, Friday, March 2, 2001 |
Its a week of web premieres! The full trailer (not a web teaser) for The Mummy Returns, which hits theatres on May 4, is now online.
You can access the trailer from the official website if you want to wait for the Flash to load (yes, it's slow), or skip the wait and go for the Quicktime version hosted at Apple.com. Since you still have a big file to download (the smallest version is almost 6MB), I suggest you do just that:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/the_mummy_returns/ |
|
source: themummy.com |
|
|
Planet of the Apes trailer online |
|
by
The Master, Thursday, March 1, 2001 |
|
|
|
Buffy talks reach deadline |
|
by
The Master, Thursday, March 1, 2001 |
The deadline for negotiating a new contract for the hit WB series Buffy the Vampire Slayer is today, and so far there is no agreement.
The WB had an exclusive renegotiation period with Fox that expires March 1. The WB have offered to pay 20th Century Fox Television $1.6 million per episode--a half-million-dollar more than it is currently paying but less than Fox wants. Fox reportedly wants the full production costs, plus a premium, or between $2.3 million and $2.5 million.
Fox has made no secret that it wants to shop the show to other networks if The WB won't pay their price. ABC and UPN have both expressed interest, with ABC's name having been tossed around for months. The WB still has the option to match any other offer.
Buffy star Sarah Michelle Geller has previously stated that she will leave the show if it doesn't say on The WB. |
|
source: Variety |
|
|
Lone Gunmen site goes live |
|
by
The Master, Wednesday, February 28, 2001 |
The website for The Lone Gunmen, a spinoff of The X-Files, is now online!
Note: this is yet another slow loading flash site (no HTML alternative) with little use for the flash and a somewhat confusing interface - you'll have to mouse around to find the active links. Some parts are still under construction...odd considering that the show premieres this Sunday.
Check it out at: http://www.thelonegunmen.com/. |
|
source: LoneGunmen.com |
|
|
Osmet says no to sequel |
|
by
The Master, Wednesday, February 28, 2001 |
Haley Joel Osment told Popcorn U.K. that he's not interested in appearing in the proposed sequel to the 1999 hit film The Sixth Sense.
The 12-year-old star said he won't be taking up any offers and believes a second film is unnecessary, because the original "does without a sequel."
Earlier, Sixth Sense director M. Night Shyamalan said he wasn't interested in directing a sequel. Bruce Willis has yet to indicate if he is interested in the project.
Osment is next starring in Steven Spielberg's upcoming SF movie A.I. |
|
source: Popcorn |
|
|
More Wes Craven horror movies |
|
by
The Master, Wednesday, February 28, 2001 |
Variety reports that Wes Craven will direct an updated feature-film version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, based on Robert Louis Stevenson's novella. Dimension Films will produce. Craig Rosenberg (Jurassic Park 3) will write the script and add some few twists to the story.
Craven will also direct Alice for Dimension, a Gothic horror version of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, based on the Electronic Arts video game Alice.
Craven's last film, Dracula 2000, was a box office bomb. Some blame the failure of the movie to the studio's lack of advertising to teens, a move made in fear of the US Congress' hearings into the marketing of R-rated movies to persons under 17. |
|
source: Variety |
|
|
Hatch comments on Galactica |
|
by
The Master, Tuesday, February 27, 2001 |
Actor Richard Hatch (Apollo) has now formally responded to Bryan Singer and Tom DeSanto's plans to remake Battlestar Galactica. The following appears on his official website:
Hi everybody,
I just wanted to quickly comment on the latest news concerning Bryan Singer and Tom DeSanto. First of all I'm elated that two such talented and passionate artists have decided to bring this beloved show back to the world. What a wonderful surprise that someone of their stature in the industry seems to understand what all of you fans out in the world have always understood and have been screaming at the studios for years. Battlestar Galactica is truly a sleeping giant and I'm sure under their guidance--and with your support--will finally achieve the level of success that such a wonderful story deserves.
I just read an article from Tom DeSanto at http://www.fandom.com. I was very pleased to find out that Tom and Bryan have a genuine love for the show and that they care about the fans and preserving the integrity of the show. I have no idea what they have in mind, but I feel that we should all support them in their quest and give them time to develop their own unique vision. If my team had been given the chance to produce Battlestar Galactica I would have asked for the same courtesy. No one knows more than me that they're many ways to bring back Battlestar Galactica and that their are many talented and gifted individuals with a wonderful vision for Battlestar Galactica. My group came together because no one seemed to understand this shows potential, or vast and diverse fan base.
We also wanted to remind the industry that Battlestar Galactica was not only a success in the beginning, but under the right conditions and leadership, could become one of the most entertaining, moving and successful franchises in Universal's history. Additionally, we wanted to lay out a vision for the show that would honor the original characters and premise of the show, and at the same time, build a bridge to the future with a whole new generation born in space. Our trailer took all of this into account and the response was overwhelmingly positive. However Tom and Bryan are entitled to their vision for the show. I have always respected any creators' right to explore their own, unique ideas.
I believe that the fans' job is to share opinions and give honest feedback. Hopefully the new producers will be open to listening and taking them all into account. My position is to give Tom and Bryan the respect they are due--and to share insights and opinions only if asked. No one likes to be second-guessed. I'm sure they will have to contend with more than their share of creative challenges and adversarial opinions.
Just a few last words before I go. These past few years have taught me that anything is possible if you are willing to jump into the fire and commit yourself to what you believe. It also taught me to appreciate and respect not only the fans who keep the flame alive, but the producers, directors, writers and craftsmen that have the courage to bring their creative vision to fruition. It takes guts to keep going when no one believes in what you are doing.
I also want to thank the fans for supporting our team's efforts these past several years. The new Battlestar Galactica trailer that we put together with the love and support of many fans and industry professions was a miracle in the making. The standing ovations around the world for our efforts have more than justified the tremendous effort that went into developing and completing our trailer. I will always support Battlestar Galactica and BattlestarGalactica.com will always reflect the fans' opinions and creative ideas. Remember, Battlestar Galactica belongs to you--and your belief and passion for this show have kept it alive these past 20+ years. You have also made it possible for this show to finally come back. Don't forget that! I take my hat off to all of you.
By the way, the third book of my Battlestar Galactica trilogy is finally being completed and will be out shortly. I'm also looking forward to seeing all of you again this year as I will be traveling all over the world, promoting the book, playing a new and updated Battlestar Galactica trailer, plus showing you the new Great War of Magellan trailer/project that my team has been working on for the last 14 months.
Once again, congratulations to Tom DeSanto and Bryan Singer and also to Glen Larson. I'm sure that he must be excited to have their creative talents bringing his show back to life. I know Glen thinks that I have tried to steal his show, but the truth is, I have always believed in his story and have only wanted to honor and give life to his original premise and wonderful characters.
All my love,
Richard Hatch |
|
source: RichardHatch.com |
|
|
|
|
|
 I knew that would happen! |
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
