Venom

Started by MacGuffin, July 31, 2008, 12:10:47 AM

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MacGuffin

Sony may bite on Spidey spinoff
Studio developing 'Venom,' seeking new writers
Source: Hollywood Reporter

With Heath Ledger's villainous Joker drawing attention and boxoffice dollars, Sony is moving forward with "Venom," a potential "Spider-Man" spinoff based on a bad guy.

The studio is developing the project, based on the gooey nemesis who appeared in "Spider-Man 3" and is hoping the character could serve as an antidote to the aging "Spider-Man" franchise in the way that Fox has used Wolverine to add longevity to its "X-Men" franchise.

But getting any spinoff off the ground, let alone one centered on a villain, can be tricky.

The studio had commissioned a draft of the script from Jacob Estes, a writer of the specialty film "Mean Creek," released several years ago by Paramount Classics. He's also attached to the Plan B drama "The Gifted."

But the studio is considering going in a different direction from Estes' script and is seeking writers for a new draft.

Casting also is no simple matter. Topher Grace played the character in the film, but agents have been eyeing the role for their clients, as Sony is not yet convinced the actor can carry a tentpole picture.

Neither Sony nor Marvel would comment for this story.

In "Spider-Man 3," Venom is essentially a parasite that attaches itself to a host via a sticky substance that then gives the host special powers. The fact that it is a substance rather than a character could give Sony leeway to cast a new actor.

"Venom" came about as part of the licensing deal between Marvel and Sony for the Spider-Man movies, which contained provisions allowing for the use of spinoffs based on other Spider-Man characters.

The project is part of a larger feeding frenzy for superhero projects, scores of which have been signed up in the last few months while movies such as "Iron Man" and "The Dark Knight" light up the boxoffice.

Sony is developing a fourth "Spider-Man" film for 2011, but that picture would come out nine years after the original movie debuted, adding to the studio's desire to see new Marvel characters.
"Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art." - Andy Warhol


Skeleton FilmWorks

Stefen

Oh, god.

Now we're going to get a bunch of superhero movies focusing on the villains and they're all going to suck.
Falling in love is the greatest joy in life. Followed closely by sneaking into a gated community late at night and firing a gun into the air.

pete

and they'll be the only thing anyone on xixax ever sees.
"Tragedy is a close-up; comedy, a long shot."
- Buster Keaton

MacGuffin

Ross To Helm "Venom"
By: Mike Fleming; Variety

The relationship between Columbia Pictures and Gary Ross that began with his rewrite on "Spider-Man 4" is taking a "Venom"-ous turn.

I am hearing that the studio is in talks with Ross to helm the Spidey-spinoff "Venom," and rewrite the script.

Ross will begin writing the script as soon as he completes the "Spider-Man" film.

While Venom showed up in the last Spidey installment, the intention is to start from scratch. Topher Grace played him in the last picture but the role will likely be recast.

Developing...
"Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art." - Andy Warhol


Skeleton FilmWorks

MacGuffin

'Chronicle's' Josh Trank looks to spit some Venom
Source: Los Angeles Times

EXCLUSIVE: With Sony's "The Amazing Spider-Man" looking to kick-start a Spidey resurgence this summer, the studio is taking a crack at another character associated with the superhero: Venom.

The studio is negotiating with Josh Trank, the hot director of this winter's found-footage hit "Chronicle," to take the reins of the Spidey spin-off, said a person familiar with the project who was not authorized to talk about it publicly. Sony was not immediately available for comment.

The film would center on the gooey villain who was a mainstay of the Marvel comics and was a nemesis, incarnated by Topher Grace, in the third "Spider-Man" picture in 2007. (The character attaches himself to a human host and becomes as powerful as the web-slinging superhero.)

A Venom film has been long-gestating at the studio, dating back at least to 2008 and preceding plans for this summer's Marc Webb-Andrew Garfield take on the character. Gary Ross negotiated to direct a Venom film back in 2009 but moved on to other projects, including the upcoming "Hunger Games."

Jacob Estes ("The Details") wrote a draft of a "Venom" script several years ago, but producers are seeking a new writer, said the source. (The Ross version was to craft Venom as less a villain than an antihero.) The film also would be seeking a new actor; Grace is not expected to reprise the role.

With "Venom," the 27-year-old Trank would not only return to superhero territory but would also bring a flair for shoe-leather storytelling that resonates with audiences: Despite an absence of stars as well as a modest budget, "Chronicle" has grossed more than $60 million since coming out last month.
"Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art." - Andy Warhol


Skeleton FilmWorks

MacGuffin

Sony confirms Venom and Sinister Six films
Announces plans to expand the Spider-Man universe
Source: Total Film

After months of rumours, Sony has finally confirmed that its Spider-Man universe will be extended by standalone films for both Venom and the Sinister Six.

The studio has assembled a kind of Spider-Man brain trust to bring this vision to reality, with Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Jeff Pinkner, Ed Solomon and Drew Goddard all set to work on the new films.

As well as writing The Amazing Spider-Man 3 (which Sony hopes Marc Webb will return to direct) for 2016, Kurtzman and Orci will team up with Solomon to write the screenplay for Venom, which Kurtzman will also direct.

Goddard will then pick up the strands of the various villains introduced by the main series and will write a script for The Sinister Six, which he is also slated to direct.

"The Spider-Man film franchise is one of our studio's greatest assets," said Columbia President Doug Belgrad. "We are thrilled with the creative team we have assembled to delve more deeply into the world."

Hugely exciting news then, with the wealth of viral teaser and hints that have been released over the past few weeks clearly having been leading to this announcement.

It will also throw a whole new light on The Amazing Spider-Man 2 when it arrives next year, which will no doubt contain a number of pointers as to how the franchise will eventually expand. Lots to watch out for when that film opens in the UK on 18 April 2014.
"Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art." - Andy Warhol


Skeleton FilmWorks