AnthonyStewartHead Tagged Articles at Cinematical

Okay... Did you know that there's another Macbeth movie in the works, one other than Terrence Howard's modernized version in the Caribbean? And that it is taking an even more surprising spin on William Shakespeare's classic? And it stars the most excellent Anthony Stewart Head of Buffy and Repo fame (as Duncan, not Macbeth)?

Apparently this project has been in the works for eons (here's news about it in 2006, with no mention of the futuristic angle). But as excellent as it sounds to have Head play Duncan as "a spitting, cigar-chomping criminal leader, with a soft Glaswegian accent that can turn in an instant from warm and affectionate to fatally menacing," the pic is in trouble. Sure, that's obvious from the fact that it's been three years and nothing, but that's not all.

SciFi Wire reports that reshoots are needed, and Head doesn't seem to keen to continue. See, he's filming the upcoming TV series Merlin, and says that when he learned about the extra shots needed, he thought: "Well, you kind of had me when you had me. I'm shooting in France. I can't really do it." The actor goes on to discuss the unique futuristic spin merged with a "fairly amateur film," so I'm betting Head won't be heading back to Macbeth unless he just so happens to have some time free.

But maybe it'll all work out, or at least I can hope -- it'd be nice to see more Head on the big screen, especially in an innovative Shakespearian format. Do you agree, or do you hope he just stays wrapped in the magic of Merlin?

Repo! The Genetic Opera is tailor-made to attract a fan following in coming years. To an extent, this stage-inspired future-set goth-rock horror musical already has, and its limited release – not to mention a concurrent road-show tour – is fitting for a film unique enough to never worry itself (nor its studio) with a screen count in the triple digits. This is a cult classic in waiting for Hot Topic teens who still believe that Tim Burton directed The Nightmare Before Christmas and won't know who Joan Jett is when she makes an appearance; the emphasis here falls heavily on 'cult' and not so much 'classic'.

Above, you can check out the sweet-ass new trailer for Repo! The Genetic Opera. Using a little comic book flair, the trailer lays out just what has happened to the world to make it a bloody, repossession nightmare before diving into the music and clips. It looks bloody awesome, and not just for Anthony Head. This collection of clips brings to mind a gory Moulin Rouge, especially when featuring the Repo Man, Nathan Wallace's house, and his daughter, Shilo (Alexa Vega).

When the first footage of the opera was shown during the Spike Awards last year, the flick had an April release date. Now, it is screening at the Fantasia Fest, which Scott just blogged about, but no theatrical release date has been set. (IMDb says August 8, but both the trailer and Maple's release schedule say it's just coming soon.) Hopefully they pick a date soon, because my anticipation is getting the better of me.

Despite rumors about delays, Dreamworks has given Sweeney Todd an official release date of December 21st, 2007. And really, what better time than Christmas for a story of grisly murders, revenge, and meat pies? Sometimes a release date is just a release date, but when a film with this pedigree is placed into theaters at that time of year, odds are it's angling for some little gold statues. Here's hoping it warrants them! The film stars Johnny Depp, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Laura Michelle Kelly, Christopher Lee, Timothy Spall, and Anthony Stewart Head of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame. John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator) is adapting Stephen Sondheim's beloved "musical thriller" for the big screen.

The story of Sweeney Todd has been filmed many times before, the most well-known probably being a 1982 televised version of the stage play, starring Angela Lansbury. I saw the most recent stage revival of the show on Broadway, and was pretty impressed. I'm eager to see Burton's take on it. Sweeney Todd is an extremely icky, pitch-black affair, and I couldn't imagine a better pairing of director with material. The show's blend of dark humor and grisly thrills fits squarely into Burton's Sleepy Hollow wheelhouse. Sweeney marks the sixth time Depp and Burton have worked together. Their collaborations have brought us three truly excellent films: Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, and Sleepy Hollow, as well as the pretty cool Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Corpse Bride, for which Depp provided a voice. I can't wait to see where this new one ranks. I don't know about you, but hearing Borat, Donnie Brasco, and Hans Gruber sing sounds like a pretty sweet Christmas present to me.

Oh, and if you want to see what Mr. Depp will look like as "the demon barber of fleet street," head here. Looks like he's got kind of a Cruella DeVille thing going on with the hair.