Transformers 2 in 3D?
Are Michael Bay and 3D the new PB&J? A promotional PDF released by Dolby for this year’s ShoWest lists Transformers 2 under 2009’s 3D features alongside well known 3D flicks like AVATAR and Tintin. Bay hasn’t updated his blog to confirm or deny the announcement. Given the fact that the man eats Epic brand cereal morning, noon and night, and has the sizable task of topping his prior $319 million grossing robot deathmatch, who else thinks it’s a no-brainer?
The sequel starts principle photography on June 2nd in Pennsylvania, but obviously the looming SAG strike, which Bay recently ripped, could temporarily forfeit the mass destruction. Not sure if the ladies were ready for Jonah Hill in 3D, so maybe that bit of ixnayed casting was divine intervention. More on T2 going 3D if and when it surfaces…
via Comics2Film
Thomas Sangster Cast as TinTin in Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson’s Tintin?
According to the Daily Mail, rather accomplished 17-year-old British actor Thomas Sangster, whose credits include Love Actually, Nanny McPhee and appearances on the UK’s Doctor Who, is nearly a lock for the lead title role in the 3D motion-capture trilogy Tintin from Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson. Kid’s last name is pretty cool and, if the rumor proves true, will compliment the oncoming fame and boatloads of dough.
Earlier this month, actor Andy Serkis, who will portray Captain Haddock in the films, dished that Spielberg’s installment will go first in September for a 2009 release, presumably followed by Jackson’s and then another sequel presumably from a top tier and still unchosen director.
Based on the decades old children’s comic created by the late, singular-named Belgian artist Hergé, the title character is a young, somewhat aloof investigative reporter whose sidekicks are an affable, liquor-loving terrier named Snowy and one very pronounced wave of a cowlick. Together they solve mysteries and avoid close calls. Tintin’s friend, Captain Haddock, is a brawny sailor with a penchant for alcohol and wisecracks.
Andy Serkis in Tintin
Peter Jackson regular Andy Serkis (you know, the guy behind the characters of Golumn and King Kong) has signed on to star in the upcoming Tintin trilogy. No word on what character (or characters) Serkis might play. The film will be shot using performance capture technology similar to that used on Beowulf. And the completed films will be presented in digital 3D.
Jackson and Steven Spielberg are both set to direct one of the films, although the order isn’t clear. Spielberg has said that the third film will either be directed in collaboration between the two, or by a hand picked third director. Rumor has it that Robert Zemeckis’ name has been thrown around.
Filming is set to begin in September 2008.
Based on the classic comic-strip, Tintin follows the adventures of a junior reporter and his faithful dog Snowy.
Chicago Seven Next For Spielberg? Casting Choices Revealed!
A couple days ago (last year even) it was reported that Sacha Baron Cohen had been cast as Abbie Hoffman in Steven Spielberg’s The Trial of the Chicago Seven. I like many other movie journalists wondered when Speilberg was going to find the time for this project with Tintin, Lincoln and Interstellar on his plate. Jim Windolf mentions in the new Indiana Jones Vanity Fair article that Spielberg is hoping to direct Chicago Seven next, and follow up with Lincoln. I assume this means that Jackson, not Spielberg, will be directing the first Tintin film.
Windolf also got a glance at a table of headshots of actors under consideration for the film. The list of big name actors includes: Will Smith, Taye Diggs, Adam Arkin, Kevin Spacey, Sacha Baron Cohen, Philip Seymour Hoffman (as William Kunstler). Smith and Diggs are likely in contention for the part.