Last May, I asked whether Robert Rodriguez would cast his lovely girlfriend Rose McGowan as the star of Barbarella. Of course, he did just that very thing. But then there was news of turmoil and issues with Universal. "No, no, it's not Rose that's the problem!" Rodriguez then claimed, stating that the whole mess was just a matter of money -- an excuse that seems pretty ridiculous considering what the double R can do with almost no money. Now Rose has assured MTV that she is still the star, and things are moving along quite quickly.
Discussing the rumor about her being a troublesome casting choice, she says that it "was really irritating because I know all the people over there and obviously it wasn't true. It was very malicious and there was no proof. Oftentimes these things have basis in truth, but this didn't. I have the contracts to prove it."
From there, McGowan went on to mention how far production has come. She says that they've finished the costumes, half the sets have been made, and she has "even got my spaceships." But the new wrench is casting the rest of the parts. Rose notes that it will be a long shoot that can, in no way, be finished before June, so I imagine they'll wait until a SAG resolution is reached before moving forward. Oh, that sinister, dark strike cloud...
You might have caught the news last week that the Barbarella remake was in trouble because Universal reportedly wasn't going to spend $100 million on a sci-fi, sexy-time romp with Rose McGowan. Sources claimed that Robert Rodriguez wasn't listening to everyone who warned him that Rose couldn't pull it off. IESB then went to Rodriguez about this whole mess, and he says the problem has always been the budget, and not the casting. He even says that the project might go back to Universal, and that they'll know in the next week. It should, because there's absolutely no reason that RR can't make this picture super cheap -- he's the king of making little money work.
Of course, I'm not witnessing this all first-hand, but it seems to me like McGowan has become the scapegoat for money issues. Why say Universal thinks the price is too steep when you can blame it all on the sinister woman tugging at the strings behind the scenes? Yawn. We're talking about a goofy cult classic here! This isn't some big production where McGowan's casting is completely surprising. If Rodriguez had cast her in a serious period piece about Eleanor Roosevelt, then I'd get it. Heck, I'd be on the whipped bandwagon myself, scheming up ways to bring Rodriguez to his senses (and I'm a McGowan fan), but this is super space babe Barbarella, and there's nothing irrational about thinking Rose should play her. McGowan is at her best when she's campy, sexy, and tough, so until Robert tries to cast her in something else, why blame the relationship?
So it seems the majority of you agree with Robert Rodriguez in wanting Rose McGowan to star in the Barbarellaremake, even though Universal isn't willing to risk $100 million on her name. And I don't blame them. Why Rodriguez needs $100 million to shoot the remake of a campy sci-fi flick is beyond me, but furthermore -- even if Universal got their wish, and Rodriguez ditched McGowan -- are there any females in Hollywood who can carry a film with a $100 million pricetag? This is nothing against women at all (heck, I love all women just as much as the next guy), but I'm really struggling to come up with the last film to gross over $100 million with a female in the lead role (not counting romcoms since credit is also due to the male lead). While you think about that, here's how the last few McGowan films have done: 1. Grindhouse (part of an ensemble -- $25 million gross). 2. The Black Dahlia (part of an ensemble -- $22 million gross). 3. Vacuums (couldn't find anything -- was this even released?). 4. Monkeybone (part of an ensemble -- $5 million gross). Don't force me to continue ... it gets even worse.
Based on those stats, it appears as if Rodriguez would have to shoot Barbarella, with McGowan in the lead role, for roughly $15 million in order to make money. Universal is willing to do it for $60 million. Rodriguez wants somewhere between $82 and $100 million. And for that kind of money, Universal wants someone else in the lead role. So, in your opinion, are there any female actresses out there capable of carrying a film with that high a budget? Because we're always game for the multiple choice answers, Cinematical put together a gallery full of women who we think would be good in the role of Barbarella. Are any of them better than Rose? You decide.
If there's one thing I've ever learned in life it's that you should try to keep your personal life and business life separate. Once they collide, sh*t almost always hits the fan, and it will only be a matter of days before that big $100 million picture you were supposed to direct gets the shaft. Yes, I'm talking to you Mr. Robert Rodriguez. According to The New York Observer, Universal will no longer back Rodriguez's planned Barbarella remake because the director insists on placing his woman, Rose McGowan, in the lead role. Here's how their source describes the scene: "It's sort of embarrassing for everyone involved. No one thinks Rose can carry the movie, but Robert won't listen." (I can hear the sounds of the whip in the background as we speak.)
Other names that have lingered around the role include Nicole Kidman, Halle Berry and Jessica Alba. However, Rodriguez wants McGowan, and it doesn't appear Universal wants to shell out $100 million for a director who's whose last film bombed and a girl who's never amounted to anything more than playing "the hot slutty girl" in each of her films. Funnily enough, the original Barbarella starred Jane Fonda and was directed by her husband (at the time) Roger Vadim. Since Rodriguez and McGowan are engaged, I suppose it only makes sense to keep things in line with the source material. Apparently, Universal will still fund the film, but not at $100 million. They'll do $60 million, yet Rodriguez is said to be shopping the project around to other studios in the hopes of securing more money. Here's my question to you: If you were Universal, would you stick with the $100 million budget and take a chance on McGowan? Or do you think Rodriguez is too whipped to see there are better actresses out there?
Yup, that's right. "Delayed." Yesterday, I told you about a little interview which featured Michael Madsen claiming that Sin City 2 might not be moving forward as planned due to the box office failures of Grindhouse. While we're not entirely sure that Grindhouse played a part in this whole ordeal, Frank Miller told Rotten Tomatoes that the film has been officially delayed as both men gear up to take on separate projects before re-visiting the Sin City universe. Miller says, "Sin City 2 is still likely to happen, just not right away. The script is written and Robert [Rodriguez] and I are raring to go, but it looks like I'm going to be doing The Spirit first and Robert's going to be doing Barbarella first." Maybe it's just me, but "likely to happen" isn't the greatest confidence booster in the world. Was Miller holding a Magic 8-Ball when he was asked that question? "All signs point to This Sucks!"
Seeing as both films still need to cast, to shoot and to promote, I can't imagine Sin City 2 happening for at least six to eight months, at least. But with Miller looking to break in as a solo feature director, who knows if he'll even be interested in co-directing again with Rodriguez. Not to mention the Weinstein boys are probably going to take a long hard look at the franchise in the meantime and decide whether or not it's worth the money. Also in the article, Miller said that he was so stoked after watching U2 3D in Cannes that "plans to do my own 3D film are forming in my head." Does that mean The Spirit will be in 3D? Probably not, but I wouldn't be surprised if he moves in that direction once Sin City 2 inevitably sinks to the bottom of development hell. Tis' a real shame. At least we have Miller's next graphic novel to look forward to -- Batman vs. Al Qaeda. Seriously. That's what it's called. Perhaps Uwe Boll can adapt? Whaddya think?
Folks, they've made it official -- Rose McGowan and Robert Rodriguez are entwined like a couple of lust bunnies. TMZ reported yesterday that the couple has finally brought their relationship to the public, sliding around hand-in-hand for the premiere of Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof in Cannes. While normally this would be a big "So what?," you might have noticed that the director was just tapped for the Barbarella remake, throwing Peter Webber out the door. Rodriguez had said about the project: ""I love this iconic character and all that she represents, and I'm truly excited by the challenge of inviting a new audience into her universe."
Would it be a jump to think "iconic character" could be interchanged with "Rose McGowan?" I think not. And actually, I really don't mind. The biggest casting rumor so far has been Kate Beckinsale, who doesn't completely cut it for me. The only way Barbarella will have a chance to survive, or a chance to be reborn, is if someone slides into the wacky outfits and somehow makes it seem natural. If Rose can make a machine-gun leg seem sexy and everyday, I'm sure she can handle some super-saucy spacewear. I'm not sure why I didn't think of her from the get-go. It's probably all of that Charmed residual. As Chris Ullrich recently described, while Barbarella battles Duran Duran, "she manages to lose articles of clothing, engage in various erotic acts and eventually finds herself "tortured" by the aptly-named Orgasmatron."
According to an article just up at Variety, indie-minded "rebel without a crew" Robert Rodriguez is now attached to direct the big-screen remake of the 70s cult Sci-Fi flick Barbarella for producers Dino and Martha De Laurentis. Fresh from his latest release, the Grind House pic Planet Terror, Rodriguez, according to the article, is now working with Casino Royale writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade on a script for the film to begin shooting later this year.
Said Rodriguez about his latest film and its sexy heroine: "I love this iconic character and all that she represents, and I'm truly excited by the challenge of inviting a new audience into her universe." Producer De Laurentis was equally as gushing about this latest incarnation of Barbarella. "In our vision, the future is female, and I can't wait to introduce 'Barbarella' to a new generation of moviegoers," he said. Sounds interesting. In case you're not familiar, the original Barbarella, released in 1968, starred a very young Jane Fonda as the super-sexy 41st century astronaut Barbarella.
As the story progresses, our heroine must battle the forces of evil led by deranged scientist Duran Duran (yes, that's where the band took its name from), all the while finding herself in one situation or another where she manages to lose articles of clothing, engage in various erotic acts and eventually finds herself "tortured" by the aptly-named Orgasmatron. Rodriguez seems like a natural fit for the campy, erotic Barbarella story. As a fan of the original I can't wait to see what he does with it. Should make for a very interesting film indeed. No word yet on who will play Barbarella in this new film, although as our own Monika pointed out recently, there's been rampant speculation. Now that the movie has a director and seems poised to start, who would you like to see take on the title role?
Here's a little controversy and rumor reaction for your Thursday:
I recently posted about Richard Gere inspiring burning effigies in India when he dipped and kissed Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty while promoting AIDS awareness. Now Guardian Unlimited reports that an Indian judge has issued arrest warrants for the actors, citing the country's public obscenity laws. Considering the fact that the UN AIDS agency says that India has the largest number of HIV/AIDS cases (5.7 million), perhaps it's time to focus on education, and not putting an actor up for a possible three months in prison, and/or a fine, for a cheek kiss. If the matter is not resolved, this could interfere with Gere's causes -- he has often visited Tibetan exiles in Dharmsala to offer support.
If there is any truth to the rumor that Kate Beckinsale could be the next Barbarella, I bet she will be cast. According to IGN, they've talked with the actress, who has confirmed that no one has approached her about the film. However, she doesn't seem to be averse to the idea: "It's thrilling! I've never heard anything about it before today." She continued on to joke about a name change: "Beckinsale-arella! It's gotta happen!" With her positive reaction to the idea, we might just have Beck-Barb confirmation in no time.
Alec Baldwin has been all over the news lately. If you haven't been following -- his ex-marital woes recently fueled him to leave a nasty message for his daughter, calling her a "rude, thoughtless little pig." Now CNN has reported on Baldwin's disdain for his business, which obviously stems from the never-ending custody suit with Kim Basinger over their daughter Ireland. He's tried to get out of his contract for NBC's 30 Rock, which was refused, and in a pre-taped interview for The View, he said: "If I never acted again, I couldn't care less." He continues: "I've had enough of this quite frankly to last me a lifetime, especially in the modern tabloid world." Whether these are words uttered in the heat of his distress, or firm feelings, remains to be seen.
Bondcast returns! Although sadly, both on the bondcast and here, we have to mourn the passing of Barry Nelson, the first actor to ever play James Bond. Oddly enough, he was an American actor, and they made James Bond an American secret agent in the adaptation of Casino Royale that he was in. He passed away on April 7th, leaving behind a pretty impressive filmography, and a lasting honor as the first James Bond. A moment of silence for Nelson, Barry Nelson.
We'll be bringing you a Bondcast review of the Queen Mary SpyFi archives exhibit on the next episode, and our Casino Royale commentary will be coming up very soon as well. It's a summer packed with Bond events, and we're going to be putting on our finest 007-wear and hitting them up. The ever-present Bondcast microphone will bring you back audio reports whenever possible. Thanks for listening, and we hope to see you back on Bondcast!
When I first posted that ol' Dino De Laurentiis was planning to remake his Jane Fonda classic, Barbarella, a number of readers offered their picks. Lots of names were thrown into the mix -- Pamela Anderson, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, Uma Thurman. One name I don't recall seeing -- Kate Beckinsale. Although she has completely escaped our musing radar, the Daily Express says that industry insiders have told them that she is one of the frontrunners for the role. Just how many frontrunners are there, and who else is on the list? Give us details, people! We know that the hot Bond screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade are writing it, but it's the actress who we're really curious about.
According to their source: "Jane Fonda made the Barbarella role very much her own all those years ago, and she's bound to be a tough act to follow. But the feeling is that Kate has just the right combination of beauty, humor and acting talent for the part." Let's see. She's got the beauty, whether she's holding a can of Diet Coke and heading out for some sun, or wearing shiny, skin-tight blackness. The comedy she's not as familiar with, unless she's laughing on the inside, although she did have her stints in Serendipity and Click. As for acting talent, I'd agree that she can act, but is that really necessary? I could only see her acting skills being relevant if she was Rose McGowan, who is an old pro at sexy camp. So, with everything considered, could she pull of Barbarella? I'd say there's a decent chance. I can visually picture her in the role, I just don't know if she can raise it to the heights of cult classic. Then again, this isn't your '60's Barbarella.
Variety indicates the Dino D. is promising a "female James Bond in outer space," which probably isn't all that great of an idea, considering how awful James Bond is when he visits outer space. (My apologies to all you Moonraker fans.) And this is far from Dino's only new (massive) project. He still plans to produce Baz Luhrmann's long-gestating Alexander the Great project, plus he's also got the ButterworthBrothers working on "an underwater epic about a killer whale," which makes me think ol' Dino might be getting just a little bit senile; he already made that movie, and most people really hated it.
Marcheline Bertrand(1950-2007) - Actress (pictured) who appears in Lookin' to Get Out and The Man Who Loved Women. She also was executive producer of Trudell. Her ex-husband is Jon Voight and her children are Angelina Jolie and James Haven. She died of cancer January 27, in Los Angeles. (AP)
Sheila Brown(1935-2007) - Animator who worked on The Little Mermaid, Oliver & Company and Tom & Jerry: The Movie. She died of cancer January 17. (LA Times)
Bob Carroll, Jr.(1918-2007) - Writer of the story for Yours, Mine and Ours. He passed away January 27, in Los Angeles. (Lucyfan.com)
Caris Corfman(1955-2007) - Actress who appears in No Mercy, Funny Farm and Dreamchild. She died of a stroke January 13, in Rockville, Maryland. (Washington Post)
Curt Dempster(1935-2006) - Actor, playwright and director who appears in Desperately Seeking Susan, The Manhattan Project and Last Ball. He died January 19, in New York. (Variety)
Brian Eatwell(c.1939-2007) - Production designer for Nicolas Roeg's Walkabout and The Man Who Fell to Earth, Richard Lester's The Three Musketeers and Butch and Sundance: The Early Days, plus Madame Sin, The Onion Fields, Godspell and, more recently, The Watcher. He died January 20, in Los Angeles. (Variety)
Tudor Gates(1930-2007) - British writer of Barbarella, Danger: Diabolik, The Optimists and Twins of Evil. He also produced and directed adult films under the name Teddy White, including 007 director Martin Campbell's The Sex Thief. He died January 14, in Kent, England. (BECTU)
Becky Gonzalez(c.1955-2007) - Actress who appears in Young Doctors in Love and Night Shift. She passed away January 5. (NY Times)
E. Howard Hunt(1918-2007) - CIA agent who figured prominently in the Watergate scandal. He was portrayed by Ed Harris in Nixon. He also apparently was a screenwriter for a short time in the 1940s. He died of pneumonia January 23, in Miami. (NY Times)
Before much of her out-spoken political activism, work-out videos and a stint as a monsterous mother-in-law, Jane Fonda was Barbarella. It's been so long since her cheesy sex-bomb sci-fi adventures that it's hard to believe she was actually that same woman. Whereas Racquel Welch ruled the years B.C., Fonda was "the most beautiful creature of the future" a "5-star... astro-navigatrix girl." Now, almost a whopping 40 years later, Dino De Laurentiis wants to update the classic story of the lady who nearly dies of pleasure while taking sex to outer space.
I'm not sure how, but this new franchise will not be a remake, but "a completely new Barbarella," according to De Laurentiis. Exactly how is that? The simple act of keeping the name will mean that it will be re-made, so I assume that he means the story will revolve around a new plot with new characters. Will there be Durand Durand? Perhaps the role can be re-imagined for an even older man, and Milo O'Shea can once again bite into something meatier than his recent films, like the saccharine The MatchMaker.
But more pressing: Who should the new Barbarella be? Love is her speciality, so the role should really go to someone with definitive sex-symbol status, or someone great at both sex and farce. Angelina Jolie would be an obvious sex-charisma choice, but she's moving away from that image. Perhaps Salma Hayek? She can juggle both sexiness and tongue-in-cheek. Cinematical's editor, Ryan, thinks Drew Barrymore is the ticket. As for me, I'd go out on a limb and say Leisha Hailey. On The L Word she tackles both sweaty love and over-the-top craziness with ease, so I bet she could pull off some space-age sexiness as well -- that, and she reminds me of a modern-day Fonda. Who would you choose?
Last May, I asked whether Robert Rodriguez would cast his lovely girlfriend Rose McGowan as the star of Barbarella. Of course, he did just that very thing. But then there was news of turmoil and issues with Universal. "No, no, it's not Rose that's the problem!" Rodriguez then claimed, stating that the whole mess was just a matter of money -- an excuse that seems pretty ridiculous considering what the double R can do with almost no money. Now Rose has assured MTV that she is still the star, and things are moving along quite quickly.
You might have caught the news 
So it seems the majority of you agree with 
Yup, that's right. "Delayed." Yesterday, I told you 
Folks, they've made it official -- 
According to an article just up at 
Here's a little controversy and rumor reaction for your Thursday:
A few days ago Ms. Monika B. was wondering 
Marcheline Bertrand
Before much of her out-spoken political activism, work-out videos and a stint as a monsterous 
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