LOTR director Peter Jackson's next project: King Kong

[kami]

Peter Jackson to Direct 'King Kong' for Universal Pictures
Sunday March 30, 4:50 pm ET


UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Five-time Academy Award® nominee Peter Jackson will direct "King Kong" for Universal Pictures, it was announced today by Stacey Snider, Chairman, Universal Pictures. Jackson will begin work on the film immediately following the release of "The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King," the third and final installment of his blockbuster trilogy based upon the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. Jackson will write the screenplay with his partner Fran Walsh and "The Lord Of The Rings" co-writer Philippa Boyens. Jackson and Walsh will produce the film under their WingNut Films banner. Universal Pictures will release "King Kong" worldwide in 2005.

Jackson will bring his sweeping cinematic vision to the iconic story of the gigantic ape-monster captured in the wilds and brought to civilization where he meets his tragic fate.

The screenplay by Jackson, Walsh and Boyens is based on the original story by Merian C. Cooper and Edgar Wallace, which became the classic 1933 RKO Radio Pictures film, directed by adventurers Cooper and Ernest B. Schoesdack. The RKO "King Kong" has been designated by the National Film Registry of the United States Library of Congress as one of the 100 Greatest Films and chosen by that organization for permanent preservation as a national treasure.

Jackson will employ the latest motion picture technology to cinematically portray the timeless tale of the beast and his beauty. He will expand on the chapters of the tale that take place in the mysterious and dangerous jungles of Skull Island, and his Kong promises to be a unique and breathtaking creation. As with his "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, Jackson will shoot "King Kong" on location in his native New Zealand. The visual effects will be again accomplished by his New Zealand-based company Weta, Ltd., who have twice been honored with the Visual Effects Oscar® for their work on "The Lord Of The Rings." They will supplement practical locations in creating primordial jungles and '30s-period America.

"No film has captivated my imagination more than 'King Kong.' I'm making movies today because I saw this film when I was 9 years old. It has been my sustained dream to reinterpret this classic story for a new age," Jackson stated. "The story of Kong offers everything that any storyteller could hope for: an archetypal narrative, thrilling action, resonating emotion and memorable characters. It has endured for precisely these reasons and I am honored to be a part of its continuing legacy."

Snider noted, "Peter Jackson is a filmmaker uniquely capable of capturing the core appeal of enduring classics and in expanding the visual language of motion pictures, as inarguably evidenced in his landmark achievement with the 'Lord of the Rings' films. We are thrilled to be working with Peter and Fran, and we are confident that their execution of 'King Kong' will amaze moviegoers. Anyone who has seen the first two installments of 'The Lord of the Rings' knows that Peter will bring Kong to life as a real character. His vision for the tragic tale of the misunderstood creature, with its poignant character development and technological wonder, will make 'King Kong' compulsory viewing for any real movie lover."

Peter Jackson made cinematic history with "The Lord of the Rings," becoming the first person to direct three major feature films simultaneously. Released in 2001, the first film in the trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," was nominated for 13 Academy Awards, including Best Director, and won four. The film also received the American Film Institute's prestigious Film Award and was nominated for 12 awards from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), winning awards for Best Film and garnering Jackson the David Lean Award for direction. In addition to four Golden Globe nominations, the film also received numerous distinctions and awards around the world. The second installment, "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It won two Oscars and two BAFTA Awards. The final installment, "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," will be released this December.

Jackson and Walsh previously received widespread acclaim for their 1994 feature "Heavenly Creatures," which was awarded a Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival and an Academy Award® nomination for Best Screenplay. Other film credits include "The Frighteners" starring Michael J. Fox, the adult puppet feature "Meet the Feebles," the mockumentary "Forgotten Silver and Braindead."

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030330/lasu002_1.html

Well, at least we know it won't suck

 

[Aquaman]

I'd like him to do a Godzilla or a Gammera

Cheers,
Aquaman

 

[abaez]

Immediately following the release of ROTT? What about the dvd?

 

[AvesPKS]

I'd like him to remake Dead Alive, only this time with a bigger budget... (I still can't believe the same guy directed both of these).

 

[kami]

Originally posted by: abaez
Immediately following the release of ROTT? What about the dvd?

He'll still take time to work on the extended dvd, no worries...

 

[MeanMeosh]

Jackson will bring his sweeping cinematic vision to the iconic story of the gigantic ape-monster captured in the wilds and brought to civilization where he meets his tragic fate.

aww damnit, more sweeping landscape shots?

 

[DaveSimmons]

What a waste of his talent -- we already have a couple of decent versions plus "King Homer."

 

[AmdInside]

I wish he could do the third installment of Star Wars. I am really not looking forward to it at all.

 

[jaeger66]

Eh, he hasn't done anything worthwhile since Dead Alive. Talk about your sweeping cinematic vision, that movie had it splattered all over the lens.

 

[imprezawrxwagon]

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030330/lasu002_1.html

Well, at least we know it won't suck

I regret wasting the time watching the two LOTR movies, - horrible directing, bad acting.

 

[SaltBoy]

Originally posted by: imprezawrxwagon


I regret wasting the time watching the two LOTR movies, - horrible directing, bad acting.

Prove it. Seriously -- prove it.

 

I wonder what building King Kong will climb. Remember the cheesy 70's King Kong when he climbed the WTC?

 

[kami]

Originally posted by: SaltBoy

Originally posted by: imprezawrxwagon


I regret wasting the time watching the two LOTR movies, - horrible directing, bad acting.

Prove it. Seriously -- prove it.

He can't since it's just opinion. Sure it's a bad opinion and it's total flame bait, but he can think what he wants. You just gotta ignore people like him. It's also hip to not like movies that are successful.

 

[imprezawrxwagon]

Originally posted by: SaltBoy

Originally posted by: imprezawrxwagon


I regret wasting the time watching the two LOTR movies, - horrible directing, bad acting.

Prove it. Seriously -- prove it.

The basic differences between You and I, when it comes to the movies and LOTR series:

(I am making assumptions here)

a) You did not take many (if any) film classes and do not know all that much about movies, other than just watching them

b) I did not like the book, neither the films

 

[kami]

a) You did not take many (if any) film classes and do not know all that much about movies, other than just watching them

LOL!!!! So you're saying from a technical (film-wise) stand point, LOTR is poor? Is that why it gets oscar nominations, and is that also the reason for this? Sorry buddy, you need a better argument than that

 

[imprezawrxwagon]

Originally posted by: kami

Originally posted by: SaltBoy

Originally posted by: imprezawrxwagon


I regret wasting the time watching the two LOTR movies, - horrible directing, bad acting.

Prove it. Seriously -- prove it.

He can't since it's just opinion. Sure it's a bad opinion and it's total flame bait, but he can think what he wants. You just gotta ignore people like him. It's also hip to not like movies that are successful.

I love the part about "bad opinion". Made laugh got the longest time. Thank You for that entertainment.

As far as the rest of the cr4p that You wrote ... Well, - "flame bait", - only for pathetic retarded geeks, maybe, who have nothing better to do than to post insults all day long, just because somebody dares to have an opinion about a geek friendly movie ... And as far as "hip to not like movies that are successful", - I could really care less what others think, - I either like something, or don't.

 

[imprezawrxwagon]

Originally posted by: kami

a) You did not take many (if any) film classes and do not know all that much about movies, other than just watching them

LOL!!!! So you're saying from a technical (film-wise) stand point, LOTR is poor? Is that why it gets oscar nominations, and is that also the reason for this? Sorry buddy, you need a better argument than that

"So you're saying", - no, I did not say it. You did. And then You laughed at Your own words. Wow. Some entertainer, You are.

 

[kami]

Originally posted by: imprezawrxwagon

Originally posted by: kami

a) You did not take many (if any) film classes and do not know all that much about movies, other than just watching them

LOL!!!! So you're saying from a technical (film-wise) stand point, LOTR is poor? Is that why it gets oscar nominations, and is that also the reason for this? Sorry buddy, you need a better argument than that

"So you're saying", - no, I did not say it. You did. And then You laughed at Your own words. Wow. Some entertainer, You are.

The why did you mention film classes? Just for the hell of it? Brain fart?

 

[kami]

BTW, this is Peter Jackon's dream project - always has been - he wants to do this more than LOTR even. He's going to pour his heart into this, it's scary to think of how good it could end up being.

The weird thing is that he kept saying he was going to do a few small films (like his previous film Heavenly Creatures) before going anything big again. He kept promising his wife/co-writer this. I wonder what made the circumstances change? Maybe Universal threw him a large budget to play around with that he couldn't refuse...

I just hope he decides to do The Hobbit before some other mediocre film maker picks up the project in attempt to cash in.

 

[imprezawrxwagon]

The why did you mention film classes? Just for the hell of it? Brain fart?

As I have indicated in the original post, - to clarify the differences between the two users, when it come to movies in general and LOTR in particular.

And, as far as the Oscars:

Oscars have been awarded to, and pictures nominated happened to be (at times), - undeserving, poor pictures and performances.

An Oscar does not guarantee quality, especially not comparative quality.

Oscars are very political and industry (money) dependent and oriented.

 

[pulse8]

Oscars are very political and industry (money) dependent and oriented.

Not as much as you'd think.

Anyway, my only issue with the Lord of the Rings thus far is that it seems they weren't adapted properly for the screen. It seems as though they just took the story, cut out some stuff and slapped it all together. I feel that they could've adapted it to the screen better, which God forbid, may have included changing part of the story in order to work better for the screen. :Q

 

[XZeroII]

He is too late...I will be realeasing my version within 1.5 years!!! He will be a latecoming to the game! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

 

[imprezawrxwagon]

Originally posted by: pulse8

Oscars are very political and industry (money) dependent and oriented.

Not as much as you'd think.

Anyway, my only issue with the Lord of the Rings thus far is that it seems they weren't adapted properly for the screen. It seems as though they just took the story, cut out some stuff and slapped it all together. I feel that they could've adapted it to the screen better, which God forbid, may have included changing part of the story in order to work better for the screen. :Q

Well, I am not an industry insider by any means, but I ahppen to know a few things about the industry, and having friends amongst DP's and such does not hurt either, when it come to info tid bits and gossip.

Anyway, - many Academy voters never see all of the movies they are supposed to vote for/against. At all. How about that?.. yep, sad, but true

And, as far as LOTR, - I never thought much of the book, and the movies (first two), - are just plain bad.

Now, a friend of mine, - who is very much a geek when it comes to LOTR, - he likes the book and all that RPG stuff in/about it, but agrees, that the movie is not a well directed and acted one.

There are plenty of films that I do not like for various reasons, however, I can still admit that they are well made. LOTR (either one) is not such a film.

I guess people who think that LOTR is well done also think that The Matrix was original and unique and first introduced the "bullet time"

 

[3L33T32003]

Originally posted by: kami

Peter Jackson to Direct 'King Kong' for Universal Pictures
Sunday March 30, 4:50 pm ET


UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Five-time Academy Award® nominee Peter Jackson will direct "King Kong" for Universal Pictures, it was announced today by Stacey Snider, Chairman, Universal Pictures. Jackson will begin work on the film immediately following the release of "The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King," the third and final installment of his blockbuster trilogy based upon the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. Jackson will write the screenplay with his partner Fran Walsh and "The Lord Of The Rings" co-writer Philippa Boyens. Jackson and Walsh will produce the film under their WingNut Films banner. Universal Pictures will release "King Kong" worldwide in 2005.

Jackson will bring his sweeping cinematic vision to the iconic story of the gigantic ape-monster captured in the wilds and brought to civilization where he meets his tragic fate.

The screenplay by Jackson, Walsh and Boyens is based on the original story by Merian C. Cooper and Edgar Wallace, which became the classic 1933 RKO Radio Pictures film, directed by adventurers Cooper and Ernest B. Schoesdack. The RKO "King Kong" has been designated by the National Film Registry of the United States Library of Congress as one of the 100 Greatest Films and chosen by that organization for permanent preservation as a national treasure.

Jackson will employ the latest motion picture technology to cinematically portray the timeless tale of the beast and his beauty. He will expand on the chapters of the tale that take place in the mysterious and dangerous jungles of Skull Island, and his Kong promises to be a unique and breathtaking creation. As with his "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, Jackson will shoot "King Kong" on location in his native New Zealand. The visual effects will be again accomplished by his New Zealand-based company Weta, Ltd., who have twice been honored with the Visual Effects Oscar® for their work on "The Lord Of The Rings." They will supplement practical locations in creating primordial jungles and '30s-period America.

"No film has captivated my imagination more than 'King Kong.' I'm making movies today because I saw this film when I was 9 years old. It has been my sustained dream to reinterpret this classic story for a new age," Jackson stated. "The story of Kong offers everything that any storyteller could hope for: an archetypal narrative, thrilling action, resonating emotion and memorable characters. It has endured for precisely these reasons and I am honored to be a part of its continuing legacy."

Snider noted, "Peter Jackson is a filmmaker uniquely capable of capturing the core appeal of enduring classics and in expanding the visual language of motion pictures, as inarguably evidenced in his landmark achievement with the 'Lord of the Rings' films. We are thrilled to be working with Peter and Fran, and we are confident that their execution of 'King Kong' will amaze moviegoers. Anyone who has seen the first two installments of 'The Lord of the Rings' knows that Peter will bring Kong to life as a real character. His vision for the tragic tale of the misunderstood creature, with its poignant character development and technological wonder, will make 'King Kong' compulsory viewing for any real movie lover."

Peter Jackson made cinematic history with "The Lord of the Rings," becoming the first person to direct three major feature films simultaneously. Released in 2001, the first film in the trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," was nominated for 13 Academy Awards, including Best Director, and won four. The film also received the American Film Institute's prestigious Film Award and was nominated for 12 awards from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), winning awards for Best Film and garnering Jackson the David Lean Award for direction. In addition to four Golden Globe nominations, the film also received numerous distinctions and awards around the world. The second installment, "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It won two Oscars and two BAFTA Awards. The final installment, "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," will be released this December.

Jackson and Walsh previously received widespread acclaim for their 1994 feature "Heavenly Creatures," which was awarded a Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival and an Academy Award® nomination for Best Screenplay. Other film credits include "The Frighteners" starring Michael J. Fox, the adult puppet feature "Meet the Feebles," the mockumentary "Forgotten Silver and Braindead."

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030330/lasu002_1.html

Well, at least we know it won't suck

YAWN. Give us news we want, like...
When doe THE HULK come out???

 

[exp]

Sounds good.