Disney's live-action John Carter of Mars, a big-screen adaptation of the classic book series by Edgar Rice Burroughs, was originally scheduled to begin principal photography in November. The movie has now been pushed back to early 2010. However, according to actress Lynn Collins, who will play the Martian princess Dejah Thoris, pre-production for the film has begun. At the premiere of The Burning Plain, Collins told MTV:
We're actually getting into some hair and makeup tests this week to sort of see what the look is going to be like. So, it's really collaborative and really creative and I'm really excited about it.
Collins' character is the subject of Burroughs' first novel in the Martian series and the love interest of the main character, John Carter. A Civil War veteran, Carter is mysteriously transported to Mars, where he becomes embroiled in the conflict between the Red and Green Martians. Collins' X-Men Origins: Wolverine co-star Taylor Kitsch will play the lead role and Collins had nothing but nice things to say about the prospect of working with him on John Carter.
Taylor is so amazing. We went to Pixar and saw some of the workups of some of the fighting that we have to do. I was like, "Oh my god, there's just no guy better for the job. He's so athletic and wonderful and such a great actor and so positive."
John Carter of Mars will also feature Samantha Morton, Dominic West, Polly Walker, and Academy Award-nominated actor Willem Dafoe.