Bill Mechanic Tagged Articles at Cinematical
Hugh Jackman Not Hosting Oscars, Neil Patrick Harris Now Rumored
Filed under: Awards », Newsstand », Home Entertainment », Oscar Watch »
As award show devotees know, the Academy is always trying to make the Oscars more fun for the viewers at home. This year it seems as though the pre-show hype is starting earlier than usual, particularly with the noise surrounding Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman stepping on board as producers. But they may be one step behind, as the Oscars have already become a little less handsome, a little less musical, and a little less Emmy-winning than last year. Because Hugh Jackman won't be returning as host.No, it's not an epic snub, or retaliation for being so darn good at everything. Variety reports that Jackman "quietly turned down the job" a few weeks ago. The reason is simply that he wants some time off in between A Steady Rain and production on Shawn Levy's Real Steel. Reportedly, he really does want to host the show again, but he didn't want to do it two years in a row. That's a showman for you. Give them just enough to have them wanting more, and avoid wearing out your welcome.
In my humble opinion, Jackman left some very dashing shoes to fill. Personally, I think Shankman should see this as the start of a new tradition, avoid a comedian, and pick the Tony-hosting Neil Patrick Harris (who's already rumored to be eying the gig). The Oscars are supposed to be all about Hollywood glamour, and what better way to celebrate that then to go old-school and musical? I'll take a jolly musical number over painful attempts to be political and relevant. What about you? What host can make the Oscars worth your while?
Zombie Lovers Rejoice! 'Deadworld' Coming to the Big Screen
Filed under: Action », Horror », Independent », Deals », Scripts », Newsstand », Comic/Superhero/Geek »
People can't get enough of zombie stories these days. The walking undead have invaded movies, television, comics, and Regency England and show no signs of abating. I'm beginning to think this is part of the plan to turn us all into zombies and if so, you'll be meeting your new lord and master in Deadworld. Variety reports that the long running comic series is making its way to the big screen thanks to David Hayter, Benedict Carver, and Bill Mechanic. Deadworld has been around since 1987, and has always had more of a cult following as opposed to new series such as The Walking Dead. That's probably because it's a rather unique and twisted spin on the zombie mythology, as the war to wipe out humanity is told entirely from their point of view. Led by King Zombie, the Harley-riding rotter to your right, they track down and slaughter the humans that cast them out for their accursed ways. The sadistic King seeks to wipe out the last traces of mankind and open the gates of Hell so that the dead can truly walk the Earth. If you dig the torture, gore, and slaughter of your fellow humans, this is your series. (It's also got a very cool website where you zombie lovers can buy all kinds of King Zombie stuff.)
Deadworld doesn't have a director yet, but Hayter is in the process of writing the script, and will also help design the world of the film. He and Carver are producing under their Dark Heroes banner, alongside Mechanic's Pandemonium company. (It's a Fox reunion!) They're hoping to launch a Deadworld franchise, and a multiple story arc they can splash over all kinds of properties. If all goes well, King Zombie will be hunting us down next year ... and God help us all.
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