Comic-Con 2006 Wrap-Up: News and Notes
Fans in San Diego sure got a great show this year. Not just for comic book nerds, the four day convention brought in Hollywood film and TV stars and a host of small surprises, rumors, and revelations. From booths of major networks (CBS, the new CW), to the cable booths (Sci-fi, Spike-TV) to panel discussions from the cast of Veronica Mars, Superman, 300, and The Transformers, there was plenty to see and take in. Oh yeah, and there were a few comics and games too see as well. Here’s a recap for those who couldn’t make the trip…
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Where can you go to see people dressed as Klingons, super-heroes, video game characters, and cult figures, AND see them mingle with the very people that created or even starred as that character? The Comic-Con, baby! Here are some fun tidbits that came out of this year’s four day event in San Diego.
To what was perhaps the biggest crowd of the convention, Sam Raimi and cast brought with them a new Spider-Man 3 trailer which ended with a look at Venom! Let’s just say fan reaction was pretty damn positive. Sadly all the rest of us get is this Topher Grace teaser poster, sigh.
Marvel Comics announced three new movie projects – Captain America (probably not with Matt Salinger), Nick Fury (with or without David Hasselhoff?), and Thor (is Fabio available?). With Iron Man already in pre-production the possibility of a live-action Avengers movie is also being discussed.
Optimus Prime addressed an audience of Transformers fans who squealed with pleasure to learn that the voice from the 80’s cartoon, Peter Cullen, would be doing the honors in the upcoming film.
Director Jack Snyder and Frank Miller showed up to give fans a five minute look at the movie version of Miller’s graphic novel 300 which tells the tale of the legendary Battle of Thermopylae where 300 Spartans fought against the Persian army. The applause was so loud they replayed the clips three times! Fans seemed appreciative that the style and look of the film so matched Miller’s original work (like, say Sin City). Snyder also talked a little about his early ideas for The Watchmen focusing on the relationships and essence of the book and trying to fit into the time restraints of a single theatrical film with screenwriter Alex Tse.
Frank Miller discussed his future plans after finishing Sin City 2. So what’s next> How about a film adaption of Will Eisner’s hero The Spirit. Miller intends to use the same technology used in the Sin City flicks to make the look as faithful to Eisner as possible, though admits the tone will be darker and more like Eisner’s early stories than the kindler and gentler Spirit of Eisner’s later years. Eisner and Miller were friends for many years and even collaborated on a short book of interviews shortly before Eisner’s death (read that review here).
Writer/director Jon Favreau stopped by to talk about May 2008’s Iron Man. Favreau revealed he would start out using the original gray armor which Tony Stark pieced together under captivity in hostile lands, and over the course of the film evolve the look into the classic red and gold armor. Several different suits should be seen over the course of the film perhaps even War Machine. Also announced was the villain for the first film which will be the Mandarin (no word yet whether Fing Fang Foom will make an appearance). As for Tony Starks alcoholism and dark turn, if the film is successful look to see those aspects explored in future films.
J.J. Abrams discussed the work on his Star Trek XI script. Refusing to give any details he did remark it’s not another sequel but a relaunching of the franchise.
Bryan Singer and Richard Donner stopped by to discuss the next Superman film which might be flying into theaters in 2009 depending on if the Man of Tomorrow can do some more heavy lifting at the box office before this summer ends.
Writer/director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead) stopped by to promote and discuss Ant Man. Wright talked about using both Henry Pym and Scott Lang in the film, incorporating both the 60’s style hero and the later incarnations.
Hulk 2 director Louis Leterrier (instead of Ang Lee) discussed the sequel which will star David Duchovny (instead of Eric Bana) which will see the un-jolly green giant go up against Abomination (rather than his crazy scientist daddy). The director promised more action and a look at Bruce Banner living with the monster (much like the old TV-show) and “no poodles, promise.”
Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson keep fanning the dim embers of Ghostbusters 3. The idea for a sequel that would star (then unknowns) Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson was dreamt up almost 20 years ago. Recently it seems interest has re-piqued and maybe we’ll be asking “Who ya’ gonna call?” sometimes soon (then again, maybe not).
While attending a panel for Guillermon Del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth Doug Jones slyly fielded questions concerning the possibility of his casting role as the Silver Surfer for Fantastic Four 2. After saying “No comment” to the Internet rumors Jones, dressed in a silver shirt, asked, “Do you like this color of shirt on me? I like this color on me and I hope to be wearing more soon. I’ve been shopping for outfits and did find one that I really like, but I don’t own it yet because they’re still approving my credit card.” This wouldn’t be Jones’ first role in a comic book film as he starred as Abe Sapien (with David Hyde Pierce providing the voice) in Hellboy. Other rumors on Del Toro have him in discussions to adapt the DC character Deadman into a film.
Biggest rumor to hit Comic-Con? How about Heath Ledger as the Joker? Hmm…. Christopher Nolan seems to have chosen Ledger over other finalists which inculded Jude Law, Robin Williams, Paul Bettany, and (my pick for the role) Steve Buscemi. No official confirmation as yet, but it does seem this rumor may be true.
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You want to know where Hollywood sees its money coming from? Take a minute to ponder the following. Five years ago this film would have debuted in October. Now it’s put out in mid-summer so the DVD can be ready for Halloween? To paraphrase The Buggles – “Has DVD killed the theatrical film?”