Cool News
THUNDERBIRDS are go.... are we sure this time'
Well, we keep seeing this project bob down and up more than that girl at the beginning of JAWS. Will it take off this time? I don't know. Noone I know has seen a script, but hey this here's a Polygram dude talking, he ought to know eh? Well, I say let's just wait, not get excited, and see what happens. I'm curious what you folks think of a live action THUNDERBIRDS film, Talk Back about it, if you feel motivated.
Don't know how familiar you are with British LEGENDARY Sci-Fi puppet TV Show
Thunderbirds, but I read this on TELETEXT movie scoops in the UK today (MON
19th Oct)
Teletext 461 Oct19 22:32:21
¯¯¯ NEWS AND GOSSIP ROUND-UP ¯¯¯¯¯¯
THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO!
It has been two years in the planning,
but it looks as though Thunderbirds
could be made into a movie at last.
Polygram wants to spend $75m on a
non-puppet version of the hit kids'
programme. "This won't be another
Avengers," says Polygram boss
Michael Kuhn.
"We have the most fantastic script
and I'm hoping we can move forward
very soon. With a big budget, it has
to be right," he said.
Just thought you ougtha know. Sounds ...well ...cool!
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+ Expand All
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"It won't be another Avengers"?. Actually, I'd say it will be another avengers.
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Thunderbirds sucks, so why make a movie based on it? It was the worst show ever. Another avengers? What's wrong with Avengers? I loved that film. Great acting, great plot etc. What more do you want. It had a look like Batman and Robin, which is one of the most underrated films of the decade, and featured what may yet be considered a screen-defining performance for Arnie.
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Well, the seven year old in me thinks that this about the best news ever. The 32 year old is a bit more cautious. Remember the travesty commited by Fox a few years back when they re-edited the old episodes into new half-hour show with new live action kids "helping" International Rescue. I did not make it past the first commercial.
I think I would have to go see a live Thunderbirds movie, however, I would hope that Gerry Anderson will be involved and keep it more along the lines of UFO.
But then again, if they have (yeach)Hugh Grant playing Jeff Tracey... -
Sorry guys,
I'm firmly convinced that whenever American film makers/producers get their hands on classic UK TV, they try too hard to make it appeal to a "US Audience", therefore killing the quirkiness that made these series so popular in the first place.
The Avengers suffered from the fact that the producers missed the opportunity they had to cast a perfect Steed in Eddie Izzard, by trying to catch some of the English Patient hype and casting Ralph Fiennes in a role that clearly didn't suit him.
If the same thing is done to Thunderbirds, it will be another turkey. Just look what US producers did to Doctor Who!
Let's hope that if Polygram do go ahead, they not only involve Gerry Anderson, but let him have free reign to do justice to his own creation. -
Jesus, I can't believe that a bunch of grown(?) men actually sat down to plan a "Thunderbirds" movie. As if reviving the friggin' Brady Bunch wasn't enough...
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I think the naysayers are wrong here, Thunderbirds is definitely one of the best ideas with the greatest potentials for a great run of sequels. The only thing is remove all US influence absolutely, allow only Anime people and Derek Meddings to be involved and sit back and watch the creative juices flow. This show only worked because creativity was boundless, noone stopped to think this is a ridiculous idea and stuff made it to the TV and we all said "WOW!". Who else would dare put up a Pink Rolls Royce with a Gun in the Grille?? didnt you always just want a great couch like that which would sink into the floor into a great secret underground cavern where some of the coolest equipment could be seen (half of it never used but I digress), the Mole machine, various Pods for T2 this was the stuff of true fantasy, came as close to Harryhausens efforts as I have ever seen as being in a totally diferent world that makes you just say, "Wow! why cant I live there." If I had the money I would make it and not let one US Hollywood crapfest maker touch it.
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Derek Meddings, alas, died in 1995. His last film was `Goldeneye', which is dedicated to his memory.
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I have to agree with Charlie here. What on Earth is the point of Thunderbirds without puppets? I mean, that was the whole point. That's like- " Hey, I've got a great idea: a remake of DARK CRYSTAL, this time with actors!" Who cares?
A live action Thunderbirds will just be another Lost In Space/Flinstones/Avengers fiasco.
Let's see those strings!!! -
I thought that there was a lot going for the Avengers film. I don't know what the director Chechik has done previously (anyone know?), but stylistically it was beautiful film. I thought that Ralph Fiennes was absolutely charming in it. Based on the coverage I saw of the film, the thing was hacked apart by the WB in an attempt to make it "likeable to the masses". An early screening review on this very website said that it was an interesting, artsy film, and that the reviewer hoped they didn't cut it up to appeal to the masses. Well, news of repeated editing nearly moments before release makes me believe they did. I would like to see a Director's Cut. Regardless, I enjoyed the film. Thunderbirds should only be done with puppets as a spoof.
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I thought that there was a lot going for the Avengers film. I don't know what the director Chechik has done previously (anyone know?), but stylistically it was beautiful film. I thought that Ralph Fiennes was absolutely charming in it. Based on the coverage I saw of the film, the thing was hacked apart by the WB in an attempt to make it "likeable to the masses". An early screening review on this very website said that it was an interesting, artsy film, and that the reviewer hoped they didn't cut it up to appeal to the masses. Well, news of repeated editing nearly moments before release makes me believe they did. I would like to see a Director's Cut. Regardless, I enjoyed the film.
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Oh I'd be there the first day for a Cameron-esque-sized T-Bird movie. Lessee -- Jeff Tracy played by that guy that was Elaine's boss on Seinfeld, Crispin Glover as Brains, Elizabeth Hurley as Lady Penelope, that guy that plays the husband on Keeping Up Appearences as Pahker, um... Scott Tracy played by -- oh jeez, put in one of those 90210 guys but DUB the voice with the original guy, Shane Rimmer (he's in Star Wars, you know, as the X-Wing gas station attendant). Kyrano, man, get him to be played by Soon Taek Oh -- that guy's a freakin' LOON, man. And Kyrano's daughter Tintin, now's the time for Tia Carrera to revive her career. For The Hood, plug in some out-of-work wrestler. Hell, get Brando. Just make sure his eyes light up. And man, I better see some damn realistic retractable palm trees. Harry, stop playing with your Thunderbird 3 while thinking about this.
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Doing the Thunderbirds movie without puppets is kind of like doing an Avengers movie without Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg as the leads...ie...the thing that made both shows great is unfortunately the part that the movies don't have. Or maybe it was the brilliant storyline that made Thunderbirds a great show. Or maybe I am just going crazy.
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First off, if this film ever gets made, it won't happen until the ownership of Polygram Filmed Ent. is finally sorted out. Second, the company developing it is Polygram-owned Working Title, a UK company, so they're unlikely to 'do an Avengers' on it.
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What about Fireball XL5, that was a great show, first off, it was like thunderbirds, but came before, proof of this, it was in black and white. All of us Canadians who get the ever so great Teletoon channel, which kicks Cartoon Network's ass back into the stone age, can watch and indulge in Steve Zodiac's adventures. Yes, it looks cheezy, but hey it was and still is the coolest show around. I say Hollywood take this one on, if you dare.
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Yes,thunderbirds are happening.We will do some of the effcts next year in Australaia.
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Is it just me or is AICN just full of bad movie news tonight? First I hear about the Preacher flick (dismayed, I am) and now a live-action Thunderbirds? He-heh-llo! The appeal of the show WAS the puppets, thank you. The makers of this thing are forgetting that part of the charm was the gimmick they're kicking to the curb. What the bloody hell is next? A super space epic that takes place only in a suburban backyard (Well, I guess E.T. fits that description BUT YOU GET WHAT I MEAN). If I hear one more bass ackward concept tonight, I'm'a gonna scream.
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I would have to agree that the appeal of the T-birds was the Marionation. It was the design of the cool characters and the vehicles. It was Ultra-Mod.
What I thnk would be interesting if they used the same designs but did it all CG. That could capture the same great look while catipulting the technology into the 21st Century.
What y'all think? -
Hey, I thought the Thunderbirds Movie was supposed to be all CGI. I remember seeing a story in some british Science Fiction magazine that had a bit of advertising artwork that showed a 3D rendered Thunderbird 3. It was sure a good looking reinterpitation of the 1960's ship.
As for live action?? I don't know. It could be played dead serious or go the camp route. I seem to remember a Play in London a couple of years back based on the T-Birds and it was played for laughs!
For what it is worh to all
Marc -
British SF Magazine `SFX` featured an interview with the writer of the TBirds script, as well as printing one spec design (for ThunderBird 3). If that one photo is anything to go by, then they're certainly keeping faithful to the original designs.
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Thunderbirds are GO! In my pants.
Tony Danza -
Did shomebody (hic!) say Dundabud? Can I hava Swig?
Otus -
To all the people yammering about how a live-action TB movie is desecration of the worst order, I've got a bone to pick.
I grew up with TB and all the other supermarionation shows. I have em all on LD (Japanese box sets). I'm infecting my kids with TB mania (5 year old has all shows memorized; 3 year old knows all the TB craft).
The beauty of TB had nothing to do with it being a puppet show. It had everything to do with the fact that it was all about people being heroic and selfless and trying to help their fellow men.
Plus they got to make all these great models and blow them all to sh*t.
Therefore, it is entirely possible to do a live-action TBirds film and do it well.
Best
R
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I can't believe how negative people are being. Let me say one word: FANTASY!! The application of letting one's imagination soar. I am not going to condemn a movie based on one of my fondest childhood memories, ESPECIALLY WHEN NONE OF US HAVE SEEN IT!!! It could flop, or it could soar. But I, for one, will give it the opportunity to do so. Lets give it a chance, or (as my Father used to say) "don't knock it till you've tried (or seen) it!!"
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Well, to quote whomever
""We have the most fantastic script and I'm hoping we can move forward very soon. With a big budget, it has to be right," he said."
With a big budget, it has to be right? That sounds like shite to me. Loads of it. When i think of the Thunderbirds, i don't think big budget! And for that friggin' matter, when i think big budget, i think SHITE movie! SHITE SHITE SHITE!
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FACT! Working Title are in pre-production for a TB movie. FACT! The script has been written and proved. FACT! There is no problem with the rights, everything has been cleared. So, what are they waiting for? They're waiting for Polygram to sort itself out and come up with the cash, that's what!
And anything else is complete crap. -
I'm not sure I like the idea of a live action thunderbirds....im not saying make a $75 million movie with puppets but one of the great things about thunderbirds was the fact that it wasn't real people...i don't know...maybe cgi??
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Gerry, Sylvia - this is Mr. *(?). He's a big fan of your
Captain Scarlet. Seeing how Tom
Cruise is so familiar with England
, thinks to our Stanley - well,
what would you think? Cameron Diaz
for Angel? Alright... and Chuck
Heston for White - I think the rest will work itself out. Oh, what the hell, get Keitel on the
phone to play that Mysterion A-hole! Give him whatever he wants, 'cause he'll play the part
so beautifully, everyones going to
think he's an A-hole for the next
10 years - pay him nice!
BROTHERS gonna work it out!
Dig, Poly?
Save your change for the cab baby!
(I think I just wet myself! Really, I gave myself shivers - how about you guys? Wouldn't it
be nice? Do the survey! It's your
entertainment that you're depriving if you don't!) -
This is not one of Working Title's better ideas. I can understand why they think it will work though. There is only one Gerry Anderson show that would really make the grade worldwide and that is "Captain Scarlett".
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Everyone seems to either be in a tizz as to whether a live action T-Birds movie will be a turkey,
or, alternitively, that Gerry Anderson should be involved in such a project.
Has everyone forgotten, that the key to good drama, reguardless if it's sci-fi or not, is the characters?
SYLVIA ANDERSON created the Tracy family, Penelope and and co. The only series that Gerry Anderson did not create with his ex-wife, Terrahawks, Dick Spanner, and Space Precinct were all turkeys! What makes Thunderbirds a success isn't puppets, or the technology, it's the characters, who were created in a more mature template than anything created for kids today. That is why it is seen as classic FAMILY entertainment now, instead of some kooky kiddies show from the sixties.
I can't understand why they are called ther Gerry Anderson series anyway. All film and tv is a team effort. -
Nov 20, 1998 6:37:25 AM CST
The completed Thunderbirds 'Teaser' trailer! Should I be worried
by richard johnson
A year a go I was sent the Teaser campaign brief from Polygram via the
Design and Art directors student awards. As a graphic designer I began
work on it straight a way. The brief was basically like working with
thin air, although I came up with production sketches for costume and
hardware (including new TB 1) designs, Point of Sale including Lady
Penelope FAB fragrance to draw in a female audience, Teaser posters,
storyboards for the trailer, re-designed logo etc.
Well I won a D&AD 1ST award for this which over here in England is one
of the highest design awards you can recieve. I'm just worried thats
all- at the fact of missing out on having my design work ripped off as
it is on the net, or even miss out on working on the movie.
If any one would like to see a small portion of this campaign then
access http://www.luton.ac.uk/depart98/rjohnson.htm or if you would like
to give me any feed back on my quiry then please feel free to send an
email to r.johnson@emnet.co.uk
It would be interesting to see if Gerry Anderson has seen my work, if
not does anyone out there have any idea of how to inform him on this?
Richard.
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