triple h Tagged Articles at Cinematical

When we last checked in with He-Man, the blonde 80's superhero was hanging on by a thread -- no longer a master of the universe -- but more like a master of development hell. Fox 2000 had assigned screenwriter Adam Rifkin to pen a new draft, John Woo was still attached as a producer and Cinematical's resident geek Mark Beall couldn't care less. Here's a site tip for all you fanboys out there -- if Mark doesn't get excited about a film (and, trust me, 99% of the time this dude is ecstatic about everything and anything, except maybe Ghost Rider), then it's pretty safe to say the project is a dud.

Recently, Moviehole managed to sneak in a phone call with Fox 2000's Rodney Ferrell and -- He-Man fans might want to close their eyes for this one -- he told them the studio had abandoned the film, giving the project back to Mattel. Wait, so does this mean we don't get to see a shirtless Paul Walker or Triple H battle a horrific looking CGI-created version of Skeletor? Would it be wrong for me to call up Mr. Ferrell and tell him his next drink is on me? However (and please note that a gigantic question mark should be wrapped around the following sentence), there's a chance Mattel may still be interested in a He-Man film, and that John Woo could still be involved in some capacity -- but they will have to find someone else stupid enough to help produce and distribute. Man, where's Dolph Lundgren -- I think I need to be hugged.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: It always amazes me where some movie news comes from and how fast said news travels around the internet. According to CanMag.com via a tip from a guy named "Black Belt Hopeful," two of director John Woo's upcoming projects have been shelved ... for now.

Supposedly the tipster was working out alongside a casting agent in his karate class when he was told Woo's He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and Spy Hunter: Nowhere to Run projects are no longer moving ahead as planned. Now, we're not sure if one led to the other or if both happened at the same time but, apparently, the studio got cold feet and John Woo decided to pursue other projects (see: The Battle of Red Cliff and The Red Circle).

Not long after the story broke, Spy Hunter producer Adrian Askarieh popped in to Coming Soon and let folks know the film was indeed alive and well, saying Woo had been off the project for more than a year. Askarieh also noted they're real close to attaching a new writer/director, with an announcement expected soon. Right now, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is still signed on to play the lead role in the film.

As far as He-Man goes, well, that one is up in the air. Everyone from Paul Walker to professional wrestler Triple H were reported to have been up for the role of 80's superhero. Personally, I could do without another He-Man flick. Besides the fact that it does not, at all, seem like John Woo material, the last He-Man film was, well, bad. Real bad. As bad as they come. On the other hand, a Spy Hunter movie sounds cool, so I'm happy to hear its still got legs. 

[via AICN]