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RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT is walking on air, I never thought it would be on screen!

Published at:  Nov 28, 2005 9:35:29 PM CST









Hey folks, Harry here... Most of you know that I'm producing JOHN CARTER OF MARS with Alphaville and Paramount - but pretty much the entire time that I've been working with Jim Jacks and Sean Daniels on JOHN CARTER, they've also been working on a project that pretty much every boy on planet earth that has never grown up has been in love with... RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! Well, today they finally announced through the trades (Hollywood Reporter & Variety) that Tim Burton and Jim Carrey are in negotiations to turn the script that Larry Karaszewski and Scott Alexander have written into a huge big budget film. Not only that, but Richard Zanuck has joined the team to help make this tremendous adaptation a reality. In addition you have Ken Atchity producing, and his partner Chi-Li Wong is executive producing. They're all loaded up with producing talent.











I've read the Karazewski and Alexander script and enjoyed it immensely. It takes place back when Ripley was literally the "most interesting man in the world" prior to World War II - when he lived upon his amazing estate on BION ISLAND ("Believe It Or Not Island") and it is really a rollicking period adventure. Some may look at it as a bit Indiana Jones - and definitely there is a relation to that wild spirit of adventure that Indiana Jones had, but where Indiana was underfinanced and usually ill-prepared for encounters - Ripley mounts amazing expeditions with a more varied assortment of adventurous mates.











Not only that - but his financial battles with William Randolph Hearst, his tormenting of the United States Postal Service and the love he had for the children of the world all kinda shine through. It's quirkier than the Indiana Jones films have been, but don't be mistaken - it's every bit as epic, in its own way.











The script bristles with invention and detail - and I've no doubt that Tim Burton is going to have a blast with all the various eccentricities of this lead character - from the fact that he was an illustrator of the strange and unbelievable to the collector of oddities and oddly beautiful. I can't wait to see this thing come to life!



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    Readers Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 9:45:44 PM CST

    First?

    by catvutt

    What do I win?

    Reply to Talkback

  • but then again, this isn't a horror movie, is it?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 9:48:05 PM CST

    "...flying away on wing and a prayer..."

    by mookiedood

    ...who could it be? Believe it or not, it's Harryyyy!

    (feels to good to be true...)

    sigh.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 9:49:50 PM CST

    Get Jack Palance to do a Cameo!!!

    by nivek666

    I always linked him and Ripley because of his narration on the ABC show from 82-86. His voice was so creepy and cool doing the Narration, I would just love to hear him say 'Believe it... or not!" one more time before he passes on.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 10:03:41 PM CST

    sixth...

    by tomhagen

    i thought they were bringing Greatest American Hero to the screen... damn fools.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 10:04:59 PM CST

    could be a cool movie...

    by spice-orange

    I remember a really old DOS game about Ripley and all the crazy shit he's found and his stories. it could be like Indy + freaks + jim carrey. and with Tim Burton? wow. you really might not be able to screw this up. wouldnt it be cool if there were "nightmare before chirstmas"-like shrunken heads or monsters or something? that would be hot.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 10:10:19 PM CST

    Second The Motion On The Palance Cameo.

    by buster00

    I've always been fascinated with Ripley...probably for the same reasons I'm fascinated by P.T. Barnum. I hope this is in good hands...with Burton, I like to think it is. And someone here will know: Is there some legit reason they don't have Jack Palance involved with the current version of TV's "Believe It or Not"?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 10:11:14 PM CST

    Should be Depp instead of Carrey

    by burlivesleftnut

    Yeah, you heard me.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 10:17:35 PM CST

    Huh?

    by quadrupletree

    How the heck are they going to turn THAT into a film?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 10:31:35 PM CST

    http://www.aintitcool.com/multimedia/posters/tigger_poster.jpg

    by jrbarker

  • Nov 28, 2005 10:47:15 PM CST

    Wow

    by nairb the movie

    My favorite director, my favorite actore, my favorite style of movie.

    I need new pants.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 10:48:24 PM CST

    Should be Dean Cain...

    by chickychow

    since i've seen that tool hosting the show from time to time.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 10:54:32 PM CST

    " I'm producing JOHN CARTER OF MARS "

    by nsomnia

    Harry, when are you going to get of your horse and tell everyone what is the (really small) extend of your "Producer" credit and not make it look like it's not.Thank you.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 10:58:00 PM CST

    Jack Palance cameo...?

    by apneicmonkey

    Not to sound rude or anything but isn't he already dead?
    I thought he died a few years back.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 10:59:17 PM CST

    Tiggerfilm

    by 433

    Does anyone still have that? I saw it once years and years ago, but want to see it again.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 10:59:42 PM CST

    Jim Carrey looks nothing like this guy.

    by nate champion

    But of course, you gotta have a star or the movie don't get made!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 11:15:30 PM CST

    Burton and Carrey making an Indian Jones-esque movie???

    by peven

    can't say as that is easily envisioned, by me anyway. but Burton fans will go see anything he makes so at least the studio knows it won't completely lose their shirt.

    Reply to Talkback

  • i love this movie, totally under-rated comedy, imo.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 28, 2005 11:53:03 PM CST

    Great Harry. How about a Goblet of Fire review?

    by bramton1

  • Nov 29, 2005 12:15:17 AM CST

    Now Harry, don't take this the wrong way, because I love thi

    by shermdawg

    My guess is, that the only thing your producing duties require is for you to constantly remind us how "cool" this film will be. *cough*PLANT*cough* If it sucks though, this thing will bite you in the ass.....HARD. Just remember, don't try to pedal shit to the geeks with the shit detectors. Now as far as John Carter goes, I've never been a fan of Noah Wyle, but if it means you might kick back some of that cash to update this place, I'm all for it, because it sure as hell needs it. No edit option in the year 2005? Lame.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 12:15:30 AM CST

    STRIKE FOUR

    by 4720

    Damnit is this gonna be another perfeclty good propery that tim burton rapes the shit out of

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 12:19:21 AM CST

    Yep, I'm still pissed at him for Planet of the Apes.

    by shermdawg

  • Nov 29, 2005 12:22:13 AM CST

    Strike Four

    by dubster30

    Tim Burton raped the shit out of your mom.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 12:33:29 AM CST

    Strike Four

    by shermdawg

    If that's true, there's a possibility that Burton is 4720's dad. Dude, go get ya a lawyer and a paternity test....NOW!!!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 12:48:07 AM CST

    I can't stop laughing at the "most interesting man in the wo

    by uncle_les

    ...but anything Burton is basically awesome. And yeah, this should be JOHNNY MOTHERFUCKING DEPP, BITCHES!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 12:54:46 AM CST

    I would have preferred Bill Murray...

    by justinsane

    ...but I think it's in good hands with Burton at the helm and the ED WOOD/LARRY FLYNT writers. Sounds like it could be quite a bit of fun! Hope that guy with a candle in his head and the four-irised man make cameos!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 1:30:35 AM CST

    Sammo...

    by d_biederbeck

    Great to hear about your own production deal. It's a musical, right? Will there be a sequel soon? I hear Rex Reed has already given it two thumbs up.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 2:15:39 AM CST

    now now..this sounds like a really cool idea !!

    by rcamacho2278

    If we can combine the mystery and storytelling of BIG FISH together with the style of Limeny Snickets then you will have something the brothers grimm only WISH they could come close too.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 2:42:21 AM CST

    I'd rather Tim Burton not be on this

    by bendersshinyass

    not that i don't like him. I just know the style and it sounds like it'd be better placed to Peter Jackson. Not!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 3:30:26 AM CST

    "the love he had for the children of the world"

    by godoffireinhell

    Christ, that's messed up!

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 5:05:55 AM CST

    Nice GREATEST AMERICAN HERO reference, Harry.

    by darth bono jr.

    I'm glad you're puting a little effort into your posts.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 5:08:02 AM CST

    And by the way, if Burton can make a movie out of bubblegum card

    by darth bono jr.

    But, I'm waiting for his DINTY MOORE film.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 7:35:37 AM CST

    Believe It

    by eyeofpolyphemus

    I hope this is more Ed Wood than Big Fish. Burton is awfully bad unconstrained.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 8:18:27 AM CST

    Remember when the Talented Mr. Ripley came out?

    by sith witch

    I was so excited because I thought it'd be about this life story. I'd never heard of the Patricia Highsmith novels. At the time I ranted about why no one had any interest in Robert Ripley's stunning life for a movie subject. And now, six years later it comes full-circle.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 8:31:27 AM CST

    Darth Bono Jr. Why did you have to say that?

    by bendersshinyass

    You're talking about Mars attacks right? You haven't seen the Bubble gum cards if you really think Burton made a film out of them.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 8:49:39 AM CST

    will holly palance cameo?

    by spacesheik

  • Nov 29, 2005 10:28:59 AM CST

    Tim Burton? I'm SO not there. Sounds like a must-miss!

    by kdraines

    Really, has there any been other director with so much unfulfilled promise?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 10:46:32 AM CST

    How about Dean Cain and Kelly Packard in it?

    by anna valerious

    But if Burton's directing, I might see it.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 11:50:22 AM CST

    Leerooooooy Jenkiiiins!!!!

    by cyanide christ

    Sorry...wrong talkback. But while I'm here I would like to comment on the lack of pointless Burton hating that I see here. You guys aren't slacking off on me are you? Cyanide Christ...over and out.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 12:04:07 PM CST

    I choose "not".

    by rev_skarekroe

  • Nov 29, 2005 12:51:19 PM CST

    I'm guessing this flick won't include that Ripley had a

    by oceansized

    Please understand, if I missed anyone, it's been a big day. I'm a little tired. (A smiley face sticker to whoever gets the reference).

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 12:52:54 PM CST

    "You haven't seen the Bubble gum cards if you really think B

    by mike nesmith

    The point is that he uses dubious and THIN source material for movies. That's what the DINTY MOORE beef stew reference is about. Which is, actually, about as much substance as his PLANET OF THE APES remake had. Canned stew. Personally, I just wish that he'd spend a little more time thinking about the scripts before he starts filming ANYTHING.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 1:05:50 PM CST

    I have lost a TON of respect for Tim Burton

    by fernwick_

    I recently read an article a post, a snippet of something that truly bothered me. The friends of mine I have shared this with are bothered by this too. I was waiting to post this in a Superman link but it cant wait anymore. As Mike and Ross posted on our site, the only way to stop the unrelenting infection of crap films is to stop supporting them. I post this here because it mentions Harry, and Moriarty.

    I read this and will NEVER, I repeat NEVER EVER watch any film by Jon Peters again. This must be done my friends. It must be done now, or Wild Wild West will be the new standard of morons like this who have power and produce films. Who tell Kevin Smith that Superman shouldnt fly, hell after reading this I am considering adding Tim Burton to that list. So please, respond to this, and follow in our lead. Do NOT SUPPORT CRAP!!!

    This is the link I am referring too.
    http://www.agonybooth.com/forum/topic2730.htm

    Now read this, weep and remember the timeline in the story ends before Singer took over, but Peters is STILL the Producer..read this and discuss my friends for this is what our talkbacks SHOULD be for...


    Hamferno
    www.theidiottestament.com





    http://www.agonybooth.com/forum/topic2730.htm

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 3:20:00 PM CST

    I would have liked to see

    by quin the eskimo

    Bill Murrey and Wes Anderson minus any Wilsons

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 3:45:23 PM CST

    That Superman V history is the biggest load of bullshit I've

    by darthflagg

    It seems like it was written by some deranged Tim Burton hater on speed. Where is the factual evidence behind any of those claims? For one thing, it claims WB wouldn't let Burton cast Marlon Wayans as Robin in Batman Returns. That's not true. Wayans had already been cast when Burton himself decided he didn't want Robin in the film. I bet that's just one of many innacuracies in that "history".
    And it always makes me laugh when people complain about Mars Attacks not being faithful to the vision of freakin' bubblegum cards!
    Anyway, this Ripley film sounds interesting.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 3:47:38 PM CST

    One question

    by seppukudkurosawa

    How the hell did they make those Evil Monkey-Headed Mermaids...? I examined those things for hours when I was a kid, and I don't remember seeing any stitch-lines.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 4:17:44 PM CST

    I actually wouldn't mind another Mars Attacks.

    by shermdawg

  • Nov 29, 2005 4:37:23 PM CST

    Tim Burton jumped the shark....

    by iamlegolas

    .... right after SLEEPY HOLLOW. How about for you?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 5:37:04 PM CST

    Just callin' 'em as I see 'em

    by mrcere

    I really really really for truely tried to like Tim Burton movies. Odd, or its cousin Quirky does NOT mean good. SLEEPY HALLOW had some lovely ideas, a great cast and very mediocre execution. His last claymation effort was SO predictible and Batman has Prince in the soundtrack for hell's sake. Anyway, I can't honestly say I really loved any of his movies. I like the concept of this film but Burton sucks all my enthusiasm away. The Burton/Carrey marriage isn't bringing a smile at all. Am I alone in my feelings about Burton?

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 5:45:51 PM CST

    darthflagg

    by one9deuce

    Sorry bro, but that is about as accurate of a re-telling of the 5th Superman feature-film as possible. Maybe you haven't been following it over the years, but that guy is definately accurate in his facts. Sorry if your a Tim Burton whore, but his Superman would have sucked shit. FACT.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 5:50:58 PM CST

    Jim Carrey/Tim Burton doing a feature film of Robert Ripley?

    by one9deuce

    Excellent. Now that is something that is in Tim Burton's wheelhouse. Unlike Superman.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 7:37:12 PM CST

    The readable version of this story...

    by nachokoolaid

    Hey folks, Harry here [cut masterbatory name dropping for two paragraphs]. Oh, and they're making Ripley's Believe it or Not with Burton and Carrey. Thanks.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 9:36:13 PM CST

    Whats next, "real People" produced by harry's mom

    by chileanseabass

    Talk about taking credit for road kill..and calling it hunting

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 9:38:01 PM CST

    Tim and Jim

    by neosamurai85

    Sounds interesting. I never really was someone who didn't like Carry, but He's kind of won me over these last few years. Look forward to seeing what he has up his sleeve. Oh, and I for one did not like CatCF. Big Fish was fun. PotA I don't really blame on him. Corpse Bride I have yet to see... because collage is a dirty whore sucking my lifeforce away.... I should hate Sleepy Hollow for so many reasons, but for so many more reasons I love it. All and all, I'd agree Tim ain't what he used to be, but he's still one fuck up away from me quitting on him. CotCF was pretty damn close though. Peace.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 9:39:30 PM CST

    I Agree That Burton's Let Loose His Fair Share Of Shitbombs.

    by buster00

    but if the Tim Burton who directed _Ed Wood_ and the 1982 short _Vincent_ shows up to work on this, and if Jim Carrey can keep the "ham" in his pants, I think we've got something here.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 29, 2005 9:39:39 PM CST

    Sad but true

    by neosamurai85

    What I really want to know is when do we get more Series of Unfortunate Events? Talk about someone stealing your mojo and schooling you in how to use it... ouch! Peace.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 30, 2005 8:30:45 AM CST

    They Better Give Paul Reubens a Cameo...

    by stlfilmwire

    That would be sweet.

    Reply to Talkback

  • betty white as the shrunkin head{she was the grandma in this just isn't my day} and yes, a cameo by pee-wee herman as the world tiniest penis.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 30, 2005 1:04:50 PM CST

    Burton gets a lot of credit...

    by peven

    ..for stuff that has nothing to do with directing. aside from Ed Wood, where he showed he could direct a movie that was set in "reality", his fans seem to laud him mostly for the look and feel of his movies, which comes under the pervue of art/set design more than direction. i mean, for instance,he doesn't do claymation himself, he pays someone else; its their design and handiwork, not his. i think he has the ability direct well, but i also think he gets lazy and relies too much on the sets/costumes/lighting/etc too often and forgets about the things that really make a movie truly engaging; the characters, dialogue, pacing, stuff like that. he should rewatch Ed Wood on a regular basis to remind himself of what he can do without all the bells and whistles.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Nov 30, 2005 7:06:11 PM CST

    "i mean, for instance,he doesn't do claymation himself, he p

    by neosamurai85

    Well you're at least half right... but watch the making of or do some reading on Nightmare Before... He designed the characters and many oh the scene along with the basic story. He didn't make anything mind you, or direct that film, but it was based on his vision. Though in many ways I find it's really Danny's film. Peace.

    Reply to Talkback

  • Dec 01, 2005 10:30:49 PM CST

    Dad?

    by buster00

  • Dec 02, 2005 5:19:02 PM CST

    Dammit, I've told you once and I'll tell you again...SHU

    by shermdawg

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