Father Geek here with a little bit from the World Science Fiction Con currently out in San Jose, California. Good news! Harry and I shared a Chinese Thankgiving Day feast with Orson a couple of years ago in Malibu, and talked alot about the possibility of an ENDER'S GAME flick. At that time Orson was pretty down about it ever seeing light of day... nice to see that's changed. I do remember that even then he was insistant on maintaining control of his work and the need for total unknowns in child roles. He also went into the issue with us of how to bring to the screen Ender's constant internal thoughts. Much of that conversation centered on the "general" public's reactions to the same problem in BLADE RUNNER's original release.(The version both Harry and I prefer, so much so we bought that version in beautiful 16mm Scope) Its nice to see he's found a way to possibly reconcile that issue... Any way here's the report from the lovely Amnell...
Hi All,
Amnell again, with my second report from World Con in San Jose, California. This is the second of the two movie related reports I have. There’s not a whole lot to say, but I thought some might be interested :
Orson Scott Card began his reading session by giving an update on the status of adapting Ender’s Game for the big screen. Nothing too new, or out of the ordinary, but he did confirm that they are still trying to come up with a script that blends Enders Game and Enders Shadow. Blending the two novels solves the problem that much of Ender‘s Game is Ender’s internal monologue/struggle with the tasks placed before him. He also re-emphasized that no one has been cast yet, and any child will probably be unknown and approximately 7 years old right now in order to be in the 9 year old range when it comes time to film in approximately 1-2 years.
The other interesting bit of news is that Forge of God by Greg Bear has been optioned and is in development with Warner Brothers and that Ron Howard was potentially attached . My husband is currently reading this book and I intend to pick it up as soon as he’s done. From what he describes, it’s a smarter, darker, more realistic version of Independence Day without the happy ending. Sounds interesting to me. The other interesting bit is that they are considering producing all 3 stories (Forge of God, Anvil of Stars, and a third novel I haven‘t yet identified). Sounds like it could be great if done well.
Until Then,
Amnell
Father Geek back, Got this a few minutes ago...
Hi Father Geek,
I saw you posted a scoop about Forge of God being made. Actually Greg's site some more information as more information, including the coolness that is Christopher Nolan writing the sceenplays.
If you can use this call me secret_librarian
Love the site.
The Following from www.gregbear.com
FORGE OF GOD AT WARNER BROTHERS!
Warner Brothers has just negotiated a potential three-picture deal for THE FORGE OF GOD, ANVIL OF STARS, and an as-yet unnamed and unwritten third novel set in the same timeline.
Screenwriter Ken Nolan ("Blackhawk Down") prepared a 70-page extended treatment, called by some a "scripment," of The Forge of God while working with Vince Gerardis of Created By, a Los Angeles management/production company that specializes in science fiction. Warner is commissioning two screenplays, with provisions for a third.
The deal is excellent, the "scripment" by Ken Nolan is extraordinary and very faithful to the novel, and Warner Bros.' enthusiasm and commitment to the project is exemplary. The deal was made at the behest of and with the total involvement of the highest management at Warner Bros., and was completed within one day of negotiation. Warner Bros. has expressed a desire to have all the elements in place to begin production as soon as possible. A director is not yet attached, but may be soon.
