WB buys Pontius Pilate script

WB may have passed on Ron Howard’s ambitious “The Dark Tower” adaptation, but the studio bought a script for a film about Pontius Pilate. The film will follow Pilate’s journey as a soldier who gains power under the Roman Emperor Tiberius, but screws up along the way and finds himself desperate for public approval when the time comes to make the choice as to the fate of Jesus of Nazareth. The script was written by “The Woman in Black” writer Vera Biasi. The big question is will this come to fruition. Darren Aronofsky, Ridley Scott, Steven Spielberg and Paul Verhoeven all have Biblical films in various stages of development. This looks like a growing trend for Hollywood, though Aronofsky’s “Noah” starring Russell Crowe could make or break the genre.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

Two projects back from the dead?!

Last night it was reported WB passed on Ron Howard’s ambitious adaptation for “The Dark Tower” with reports that Russell Crowe was interested in starring. Now today, Variety is reporting that Media Rights Capital is in serious talks to finance the adaptation. The films and TV series would be based on Stephen Kings epic series. Good news as if this is done right, this will be one heck of a series.

The second project, despite reports hat Jim Carrey dropped out of the project, the Farrelly brothers insist both he and Jeff Daniels are on board for a “Dumb and Dumber” sequel even revealing the plot!

“The story revolves around the fact that one of them may have sired a child. They want to go and find the child because he’s having a kidney problem and he wants to ask him for one of his kidneys,” Bobby Farrelly said.

I think they should let this one die.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

One adaptation continues to gather steam while another high profile one appears dead

“Kick-Ass 2” is reportedly courting Jim Carrey to play Colonel Stars who joins the superhero team in the sequel. Reports say this is not a sure thing, but if he does join the cast, he’ll join Aaron Johnson, Chloe Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, John Leguizamo, Donald Faison, Robert Emms, Yancy Butler and Morris Chestnut.

Meanwhile the high profile project of “The Dark Tower”, an adaptation of the Stephen King novels, has hit another snag with WB passing on it. Recently, it was reported Russell Crowe was attached to star with Ron Howard directing at least one installment and overseeing the franchise, which would have included TV series as well. But, now it looks like we may never see that.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.

Stephen King adaptation to get two films

“Stephen King’s It” is headed to the big screen and will get two films. Reports say Cary Fukunaga will direct and co-write the movie with Chase Palmer, Fukunaga is best known for directing “Jane Erye”. Doesn’t exactly scream first choice for a Stephen King movie, but, we’ll see. The adaptation will be split into two movies.

This is a busy time for King. “The Dark Tower” series is in-development with Ron Howard possibly attached, “The Stand”, “Carrie” and “The Ten O’Clock People”.

I’m looking forward to “The Dark Tower” the most by far.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at eggen.lukas@gmail.com.