06.25.09 By: Sci-Fi Squad Staff
By: Jessica Barnes
It was just last week that anime fans the world over breathed a sigh of relief that Leonardo DiCaprio's live-action Akira was no more. But, that doesn't mean Hollywood has lost its taste for anime, and there are still plenty of other reboots headed our way. So while most of them have stayed in development limbo, two of the more popular titles: Cowboy Bebop and Robotech have started to make new ground, and some of the people involved are starting to talk.
Cowboy Bebop:
When the live action film of the beloved anime was first announced, fans were not thrilled with the idea. Plus, it probably didn't help that Keanu Reeves was taking the role of Spike. But, maybe we shouldn't count out the film yet, because when it comes to the film's screenwriter, there is good news and some bad news. But, let's start with the good news. In an interview with Anime Vice, Craig was asked about whether or not he was familiar with the series, and to his credit, Craig went into full fan-boy mode, telling them about some of his favorite episodes and that both he and Reeves have been meeting with Sunrise studio (the creator of the anime) to make sure that the original 'feel' of the show remains intact. According to Craig, "they [Sunrise] were very specific about their vision for the series, and how it might convert to a live-action film." -- sounds promising, right? Well, the bad news is that Craig has zero experience with sci-fi, and made his name writing about con-men and dysfunctional families. But, I'm going to remain hopeful that with Sunrise watching over the flick, there might be a chance we get something a little better than expected.
After the jump: a new writer for Robotech...
Robotech:
When it comes to giant interplanetary robots, Transformers seem to be winning the movie franchise game. But that hasn't stopped Warner Bros. from developing their own robot franchise with a live-action Robotech. The project has been in development for two years now, and has gone through several writers (including a heavy hitter) -- proving once again that anime isn't an easy transition to big-budget popcorn flicks. Usually this kind of revolving door means that it isn't long before the project falls apart, but Robotech has been hanging on, and now there is a new screenwriter on the scene. Over at Mania.com, they have reported that Tom Rob Smith has been hired to draft yet another version of the script for WB. Smith is another unlikely choice for an anime film, since he made his name with a novel about a series of child murders in 1950's Russia. But, according to Mania's sources, even though Smith doesn't have much experience, "He had a very clear vision for the material that seemed to fit the collective group's vision for the property."
So what do you think? Will these writers be able to breath new life into these remakes, or do you need the 'eye' of a fan to do these movies right? Sound off below...
Filed under: News/Reactions
Tags: anime, cowboy bebop, CowboyBebop, keanu reeves, KeanuReeves, live action, live-action, LiveAction, peter craig, PeterCraig, robotech, robots, tom rob smith, TomRobSmith, wb
sombraat 6-25-2009
Anybody heard anything about the Weta-involved Evangelion project? Speaking of anime and giant pseudo-robots?
Erikaat 6-26-2009
Its in development limbo... here are the project notes from IMDbPro on it.
Project Notes
18 January 2004 Pre-production
21 July 2005 Development Unknown
9 December 2005 Pre-production
Some pre-production work has been done, but the project is not yet a go, officially.
7 November 2006 Development Unknown
14 May 2008 Script
16 November 2008 Development Unknown
Coryat 6-25-2009
I'm all for a version of Cowboy Beebop! If they can pull it off, that'd be amazing! I'm in love with Spike... is that wrong?
Erikaat 6-26-2009
As a hardcore anime fan, let me tell you that I am NOT looking forward to either Robotech or Cowboy Bebop! I had just taken a sigh of relief at hearing that Akira was scrapped and was kind of hoping for the same with these two. Ugh I like Reeves but there is no way in hell he can channel Spike.... and looking at the IMDb listing for Robotech I shudder at Tobey Maguire's involvement with the film and even more so at the thought of him wanting to play Rich Hunter!
Why can't Hollywood just leave well enough alone? Lately all I see are remakes of older titles or adaptations... maybe we need to invest in new talent!
Scottat 6-27-2009
I have seen the "Speed Racer" movie and I have to admit, the animated series is better than the live action movie. However, the races and the cast were incredible. If only Richard Donner would have taken the directing job instead of the Watchoski Brothers. I would like to see a live action "Star Blazers", "Sailor Moon", "Tenchi Muyo", and others that didn't have robots in them. Directors and writers should start small and simple, instead of big and complex series into movies. As far as casting Keanu Reeves as Spike, try casting the Olsen Twins as the girl Edward or Vin Disel as Jet Black. That would be a disaster.
Michaelat 8-17-2009
I watched Robotech growing up, like I'm sure many of it's American fans did way back in the early 80's. I've heard the arguments against it by rabid fans of Macross, Do You Remember Love and equally rabid fans for Robotech.
I, for one, am looking forward to a successful adaption of the Marcoss portion of the Robotech saga. We have all seen the advancements in SFX technology and techniques show cased in flims like Iron Man and Transformers. The raw ability to make a good Robotech movie IS there, that should give us some hope.
As for thr writers, hopefully they take a freshlook at the material and after much care and consideration, they change the outdated portions in both technology and dialog and yet stays true to the core of the story.
To do it justice would require I think 3 films but that is perfectly alright as Hollywood seems enamored with trilogies right now. The first film should end right after the battle at the rings of Saturn. Perhaps a little later in the Macross saga, perhaps not but about there should be good for an initial exposure to the story to those not familiar with it. From there the film after that should go to the point of Roy's death after their return to Earth. That is an ideal spot in the story as it will invoke people's memories of Episode V of starwars. A very dramatic, very heavy and dark time. The third film should carry us thru the final battle with the Zentradie Main Fleet and the aftermath on Earth.
What are everyone else's ideas of how to tell the saga properly?
Scypherat 8-22-2009
How hard could it be? from anime to real-live-action film? if they can get all the support they can get, and the budget- it's not that hard, i tell you. i hope someone's reading this, hopefully my thoughts can help in the production of the films.
first off, Robotech- my fave.
how do you get the fast-paced hard-action of VF's flying in and out the atmosphere? get help from one who already did it before- creators of Independence day got me at the end of my sit when i watched it in theatres- 2-thumbs up on the dog-fight scenes with the aliens- i bet they can do the same for robotech.
for the robots: get help from creators of matrix and District 9 (Congrats to the success)
the actors? this is where it should matter the most- instead of recreating the soryline of robotech, i suggest on focusing on a character that was never seen in the previous anime. A whole new story and cameo appearances of some of the original cast- and that's it- just cameos. example:
scene 1, Rick Hunter getting caught in the middle of the battle on his first VF, our character sees Rick's VF doing the nose-dive and tries to cover Rick but get's in trouble with a zentraidi attack unit.
scene 2, our character takes his leading-lady to a Lynn Minmay concert or something.
scene 3, our character gets a direct order from Roy Fokker before getting that fatal hit.
none of the original cast's faces should be seen on theatre...or maybe a bit blur.
only Capt Gloval would probably be seen.