|
|
News Calling
Commissioner Gordon With production on the next Batman film slated to begin in February 2004, news and rumors are beginning to trickle out about the highly anticipated project to be directed by Christopher Nolan from a screenplay by David Goyer. Christian Bale will star as The Dark Knight. Coming Attractions at Cinescape confirms rampant Web rumors that the film's villain is would-be world conqueror Ra's Al Ghul and that a large portion of the story will be set in London (as well as "a desert locale"). "Think of Nolan's film as Gothamville," CA's source advised them, alluding to Smallville. "The entire cast is believed to be made up of young people. Warner Brothers looked across town to Culver City (Sony) and realized they needed to go Spider-Man and cast young." Meanwhile a source for Batman on Film claims that "this is a true Batman film in every shape and form, so Gordon, Alfred, Gotham and the 'Batman mythos' will be in the film. One rumor I've heard that we'll see a pre-Batman Bruce Wayne for some of the film. He's on his world travels before he returns to Gotham and begins his life as Batman. This is what brings him to London and meeting Ra's. However, I've not heard yet that this is a flat-out 'origin' film. But I believe [Warner Bros. honcho] Alan Horn has mentioned that the studio wanted to reestablish the character in an origin film." BOF's source added that they're uncertain if Ra's "is intended to be a true 'villain' as we are used to seeing in a Batman film. The Scarecrow – I keep hearing that he's in the film." BOF also says to "look for [Gotham City police commissioner Jim] Gordon to at least be in his mid 40's. Here's an interesting name I've heard recently: Dennis Quaid." Quaid's name was first mentioned as a possible Gordon a few months ago. The actor has been on a comeback lately and appears in the forthcoming Cold Creek Manor and The Alamo. Quaid, however, was supposed to star in the remake of The Flight of the Phoenix this fall. Is that project now on the backburner or will he be able to segue to Batman once that is done filming? Batman on Film has also "heard that Michael Gough will not return as Alfred as previously rumored." Finally, Superhero Hype has posted a brief interview with Wally Pfister, the cinematographer of the new Batman film. Pfister previously worked with Chris Nolan on both Memento and Insomnia. Pfister was tight-lipped but did confirm that he's "already begun early stages of pre-production on the project." Pfister revealed that while he was fond of the Batman TV series as a child, he "only really like the first" Batman film. "I think Tim Burton's vision was quite original," Pfister said. "This has no bearing as to the approach I will take with Chris for the upcoming film." He added that fellow Insomnia vets Nathan Crowley will be the production designer and Emma Thomas will produce Batman. Source
- filmforce.ign.com
|
