Showing posts with label disney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disney. Show all posts

Warren Spector Wants to Make Marvel, Duck Tales Games

♦ by Unknown Friday, 9 November 2012 Thursday, 8 November 2012 Wednesday, 7 November 2012 Monday, 5 November 2012 Thursday, 1 November 2012 Thursday, 25 October 2012 0 comments

In a fan-driven IGN interview, Disney Epic Mickey creator Warren Spector revealed a handful of games he’s love to build around popular properties, within Disney and beyond. First up, Spector is enthusiastic about re-releasing the original Epic Mickey for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. To get Disney’s attention, “everybody needs to send cards and letters and emails to the Disney Corporation saying ‘we want Disney Epic Mickey 1 on high-definition platforms,’” he said.

What's after that?

Spector explained that he pesters Disney weekly about a Mickey HD –which is about as often as he brings up developing a Duck Tales game, something he mentioned numerous times throughout the interview. Spector has experience here – he’s previously written Duck Tales comics. His game “might be a little more cinematic than adventure-y,” Spector said. The diversity of the universe’s settings means “it has to be this really big, epic, Indiana Jones kind of adventure thing.” Of course, story driven gameplay powered by player choice with “more than two-player co-op,” perhaps even one player controlling the Duck Tales triplets on their own while others play as Launchpad McQuack or Donald Duck.

Marvel is another world Spector would like to have a hand in. “Honestly, there have been some pretty good Marvel games, but I don’t think there’s ever been a great one,” he said. “I think I know why that is,” said Spector, without elaborating, “and I think I’d like to tackle that.”

Spector is so passionate about working on a Marvel game that he’d put that project ahead of any Star Wars game he could develop. Other Spector fantasies include going back to a near-future sci-fi game he’d cooked up called Necessary Evil. Spector joked that it’s comparable to “Deus Ex with the serial number filed off.”

With Disney having recently purchased Marvel and Lucasfilm, the opportunities for Spector’s Junction Point Studio at Disney stretch beyond Mickey – though he’s thrilled about creating more Oswald-centric titles after this month’s release of Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two.

Mitch Dyer is an Associate Editor at IGN. He’s also quite Canadian. Read his ramblings on Twitter and follow him on IGN.


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Kevin Smith's Poignant Thoughts on Star Wars VII

♦ by Unknown Friday, 9 November 2012 Thursday, 8 November 2012 Wednesday, 7 November 2012 Monday, 5 November 2012 Thursday, 1 November 2012 Thursday, 25 October 2012 0 comments

With the announcement of Disney buying Lucasfilm, many celebrities have been offering their two cents on the news. But for Clerks director Kevin Smith -- renowned for his immense Star Wars love -- the potential for new Star Wars films meant something much more personal.

In a guest column he wrote for The Hollywood Reporter this week, Smith shared a story from his early days as a Star Wars fan. "Star Wars repeatedly is referenced in all the flicks I make because I grew up watching the George Lucas trilogy in the 1970s and early '80s," Smith begins. "But thanks to the toymakers at Kenner, no self-respecting Star Wars fan was ever content to simply watch the movies. Indeed, until the advent of home video a few years later, playing with Star Wars figures was about the closest a fan could get to seeing the movie again until it was rereleased in theaters."

Smith goes on to describe a boyhood friend named Pete, with whom he would play Star Wars. "Every summer day from 1978 to 1982, you could find me and Pete in his tiny yard, building a new Hoth or Tatooine, brushing ants off our bodies as we laid belly down in the dirt, making Luke Skywalker repeatedly kiss a girl who turned out to be his sister right before they swing from dental floss over the heads of stiff-armed Stormtroopers," he continues. "It shaped me as a storyteller and as a person."

"We'd create our own Star Wars adventures. The best story (and the only one outside of the movie canon that we'd repeatedly play) wasn't about Luke and Leia: It was about inexplicable fan-fave Boba Fett... The plot of our backyard adventure: Boba Fett gets trapped by robotic gunslinger IG-88 in a Star Wars universe time loop, sending him through all the movies as well as moments only referenced in the flicks."

But as Smith and Pete grew older, their interests of course changed. "As Pete and I hit our teens, we didn't play as much Star Wars anymore. I was onto girls, and Pete was replacing Star Wars with G.I. Joe figures.

"One morning shortly after Clerks happened to me, I got the absolute s#!t news that Pete King had been hit by a car in New York City. I asked how long his recovery would be only to learn the awful truth: Pete had died.

"Not a summer goes by when I don't think about Pete or our ongoing saga of Boba Fett lost in time. So when I heard about Disney's $4 billion Lucasfilm acquisition, naturally I had a brief, one-sided conversation with my former best friend.

"'We might finally get to see that Fett flick we always dreamed about, Pete,' I said aloud at my desk after I read the news."

In conclusion, Smith sums up his feelings on the announcement of Star Wars: Episode VII. "In a world where Disney needs to make back its investment, we may indeed see an all-Boba Fett film. And if the Force wills it, maybe it'll even be about Boba Fett lost in the Star Wars universe time stream. But even if it became the highest-grossing film of all time, it'd still never be as good as Pete King's version."


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Boba Fett Chimes in on Episode VII

♦ by Unknown Friday, 9 November 2012 Thursday, 8 November 2012 Wednesday, 7 November 2012 Monday, 5 November 2012 Thursday, 1 November 2012 Thursday, 25 October 2012 0 comments

We've heard what Luke Skywalker and Han Solo and Princess Leia have to say about Disney's recent buyout of Lucasfilm and Star Wars: Episode VII. But what about the saga's resident badass, Boba Fett?

In a recent interview with Unleash the Fanboy, actor Jeremy Bulloch, who originated the role of the famed Star Wars bounty hunter, offered his thoughts on the studio deal that transpired last week. "Obviously it came as quite a shock to everybody, there must have only been a few people who knew about it, but I think in general it really came as a surprise," Bulloch said. "I always felt that there was more of a story to tell after Return of the Jedi, and always hoped that they would go back and do an Episode VII. I hope it really is good, and that they go back and capture that 'wow' factor that made the trilogy so great."

Assuming Boba really did escape the clutches of that Sarlacc pit in Return of the Jedi, is there a chance Bulloch would reprise his role? "Realistically I'm sure if Boba Fett were to return they would go with someone younger, but I'm still fit and can jump around. I'd love to be involved in some way, maybe a cameo as an aging Bounty Hunter in the corner somewhere," he said.

What do you think? Would you like to see the return of Fett's iconic T-visor and jetpack? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Max Nicholson is a writer for IGN, and he desperately seeks your approval. Show him some love by following @Max_Nicholson on Twitter, or MaxNicholson on IGN.


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Is Carrie Fisher Down With More Star Wars?

♦ by Unknown Friday, 9 November 2012 Thursday, 8 November 2012 Wednesday, 7 November 2012 Monday, 5 November 2012 Thursday, 1 November 2012 Thursday, 25 October 2012 0 comments

Carrie Fisher has stayed pretty quiet about last week's announcement of a new Disney-produced Star Wars film. However, the former Princess Leia happened to be at LAX yesterday where she was briefly questioned about Star Wars: Episode VII.

Rumors have already pointed to the possibility of the new trilogy centering on a much older Luke, Han and Leia. When asked if she'd accept a role in the new Star Wars, Fisher dryly told TMZ, "Yes. Sure. Wouldn't you?"

As she made her way to the elevator, the actress was then asked about the Disney/Lucasfilm buyout, specifically if she believed George Lucas should have asked for more than the settled $4.05 billion from Disney. As the doors closed, Fisher smirked, "Four and a half."

Max Nicholson is a writer for IGN, and he desperately seeks your approval. Show him some love by following @Max_Nicholson on Twitter, or MaxNicholson on IGN.


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Star Wars: Episode VII Director Rumors

♦ by Unknown Friday, 9 November 2012 Thursday, 8 November 2012 Wednesday, 7 November 2012 Monday, 5 November 2012 Thursday, 1 November 2012 Thursday, 25 October 2012 0 comments

Let's take everything that follows with a big, ol' grain of salt, shall we?

Less than a week after we learned that Disney bought Lucasfilm and that a new Star Wars movie trilogy was indeed in the works comes the first heavily reported rumors on who could direct Star Wars: Episode VII, which is slated for a 2015 release.

Collider claims that Matthew Vaughn, who directed Kick-Ass and X-Men: First Class, is in the running to helm Episode VII and that it was this possibility that made him opt not to direct X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Not to be outdone, MarketSaw claims the list of contenders to director Episode VII includes Lucas' best bud Steven Spielberg, District 9's Neill Blomkamp, Harry Potter vet Alfonso Cuaron, The Fountain's Darren Aronofsky, The Avengers' Joss Whedon, and the aforementioned Vaughn.

According to MarketSaw, "Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, C3PO and R2D2 are I am assured to feature prominently in the new trilogy, as was always the idea. Apparently some have already been approached. Quite a while back too to my understanding. Hamill is a certainty.  There are two trilogies planned, all following an original overview by Lucas, which was always planned as a multi generational saga. Movies 10 - 12 are from my understanding about the offspring of the Skywalkers, set many years later with the surviving cast playing much older versions of themselves and featuring a female protagonist named Skywalker. This is something that I understand is being discussed as the latest trilogy may end up being an amalgamation of the two using themes and ideas from both, but still keeping the general story, also allowing for continuity of cast."


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Mark Hamill Talks Star Wars: Episode VII

♦ by Unknown Friday, 9 November 2012 Thursday, 8 November 2012 Wednesday, 7 November 2012 Monday, 5 November 2012 Thursday, 1 November 2012 Thursday, 25 October 2012 0 comments

Following Disney's Lucasfilm buyout on Tuesday, Star Wars poster boy Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker himself) revealed that he -- much like everyone else -- was caught completely by surprise when he heard the big news.

"I had no idea that George [Lucas] was going to sell to Disney until I read it online like everybody else," Hamill told EW. "He did tell us last summer about wanting to go on and do [Episodes] VII, VIII and IX, and that [newly appointed Lucasfilm president] Kathleen Kennedy would be doing them. He seems to be in a really good place. He's really happy. And that's nice because I know that when we were making the movies, he was not a jolly guy on set. [Laughs]"

So what did Lucas have to say last summer about the third trilogy? "Last August, he asked Carrie and I to have lunch with him and we did," he said. "I thought he was going to talk about either his retirement or the Star Wars TV series that I’ve heard about -- which I don't think we were going to be involved in anyway... So when he said, 'We decided we're going to do Episodes VII, VIII and IX,' I was just gobsmacked. 'What? Are you nuts?!' [Laughs]"

Continued Hamill, "I can see both sides of it. Because in a way, there was a beginning, a middle, and an end and we all lived happily ever after, and that's the way it should be -- and it's great that people have fond memories, if they do have fond memories. But on the other hand, there's this ravenous desire on the part of the true believers to have more and more and more material. It's one of those things: people either just don't care for it or are passionate about it. I guess that defines what cult movies are all about. We'll see."

And as for the buyout itself? "I have mixed feelings about that, but [Disney hasn't] done badly by Marvel and the Muppets and Pixar," Hamill responded. "It's one of those big decisions that at first seems unusual but then the more you look at it, the more it makes sense."

According to a recent interview with Lucas biographer Dale Pollock, the original outlines for Episodes VII, VIII and IX called for an older Luke Skywalker. While this is by no means evidence of anything -- after all, those particular drafts might already be scrapped -- there is still a chance that Hamill could reprise his role in the new films. Of course, for now, this all remains under the bubble of fanboy speculation.

Max Nicholson is a writer for IGN, and he still can't believe he can type "Episode VII" without having to add "Just Kidding." Geek out with him by following @Max_Nicholson on Twitter, or MaxNicholson on IGN.


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George Lucas Reveals Destination of Disney Dollars

♦ by Unknown Friday, 9 November 2012 Thursday, 8 November 2012 Wednesday, 7 November 2012 Monday, 5 November 2012 Thursday, 1 November 2012 Thursday, 25 October 2012 0 comments

George Lucas has revealed what he plans to do with the many billions of dollars that he’ll make from the $4.05 billion sale of Lucasfilm to Disney.

Speaking to the The Hollywood Reporter, a studio representative explained “George Lucas has expressed his intention, in the event the deal closes, to donate the majority of the proceeds to his philanthropic endeavours.”

It’s not yet clear where he will direct the money, be it to a new foundation, the George Lucas Educational Foundation, or one of the many charities and causes he has previously supported.

Lucas also released a statement himself, saying “For 41 years, the majority of my time and money has been put into the company. As I start a new chapter in my life, it is gratifying to devote more time and resources to philanthropy.”

Chris Tilly is Entertainment Editor for IGN and wouldn't mind a couple of those Disney dollars. His idle chat can be found on both Twitter and MyIGN.


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Is The Lone Ranger the New Batman?

♦ by Unknown Friday, 9 November 2012 Thursday, 8 November 2012 Wednesday, 7 November 2012 Monday, 5 November 2012 Thursday, 1 November 2012 Thursday, 25 October 2012 0 comments

We've heard quite a bit about Disney's long-awaited adaptation of The Lone Ranger -- mostly in regards to the film's storied production issues. However, the film's star Armie Hammer recently offered a bit more insight into the title character, which he describes as a vigilante comparable to Batman and, to a lesser extent, Spider-Man. Here's what the actor had to say (from Empire Magazine via ComicBookMovie):

"It's the rock 'n roll Lone Ranger, actually. Our take is darker and more complex, more action-packed and more badass than the old TV show. It's a 21st century version of the character you know. There's a little of the Dark Knight in him. There's less moral ambiguity, but there are definite similarities. They're both vigilantes who feel they have to wear a mask to serve justice because the people who are supposed to be doing it aren't. I think The Lone Ranger will always resonate with people as a seeker of justice in the same way Spider-Man or Batman does. And I think we're doing a great job of making the character accessible to everyone, from the seven-year-old kid who brings his cap gun to the theatre to the 80-year-olds who remember the original radio show."

The Gore Verbinski-helmed project is currently slated for a July 3, 2013 release.

Max Nicholson is a writer for IGN, and he desperately seeks your approval. Show him some love on Twitter and IGN.


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