News broke a few weeks ago that a film version of Chris Carter television show Millennium might be on the way. I’ve spent that time trying to gather some information on the project to see if fans will get to see the return of Lance Henriksen’s Frank Black character.
Millennium was a mid-to-late nineties show from the creator of The X-Files, Chris Carter, as a way of tackling darker stories that did not fit into the X-Files mold. Lance Henriksen starred as Frank Black, a profiler who has remarkable insight into the minds of killers and other demented souls. The show was like Michael Mann’s Manhunter crossed with Seven, by way of The X-Files. While it wasn’t a huge hit, it did acquire many loyal fans during its run and a campaign has been ongoing to try and get some closure on the series.
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Lance Henriksen was approached by private investors who wish to make an independent film version of the Carter-produced series. Now, this is an interesting development as the rights to the series are owned by 20th Century Fox.
I have heard rumblings that Fox are interested in bringing Millennium back to screens – possibly without the involvement of Chris Carter and this independent route would seem like a way of doing so. It’s also believed that the studio intends to make another X-Files film, and again it’s possible that Carter won’t be involved (he directed and co-wrote 2008’s I Want To Believe). Now, be aware that this is speculation, but also something that I have heard through the grapevine, so there might be some truth to it.
If Fox were to let someone else produce a new version of Millennium then I can only assume that they would distribute the film on its release. It seems like a relatively risk-free way of Fox to use one of their properties without any real financial involvement, and in today’s fiscally challenged world, it might make good sense.
It is believed that Carter will step aside from the franchise and one name that has been mentioned with regards to directing an independent Millennium film is Brett A. Hart.
Hart worked with Henriksen on 2007’s wonderful Bone Dry and has shown interest in directing the project – even going so far as to say he’d direct it for free (although I can only assume he’d want some profit participation!). The low budget thriller was one of Henrikson’s better films in recent years and it shows the director has a clear visual style and an understanding of pushing a minimal budget to get maximum results.
I spoke with Hart who had this to say about the project:
“As a tremendous admirer of “The Millennium Series” I’m of course very intrigued by the recent rumors that there may indeed be a full length feature on the horizon. If any one can get “Millennium” made its Lance and it’s been a long time coming. It’s time to give the fans what they’ve been patiently waiting to see… More insight into the aberrant world of Frank Black… while further elevating and merging storylines, characterization and visuals… and finally closure for one of the finest series ever created. Let’s hope as the title sequence suggest “The Time is near”… and As I’ve already publicly stated… my passion and conviction for the series is so deep that I’d direct “Millennium – The Movie” for free just to see it on the big screen.”
The ball is now in 20th Century Fox’s court. Will they want to give the rights to independent producers who want to bring Millennium to the big screen or will they hold on to the property and refuse to share?
Who knows – but when we find out the answer, you can read about it on Screen Rant.
Source: Back To Frank
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24 Comments
Would be fantastic, the show started as a darker x files but soon suffered from a similar problem if getting bogged down in confusing mythology. Season one is up there with the best ever made! This show used to really get under my skin.
I will support a movie a version, then again, I liked the new x files flick.
Sounds great but no Chris Carter concerns me.
And he has to be attached to the upcoming X-Files film or I don’t see the cast supporting it. As Ducovney and Anderson are not under any contract with FOX.
coming from someone who works in the film industry, i can tell you this article seems like misinformed, wild speculation, and i would bet the farm that all “rumblings” of these films happening without carter are groundless and downright erroneous. there won’t be a millennium or an x-files film without the involvement of series creator chris carter. it simply will not happen.
I would love this film to happen. Without Carter, I can only trust in Henrickson. If he’s good with it, so am I!
Brilliant! The return of Frank Black!!!!
The series was too dark for me. But it’s made and a success, I keep my fingers crossed for a resurrection of ‘Harsh Realm’, which is still one of my favorite series to date.
uh didn’t the millenium come and go? In real life and on screen?
There was an episode of x-files that attempted to resolve the millenium cult storyline.
And I know a bunch of fans of millenium that were extremely put out by the cancellation of millenium BEFORE THE MILLENIUM!!! They were mad as heck… still are.
I hope this happens
I miss Frank Black .
This is the best news I’ve heard in years. I would love to see the return of Frank. Closing some of the gaping holes the 3rd season left open before the show was canceled would be wonderful. And to see Lance back in the role would be the only way to do this.
Loved the show, hope the news is true.
I adore Millennium and Lance Henriksen and this is a very interesting development. Has anyone seen Bone Dry? I have and it is a fantastic film, I can really see Mr. Hart doing justice to the franchise if Chris is no longer interested. I wonder if Mr. Hart is playing his cards close to his chest and knows something. C’mon Lance, make it happen!
@ johnson stafwhich
Remember Fox have often shown disregard to most of their genre properties – bear in mind how they’ve treated the X-Men, Alien and Predator properties over the years.
To think that the studio would only make an X-files or Millennium continuation with Chris Carter is slightly naive. Fox is a large corporation that makes money – not friends.
Niall
Niall, call it naive if you like. mark my words — won’t happen without carter. chris carter made BILLIONS of dollars for fox with the x-files franchise. you are right that they aren’t in the business of making friends, but there are some bridges you don’t burn. if carter decides to create a new series, don’t you think fox would like to be 1st in line to hear that pitch?
If you recall….the Roosters Vs. Owls had gone on for centuries, and the date 2012 had been mentioned before in several old episodes, plus the idea Frank’s daughter had abilities was apparent in the last season. In many ways, Millennium was better then X-FIles, I think it allowed Carter do explore another tortured soul and Frank came across as real where Mulder sometimes a comic book hero. Don’t get me wrong I loved X-Files, but with that success, Carter made a better series with Millennium.
“This is who we are”
Best news I’ve heard in years!!! I hope it’s true and we’ll finally see a Millennium movie! And I hope Chris Carter is on board.
Hmm, let’s see.
Millenium was a show watched by almost no one. Unless the studio makes it a $200 million blockbuster tentpole with A-list talent from top to bottom – which they obviously will not – the only people who would go to see a Millenium movie more than 10 years after it went off the air are it’s few hardcore fans, none of whom would see it if Chris Carter wasn’t involved.
So, yes, I’m certain Fox will go ahead with Carter.
Silly me, I forgot you’re a BLOGGER. Clearly you know more about the movie industry works than the people who actually make the movies.
This is great, great, GREAT!!!!!! CC turned the final season of MM into the most godawful crap I’d ever seen when it had been one of the best series ever to grace TV screens. This is just the best thing in years.
I dont believe a Millennium movie is going to be made without Chris Carter. But i can say, as an X-files fan, and someone who really enjoys Millennium: if there is someone that has what it takes to be ahead of this project, is James Wong and Glen Morgan, they made the brilliant second season of Millennium, comparable to The x-files. So i think they should at least write the script for this movie.
The Millennium movie must be made! it has to be done!
The Millennium movie must be made!
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