On Monday evening, Marvel Studios opened up its sleek offices at Disney’s Frank Wells building in Burbank for a press tour ahead of a screening of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”
As long as media were arriving on the lot to see the movie anyway, Marvel Studio president Kevin Feige figured they might as well get a behind-the-scenes Marvel sneak peek. “We haven’t done this, come upstairs and walk around,” he told me, “and it felt like it was time to do it. We have some cool stuff on the walls.”
Indeed, much like the Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco or Steven Spielberg’s Amblin on the Universal lot, the hallways are studded with sacred icons and objects from the Marvel Comics Universe, from iterations of “Iron Man” suits and Captain America’s shield to Thor’s mighty hammer. Work cubicles are lined with comics and action figures,...
As long as media were arriving on the lot to see the movie anyway, Marvel Studio president Kevin Feige figured they might as well get a behind-the-scenes Marvel sneak peek. “We haven’t done this, come upstairs and walk around,” he told me, “and it felt like it was time to do it. We have some cool stuff on the walls.”
Indeed, much like the Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco or Steven Spielberg’s Amblin on the Universal lot, the hallways are studded with sacred icons and objects from the Marvel Comics Universe, from iterations of “Iron Man” suits and Captain America’s shield to Thor’s mighty hammer. Work cubicles are lined with comics and action figures,...
- 4/18/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
On Monday evening, Marvel Studios opened up its sleek offices at Disney’s Frank Wells building in Burbank for a press tour ahead of a screening of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”
As long as media were arriving on the lot to see the movie anyway, Marvel Studio president Kevin Feige figured they might as well get a behind-the-scenes Marvel sneak peek. “We haven’t done this, come upstairs and walk around,” he told me, “and it felt like it was time to do it. We have some cool stuff on the walls.”
Indeed, much like the Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco or Steven Spielberg’s Amblin on the Universal lot, the hallways are studded with sacred icons and objects from the Marvel Comics Universe, from iterations of “Iron Man” suits and Captain America’s shield to Thor’s mighty hammer. Work cubicles are lined with comics and action figures,...
As long as media were arriving on the lot to see the movie anyway, Marvel Studio president Kevin Feige figured they might as well get a behind-the-scenes Marvel sneak peek. “We haven’t done this, come upstairs and walk around,” he told me, “and it felt like it was time to do it. We have some cool stuff on the walls.”
Indeed, much like the Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco or Steven Spielberg’s Amblin on the Universal lot, the hallways are studded with sacred icons and objects from the Marvel Comics Universe, from iterations of “Iron Man” suits and Captain America’s shield to Thor’s mighty hammer. Work cubicles are lined with comics and action figures,...
- 4/18/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
On April 3, 1994, Frank Wells, then president and chief operating officer of the Walt Disney Co., died in a helicopter crash while on a skiing vacation in northeast Nevada. “The group had been heli-skiing in mountains where expert skiers travel for powdery slopes untouched by other skiers,” reported The Los Angeles Times. “Wells, at 6 feet 4 inches, was an accomplished mountaineer who had climbed the highest peak on every continent, and had reached the summit of each one — except Mt. Everest.” The executive was on vacation with his son, Kevin, who was not on
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- 7/5/2016
- by Stephen Galloway.
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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Looking for good books about the movies to read? We've got a bumper selection of recommendations right here...
A confession. I actually started writing this article in 2013, and the reason you've only reading it now is that I've made sure I've read every book on this list, save for one or two where I've marked otherwise. As such, what you're getting is a very personal list of recommendations. Each of these books has at least something to it that I think is of interest to someone wanting to learn more about film - or just enjoy stories of movie making.
I've tended to avoid picture books, with one exception, as these ones I've chosen are all intended to be chock-full of words, to relax with at the end of a long day. Which is what I did. There are one or two notable omissions, as I'm still...
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Looking for good books about the movies to read? We've got a bumper selection of recommendations right here...
A confession. I actually started writing this article in 2013, and the reason you've only reading it now is that I've made sure I've read every book on this list, save for one or two where I've marked otherwise. As such, what you're getting is a very personal list of recommendations. Each of these books has at least something to it that I think is of interest to someone wanting to learn more about film - or just enjoy stories of movie making.
I've tended to avoid picture books, with one exception, as these ones I've chosen are all intended to be chock-full of words, to relax with at the end of a long day. Which is what I did. There are one or two notable omissions, as I'm still...
- 12/10/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Former Warner Bros. executive Sandy Reisenbach has died after battling a “lengthy illness,” the studio confirmed on Wednesday. He was 82.
“Sandy was a good friend and helped me immensely when I joined the company in 1994,” Kevin Tsujihara, studo Chairman and CEO, said in a statement.
See photos: Hollywood’s Notable Deaths of 2014 (Photos)
“He was always incredibly generous with his time and expertise — not just with me, but with everyone. Sandy’s legacy lives on today at Warner Bros. and across the industry through the countless executives he helped mentor and the many careers he helped shape over the years.
“Sandy was a good friend and helped me immensely when I joined the company in 1994,” Kevin Tsujihara, studo Chairman and CEO, said in a statement.
See photos: Hollywood’s Notable Deaths of 2014 (Photos)
“He was always incredibly generous with his time and expertise — not just with me, but with everyone. Sandy’s legacy lives on today at Warner Bros. and across the industry through the countless executives he helped mentor and the many careers he helped shape over the years.
- 1/7/2015
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Tim here, to celebrate the silver anniversary of one of the most important films in the annals of American animation. 25 years ago today – some of you are going to have to brace yourselves, because you’re about to feel very old – Walt Disney Pictures released The Little Mermaid, in one fell swoop rewriting the landscape for family entertainment and animation alike.
As hard as it is to believe now, once upon a time, Disney was an embarrassing underdog, whose theme parks were solely responsible for keeping its saggy movie division propped up. 1989 was only four years removed from the disastrous release of the pricey The Black Cauldron, and the takeover of the company by executives Michael Eisner and Frank Wells, who managed to stabilize the live action filmmaking division, while putting the animation studio under the command of Peter Schneider.
It was Schneider who managed an ambitious and terrifyingly foolhardy plan,...
As hard as it is to believe now, once upon a time, Disney was an embarrassing underdog, whose theme parks were solely responsible for keeping its saggy movie division propped up. 1989 was only four years removed from the disastrous release of the pricey The Black Cauldron, and the takeover of the company by executives Michael Eisner and Frank Wells, who managed to stabilize the live action filmmaking division, while putting the animation studio under the command of Peter Schneider.
It was Schneider who managed an ambitious and terrifyingly foolhardy plan,...
- 11/18/2014
- by Tim Brayton
- FilmExperience
This story first appeared in the April 18 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. On Easter Sunday 1994, Frank Wells, the patrician No. 2 man at the Walt Disney Co., and his close friend Clint Eastwood flew by helicopter with a small group to the remote slopes of Nevada's Thorpe Creek Canyon. They wanted to spend the day skiing on untouched powder. When the party was ready to return to the lodge, Eastwood went ahead in one helicopter while Wells and two friends decided to ski more and take a second chopper. It was a short trip in the air, less
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- 4/8/2014
- by Kim Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Los Angeles, Nov 20: Movie legend Walt Disney's daughter died at her home in California. She was 79.
Diane Disney Miller passed away Tuesday after suffering a recent fall, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
She was the only biological daughter of Disney and his wife, Lillian. Her sister, Sharon Mae, was adopted by the couple in 1936. Mae died 20 years ago.
Disney's daughter was married to former Walt Disney Company CEO Ron W. Miller, who was replaced by Michael Eisner and Frank Wells in 1984.
Paying tribute to Walt's daughter on Tuesday afternoon, current Disney CEO Bob Iger said: "We are deeply saddened by the.
Diane Disney Miller passed away Tuesday after suffering a recent fall, reports femalefirst.co.uk.
She was the only biological daughter of Disney and his wife, Lillian. Her sister, Sharon Mae, was adopted by the couple in 1936. Mae died 20 years ago.
Disney's daughter was married to former Walt Disney Company CEO Ron W. Miller, who was replaced by Michael Eisner and Frank Wells in 1984.
Paying tribute to Walt's daughter on Tuesday afternoon, current Disney CEO Bob Iger said: "We are deeply saddened by the.
- 11/20/2013
- by Amith Ostwal
- RealBollywood.com
Odd List Simon Brew 15 Nov 2013 - 07:08
Lots of films are dedicated to, or in memory of someone. But it's not always clear why. We've been finding out...
Back when Breaking Bad returned for its final batch of episodes in August 2013, it had a dedication at the end of it. The card read 'Dedicated to our friend Kevin Cordasco'. As it turned out, Kevin Cordasco was a 16-year old who had been battling cancer for seven years, who had met both Bryan Cranston and Vince Gilligan. Cordasco died before he could ever get to see the episode dedicated to him.
I found this such a moving story, that it got me wondering about the dedications that appear on films, and what the story behind them was. After all, the dedications are there for a reason. What I uncovered was some funny stories, mainly extremely sad ones, and some extremely moving dedications.
Lots of films are dedicated to, or in memory of someone. But it's not always clear why. We've been finding out...
Back when Breaking Bad returned for its final batch of episodes in August 2013, it had a dedication at the end of it. The card read 'Dedicated to our friend Kevin Cordasco'. As it turned out, Kevin Cordasco was a 16-year old who had been battling cancer for seven years, who had met both Bryan Cranston and Vince Gilligan. Cordasco died before he could ever get to see the episode dedicated to him.
I found this such a moving story, that it got me wondering about the dedications that appear on films, and what the story behind them was. After all, the dedications are there for a reason. What I uncovered was some funny stories, mainly extremely sad ones, and some extremely moving dedications.
- 11/14/2013
- by sarahd
- Den of Geek
Interview Luke Savage 1 Nov 2013 - 06:22
A chat with the directors of a new documentary charting the career of filmmaker John Milius...
"Are you ready for your round-table with Joey and Zak?"
"Yes, I am, lovely PR person", is my instant reply. Yes, I am. Although that second half is me adding poetic license here. I'm too British to go full-out on the compliments this early into a relationship.
That exchange of pleasantries heralds a welcome interview with directors Joey Figueroa and Zak Knutson. They're in town to talk about their documentary Milius, charting the incredible life and career of filmmaker John Milius. It's a very good documentary. So good that I'm not concerned at having to share them with three other interviewers.
And it's so good that I don't mind being a little deflated when I finally get into my first round-table interview. Because there's no table. Nothing. Just...
A chat with the directors of a new documentary charting the career of filmmaker John Milius...
"Are you ready for your round-table with Joey and Zak?"
"Yes, I am, lovely PR person", is my instant reply. Yes, I am. Although that second half is me adding poetic license here. I'm too British to go full-out on the compliments this early into a relationship.
That exchange of pleasantries heralds a welcome interview with directors Joey Figueroa and Zak Knutson. They're in town to talk about their documentary Milius, charting the incredible life and career of filmmaker John Milius. It's a very good documentary. So good that I'm not concerned at having to share them with three other interviewers.
And it's so good that I don't mind being a little deflated when I finally get into my first round-table interview. Because there's no table. Nothing. Just...
- 10/31/2013
- by sarahd
- Den of Geek
The Rescuers Down Under
Directed by Hendel Butoy and Mike Gabriel
Written by Jim Cox, Karey Kirkpatrick, Byron Simpson, Joe Ranft
Starring Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, George C. Scott
The level of faith the Walt Disney Company places in its own products never ceases to be amazing if inexplicable. Each era at this massive corporation is so categorically different from what came before, well back into when Disney was still a struggling film studio desperately trying to pay the bills with its shorts or, at the time, a handful of massively ambitious feature-length animated films. Thus, the faith placed in the product has always shifted. However, the Mouse House’s modern era, beginning in 1984, when Michael Eisner, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and the late Frank Wells began their tenure in various high-level positions, has been concurrently maddening and glorious to behold. Whether we like it or not, Disney fans are something of...
Directed by Hendel Butoy and Mike Gabriel
Written by Jim Cox, Karey Kirkpatrick, Byron Simpson, Joe Ranft
Starring Bob Newhart, Eva Gabor, George C. Scott
The level of faith the Walt Disney Company places in its own products never ceases to be amazing if inexplicable. Each era at this massive corporation is so categorically different from what came before, well back into when Disney was still a struggling film studio desperately trying to pay the bills with its shorts or, at the time, a handful of massively ambitious feature-length animated films. Thus, the faith placed in the product has always shifted. However, the Mouse House’s modern era, beginning in 1984, when Michael Eisner, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and the late Frank Wells began their tenure in various high-level positions, has been concurrently maddening and glorious to behold. Whether we like it or not, Disney fans are something of...
- 1/26/2013
- by Josh Spiegel
- SoundOnSight
This story comes courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter and first appeared in the Oct. 19 issue of the magazine.
They were part of Hollywood lore, the "Killer Dillers" of the mid-1970s. With Barry Diller in the top job, the team presided over Paramount during an extraordinary run -- with hits from the Oscar-winning Reds to the franchise-launching Star Trek and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Included in the group of brilliant young execs were future Disney chairman and CEO Michael Eisner; future Disney studio chairman and DreamWorks Animation boss Jeffrey Katzenberg; Dawn Steel, who would become president of Columbia Pictures; and Don Simpson, who would produce with Jerry Bruckheimer such hits as Flashdance, Top Gun and Beverly Hills Cop.
"Back in the day, those were the guys in the room," says a former studio boss. "Now, who the f-- is in the room? You don't see people as well-rounded and business-wise as they were.
They were part of Hollywood lore, the "Killer Dillers" of the mid-1970s. With Barry Diller in the top job, the team presided over Paramount during an extraordinary run -- with hits from the Oscar-winning Reds to the franchise-launching Star Trek and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Included in the group of brilliant young execs were future Disney chairman and CEO Michael Eisner; future Disney studio chairman and DreamWorks Animation boss Jeffrey Katzenberg; Dawn Steel, who would become president of Columbia Pictures; and Don Simpson, who would produce with Jerry Bruckheimer such hits as Flashdance, Top Gun and Beverly Hills Cop.
"Back in the day, those were the guys in the room," says a former studio boss. "Now, who the f-- is in the room? You don't see people as well-rounded and business-wise as they were.
- 10/10/2012
- Huffington Post
I have a really great memory when it comes to completely unimportant information. I remember seeing Who Framed Roger Rabbit in theaters in 1988. I remember the day I found out I couldn’t go to see Jurassic Park in theaters–I was too young and just discovered that the movie would not be rated PG. I remember the first R-rated movie I saw in theaters, Air Force One. While my memory works well for other useless trivia, you can detect a pattern revolving around movies. And yet, while I was like a lot of other people my age and saw plenty of family films when I was a kid, I know that I remembered names of people I didn’t need to remember.
How many people know who Glen Keane is? Probably not many, outside of his family, friends, co-workers, and those of us who are admirers of Disney animation from the 1980s onward.
How many people know who Glen Keane is? Probably not many, outside of his family, friends, co-workers, and those of us who are admirers of Disney animation from the 1980s onward.
- 1/6/2012
- by Josh Spiegel
- SoundOnSight
The book "The Exorcist", famously made into a movie in 1973, came out 40 years ago.
To celebrate this anniversary, the author William Peter Blatty, now 83 years old, has returned to his original work and made various changes for a new special edition (Harper, $25.99 hardcover, $9.99 e-book). The changes include edits to the dialogue and an entirely new scene.
"This is the version I would like to be remembered for," Blatty wrote recently.
In an exclusive interview with The Huffington Post conducted via email, we asked Mr Blatty about 40-year-old rewrites, why "The Exorcist" became so popular, and what truly makes him feel scared.
How does it feel to revisit this book?
How does it feel? Like absolution after a sudden fall from grace.
The first time I had cause to read my novel after publication was about a dozen years ago when I was asked to do the narration for the audio book.
To celebrate this anniversary, the author William Peter Blatty, now 83 years old, has returned to his original work and made various changes for a new special edition (Harper, $25.99 hardcover, $9.99 e-book). The changes include edits to the dialogue and an entirely new scene.
"This is the version I would like to be remembered for," Blatty wrote recently.
In an exclusive interview with The Huffington Post conducted via email, we asked Mr Blatty about 40-year-old rewrites, why "The Exorcist" became so popular, and what truly makes him feel scared.
How does it feel to revisit this book?
How does it feel? Like absolution after a sudden fall from grace.
The first time I had cause to read my novel after publication was about a dozen years ago when I was asked to do the narration for the audio book.
- 10/4/2011
- by Andrew Losowsky
- Huffington Post
DreamWorks Animation is currently being sued by an artist who claims that DreamWorks stole his film idea for their $632 million dollar hit, Kung Fu Panda. Most people that make claims like this don't really have much to back it up, and it's just a way to make a quick buck, but this guy has a good amount proof to back up his claim, and it sounds to me like DreamWorks might lose this one.
The artists name is Jayme Gordon and he filed a 28-page complaint in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, alleging that Dreamworks and distributor Paramount copied the film from Gordon's copyrighted works, collectively titled Kung Fu Panda Power. According to THR,
Gordon claims that the defendants took more than just the title of his work, but also featured animated characters that bore a striking similarity to the characters he drew in his own illustrations, which he...
The artists name is Jayme Gordon and he filed a 28-page complaint in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, alleging that Dreamworks and distributor Paramount copied the film from Gordon's copyrighted works, collectively titled Kung Fu Panda Power. According to THR,
Gordon claims that the defendants took more than just the title of his work, but also featured animated characters that bore a striking similarity to the characters he drew in his own illustrations, which he...
- 2/17/2011
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
#Gift Students of film and pop culture history have had a bumper selection of titles to choose from in the last few weeks. Four documentaries have been released that warrant the attention of anyone with an interest in two of the most enduring and successful enterprises in the entertainment industry: Walt Disney Studios and DC Comics. They might not make it onto the best sellers shelves at your local Best Buy but here at CinemaSpy we believe in bringing worthwhile works to your attention regardless of their commercial appeal. These four films definitely qualify.
Waking Sleeping Beauty
Official Synopsis: Far from a fairytale, Waking Sleeping Beauty is an unprecedented eye-opening look at the conflict, drama and tension that ushered in the second chapter of Disney’s animation legacy – a decade of unparalleled creativity that included The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King. Told by the...
Waking Sleeping Beauty
Official Synopsis: Far from a fairytale, Waking Sleeping Beauty is an unprecedented eye-opening look at the conflict, drama and tension that ushered in the second chapter of Disney’s animation legacy – a decade of unparalleled creativity that included The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, Aladdin and The Lion King. Told by the...
- 12/13/2010
- CinemaSpy
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: "As for the movie itself, it's a bore. But it's a bore with some occasionally decent special effects, if you're into gratuitous plasma balls and Tesla coils. Otherwise, The Sorcerer's Apprentice is the sort of movie you're actually thankful to see Nic Cage in because he offers the dimmest hope that a little freak-out meltdown crazy might break the tedium. I'll crush your hopes in advance: It doesn't. Cage is freak-out free in The Sorcerer's Apprentice. And as if to prolong the agony of the film, Cage is the only actor that doesn't chew through scenery like a bat out of Wicker Man hell, which is a shame because Cage is best when he's Loony-Tunes ham-hocked." - Dustin Rowles
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse: "Congratulations, Twilight: Eclipse. You didn't manage to suck as much as the first two entries into the franchise. Of course, that's like...
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse: "Congratulations, Twilight: Eclipse. You didn't manage to suck as much as the first two entries into the franchise. Of course, that's like...
- 11/30/2010
- by Intern Rusty
As the longtime C.E.O. of Disney, Michael Eisner was one of the most influential media moguls of the past 30 years. Since leaving the company in 2005, however, Eisner has been just as busy. Among his recent endeavors is his book Working Together: Why Great Partnerships Succeed, which was published in September and examines 10 of the most successful duos in business history, including the producing team of Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, the fashion empire builders Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti, and Eisner and Disney president Frank Wells. Last week Eisner’s company released a social game called FameTown, in which players assume the role of a Hollywood actor trying to make it to the A-List. (Like the wildly popular games Farmville and Mafia Wars, it is played through Facebook.) Eisner spoke to Vf Daily about success, coming from money, and the changing face of media. Krista Smith: What made...
- 11/11/2010
- Vanity Fair
Imagine Clint Eastwood in blue tights with a big red 'S' on his chest. During an interview with the Los Angeles Times' Hero Complex blog, the 80-year-old actor/director mentioned how he was considered for the iconic superhero role in the 1978 "Superman," which ended up going to then-unknown Christopher Reeve. The site went ahead and Photoshopped a '70s-era Eastwood onto the character's body. But here's his explanation for turning down what was allegedly offered to everyone and their brother at the time: "I can remember – and this was many years ago – when [Warner Bros. President] Frank Wells came…...
- 9/9/2010
- Spout
HollywoodNews.com: He’s been Dirty Harry and the Man With no Name, but Clint Eastwood was almost – James Bond and Superman.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, the legendary actor, whose next directorial title “Hereafter” bows in October, reveals that he passed on both offers as he felt they didn’t jive with his dramatic sensibility.
After Sean Connery left the 007 franchise following 1971’s “Diamonds Are Forever,” Eastwood received a call.
“I was offered pretty good money to do James Bond if I would take on the role,” he said. “But to me, well, that was somebody else’s gig. That’s Sean’s deal. It didn’t feel right for me to be doing it.”
And if Warner Bros. had their way, it would have been Clint in tights, not Christopher Reeves.
“I can remember, and this was many years ago, when [Warner's President] Frank Wells came to me about doing Superman.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, the legendary actor, whose next directorial title “Hereafter” bows in October, reveals that he passed on both offers as he felt they didn’t jive with his dramatic sensibility.
After Sean Connery left the 007 franchise following 1971’s “Diamonds Are Forever,” Eastwood received a call.
“I was offered pretty good money to do James Bond if I would take on the role,” he said. “But to me, well, that was somebody else’s gig. That’s Sean’s deal. It didn’t feel right for me to be doing it.”
And if Warner Bros. had their way, it would have been Clint in tights, not Christopher Reeves.
“I can remember, and this was many years ago, when [Warner's President] Frank Wells came to me about doing Superman.
- 9/9/2010
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
Can you picture Clint Eastwood wearing Superman's cape and tights? How about enjoying a martini, shaken-not-stirred, while wearing a tux and sporting a Walther Ppk? The sight of those outfits on Eastwood might not have been too far removed from reality. According to a recent interview, Eastwood was once offered the roles of Superman And James Bond. Read on for the details. While out promoting his latest film, Hereafter, Eastwood shared with the LATimes that he once entertained the idea of playing Superman: I can remember – and this was many years ago – when [Warner Bros. President] Frank Wells came to me about doing Superman. So it could have happened. This was when they first started to think about making it. I was like, ‘Superman? Nah, nah, that’s not for me.’ Not that there’s anything wrong with it. It’s for somebody, but not me. However, Eastwood decided that such roles were...
- 9/8/2010
- by David Chen
- Slash Film
Any regular reader of daily movie news knows how often actors are attached to a role one week, only to be in talks for a completely different project the following week. And while news items like that can be a lot of fun to speculate about, the really fun "What If?" game comes into play when you try to re-imagine iconic roles with different actors. Take Superman, for example. Plenty of leading men have had a crack at the man in tights over the years, but I think we can all agree that the most iconic iteration of the character belongs to Christopher Reeve. Had Clint Eastwood been a bigger fan of Superman,* though, that might never have been the case.
In a recent interview with the La Times' Geoff Boucher, Eastwood recalls when ex Warner Bros. President Frank Wells offered him the role of Superman and explains why he...
In a recent interview with the La Times' Geoff Boucher, Eastwood recalls when ex Warner Bros. President Frank Wells offered him the role of Superman and explains why he...
- 9/8/2010
- by Peter Hall
- Cinematical
Speaking to La Times, Clint Eastwood revealed that back in the 1970s he was one of the candidates to play Superman, and a few years before that, he was approached to play James Bond. "I can remember . and this was many years ago . when [Warner Bros President] Frank Wells came to me about doing Superman. So it could have happened," he explained. "This was when they first started to think about making it. I was like, 'Superman? Nah, nah, that's not for me.'" Eastwood added: "I was also offered pretty good money to do James Bond if I would take on the role. This was after Sean Connery left. My lawyer represented the Broccolis ('Bond' producers) and he came and said, 'They would love to have you.' But to me that was somebody else's gig. That's Sean's deal. It didn't feel right for me to be doing it." The paper then...
- 9/8/2010
- WorstPreviews.com
The Los Angeles Times recently sat down to talk to Clint Eastwood about his latest directorial effort Hereafter, which is due out later next month. In that interview, the big screen legend revealed that back in the day he was sought after to play the iconic roles of... The Man of Steel and 007? It's true! Here's Eastwood on both roles and his decision to turn them down at the time: "I can remember . and this was many years ago . when [Warner Bros. President] Frank Wells came to...
- 9/8/2010
- by George Merchan
- JoBlo.com
Clint Eastwood could have been both Superman and James Bond. What? That is news to us! But such is what Clint Eastwood has said in a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times. Apparently, the iconic actor/director was initially offered the role of Superman (which went to Christopher Reeves) in the original 1978 Superman movie, as well as the role of James Bond in the 1969 film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Eastwood told the L.A. Times that he wasn’t interested in playing The Man of Steel, saying, “I can remember – and this was many years ago – when [Warner Bros. President] Frank Wells came to me about doing Superman. So it could have happened. This was when they first started to think about making it. I was like, Superman? Nah, nah, that’s not for me. Not that there’s anything wrong with it. It’s for somebody, but not me.
Eastwood told the L.A. Times that he wasn’t interested in playing The Man of Steel, saying, “I can remember – and this was many years ago – when [Warner Bros. President] Frank Wells came to me about doing Superman. So it could have happened. This was when they first started to think about making it. I was like, Superman? Nah, nah, that’s not for me. Not that there’s anything wrong with it. It’s for somebody, but not me.
- 9/8/2010
- by foxallaccess
- Fox All Access
Legendary actor Clint Eastwood revealed in a recent interview that he almost ended up playing Superman and James Bond at one point in his career! Could you imagine how awesome it would have been to see Eastwood in either one of these roles! Sure he may not have really fit the parts, but just to see how he would portray these characters would be cool to see!
He explains in the interview why he turned down the roles and also lets us know what his favorite comic book character was when he was a kid.
When asked about the role of Superman he said,
Thank God that I didn't have to do that. I can remember – and this was many years ago – when Warner Bros. President Frank Wells came to me about doing Superman. So it could have happened. This was when they first started to think about making it.
He explains in the interview why he turned down the roles and also lets us know what his favorite comic book character was when he was a kid.
When asked about the role of Superman he said,
Thank God that I didn't have to do that. I can remember – and this was many years ago – when Warner Bros. President Frank Wells came to me about doing Superman. So it could have happened. This was when they first started to think about making it.
- 9/8/2010
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
We've presented a fair share of "What If?" casting stories over the years here on Splash Page, with many of them involving actors who, at one point or another, came close to playing Superman on the big screen. There was Christian Bale, Brendan Fraser, David Hasselhoff, and... Clint Eastwood?
Yes, according to an interview with Hero Complex, the "Dirty Harry" star was considered for the title role in 1978's "Superman" — a role that eventually went to Christopher Reeve.
"I can remember – and this was many years ago – when [Warner Bros. President] Frank Wells came to me about doing Superman," said Eastwood. "So it could have happened. This was when they first started to think about making it. I was like, 'Superman? Nah, nah, that’s not for me.' Not that there’s anything wrong with it. It’s for somebody, but not me."
Richard Donner's big-screen take on the Man...
Yes, according to an interview with Hero Complex, the "Dirty Harry" star was considered for the title role in 1978's "Superman" — a role that eventually went to Christopher Reeve.
"I can remember – and this was many years ago – when [Warner Bros. President] Frank Wells came to me about doing Superman," said Eastwood. "So it could have happened. This was when they first started to think about making it. I was like, 'Superman? Nah, nah, that’s not for me.' Not that there’s anything wrong with it. It’s for somebody, but not me."
Richard Donner's big-screen take on the Man...
- 9/7/2010
- by Rick Marshall
- MTV Splash Page
Former Disney chief Michael Eisner, who is in talks to become chairman of Tribune Co.'s board, recently played reporter to write his upcoming book, "Working Together: Why Great Partnerships Succeed." Here is an e-mail he sent to friends about the book Wednesday.
Dear Friends,
As the summer comes to a close, I wanted to send you a note to let you know that I'm eagerly anticipating the release of my book, Working Together: Why Great Partnerships Succeed, which will be published by HarperCollins on September 14th.
This all began about a decade ago when I found myself trying to figure out why my partnership with Frank Wells at Disney was so magical for us. Then I started thinking about partnerships in general, about great combos in business and in life, about the elusive nature of "working together." We're all brought up in a world of sharing, from birth to at least through 6th grade,...
Dear Friends,
As the summer comes to a close, I wanted to send you a note to let you know that I'm eagerly anticipating the release of my book, Working Together: Why Great Partnerships Succeed, which will be published by HarperCollins on September 14th.
This all began about a decade ago when I found myself trying to figure out why my partnership with Frank Wells at Disney was so magical for us. Then I started thinking about partnerships in general, about great combos in business and in life, about the elusive nature of "working together." We're all brought up in a world of sharing, from birth to at least through 6th grade,...
- 8/25/2010
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Eisner is not a man with many close friends. But John Angelo is one of the few.
Angelo is co-founder of hedge fund Angelo, Gordon & Co., one of the senior creditors in the complex Tribune Co. bankruptcy. And he's the person who approached Eisner about joining the board of a reconfigured Tribune Co.
Formidable legal obstacles must be overcome before new management can be installed at the troubled media company. But Eisner, formerly Disney chairman and CEO, is in talks to become chairman of the board, possibly with former colleague Jeff Shell, now president of the Comcast Programming Group, as his CEO.
A source close to Eisner said he believes Tribune is "a massively undervalued asset" that "if managed properly could be turned around."
The Tribune Co. owns 23 television stations, including Ktla-tv Los Angeles, and a group of newspapers including the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune. The L.
Angelo is co-founder of hedge fund Angelo, Gordon & Co., one of the senior creditors in the complex Tribune Co. bankruptcy. And he's the person who approached Eisner about joining the board of a reconfigured Tribune Co.
Formidable legal obstacles must be overcome before new management can be installed at the troubled media company. But Eisner, formerly Disney chairman and CEO, is in talks to become chairman of the board, possibly with former colleague Jeff Shell, now president of the Comcast Programming Group, as his CEO.
A source close to Eisner said he believes Tribune is "a massively undervalued asset" that "if managed properly could be turned around."
The Tribune Co. owns 23 television stations, including Ktla-tv Los Angeles, and a group of newspapers including the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune. The L.
- 8/25/2010
- by By Kim Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Pixar tentpole "Brave" has been given a release date of June 15, 2012, and there will be another "Monsters, Inc.," scheduled for the 2012 holiday season, precisely Nov. 16.
Those were two of the news items off a wide-ranging discussion and presentation Thursday by new Disney film chieftain Rich Ross.
After unveiling trailers for a number of upcoming titles -- including Jerry Bruckheimer's "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time," "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" and the female-skewing "Secretariat," with Diane Lane as the horse's determined owner -- Ross unveiled the first three movies he's greenlighting: "Pirates of the Caribbean 4," and "The Muppets" in 2011 and the teen-targeted "Prom" in 2012.
The first is the company's most successful global franchise and hence a no-brainer, the second will introduce a new Muppet named Walter, and the third will be "smart and authentic" a la what John Hughes used to do.
"Brave," once known as "The Bear and the Bow,...
Those were two of the news items off a wide-ranging discussion and presentation Thursday by new Disney film chieftain Rich Ross.
After unveiling trailers for a number of upcoming titles -- including Jerry Bruckheimer's "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time," "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" and the female-skewing "Secretariat," with Diane Lane as the horse's determined owner -- Ross unveiled the first three movies he's greenlighting: "Pirates of the Caribbean 4," and "The Muppets" in 2011 and the teen-targeted "Prom" in 2012.
The first is the company's most successful global franchise and hence a no-brainer, the second will introduce a new Muppet named Walter, and the third will be "smart and authentic" a la what John Hughes used to do.
"Brave," once known as "The Bear and the Bow,...
- 4/22/2010
- by By Elizabeth Guider
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
At some point or another, we've all been touched by the Mouse. Disney Animation is a ... It's so iconic, legendary, spectacular, breathtaking, lifechanging, epic; there's actually not a word in the English language that encapsulates everything the Mouse House Toons truly represent. Get on that shit, Figment! As a child or with a child, we've all thoroughly enjoyed a Disney cartoon. And in the 1980s, everything almost went tits up. Waking Sleeping Beauty is three parts home movie and two parts propaganda doc about the revival of Disney's Animation department during the decade of 1984-1994. What makes me slightly cynical about using that particular timeframe is that it represents more or less the Katzenberg-Eisner-Wells era at Disney, rather than any sort of quality time frame. Disney was still pumping out the shits, but this marked the resurgence of their good name with four musical fairy tales. But the documentary doesn't...
- 4/6/2010
- by Brian Prisco
In the mid-1980’s a series of mediocre movies and box office flops threatened to shutter the Disney animation department forever. Studies showed children “wouldn’t be caught dead” near a cartoon film like The Black Cauldron and live-action classics such as Flight of the Navigator were dominating the zeitgeist instead. Teetering on the brink of extinction, the department went through corporate and creative changes that brought about a modern resurgence and a new golden age of animated cinema.
Told using a treasure trove of archival footage, Waking Sleeping Beauty chronicles the influential decade where a parallel peak of hand-drawn animation met the contentious backroom battles of top executives. It’s a fun, fascinating look at the magic and mistakes that made such great films.
A conscious lack of reminiscing “talking heads” spliced into the home video keeps the story firmly rooted in the timeline; instead accompanied by candid audio...
Told using a treasure trove of archival footage, Waking Sleeping Beauty chronicles the influential decade where a parallel peak of hand-drawn animation met the contentious backroom battles of top executives. It’s a fun, fascinating look at the magic and mistakes that made such great films.
A conscious lack of reminiscing “talking heads” spliced into the home video keeps the story firmly rooted in the timeline; instead accompanied by candid audio...
- 3/21/2010
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
Oscar-winning director William Friedkin.
In July of 1997, I conducted the first of two lengthy interviews with director William Friedkin, regarded by many as the "enfant terrible" of the so-called "Easy Riders and Raging Bulls" generation of filmmakers who, for one brief, shining moment, seemed to reinvent American cinema in the late '60s thru the late '70s. Meeting Friedkin was something of a milestone for me at the time: I was still in my 20s, had been writing for Venice Magazine less than a year, and "Billy," as he likes people to call him, was the first person I interviewed who was one of my childhood heroes--a filmmaker whose one-sheets hung on my bedroom walls when I was growing up.
Below are the two interviews, conducted a decade apart from one another, and posted in reverse chronology. In both, Billy reveals a cunning intellect, a sometimes abrasive personal style,...
In July of 1997, I conducted the first of two lengthy interviews with director William Friedkin, regarded by many as the "enfant terrible" of the so-called "Easy Riders and Raging Bulls" generation of filmmakers who, for one brief, shining moment, seemed to reinvent American cinema in the late '60s thru the late '70s. Meeting Friedkin was something of a milestone for me at the time: I was still in my 20s, had been writing for Venice Magazine less than a year, and "Billy," as he likes people to call him, was the first person I interviewed who was one of my childhood heroes--a filmmaker whose one-sheets hung on my bedroom walls when I was growing up.
Below are the two interviews, conducted a decade apart from one another, and posted in reverse chronology. In both, Billy reveals a cunning intellect, a sometimes abrasive personal style,...
- 2/24/2010
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
A nephew of Walt, he restored Disney to classic cartoon status
Roy E Disney, who has died from stomach cancer aged 79, was the last member of the Disney family involved in the company and saw himself as the protector of its tradition. As the family enterprise grew into a huge conglomerate, he retained a strong influence. Twice he exiled himself from the business and then returned to lead shareholder revolts which saw the corporation's leadership thrown out and its direction returned to traditional strengths, particularly cartoons.
He grew up with the Walt Disney Co, originally the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. His father, Roy Oliver, handled finances while his uncle Walt ran the creative side and was the public face. Mickey Mouse was created in 1928; two years later Roy was born. In some ways, he was the son Walt never had. He attended test screenings when young and later remembered the...
Roy E Disney, who has died from stomach cancer aged 79, was the last member of the Disney family involved in the company and saw himself as the protector of its tradition. As the family enterprise grew into a huge conglomerate, he retained a strong influence. Twice he exiled himself from the business and then returned to lead shareholder revolts which saw the corporation's leadership thrown out and its direction returned to traditional strengths, particularly cartoons.
He grew up with the Walt Disney Co, originally the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. His father, Roy Oliver, handled finances while his uncle Walt ran the creative side and was the public face. Mickey Mouse was created in 1928; two years later Roy was born. In some ways, he was the son Walt never had. He attended test screenings when young and later remembered the...
- 12/17/2009
- by Michael Carlson
- The Guardian - Film News
Roy Edward Disney, the son and nephew of The Walt Disney Company co-founders Roy O. Disney and Walt Disney, respectively, passed away yesterday after a yearlong battle with stomach cancer at the age of 79.
Roy E. Disney joined the Disney Company in 1953 and worked there 56+ years, eventually serving as Vice Chairman of its board of directors and chairman of Disney Animation from 1984-2003. Most recently he held the title of director emeritus and consultant. As the head of Disney Animation, Mr. Disney was credited with guiding the studio into a new golden age of animation with feature films such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King.
Roy E. Disney was also a passionate defender of the company and its direction, leading a shareholder revolt not once but twice against the company and its board when he and others believed that Disney had lost its bearings.
Roy E. Disney joined the Disney Company in 1953 and worked there 56+ years, eventually serving as Vice Chairman of its board of directors and chairman of Disney Animation from 1984-2003. Most recently he held the title of director emeritus and consultant. As the head of Disney Animation, Mr. Disney was credited with guiding the studio into a new golden age of animation with feature films such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King.
Roy E. Disney was also a passionate defender of the company and its direction, leading a shareholder revolt not once but twice against the company and its board when he and others believed that Disney had lost its bearings.
- 12/17/2009
- by Glenn Hauman
- Comicmix.com
Roy E. Disney, the son and nephew of The Walt Disney Company co-founders Roy O. Disney and Walt Disney, respectively, passed away yesterday after a yearlong battle with stomach cancer. He was 79. Roy E. Disney joined the Disney Company in 1953 and worked there 56+ years, eventually serving as Vice Chairman of its board of directors and chairman of Disney Animation from 1984-2003. Most recently he held the title of director emeritus and consultant. As the head of Disney Animation, Mr. Disney is credited with guiding the studio into a new golden age of animation with feature films such as The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), and The Lion King (1994). Roy E. Disney was a strong defender of the company and its direction, rallying shareholders not once but twice in a rebellion against the company and its board when he and others believed that Disney had lost its bearings. The...
- 12/17/2009
- by gwen@cynopsis.com
Roy E. Disney, whose efforts to instill his will on the company co-founded by his father and uncle included the ousting of two CEOs and a renewed commitment to animation, died Wednesday, one month shy of his 80th birthday.
The nephew of Walt Disney and only child of Roy O. Disney died after a yearlong battle with stomach cancer at a hospital in Newport Beach, Calif. Funeral services will be private; plans for a "life celebration" will be announced.
HIs body will be cremated and ashes scattered at sea, a fitting tribute to a man with a passion for racing sailboats. In fact, the latest entry in a long list of movie and television credits dating to 1952 when he was an assistant editor on the "Dragnet" TV series, ends with "Morning Light," a documentary about sailing that he exec produced in 2008.
But Disney is best known as the primary agitator who,...
The nephew of Walt Disney and only child of Roy O. Disney died after a yearlong battle with stomach cancer at a hospital in Newport Beach, Calif. Funeral services will be private; plans for a "life celebration" will be announced.
HIs body will be cremated and ashes scattered at sea, a fitting tribute to a man with a passion for racing sailboats. In fact, the latest entry in a long list of movie and television credits dating to 1952 when he was an assistant editor on the "Dragnet" TV series, ends with "Morning Light," a documentary about sailing that he exec produced in 2008.
But Disney is best known as the primary agitator who,...
- 12/16/2009
- by By Paul Bond
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A look at the organization that his uncle built, and which Roy fought for in his waning years.
Roy Disney has died. Disneyphiles know Roy, a longtime executive at Disney, as the fiery nephew of Walt who resigned the board of the company in 2003, along with Stanley Gold, and fired a deadly shot at then-chairman Michael Eisner in the process in a letter for the ages:
You well know that you and I have had serious differences of opinion about the direction and style of management in the Company in recent years. For whatever reason, you have driven a wedge between me and those I work with even to the extent of requiring some of my associates to report my conversations and activities back to you. I find this intolerable... ...Michael [Eisner], I believe your conduct has resulted from my clear and unambiguous statements to you and to the Board of...
Roy Disney has died. Disneyphiles know Roy, a longtime executive at Disney, as the fiery nephew of Walt who resigned the board of the company in 2003, along with Stanley Gold, and fired a deadly shot at then-chairman Michael Eisner in the process in a letter for the ages:
You well know that you and I have had serious differences of opinion about the direction and style of management in the Company in recent years. For whatever reason, you have driven a wedge between me and those I work with even to the extent of requiring some of my associates to report my conversations and activities back to you. I find this intolerable... ...Michael [Eisner], I believe your conduct has resulted from my clear and unambiguous statements to you and to the Board of...
- 12/16/2009
- by Cliff Kuang
- Fast Company
Nephew of Walt Disney who led two famous shareholder revolts at family's company dies aged 79
Roy E Disney, the son and nephew of The Walt Disney Company founders who twice led shareholder revolts that shook up the family business, died today. He was 79.
The Walt Disney Company announced that Disney died in Newport Beach, California after a bout with stomach cancer.
Although he generally stayed out of the spotlight, Roy Disney didn't hesitate to lead a successful campaign in 1984 to oust Walt Disney's son-in-law after concluding he was leading the company in the wrong direction. Nearly 20 years later, he launched another successful shareholders revolt, this time against Michael Eisner, the man he'd helped bring in after the previous ouster.
Disney, born in 1930, had practically grown up with the company. His uncle Walt Disney and his father, Roy O Disney, had co-founded the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio seven years before, later...
Roy E Disney, the son and nephew of The Walt Disney Company founders who twice led shareholder revolts that shook up the family business, died today. He was 79.
The Walt Disney Company announced that Disney died in Newport Beach, California after a bout with stomach cancer.
Although he generally stayed out of the spotlight, Roy Disney didn't hesitate to lead a successful campaign in 1984 to oust Walt Disney's son-in-law after concluding he was leading the company in the wrong direction. Nearly 20 years later, he launched another successful shareholders revolt, this time against Michael Eisner, the man he'd helped bring in after the previous ouster.
Disney, born in 1930, had practically grown up with the company. His uncle Walt Disney and his father, Roy O Disney, had co-founded the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio seven years before, later...
- 12/16/2009
- The Guardian - Film News
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