Articles by josh-wigler
Wed Oct 15, 2008 — by Josh Wigler
Rothman Discusses Further Projects
Fox Co-Chairman Gives Progress Reports
The third part of IESB's interview with Fox co-chairman Tom Rothman has hit the internet. The studio bigwig unveils a great amount of information, both concrete and speculative, about many of Fox's hottest properties. We've got the breakdown below:
Independence Day 2
"We would love to do it," Rothman states. "It's really a matter of [original director] Rolan [Emmerich], it's up to Roland. He knows that we'd love to do it. I don't think there is a script but there have been a lot of ideas .. any day that Roland wanted to do [ID4 2], we would be very excited to do it because I think, yes, that story definitely can and should continue."
Predator 3
Rothman says he'd be open to a reboot without Arnold, but is skeptical of a third film starring the governator. "Just give [Arnold Schwarzenegger] my number," Rothman says. "Tell him as soon as he gets the state budget signed to call me."
Silver Surfer
Any chance of a Silver Surfer film within three years? "Yes," answers Rothman, "We are trying to do a stand alone Silver Surfer movie."
The SIMS
"It's in development," Rothman reveals. "It's being developed closely with the game maker. I know the guys who make the game are working hard on developing the script but it hasn't gotten up to my level yet."
X-Files
Surprisingly, Rothman is open to a third film. "It's really up to Chris, David [Duchovny] and Gillian [Anderson]," Rothman says. Regarding the recent film's poor box office numbers, Rothman defends it by calling it "the film that Chris wanted to do. He was determined to do a stand alone film, a film that wasn't dependent upon the mythology. His interest in making the movie, was in the characters and in their relationship, not the mythology."
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
"[The film] is pretty dark," says Rothman of Wolverine's tone. He also continues to say that Deadpool plays an "integral part" in the movie, and that the CG work being used is "state of the art." As for the prospect of a Deadpool film, "we will have to see."
For information on other films, click the link to read the full interview!
Wed Oct 15, 2008 — by Josh Wigler
NBC Scores a Golden Fleece
'Jason and the Argonauts' Heads to NBC
NBC has scored a pilot commitment to Jason and the Argonauts, based on the classic quest for the Golden Fleece in Greek mythology. Argonauts will mark the first-ever green-screen drama developed for primetime television. Films such as Sin City have made use of green screen, but this will be the first time the technology makes the leap to a primetime TV series.
The network secured the projected after a "fierce bidding war" with a rival network, believed to be Fox. Interestingly enough, Fox is developing The Argonauts as a feature film with Zak Penn (The Incredible Hulk) scripting. In fact, Tom Rothman mentioned the project as recently as today in his interview with IESB.net. Variety reports that DreamWorks also has a project titled The Argonauts. Their interpretation of the story would feature treasure hunters from today transported back to the time of Jason. This comes the same time that War of the Gods and the remake of Clash of the Titans are also moving into production. And let’s not forget competing Hercules films having also been announced over the last few months.
This will be NBC's second attempt this decade at getting the Argonaut mythology correct. A previous miniseries, from producer Robert Halmi, also titled Jason and the Argonauts (are you keeping track?) and starring Jason London, Frank Langella, and Dennis Hopper aired in 2000. The two projects will be completely unrelated other than in title and source material.
In Greek mythology, Jason was the leader of the Argonauts and their quest for the Golden Fleece, which belonged to the winged ram Chrysomallos. Members of The Argonauts include Heracles (commonly known by his Roman name "Hercules") and Castor and Pollux of Troy, both of whom were featured in John Woo's Face/Off. (Just kidding, kinda.) During the quest for the Fleece, Jason meets and marries Medea the sorceress. In Euripides' play Medea, Jason leaves Medea to marry King Creon's daughter. Medea exacts vengeance by killing Creon and her own two sons in order to devastate Jason. Man, and you thought modern times were rough!
Of course, the best recalled version of this tale is Ray Harryahusen's classic 1963 film, Jason and the Argonauts, compelte with the heroes fighting skeletons. One can only hope one of these projects has something equally thrilling in store.
Wed Oct 15, 2008 — by Josh Wigler
Warner Takes a 'Headshot'
Graphic Novel Heads to Film Studio
Variety reports that Warner Bros. has acquired screen rights to Headshot, a three-book graphic novel series from Alexis Nolent. Alessandro Camon will write the script based on the French novel, with Alexandra Milchan and Smallville creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar on board to produce.
Headshot focuses on "an unlikely alliance between a cop and a hitman ... after each watches his partner die. The new partners seek revenge and discover they have a shared enemy and much in common despite being on opposite sides of the law."
Nolent has written several comic books under the pen name Matz. In 2004, Headshot won Best Story Prix Saint-Michel comic awards in Brussels. Another of his comics, The Killer, was nominated for an Eagle Award for Favorite European Comic in 2007 and an Eisner for Best U.S. Edition of International Material in 2008. The Killer is also slated for a film release at Paramount with David Fincher (Fight Club) attached to direct. Nolent's Cyclops is in development at Warner Bros. as a directing vehicle for James Mangold (3:10 to Yuma).
Wed Oct 15, 2008 — by Josh Wigler
Review: 'Fringe' Episode #105
'Fringe' Gets 'Power Hungry,' and Not in a Good Way
Note: Click here for the last mystery!
Autopsy Report: "Power Hungry"
From Fox: "When it's discovered that a rather simple man has the ability to harness electricity, dangerous and deadly occurrences follow, and our unlikely trio investigates this super-charged oddity. Meanwhile, Olivia has a high-voltage encounter of a different kind when she is rocked by a blast from her past, and Dr. Bishop turns to his feathered friends and enlists homing pigeons to help him break the case."
Doctor's Notes
Hot off the heels of Fringe's best episode to date comes its worst. "Power Hungry" is a boring, by-the-numbers procedural that weakly nods its head to the previous installment. Just as Fringe proved its merit as innovating and captivating in "The Arrival," this episode displays just how boring the high concept show can get.
In the episode, the Fringe crew pursues Joseph Meegar, a man who can discharge high amounts of electricity due to the experiments enacted on him by a scientist named Jacob Fischer. Meanwhile, Olivia deals with the ramifications of her strange visions of former lover John Scott, who is thought to be dead. By episode's end, Walter reveals that part of John's consciousness is actually stuck in Olivia's brain as a result of their mind-melding in the series pilot. Mystery solved.
We'll save you the trouble by answering the obvious question: Yes, that's really all that happens this episode in terms of any plot movement. It's true that John literally being inside of Liv's head is fairly unique, but the whole figment-of-the-imagination thing has been beaten to death before. The fact that "The Arrival" concludes with John Scott showing up at Olivia's home is resolved by him being a mental projection is very boring. Maybe it would've more exciting if the previous episode's ending didn't hinge on the reveal, but it did. As a result, the answer is wholly unsatisfying, as the mystery behind why Massive Dynamic has Scott's body ends up being a completely separate entity.
Tue Oct 14, 2008 — by Josh Wigler
No 'Warcraft' in 2009
Film Requires Further Work
Shack News is reporting that Blizzard and Legendary Pictures' adaptation of Warcraft won't be ready for next year, as had been previously announced.
"I don't know about the 2009 date," says Blizzard president Mike Morhaime about the film's progress, "but it is still something we are very excited about."
"We do have a draft of a script, [but] it isn't final," he continues. "I think we still need to do a lot of work."
At BlizzCon 2007, Blizzard's VP of Creative Development Chris Metzen and Thomas Tull, head of Legendary Pictures, provided insight into the progress of a Warcraft movie. They released the following tidbits of information:
- The film is set for 2009
- They have a $100 million budget
- It will be a mix of live action and computer animation
- No directors or actors are attached
- The story focuses on major events from a year before World of Warcraft and will principally focus on the Alliance's perspective
- Run time will be about two to two and a half hours
- More of a Gladiator war epic than a Lord of the Rings journey of discovery
- Characters to be featured include Bolvar Fordragon, Thrall and Cairne Bloodhoof.
Two years later, there are only two items on that list we can speak to: the film will not be released in 2009, and there are still no actors or directors attached. Look how much can happen in two years!
It's nice to see Blizzard being thoughtful with their property, but there is a difference between taking one's time and being too reserved to jump into battle. A Warcraft film can wait for a while, but once the craze of World of Warcraft subsides a bit, those potential gold pouches are gonna disappear off the battlefield.
Ah, who are we kidding? World of Warcraft will always be awesome. Speaking of which, we got some orcs to hunt. Leeroooooooooy Jenkins!!
Tue Oct 14, 2008 — by Josh Wigler
Guggenheim talks 'Green Lantern'
Screenwriter on Hal's Upcoming Brightest Day on Film
There's been a lot of talk about new, darker toned movies being made of DC Comics properties based on the success of The Dark Knight. That's had one aisle of comic fans pretty psyched, as the more mature direction of Batman's big screen adventures have definitely upped the gravitas factor. On the other hand, not every character lends itself to a "dark tone," such as the impending Superman relaunch.
Luckily, it sounds like Green Lantern is going to shine through the blackest night for a full on "respectful approach to the character [of Hal Jordan, and] a loving approach to the entire mythos."
That's according to Marc Guggenheim, the writer of the upcoming Lantern feature. He spoke to Newsarama about the film's progress, saying that "it's pretty far along." The television producer and part-time comic book writer has worked on the script with Greg Berlanti and Michael Green.
"We're reasonably deep into [Green Lantern]," he tells the website. "I'm never really comfortable publicly commenting on the movie because unlike the TV show, I'm just one of three writers and I've sworn a blood oath to secrecy. But we're in the thick of it. We're moving along at a pretty hefty clip."
And, according to Guggenheim, the alleged "revamp" of DC film properties hasn't effected Hal Jordan in the slightest.
"I know a lot's been made in newspapers and magazines about a revamping of DC's approach," says Guggenheim. "That hasn't been my sense. Maybe a focusing; maybe a ratcheting up of pace and energy. Whatever it's been, it really hasn't affected this project in the least. All the drafts have come in on schedule. All the notes have been the same kind of notes that we would have gotten in the absence of any 'revamping.'"
Guggenheim tries not to pay attention the rumors and speculation about the project, but couldn't avoid hearing the biggest rumor of 'em all: Ryan Gosling as Hal Jordan.
"I read that online," Guggenheim says. "As one of the writers, I'm not really involved in the day-to-day pre-production on it all. But I think it would be pretty amazing [casting.] I'll go on record saying that."
Regardless of how the production aspect shakes out, there's no question that it's a wonderful time for comics on film.
"The kind of summer we just had, with movies like Iron Man and Dark Knight, makes a fertile marketplace for all comic book movies," Guggenheim says. "the timing could not have been better for us with [Green Lantern]."
Earlier this month, Latino Review scooped that Green Lantern was aiming for a 2010 release date. By all accounts, it looks like Hal Jordan will be on time for lift off.
Giggenheim and Berlanti's Eli Stone has its second season debut on ABC tongiht.
Tue Oct 14, 2008 — by Josh Wigler
War Machine turns 'Traitor'
Don Cheadle to replace Terrence Howard in 'Iron Man 2'
We know it's hard out here for a pimp, but it might be even harder for War Machine.
The Hollywood Reporter is breaking the news that Terrence Howard will be replaced by Don Cheadle for Marvel Studios' upcoming Iron Man 2. Though there is no official comment on the replacement, it's speculated that negotiations fell through between Howard and Marvel over financial differences, among other reasons.
In Iron Man, there is a scene towards the end where Howard's Jim Rhodes catches a glimpse of Tony's Mark II armor and proclaims to himself, "Next time." At that moment, War Machine junkies across the globe experienced blissful cardiac arrest.
"I would prefer to wait for the third [Iron Man film to become War Machine]," Howard told ComingSoon.net back in April. "I'd prefer to let it grow a little bit and then after the third one, they could go into its own franchise of War Machine later on. I don't want to introduce War Machine too early for my own monetary benefits."
And while War Machine is still set for the sequel, as THR indicates, it won't be Howard behind the mask. Cheadle is certainly a fine actor, and you can hardly ask for a better quality replacement for an actor of Howard's pedigree. Nonetheless, it's disappointing for fans enjoying Marvel's continuity that a casting change has taken place so soon.
Interestingly enough, THR continues to say that Robert Downey Jr and Gwyneth Paltrow are expected to return as Tony Stark and Pepper Potts. Well, pretty much everyone expected Howard to return as well. Given Downey Jr.'s knee-jerk emotional reactions, it'll be interesting to see how this one shakes out in light of Howard's departure.
Over at Marvel Comics, War Machine #1 is coming in December and an exclusive prelude story will be going live at Marvel’s Digital Comics Unlimited starting this week. Subscribers to the digital site will have access to the War Machine story from Greg Pak and Leonardo Manco for free.
"Every day, somewhere on the planet, tyrants commit the most horrific atrocities imaginable, secure in the knowledge that the outside world won't raise a finger to stop them…But now War Machine's on the job. And forget the finger—he's raising a couple of ginormous shoulder mounted rocket cannons!" Pak said in a release.
Mon Oct 13, 2008 — by Josh Wigler
Set Photos from 'Sherlock Holmes,' 'Prince of Persia'
Your First Look at Holmes, Watson and Nizam
Photos from the set of the Guy Ritchie directed Sherlock Holmes has hit the internet. Just Jared scored the big scoop, posting photos that reveal actors Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law as Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson, respectively.
"Clearly, I'm going to do it better than it's ever been done," Downey Jr. jokes of his role as the famous detective. "The more I read about it the more overwhelmed I was by the weight of it and the amount of people who will be watching to see if it's gotten right."
Ritchie himself has expressed concerns about the film, reportedly worrying about whether or not Downey could handle an English accent. Those fears have been asuaged for the director, who reports that "Robert Downey has the best English accent I've ever heard." This should be no surprise to anyone whose seen Tropic Thunder, who can attest to the thespian's ridiculous chameleon like abilities.
Additionally, a candid photo of Ben Kingsley as the nefarious Nazim in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time has also appeared online over at Defamer. The film's robe and ring-cladded villain points his fingers at the camera, appearing to rub in the fact that he is Sir while the rest of us are just misters and ma'ams.
Mon Oct 13, 2008 — by Josh Wigler
NBC Erects 'Crusoe' Treehouse
Set Piece Heads to Midtown Manhattan
In a David Blaine inspired effort to promote their newest series Crusoe, NBC will build a giant treehouse in Midtown Manhattan in anticipation of the show's October 17 debut. The treehouse will be located on Broadway and 51st Street.
Variety reports that NBC is funding a 24-hour webcam stream capturing the goings-on in the treehouse. The feed will be available at www.savecrusoe.com. During the event, polls and contest giveaways will take place, and series stars Philip Winchester (Crusoe) and Tongayi Chirisa (Friday) will make appearances.
Crusoe is the latest adaptation of Daniel Defoe's classic novel about a British man shipwrecked on a deserted island. Crusoe is accompanied by native friend Friday, and the two team together against cannibals, wild beasts, militias and the forces of nature. On the island, Crusoe builds a breathtaking treehouse in the forest to evade his enemies.
In addition to the island events, the weekly series will feature flashbacks to Crusoe's life with wife Susannah (Anna Walton, Hellboy II: The Golden Army) and his mentor Jeremiah Blackthorn (Sam Neill, Jurassic Park).
Crusoe is executive produced by Justin Bodle, Jeff Hayes, Michael Prupas, Genevieve Hofmeyr, Phillip Key, Stephen Greenberg and Jean Bureau. The two-hour series premiere airs on NBC this Friday at 8:00 p.m. EST.
Mon Oct 13, 2008 — by Josh Wigler
'Fringe' Comic Series Gets Delayed
The Comic Book Companion Pushed Back Until January
Newsarama reports that further issues of the Fringe comic book series will be delayed until January. The first issue hit stands on September 3, timed to the Fox series' debut, but due to a desire to adhere closely to the television series, DC Comics has decided to push back subsequent issues.
"The writers of the show want to make sure the comic book is integrated into the mythology of the Fringe world, so we have decided to refocus the direction of the comic book," announced Hank Kanalz, VP-General Manager of DC's WildStorm imprint.
"Unfortunately, this means that we will have some delays," he continued, "but [the series] will be back in January."
According to Fringe's co-story consultant Athena Wickham, the TV series' comic book companion "will consist of two parts. Part A will tell the back-story of two of our key characters: Walter Bishop and William Bell. Part B will consist of stand-alone stories. Readers will be introduced to a range of characters -- from those at the epicenter of the pilot to others who might not live to make a series appearance."
Fringe is a science fiction procedural drama that also features over-arching story elements. The television series focuses on Agent Olivia Dunham and scientific father-son duo Walter and Peter Bishop as they investigate mysterious happenings related to a phenomenon called "The Pattern." It was recently picked up for a full 22 episode season.
The first issue of the comic book series was written by Zack Whedon, Julia Cho, Alex Katsnelson and Denielle Dispaltro, with art from Tom Mandrake and Simon Coleby. The issue contained two short stories. "Like Minds" focused on the meeting of Walter Bishop and William Bell. "The Prisoner" depicts a Lost Highway inspired twist when a man wakes up in a prison cell in someone else's body.
Mon Oct 13, 2008 — by Josh Wigler
Captain America Hulks Out
Deleted Scene Hints at Possible Film Continuity
A while back, The Incredible Hulk director Louis Leterrier claimed that a scene was shot in which Bruce Banner travels in the arctic. In the scene, the filmmaker hid one heck of a red, white and blue easter egg: Captain America buried beneath the ice, shield and all. The film's producer Gale Anne Hurd later denied the claim, saying that "Captain America was not visible in that scene."
Welp, time to call bull puckey on that line of defense. Film School Rejects got their mittens on a copy of the Incredible Hulk DVD (available on October 21 and one we'll be reviewing here soon) and watched the scene in question. Sure enough, Steve Rogers himself is indeed in the film, though you might need a magnifying glass and a few stiff drinks to catch the cameo.
Towards the end of the 2:25 long scene, an avalanche occurs that crashes at the camera. It's during this sequence that Captain America's star-spangled body can be seen just beneath the ice. Looks like Letterier has won this round, Ms. Hurd.
For those keeping track, this marks three direct references to Captain America in the Marvel Studios film lore thus far. In Iron Man, there's a brief shot featuring the fabled Avenger's shield in Tony's workshop. In Hulk, there are two mentions of Corporal Rogers: the use of "super soldier serum" by Emil Blonksy and, of course, the hero's newly discovered icy tomb.
If these references are to be taken as canon, then Hulk's snowy prologue takes place before the events of Iron Man, since Steve's shield is buried beneath the ice. That implies that Rogers' body was discovered at some point between the two films, possibly before Tony Stark is fully immersed as Iron Man. Keeping the two films' endings in mind, namely Tony's encounter with Nick Fury and his conversation with General Ross, it's possible that The Avengers are already in place by the time The Incredible Hulk concludes. Perhaps, then, the superhero team-up feature will take place soon after Hulk's ending with the Avengers pursuing the Jade Giant.
So, has Marvel tipped its hand and revealed how the cards are falling together on screen, or do we just have too much time on our hands? Tell us what you think below!
Mon Oct 13, 2008 — by Josh Wigler
Ridley Scott Goes to 'War'
Director Returns to Science Fiction
Variety reports that director Ridley Scott will helm The Forever War, based on Joe Haldeman's 1974 novel of the same name. The film will be Scott's first foray into science fiction since Alien and Blade Runner.
Scott admits that he intended to film The Forever War nearly, well, forever ago.
"I first pursued Forever War 25 years ago, and the book has only grown more timely and relevant since," said Scott.
"It's a science-fiction epic," he continued, "a bit of The Odyssey by way of Blade Runner, built upon a brilliant, disorienting premise."
The novel's plot centers on "a soldier who battles an enemy in deep space for only a few months, only to return home to a planet he doesn't recognize some 20 years later." Forever Free and Forever Peace were two other novels set in the the same reality in addition to the novella A Separate War. The novel has also been adapted into a three-volume graphic novel by the Belgian comics creator Marvano which saw an English edition years ago.
The Forever War has been in development for, you guessed it, forever. Shortly after the novel's publication, Richard Edlund picked up the rights to the film with the intention of making it his directorial debut. When the film never entered production, the Sci Fi Channel attempted a miniseries that also hit a stalemate. Scott eventually secured the rights, and the film will now be produced by Scott Free with executive producers Vince Gerardis and Ralph Vicinanza, whose company Created By represents Haldeman.
Ridley Scott himself has a project slate that extends from now until, that's right, forever. The director is set to helm Nottingham starring Russell Crowe as both Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham. He also was recently attached to an adaptation of Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, which would have marked his first science fiction film in over three decades had The Forever War fallen through. Scott is also circling Child 44 and Gucci. His latest film, Body of Lies, debuted last Friday to unexpectedly poor box office numbers.
On a side note, check out the cover to The Forever War. Doesn't that look exactly like Benicio Del Toro? While it's too early to talk about casting, who wouldn't want to see good ol' BDT in a space odyssey?
Mon Oct 13, 2008 — by Josh Wigler
Review: 'Dexter' Episode #303
In the Mighty Jungle, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"
Note: Click here for last week's victim!
The Crime Scene: "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"
From Showtime: "While grocery shopping with Rita and the kids, Dexter comes across a fellow predator. But this one is a pedophile. After the pedophile is seen talking with Astor, Dexter must decide if he fits The Code. Meanwhile, Debra has a new homicide to solve, a mysteriously skinned Jane Doe that they like Freebo for. But Dexter knows that Freebo is not the culprit, so he must find a way to help Debra identify their murder victim, thus proving that Freebo didn’t do the crime. While doing this, Dexter learns that Miguel Prado wants Dexter to be his friend. But just how smart is it for Dexter, a serial killer, to befriend an Assistant District Attorney?"
Blood Spatter Analysis
In the season's third installment, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," Dexter continues to explore his impending role as a father while dealing with the ramifications of murdering Freebo, the man Miguel Prado believes to have killed his younger brother. Miguel, who doesn't know that Dexter is the true culprit, witnessed the aftermath of our hero's killing of Freebo in the previous episode, and was shockingly happy about Dexter's actions. Complications continue as Miguel pushes his way deeper into Dexter's life, swearing that the killing of Freebo is a favor that will "never be forgotten."
Mon Oct 13, 2008 — by Josh Wigler
New 'Punisher: War Zone' Clip Premieres Online
Featuring an Introduction from Director Lexi Alexander
An exclusive clip has premiered over at the newly launched official Web site for Punisher: War Zone. The video, which launches automatically on the site's homepage, begins with an introduction from the film's director, Lexi Alexander.
Shot at the editing bay for War Zone, Alexander states in the video that she's "very excited about [the film], and I wanted to personally thank you for your positive reinforcement and your commitment to Frank Castle and his mythology."
"I'm happy to report that we have a great movie coming December 5th," she concludes.
This marks Alexander's first appearance affiliated with Punisher: War Zone since the reportedly ugly departure between the director and Lionsgate, the studio behind the film. It's unclear from the video whether Alexander and the studio have put aside their differences or if this introduction was filmed prior to the rift announced in July.
The clip itself does a good job of showing why War Zone earned an R rating, though there are no heads exploding like so much watermelon in this exclusive footage. In the clip, Frank Castle surgically removes several armed threats in an unspecified building, dispatching his enemies as only the Punisher can.
Punisher: War Zone focuses on vigilante Frank Castle's one-man war on crime and his eventual showdown with the immeasurably maniacal Jigsaw. The film stars Ray Stevenson, Dominic West, Julie Benz and Wayne Knight. Lexi Alexander directs the feature.
Fri Oct 10, 2008 — by Josh Wigler
Gambit on 'Wolverine'
Taylor Kitsch Talks About the Ragin' Cajun
Taylor Kitsch is breaking out from under the Friday Night Lights to play on the big screen in next May's X-Men Origins: Wolverine from 20th Century Fox. Kitsch plays Remy LeBeau, commonly known as the smooth-talking mutant called Gambit. The actor spoke with Media Blvd about his role in the film.
"He's just another comic book character that has kinetic energy," Kitsch describes of Gambit. "It's a fun role. You'll have fun watching it."
Kitsch admits that he was largely unfamiliar with the character before working on Wolverine, but has since gained a fondness for the heart-breaking antihero.
"I love the character, I love the powers, and I love what they did with him," Kitsch says. "I didn't know that much [about the role], but in my experience, it was a blessing to go in and create my take on him."
At the moment, Kitsch is best known as Tim Riggins on NBC's Friday Night Lights. That's bound to change in a few short months when the X-movie is released.
"I haven't [been] bombarded yet for the X-Men stuff," Kitsch admits. "I've been told enough about [X-Men fans] that I'm excited for it. I feel the project went incredibly well, and I'm excited to see the result."
For Kitsch, the biggest perk of filming Wolverine was meeting Logan himself. The actor calls Hugh Jackman a huge influence in his life as both an actor and as a person.
"He's incredibly disciplined and free," Kitsch describes Jackman. "He's just this person that's so grounded and so open that you question whether it's real or not. I've met nobody like him."
Some years ago, Lost's Josh Holloway was said to be in talks to play the Ragin' Cajun in X-Men: The Last Stand. He pulled out due to TV commitments, but was linked to return if a fourth X-Men flick ever got off the ground. The part eventually went to Kitsch.
"The reason we didn't use Gambit was because in a sense his persona is a bit like Wolverine in that he's got attitude and his power is not quite as exciting as the others," said Lauren Shuler Donner, producer of both X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men Origins: Wolverine, in an interview in 2006.
"That's why we went to Nightcrawler," she continues, "because he looked different than everybody else and he had a great power."
For someone who doesn't speak too kindly about ol' Remy, it's a bit surprising that the character wound up in Wolverine's solo film. Guess you can only stay away from that sexy gumbo for so long, right?!
