This may make some fans happy.
Empire magazine had the opportunity to speak with Joe Gatta, producer of the upcoming Conan and Red Sonja movies and their conversation revealed some interesting information regarding Conan and the director’s position.
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It was back in October of last year when the rumor surfaced of Ratner being selected to helm the remake and for a while it seemed like a sure-thing. This February, Ratner discussed the movie and casting and all throughout the process the feedback from the readers was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t very positive.
For those who didn’t like the idea of Ratner making Conan, Empire’s conversation with Gatta revealed that Ratner will not be directing the movie:
“We’re currently in the process of hiring a director… For the past six months we were discussing the movie with Brett Ratner, and for more timing issues than anything else we had to part ways with Brett. We all wanted him to do it, believe me; just the timing didn’t work. But you never know what can happen.”
That doesn’t completely eliminate the possibility however. If Ratner’s schedule clears up in the future and the movie is delayed even more, he could still direct. For now, you can feel relieved as it’s unlikely he will.
So, if Ratner’s out, who are they considering instead?
According to CHUD, James McTeigue is their number one choice. Interestingly, McTeigue has worked alongside the Wachowski brothers on all three of the Matrix films and Speed Racer as an assistant director and in return, they’ve helped him with V for Vendetta and this year’s Ninja Assassin of which he directed himself.
Why is that interesting? Well, the Wachowski brothers were previously rumored to direct the Conan reboot, so if McTeigue gets the gig, we can almost expect them to have a part in it as well.
For those out there who think they can play Conan, you better start working out. In the interview, producer Gatta also said that once they lockdown the director, they will hold an open casting call for the lead part. I’m throwing my support out there to James Preston Rogers, the 6’6” monster of a man who is also rumored to play Thor.
“We have a potential start-date on Conan of August 24. And we’ll be shooting in Bulgaria. I would say though the emphasis is on Conan [rather than Red Sonja]. It’s our crown jewel here at the company and that will be the leader. Red Sonja probably won’t happen until next year, as far as making it goes. So we want to launch Conan and reinvent the franchise.”
If the movie runs on schedule and films this summer, we can expect a release later next year.
What do you think of the director swap?
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10 Comments
V for vendetta was good so there is hope.
Yeah “V for Vendetta” was awesome, but that fact that Brett Ratner isn’t directing anymore means that there is hope.
Ninja Assassin looks awesome from what we’ve seen so far too.
I hope they bring back ferrets…wait…that was The Beastmaster. Ok they should add ferrets.
Anytime Ratner is removed from consideration the chances of a project producing a quality film increases 100%.
Oh, and NO wrestlers playing Conan OR Thor, PLEASE!
What is best in life ?
” To see your enemies driven before you and to hear the lamentation of the women “.
I had a few Conan comics when I was a kid , very cool stuff.
I loooooooved the first Conan movie , despite a few clunky FX moments I thought it was so much fun.
I’m really excited to see this character return to the big screen.
Now all they need is a great script , a director who respects the source material , a huge budget , a genius of a fight choreographer and most importantly a big scary looking dude who can act.
Thats not too much to ask is it ?
Could be interesting. I’m not really that in to the idea of a Connan movie, but who knows.
On a side note not enjoying the new layout. The previous one was much more user friendly. I also simply don’t like how it looks.
They should bring back to the directors chear John Milius, He is a great director in the same level as Ridley Scott, we need experince director that have done sword and sandal type of movies.like he made the first Conan movie.
They can stick to his script King Conan: Crown od Iron when he was attached back in 2000.
Avi lerner whants to bring back Arnold and he is keen to continue the franchise,from Conan the Barbarian, but just changing the title slitely to Conan the King.
They have waited 2 years why can’t just wait an other untill 2010 when Arnold leaves office and to put back his loincolth and ravage the Hyborian screen…
Chris, I am with you all the way! Bring back John Milius! I still say he is the perfect man with the perfect vision for Thor, but I would love to see Mr. Milius finally make Crown of Iron!
But PRAISE Crom that Ratner is no longer attached!
“What is best in life?”
“The open steppe, freed horse, falcons at your wrist, and the wind in your hair.”
“WRONG! Conan, what is best in life?”
“To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of the women!”
“Yes, that is good!”
@Rob Keyes, interestingly enough, I once sent a facebook msg to James telling him to get his agent to contact Nu Image about Conan! He IS perfect for this!
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