Friday, April 24

• Update on Constantine 2

  When Constantine opened in 2005 to a worldwide box office of $230 million, it seemed like the start of a franchise for the comic book adaptation. In 2006, producer Lauren Shuler Donner spoke positively about a sequel, saying she and a "team of writers" were "really going to go for it" on a sequel that would feature a "hard" R-rating, Keanu Reeves, and a story "outside of America." Then things went quiet.

  In 2007, director Francis Lawrence suggested the sequel might actually be a prequel. "I like origin stories," he told ShockTilYouDrop. Then, once again, news of a sequel ceased.

  Now it looks like a sequel may be on its way. Last year, Reeves told MoviesOnline he "wouldn't mind doing another Constantine" and he may get his wish. Recently, Shuler Donner told SciFiWire that a sequel "looks very good," and that she is "looking for a writer."

  Wait, what happened to the "team?" Let's hope they haven't taken those sequel ideas with them. Fans of the comic would likely prefer a return to Constantine's English roots. Even if Reeves can't pull off the accent.

  
  

  Posted 04/24/2009 by Ryan

  Related: Keanu Reeves | Lauren Shuler Donner | Francis Lawrence | Constantine

Monday, November 24

• I Am Legend, Again?

  When it comes to blockbuster tentpole flicks, Hollywood's modus operandi is to greenlight sequels almost immediately after the first receipts come in. But what happens when the highly-recognizable, virtually indispensable hero of said blockbuster eats it at the end of the movie? Such is the dilemma facing the producers of last year's unexpected megahit, I Am Legend. In an uncharacteristically brave move, they opted to kill off star Will Smith, a guy who just happens to be the most popular actor on the planet, in spectacular -- and thoroughly conclusive -- fashion at the end of Francis Lawrence's post-apocalyptic epic. (We'd put a "Spoiler Alert" here, but if you're one of the seven people in the country who hasn't seen I Am Legend, chances are you probably don't have internet access, either.)

  Initial reports indicated that Warner Bros. intended to make an I Am Legend prequel -- seemingly the only realistic option available that would allow the studio to continue milking the franchise and not appear utterly shameless -- but now AICN is reporting (via an untested source, they caution) that they've changed course and that a sequel is indeed in the works.

  If AICN's report is true, I Am Legend sequel producers have three explanations for bringing Smith back, according to standard Hollywood procedure: 1) Explain that it was all just one big, crazy dream; 2) Reveal that Smith's character, Robert Neville, has a previously unmentioned twin or clone; or 3) Have Smith only appear in flashbacks, Saw-style. Either way, we smell a hit.

  What do you think the sequel should be called? Our suggestion: Live Free or I Am Legend.

  
  

  Posted 11/24/2008 by reelz

  Related: Will Smith | Francis Lawrence | I Am Legend