Latest Movie News From Moviefone |
- Believe It, Baby: 'Little Shop of Horrors' Is Getting a Remake
- 'Fuller House' Season 2: Prepare for More Blasts From the Past, New Drama
- 'Tomb Raider' Reboot Finds Its Villain in Walton Goggins: Report
- Watch the Fascinating McDonald's Origin Story in the New 'Founder' Trailer
- Tom Hardy Getting Terrible Tattoo After Losing Bet to Leonardo DiCaprio
- Watch the Trailer for Netflix's 'One Day at a Time' Remake
- 'Hairspray Live!': The All-Star Cast Sings the Praises of the Source Material as They Prep for Live Broadcast
- Johnny Depp Is the Most Overpaid Actor For Second Straight Year
- 'The Good Fight' Gets February Broadcast and Streaming Premiere Date
- New 'Fifty Shades Darker' Trailer Gets Its Panties in a Bunch
- Mark Hamill's Reaction to Carrie Fisher & Harrison Ford's Fling Is Hilarious
- This 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' Preview Is the 'Coolest' Tease Ever
- 'The Bachelor' 2017 Cast Includes an 'Aspiring Dolphin Trainer'
- Chris Pratt Retired His Go-To Karaoke Song for a Pretty Embarrassing Reason
- David Boreanaz Set Photos Tease the Final Week of 'Bones'
- Producer Frank Marshall Teases Next 'Bourne' Movie, 'Jurassic World 2,' and 'Indiana Jones 5'
| Believe It, Baby: 'Little Shop of Horrors' Is Getting a Remake Posted:  Here we go again: Warner Bros. is ready to remake "Little Shop of Horrors" ... for the second time.The studio has the project in the works with Greg Berlanti directing and Matthew Robinson penning the script, Deadline reports. The new version will be based on the 1986 film, which succeeded the original 1960 film in a roundabout way; the remake was actually based on an off-Broadway musical of the same name, which was in turn based on the 1960 film. Ah, such a complicated history. Like the Frank Oz-directed 1986 remake, the new version will be a musical horror comedy. You can rest assured that there will be plenty of song and dance as the characters deal with the shop's carnivorous plant. So far, there are no actors attached, but whoever signs on will have to fill the giant shoes of Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin, and Bill Murray. [via: Deadline] This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'Fuller House' Season 2: Prepare for More Blasts From the Past, New Drama Posted:  "Fuller House" has been more than just a walk down memory lane -- it has been a full-on marathon with no end in sight.The nostalgic journey will continue in the "Full House" sequel series' sophomore season. Jeff Franklin, the creator of both sitcoms, recently opened up to Variety about what we have to look forward to in the upcoming batch of episodes. Not surprisingly, there's a lot to like, including the return of more familiar faces and a visit from an iconic '80s boy band. *If you don't want any spoilers, you should stop reading now.* While the Olsen twins opted out of Season 2, just like they did the first season, there will be plenty of other fun guest stars to keep us entertained in their stead. For example, New Kids on the Block, Candace Cameron Bure and Andrea Barber's favorite band from their teen years, will appear in an episode. Franklin fittingly described the band as "the Beach Boys of 'Fuller House.'" On top of that, old friends and classmates will return. "We will see some fun faces from the past," Franklin said. "Gia will make an appearance -- Stephanie's trouble-making friend from her childhood, she's coming back." There's also going to be an entire high school reunion episode. Franklin revealed that we will see teen mom Kathy Santoni return, as well as two more of D.J.'s old flames: guitarist Viper and rich-kid Nelson. It should be quite the gathering. Meanwhile, the ladies of the Fuller house, D.J. (Bure), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin), and Kimmy (Barber), will have new drama to deal with. D.J. will have to face the fact that both of her love interests have given up on waiting for her, sparks will fly between Stephanie and a Gibbler, and Kimmy will see how things go with her ex. The house will be as chaotic as ever when Season 2 hits Netflix on Dec. 9. [via: Variety] This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'Tomb Raider' Reboot Finds Its Villain in Walton Goggins: Report Posted:  When Alicia Vikander takes over as "Tomb Raider" heroine Lara Croft, she'll be up against a new foe, and it looks like he'll be played by Walton Goggins.The "Vice Principals" star is in final negotiations to join the upcoming reboot, according to Variety. At this point, details about the project are still as scarce as the artifacts that Croft hunts down, but word is that he'll play a villain in the action flick. Goggins should be able to manage that just fine after starring in films like "The Hateful Eight," "American Ultra," and "Machete Kills." "Tomb Raider" is based on the popular video game franchise that launched in the '90s. It went on to inspire two movies starring Angelina Jolie as Croft: 2001's "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" and 2003's "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life." Now, it looks like Goggins will get to leave his mark on the franchise as well. The "Tomb Raider" reboot, directed by Norwegian filmaker Roar Uthaug, is slated to premiere on March 16, 2018. [via: Variety] This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Watch the Fascinating McDonald's Origin Story in the New 'Founder' Trailer Posted:  Superheroes aren't the only ones who get origin stories.The Weinstein Company has dropped a new trailer for "The Founder," its upcoming film about a key player in the history of the iconic fast food chain McDonald's. It looks like a surprisingly fascinating tale -- one in which the main character might not come off as a hero. The preview offers a glimpse at Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton), a struggling salesman who happens to discover a Southern California restaurant owned by Mac and Dick McDonald. Impressed by their quick turnaround time, he begins to imagining big things. Unfortunately, that doesn't bode well for Mac (John Carroll Lynch) and Dick (Nick Offerman). As we now know, Ray ultimately manages to gain control of the company and turn it into a burger empire. Laura Dern also stars in the film, which is directed by John Lee Hancock. Robert Siegel wrote the script. "The Founder" opens in theaters on Jan. 20. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Tom Hardy Getting Terrible Tattoo After Losing Bet to Leonardo DiCaprio Posted:  Hollywood movie stars, take heed! If you ever find yourself making bet with Leonardo DiCaprio, consider wagering something less permanent than a tattoo. DiCaprio's "The Revenant" co-star Tom Hardy has found himself in the position of getting a pretty embarrassing tattoo after losing their bet. As he told Esquire UK, DiCaprio bet Hardy that he would receive an Academy Award nomination for his role in "The Revenant." Hardy, ever so humble and apparently a risk-taker, disagreed and bet on a tattoo of the winner's choosing. Well, Hardy did get nominated as Best Supporting Actor, losing out eventually to "Bridge of Spies" star Mark Rylance. And, perhaps worse, he lost the bet. And guess what DiCaprio dictated as the tattoo? "He wrote, in this really sh---y handwriting: 'Leo knows everything.' Ha! I was like, 'OK, I'll get it done, but you have to write it properly,'" Hardy recalled. Leo might soon be breathing down his neck, since Hardy has yet to fulfill the terms of the bet. As he said, "I haven't got it yet, because it sucks." Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Watch the Trailer for Netflix's 'One Day at a Time' Remake Posted:  Classics never go out of style, but they can be refreshed for a new generation. Netflix unveiled the trailer for its remake of Norman Lear's iconic comedy "One Day at a Time." In the new version, Justina Machado plays the single mom role made famous by Bonnie Franklin in the original series. And this time, mom is a military veteran raising a radical teen daughter (Isabella Gomez) and socially adept tween son (Marcel Ruiz). Luckily, the legendary Rita Moreno is on hand to help. Lear serves as an executive producer on the remake, which looks heartwarming and moving, with some gentle sarcastic humor. There's some workplace comedy, with Stephen Toblowsky playing Machado's boss, and romance, too, with Todd Grinnell as a love interest. And of course, expect updated, modern-day issues and obstacles to pop up. All 13 episodes begin streaming January 6 on Netflix. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Posted:  When it comes to crafting a live broadcast of one of the most popular musicals of modern times, "Hairspray Live!" is a whole new 'do.Based on the 1988 cult film starring Ricki Lake and Divine as Tracy and Edna Turnblad from camp auteur John Waters, "Hairspray" was re-shorn in 2002 into a Tony-winning Broadway production headlined by Marissa Jaret Winouker and Harvey Fierstein, and madeover once again in 2007 with a feature film musical adaptation starring Nikki Blonsky and John Travolta. With the ratings success of live musicals airing on network TV, NBC is restyling the production yet again as "Hairspray Live!" Moviefone sat down with several members of the all-star cast – including Fierstein, who wrote the television adaptation and reprises his acclaimed role of Edna; newcomer Maddie Baillio as Tracy; pop superstar Ariana Grande as Penny Pingleton; Broadway icon Kristin Chenoweth as Velma Von Tussle; comic legend Martin Short as Wilber Turnblad; Disney stars Garrett Clayton and Dove Cameron as Link Larkin and Amber Von Tussle; "Hamilton" hoofer Ephraim Sykes as Seaweed and "Dancing With the Stars" pro Derek Hough as Corny Collins – to get their take of re-inventing a classic they loved through and through, whether they played it on stage or watched from the audience.  Maddie Baillio: Funny story. When I was like ten, I was at my friend's house, and I think I was pretty sheltered. I always called my mom and asked her if I could watch a movie if it was not [rated] G. So I called my mom and I asked her if we could watch the original "Hairspray," the John Waters film. And she said, "No no no no no!" Because there was like making out in it, and that was not okay for me to see – I didn't see that until a couple months ago, the original movie. I love it so much. I saw the 2007 movie with those great people, and I fell in love with the spirit of Tracy. She's like the ultimate underdog, so everyone can relate to her. And she's the ultimate optimist, and I really relate to that. She sees a rat on the street and she thinks it's like, the coolest thing in the world. Then I watched clips of the Broadway production with Harvey, who's playing my mom, which is so cool. This is like the ultimate master class for me. There are so many amazing people in the show -- I wake up every morning on cloud nine. I can't believe that this is really happening. This is my first audition outside of school, and I finished my sophomore year the day before they told me that I got this part. It's been crazy!  Harvey Fierstein: I wrote "The Wiz" last year, and they called me and said, "Would you be insulted if we asked you to write this but didn't ask you to act in it?" And I said "No!" I am really not that way – I love watching other people do my work! Like "Torch Song" or "La Cage [au Follies]" – I love watching other actors do it. So I'm not territorial in that way. I knew [Hairspray's Broadway writer] Mark O'Donnell had passed, and so I felt like to bring [composer and lyricists] Marc Shaiman and [co-lyricist] Scott Wittman's vision – because they wrote a lot of the score before the show was even written – to bring their vision to life, to write it, I was thrilled. And then when they came to me and asked me to perform it, there was a whole other energy. So how do you step back into these shoes? It's a process. I know who Edna is and all that, but there's the Hardy Har Hut, there's the Hefty Hideaway. For these places to become real and I'm living in it, it's really very spacey, I guess is the best way to describe it! Having performed Edna a thousand times myself, knowing what that did to the audience, I said "I want that experience for this audience at home. How do we do that?" So I stayed as close as I could to the Broadway experience, told the story that way, but hopefully used everybody, or allowed everybody else's storytelling in there.  Ariana Grande: I've always been very attracted to quirkier, nerdier characters – I don't know where that comes from, but I loved Penny from the moment I saw the original Broadway cast. I was like, "That's my track. When we go to karaoke, I'm singing Penny. When we go to therapy, I'm singing Penny's parts." I've always loved the role. I think what's so fun about her, other than her quirkiness and her weirdness, is her evolved mind, considering the household she grew up in. Prudy Pingleton, Penny's mother, is a nightmare. So the fact that Penny came out with this beautiful brain, and she's like, I love Tracy, so she's going to be my best friend, and I love Seaweed, so that's going to be my man. You know what I mean? That's so beautiful to me. When you're a kid, you don't hate people. You are taught to hate people. You're taught to judge people. You're taught to segregate. You're taught to discriminate. It's all taught. So she kind of maintained her childlike love for everybody. She doesn't see it that way.  Kristin Chenoweth: Why do I keep playing these villains, people? The most fun and the biggest challenge is to find out what's their good quality. The words are on the page, right? So I just have to play the role. But I need to find out. If I don't, if Kristin doesn't find something good in that person, I can't play her. And I'd like to think that Miss Baltimore Crabs, Velma, she is living in her past, and really wants it for her daughter, and that's the positive. But to a point. There are stage moms, and then there's Miss Baltimore Crabs.  Dove Cameron: I have seen it live in a couple different incarnations – obviously, I saw the recent interpretation of the movie when it came out, and I liked it so much that I saw it three times in theaters and I had the poster up in my wall when I was a kid for like three years. It's so funny because I totally forgot about that, but people keep asking me and it sounds like I am making it up but I was a huge fan of the show! I don't want to work with anyone else, ever, I want Kristin to be on every one of my projects. She has been my hero since I have been seven years old! So to work with her in "Descendants" three years ago was one of the more monumental moments of my career and my life, but then I performed with her at the Disney Concert Hall when we sang "For Good." When we found out that we would be involved in this, I called her up and I was like, "Guess what? We are going to see each other all the time!" I love her. She is the most incredible person. I go to her for advice for everything, she is a great all around person. I could go on about her forever but I won't, she is my hero!  Martin Short: I was there opening night when "Hairspray" opened on Broadway, and I have seen the film, but this becomes its own event. This becomes something. One of the big things for me, beyond working with the fabulous Harvey, is Marc Shaiman's one of my oldest friends. We've done Broadway together, Mark was my music director when I was on "SNL" as a cast member in 1984. And we did "Fame Becomes Me," my Broadway show, together, and scored specials I've done for HBO, so there's a long history and this is their beloved baby so I was thrilled to be asked.  Derek Hough: It's fun, especially Corny Collins because he's so over the top. We'd be in rehearsals and having fun, but the other day we finally put on the costumes and got on the set for the first time and we were like, "This is amazing!" You really feel like you're there. Even like the old cameras, everything – it's amazing. It's very immersive. We, as a cast, actually watched a documentary about the 60s, about that era to try to grasp hold of it. Our director Kenny Leon was like, "You guys aren't reacting enough to this, this moment – this is not normal." We were like, "Okay, whatever" but back then that was like sacrilegious. The Twist was an abomination! We were watching this show and people were saying, "Disgusting new dance coming out! The Twist! It's disgusting!" And people trying to do it – it was bizarre. Watching that really helped us get into the era. It was wild.  Garrett Clayton: I was super stoked to work with Harvey... Because he is Harvey, he is who he is. I also look up to him not just as an actor but as someone that has kind of writes things that he gets to be a part of, and I think that is the dream for anyone that lives in this city. But, as I get older I would love to have a little more control and produce and direct things one day. I want to create and I look to those that have been able to not only be successful actors but successful producers or writers or creators. For me that is a big dream and goal and I have looked up to him for that!  Ephraim Sykes: [The timing is] perfect! Everything happens for a reason, there is a reason we are all here. There is a reason that this cast has been assembled. The reason we are going through what we are going through and this message right now has to be told. And I believe the power is always in the hand of the people and through this love and through this understanding and especially through the differences in a show that preaches your individuality and what makes you different is what makes us the same and what we should trust and love. That is how we are going to find out way through, we are going to find our way through to a place we could have never imagined so that is why we are going through what we are going through! Grande: It's so beautiful. I'm so excited that we're doing these things now. The live musicals being seen by millions and millions of people, who didn't know that they loved musicals. They didn't know they loved theater. Or like maybe some young boy in a town who likes to dance, and nobody else in his school likes to dance, he's about to see this and be like, "Oh!" Chenoweth: "That's what I can do." We could have never afforded to come to New York to see any show. Growing up in Broken Arrow, we just wouldn't have had the money. But when I saw Julie Andrews on top of the hill singing "The Hills Are Alive" [in the "The Sound of Music"], which was a movie – thank God they had it, so that's what we're doing here. I'm glad that NBC started this, and is doing it. I'm thrilled. And also, it's making it cool again. I was a music theater geek. Baillio: Everyone in the cast is brilliant. Martin Short, he makes up lines all the time. So that leaves me hanging, so I don't really know what to say. I'm not that great at improv. But the fact that it is live, and that anything can happen, it's really nerve-wracking. Now I'm scared, but I'm mostly excited. Hough: Jennifer Hudson, when she sings her song – I mean, people are in tears. We were all crying. Even more so now – listen to it, geez! – you're kind of upset that we're here again and it's so relevant now. The song itself is powerful but when you add her voice to it, it's undeniable. It's interstellar. I can't explain it. It's out of this world. And everyone will hear Maddie, she's incredible, and her voice just exudes energy and light. Harvey is hilarious. When you work with him you realize what a legend he really is. And Martin Short! It's funny to see these living legends, how they work – they're full out, every single time. It could be 9 a.m. and they're 110 percent every time we run it. It's amazing to see. Grande: I'm not a watcher, but I will watch this 100 times. I am generally, literally if this were anything else, I probably wouldn't watch it. Once I've put out a music video, I never have to see it again. I don't have to look at anything again. I did it. I don't ever see performances back. I don't want to look at anything. But this is just such an important thing. This is something I have loved and listened to in the car on the way to school when I was younger. I had a birthday party, we all sang "Hairspray" songs, and I was like, okay, where's my Seaweed? I'm Penny. I think this is different. I'm definitely going to watch this. We're going to watch it together. We'll cry our eyes out. We're going to be like, "Why is it over?" With popcorn. Chenoweth: You do popcorn, I'll do Xanax. 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| Johnny Depp Is the Most Overpaid Actor For Second Straight Year Posted:  Johnny Depp is having a very bad year. Not only did he go through a contentious divorce from wife Amber Heard (who alleged he had abused her physically and verbally), the actor saw his big-budget movie "Alice Through the Looking Glass" bomb. That's why he tops Forbes' list of Hollywood's most overpaid actors for the second year in a row. Depp's last three movies returned just $2.80 for every $1 paid. In addition to "Alice," the stinker "Mortdecai" dragged down his earnings. At least Depp can look forward to yet another "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie and being part of the "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" franchise. Forbes' list is dominated by male actors who command eight-figure salaries, but see some of their movies go down like the Titanic at the box office. The only woman on the list is Julia Roberts in ninth place. But since women tend to be paid lower than men in almost all fields, it's not surprising that more female stars aren't on the list. Here's the full list: 1. Johnny Depp, returns $2.80 for each $1 paid 2. Will Smith, returns $5 for each $1 paid 3. Channing Tatum, returns $6 for each $1 paid 4. Will Ferrell, returns $6.50 for each $1 paid 5. George Clooney, returns $6.70 for each $1 paid 6. Adam Sandler, returns $7.60 for each $1 paid 7. Mark Wahlberg, returns $9.20 for each $1 paid 8. Leonardo DiCaprio, returns $9.90 for each $1 paid 9. Julia Roberts, returns $10.80 for each $1 paid 10. Bradley Cooper, returns $12.10 for each $1 paid Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'The Good Fight' Gets February Broadcast and Streaming Premiere Date Posted:  "The Good Fight" is ready to start punching in February. CBS announced that the "Good Wife" spinoff will premiere Sunday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. It will debut both on broadcast television and on streaming platform CBS All-Access. After that, the rest of the season will only stream on Sunday nights on CBS All-Access (all episodes won't debut at the same time, unlike Netflix or Amazon shows). "The Good Fight" arrives a little earlier than anticipated, with the delay of "Star Trek: Discovery" from January to May. The spinoff brings back original series stars Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart, Cush Jumbo as Lucca Quinn, and Sarah Steel as Marissa Gold. One year after the events of the "Good Wife" finale, an enormous financial scam wipes out Diane's savings and ruins the reputation of her goddaughter (Rose Leslie). Diane is forced to leave her firm, and takes Marissa to work with Lucca at one of Chicago's top law firms. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| New 'Fifty Shades Darker' Trailer Gets Its Panties in a Bunch Posted:  Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele bring their love to an elevator, and go commando in a crowded restaurant, in the new trailer for "Fifty Shades Darker." So, yeah, it looks like that "Fifty Shades of Grey" breakup did not stick.A few months ago, the first trailer for the "Fifty Shades" sequel set a viewing record in its first 24 hours, so it's way too late for people to try and act superior to this franchise. You're here watching too, aren't you? The second trailer recycles a few shots from the first one, but also shows more of Christian (Jamie Dornan) trying to win back Ana (Dakota Johnson), while everyone around them try to break them up. The spoil-sports include Ana's creepy boss Jack Hyde (Eric Johnson), Christian's own "Mrs. Robinson" Elena Lincoln (Kim Basinger), and Christian's disturbed former submissive Leila Williams (Bella Heathcote), who now appears to be stalking Ana. But Ana says she's "never been happier," so apparently this is what she needs, too. Here's the new trailer: Here's the official synopsis:
"Fifty Shades Darker" -- rated R for erotic content and graphic nudity -- will be released in theaters on February 10, 2017. The third film, "Fifty Shades Freed," is scheduled for February 9, 2018. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Mark Hamill's Reaction to Carrie Fisher & Harrison Ford's Fling Is Hilarious Posted:
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| This 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' Preview Is the 'Coolest' Tease Ever Posted:
Nothing from Iron Man is ever "minor," as we see in what Spidey himself declares "the coolest thing I've ever seen!" We're expecting something pretty close to that level when the first trailer drops. Don't let us down! "Spider-Man: Homecoming" -- directed by Jon Watts and co-starring Robert Downey Jr., Michael Keaton, Marisa Tomei, and Zendaya -- is scheduled for release July 7th, 2017. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| 'The Bachelor' 2017 Cast Includes an 'Aspiring Dolphin Trainer' Posted:
ABC just released details on the 30 bachelorettes who will fight over Nick Viall when Season 21 starts Monday, January 2. Here are Nick's future ex-girlfriends: It's not enough to look at the list, though. You should go to the official site to read the bios and look at the photos.  Not to keep knocking Alexis the dolphin girl (who looks pretty normal in her photo, above), but here are a few of her bio answers:
 And here are the press release details on the first episode, which -- of course -- includes crazy arrivals and (gasp) a "woman with a past - with Nick":
If you're into spoilers, Reality Steve has already revealed who Nick (supposedly) picked and is now engaged to. Spoiler alert: It's not the dolphin girl. "The Bachelor" begins Monday, January 2 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Chris Pratt Retired His Go-To Karaoke Song for a Pretty Embarrassing Reason Posted:
Pratt, now a married megastar, was on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" last night to promote his new movie "Passengers." During the chat, Pratt revealed that he retired his go-to karaoke song, "Man in the Mirror," after an embarrassing snafu in front of his then-crush. But the one who should really be embarrassed is the crush, Marina, since she let Chris Pratt get away.
It's hilarious, but also so sad. You have to watch the whole video for Pratt's cute story about his 4-year-old son, who went to Universal Studios to meet "the real Jurassic World guy" at the park:Pratt and Fallon also played Mad Lib Theater, so check that out, too:Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| David Boreanaz Set Photos Tease the Final Week of 'Bones' Posted:
As Entertainment Weekly recalled, Boreanaz had said back at Paley Fest 2012 that he would like to destroy the Jeffersonian Lab with a tank when the series ends. So maybe that's what he got to do? The final season of "Bones" will be a relatively brief 12 episodes, starting with the premiere, titled "The Hope in the Horror," airing Tuesday, January 3 at 9 p.m. ET on Fox. Want more stuff like this? Like us on Facebook. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Producer Frank Marshall Teases Next 'Bourne' Movie, 'Jurassic World 2,' and 'Indiana Jones 5' Posted:  Frank Marshall knows how to turn films into franchises as effectively as Jason Bourne knows how to turn the contents of any given room into deadly weapons.With over four decades of producing films to his credit, Marshall occupies a rarefied status in Hollywood thanks to his role in shepherding mega-hit franchises to the big screen -- a blockbuster list that includes all four (and counting) Indiana Jones movies, the "Back to the Future" trilogy, two "Gremlins" films, the modern "Jurassic World" series and, of course, the Jason Bourne franchise, not to mention his storied and ongoing association with Steven Spielberg across many of that filmmaker's iconic canon, as well as career high-water marks like "Paper Moon," "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?," "The Sixth Sense," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and, most recently, "Sully." With "Jason Bourne," the latest entry in the Bourne filmography, now available on DVD and Blu-ray, Marshall joined Moviefone to discuss the philosophies behind bringing Rubert Ludlum's reluctant operative back to the multiplex, updates on his future installments in the Indy and Jurassic franchises, making a move to the small screen in the age of peak TV, and even making a bid for applause on Broadway with a forthcoming musical using the margarita-soaked melodies of his longtime friend, Jimmy Buffett. Moviefone: What are you thinking, big picture, now that you know that audiences are still hungry for "Jason Bourne," seeing how the film performed all over the world. Where are you guys now in your thinking process? Frank Marshall: We're still in the infant stages of discussing what we're going to do next, but certainly, I think we took the opportunity here to give ourselves a lot of options at the end of his one, to expand the world. We have several new characters that are operating, both in the world of the CIA, but also in the world outside, and big business, and cyberspace. So I think we want to stay current, but we're probably going to look to expand the world. When it came time to return to "Bourne," you obviously have a wealth of experience building out and sustaining franchises, but what was the biggest challenge that you faced, in particular, on this one to make sure that the franchise was going to go forward successfully? The big challenge that we have is really how to keep the character of Bourne going, which is, how do we get him back into the fray? Certainly, he was living, when the movie opens, he's just still trying to find himself and find a life that he can live, even though he's tormented by his past. So it's always that question of how do you get him back? So we thought that the cyber warfare that's going on now was a good reason to tap into that again, and then with the idea of Nicky being the conduit to get him back into the fray. Do you have a list -- whether it's mental or actually written down -- of what a "Bourne" movie is: the ingredients that a "Bourne" movie should always have and the things that it should maybe avoid going into? Is there a master template for making a "Bourne" movie? Well, no. There's a couple of elements or ingredients that we always look towards. One is the realism and the grittiness of the movie. We do like to go to real locations and not just either CG them or fake them. Again, on this movie we were in five or six different countries, as we were on all the rest. We also, we have this element of a flashback where Bourne flashes back on previous things to help us tell his story. One of our signature elements are the fights that Bourne has and using everyday objects to figure out things. There are a few of those elements that we always look for. Plus, I think you can look back on all of the movies and say we've had extraordinary supporting characters in the movie, wonderful actors and actresses that give it that signature feel. It's not just the same characters in every movie, like they do with "Bond," but they're different, new characters, for example Riz Ahmed, Alicia Vikander, and Tommy Lee Jones in this one. It would be easy to underestimate Matt Damon's contribution because the character is so minimalist, but I want to hear from you why Matt is so integral to the success of the "Bourne" franchise. I think he's the perfect spy. He looks like your college roommate, and he doesn't look like he can hurt anybody, and he's very empathetic. So the audience is really sympathized with his place where he doesn't know who he is. I think that's a really cool problem that they want to see him try and solve, even though they think that he's this nice guy, but he's actually an assassin. That's a conflict they want to see him work out. But he's just this wonderful actor and, as you said, he doesn't have a lot of lines. So he has to do it in his actions and the way he behaves. What has it meant for you, throughout your career, to be able to take characters like Jason Bourne, who existed on the page, and like Indiana Jones, which was a cinematic creation, and have made a good run at creating and shepherding characters that are going to exist in the pop culture imagination for decades to come, like James Bond and Sherlock Holmes and Tarzan. What has that accomplishment meant to you? I'm a storyteller. I love telling stories. Certainly, the fact that these characters are enduring, and keep on going, and people love them is a great feeling because I think, as you get to know them, they become like security blankets. When you're flipping to the channels, and there's Jason Bourne in "Bourne Supremacy," you want to watch him. So it's nice to have been able to be a part of creating these characters and making them feel comfortable for people. You've certainly had a tremendous impact on today's filmmakers from your amazing body of work with all of the different filmmakers you've worked with. Give me a sense of how you feel about that, when people tell you how much certain movies that you made have meant to them and have influenced them, professionally and creatively. My first reaction is it makes me feel old! But I don't feel old -- I feel young. I feel like I was when I was making those movies. It's a thrill because we love making movies. I always have, and to have it as entertainment, and to have the audience or people say that they appreciate the movies that I've made is a great feeling because that's the ultimate compliment. That's why I do it. I'm an entertainer. So that's a roundabout way of saying I love it. I know that you're in the early stages of a new "Indiana Jones" movie. Can you give me a sense of where you are in the development process right now? Just the early stages. David Koepp is our screenwriter and we're all talking, but there's really nothing down on paper yet. What has you creatively excited about returning to that character? Again, it's just the team. It's a wonderful team like we had on "Bourne." It's nice to have your friends that you've known. Look, I've known Harrison [Ford] and obviously Steven {Spielberg] and the whole group for 30 years now. So it's nice to have everybody back together as kind of a reunion. Are you intrigued to see how Harrison rises to the challenge of reprising that role and the physicality of it at this stage of his career? Listen, I watched him in "Star Wars [The Force Awakens]," and I don't think he's going to have any problem! Probably a little further along in development is the next "Jurassic World" film. Give me a sense of where you are with that. I'm excited about that one. We're much further along. Actually, we start shooting in February in London. But I'm excited by the filmmaker, Juan Antonio Bayona, and what his take on the franchise and on the world of "Jurassic" is going to be. He's an exciting young filmmaker, and a lot like Colin Trevorrow was, he's an extraordinary filmmaker, but also a fan. So it's going to be nice to see what he comes up with. Do you have a sense of how he is continuing what Colin set up, and how he is making it his own? Well, yes. He's very meticulous in his preparation and in his doing storyboards and pre-viz, and he's a real shooter. If you've seen his other movies, you know that he has a dark side to him as well. So I'm kind of excited about what he's going to bring to the franchise. You've got some projects headed to television. Can you talk to me about the TV projects that you've got lined up right now? Yeah, we're developing a couple of things at CBS that we're kind of excited about, and a couple of documentaries that we're doing that are either going to be on cable or released and on something like Netflix or Amazon. So we've got a lot of things going. Do you have any of your film franchise properties that you're interested in bringing to TV, either in a direct way or with a bit of a twist or a tie-in kind of a way? No, we talk about it all the time, because it's just a nice new opportunity to tell a story in a different way. Was just, last night, [were] looking at "Goliath." I don't know if you've seen that, but there are some great new series, limited series, and series out there. So I think we might be looking at one or two, but I can't talk about them yet. Obviously, you've had such a fruitful partnership with Steven Spielberg. As he continues forward in his career, what are the kinds of things that you're looking for to keep him on the cutting edge as a filmmaker, the kind of material you're trying to find for him and develop for him? Well, it's pretty basic. We're always just looking for a good story. Steven has eclectic tastes just like [Kathleen Kennedy] and I do. We made a lot of different movies in a lot of different genres. So I'm just always looking for a good story, and then, hopefully, if he likes it too, he'll have a space in his schedule to try and do it. Our company is there at DreamWorks. So we're talking all the time about new things. How have the demands of your wife, Kathy Kennedy, running Lucasfilm over the past few years affected your professional partnership, if at all? Are you two able to collaborate as closely as you prefer to, Or does she have her hands full with the Lucasfilm properties? No, we've had to sort of separate ourselves on the business front. She runs Lucasfilm, and I now run Kennedy/Marshall, but obviously we still talk about things, and we recommend things to each other, and it's the same but different. What are the goal posts that you still have in your career, the things that keep you getting up and going to work with a smile on your face? I love the process of this. I branched out now, as the Kennedy/Marshall company makes a lot of documentaries which I'm very excited about, telling real stories. It's different than my day job where I know exactly what I'm doing every day on a movie. But on a documentary, you don't know what could happen every day, and it can do a 90-degree turn like we had on "The Armstrong Lie." So I'm excited about the documentaries we're doing. I'm also dipping my toe into Broadway. I'm producing a musical based on Jimmy Buffett's music called "Escape to Margaritaville," which will open at the La Jolla Playhouse in May, and then hopefully go across the country and end up on the East Coast somewhere. That was a project I definitely wanted to ask you about. Tell me about that collaboration with Jimmy Buffett. How did this come about, and what are you hoping to accomplish with it? We've sort of been dabbling in each other's worlds for many, many years, and love working together. There was an idea tossed around about how we would take his songs -- I think they call them a "jukebox musical" -- and put them into a story that really reflects his lifestyle and his world. A couple of years ago we got a couple of other people who are in the Broadway world that thought that this was a good idea, and we started working together. It's really the tone of something like "Mamma Mia!" or "Jersey Boys," where we have all the hit songs but they're woven into a story. It is a time when audiences want to forget about the real world and go have a good time, and this is what this musical is going to be -- certainly the world that Jimmy lives in. So it's been really fun, and it's happening! This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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