BarryLevine Tagged Articles at Cinematical
Bryan Singer Eying the 'Freedom Formula'
Filed under: Action », Independent », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Deals », Scripts », DIY/Filmmaking », Newsstand », Comic/Superhero/Geek »
Last summer, Bryan Singer was still in the Superman chair, toying with the idea of producing Capeshooters. Now? He's looking at directing an adaptation of Radical Comics' Freedom Formula for New Regency, according to Variety.The five-issue series was launched at last year's ComicCon, which is also when Singer and Radical's Barry Levine became interested in Edmund Shern's series.
Michael Finch has been hired to write the script -- and according to Levine, he "came up with an incredible take that goes deeper into the mythology of the source material."
I wish I could say I really see what they did with the premise. It's set in a future where the government is run by corporations, and fighter jets have been replaced by genetically engineered pilots who race in "exosuits." The racers are slaves, held captive by their bloodline, until one young man named Zee who discovers that his bloodline has the power to change society. It's like Spartacus by way of the Thunderdome and podracing on Tatooine.
Admittedly, I haven't read the series, just a preview. Several comic blogs have reviewed it favorably, for what it's worth. Perhaps it's excellent, and miles away from something that belongs in the 1980s. You can judge for yourself, as CBR has a preview of the first issue, and Radical has a trailer up.
Johnny Depp's 'Rex Mundi' Has Script, Needs Director
Filed under: Action », Horror », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Thrillers », Noir », Mystery & Suspense », Warner Brothers », Scripts », Newsstand », Johnny Depp », Comic/Superhero/Geek », Religious »
It's been a while since we heard anything about Johnny Depp's second foray into the world of comic book adaptation, otherwise known as Rex Mundi. Back in 2006, Depp purchased the rights to Arvid Nelson's Dark Horse series under his Infinitum Nihil banner, with the intention to star as Dr. Julien Sauniere. To refresh your memory, Rex Mundi is set in an alternate history where Martin Luther was assassinated, the Reformation never took place, and the Catholic Church still reigns supreme. The comics take place in the 1930's, in a world where the Inquisition still runs rampant, Europe is ruled by monarchs, but magic manages to exist. Into this walks Dr. Sauniere, who finds himself investigating the disappearance of a medieval scroll, and a trail of horrific ritual murders. You can find out more on its official site, if you're interested. Depp was drawn to the project not because he's a comic reader, but because he's keenly interested in the Templar Knights, and "loves that kind of research" according to Barry Levine, who's co-producing.
According to MTV, Rex now has a script, penned by Jim Uhls, and is looking for a director. Depp has been right in the thick of all the decision making, says his co-producer Barry Levine. "The second draft is now coming in from Jim, and Warner Bros. is pretty excited about it. They came up with a couple of names for directors, so now we just need Johnny to look at the list. It all begins and ends with Johnny. He's got to be happy with the script, and he gave his notes, so we'll see what happens next."
Peter Jackson Says Spielberg's 'Tintin' is Done Filming, but...
Interracial Harmony: 'Ninja Assassin' vs. 'Blind Side'
Spin-ematical: New on DVD for 11/24_thumbnail.jpg)
Exclusive 'Nine' Poster Premiere!
Exclusive: Title Track for 'The Road' Soundtrack
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