Wed Jul 2, 2008 12:10PM2 comments ›
Wed Jul 2, 2008 — by Van Jensen
Matthew Fox and Rose McGowan Sign onto Comics Films
'Red Sonja' and 'Billy Smoke' in development
Not a lot happening in the comics world today as everyone finishes recuperating from Wizard World Chicago, but the comics movies news continues to snap, crackle and pop as a couple more big stars are apparently signing onto comics properties.
First, All Headline News is reporting that Rose McGowan has signed on for the lead role in a Red Sonja film. The former Mrs. Marilyn Manson will apparently need a new dye job to play the "red-haired she-devil with a sword." That and some chain mail panties.
Millenium Films and Nu Images announce that the 34-year-old actress will be starring in the new film about the mythical comic book protagonist produced by fiancé Robert Rodriguez and directed by Douglas Aarniokoski. Studio executive Avi Lerner said, "This is an amazing property and film for our company. Working with the talented Robert Rodriguez, having Rose McGowan as Red Sonja and Douglas Aarniokoski directing is a fantastic combination. We could not be happier." Red Sonja will be seen seeking vengeance against those who killed her family in the film. They are scheduled to start filming in October.
Next up, Matthew Fox seems to be leap-frogging off the relative success of based-on-a-comic-about-a-hit-man-film Wanted. Slash Film has the story that the star of Lost and Speed Racer has signed on to star in Billy Smoke, which is based on a comic that hasn't even come out yet.
Story centers on an elite hit man who’s nearly killed during a botched job and realizes that his only way to find redemption is to rid the world of all assassins. More promising is that Billy Smoke was sparked from the brain of writer B. Clay Moore, the co-creator of Image’s excellent ongoing series Hawaiian Dick (yes, recommended). Also kicking ass is Oni Press, which has adaptations like Scott Pilgrim with Michael Cera, The Last Call and Moore’s own Hollywood spy spoof Leading Man, in the movie oven, and will publish Smoke next year.
You may remember the recent story here at ComicMix about another not-yet-released comic book from Oni Press that was already being optioned, The Return of King Doug. As always, I'm glad to see comics people doing well, but you have to start feeling a little anxious when cash is flowing willy nilly. Look how things worked out for the housing market.
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Comments (2)
Tom Fitzpatrick (12:22 PM on Wed Jul 2, 2008)
They really should pick someone else to play Red Sonja, someone like Kristina Loken (sigh).
Russ Rogers (1:48 PM on Wed Jul 2, 2008)
As far as I know Rose McGowan was never married to Marilyn Manson. She dated him for three and a half years and called off their two year engagement over lifestyle differences. Manson certainly leads a "different lifestyle." Although it's not her natural color, McGowan has played a fiery red-head before. She spent a season on "Charmed" as a red head. I thought she was a red head. So she'll need a dye job, but it's nothing new.
The New York Post (and we all know how reputable that publication is, especially Page 6) reported that McGowan told her costars in the movie, "Grindhouse," that they couldn't wear red to the premier. This was back in March of 2007. So maybe McGowan was already creating a "Red" brand for herself back then! [New York Post: "Grindhouse Star Sees Red."]