I just got a new e-news letter from GENre television going over some of the big new things they are bringing our way for the new season. Sounds like some big stuff is on the horizon. I'm thinking its a good time to be a fan of the Fantasy/Sci-Fi genre. Here are some of the interesting headlines that jumped out at me. I hope everyone finds them as interesting and tantalizing as I do.
GENre Productions and BrothersBlue Studios have entered into talks with the Leiber estate for a possible new series called "Swords of Fortune". It will be set in Leiber's fictional world of Nehwon and its cast will be based out of the fictional metropolis of Lankhmar. Described as a Gritty sword-n-sorcery series painted up in shades of grey instead of the clear black and white morals that have been in so many of the other productions seen to date. Considered to be a blending of deadly action, complex multi-episode plotlines, and also a good bit of darkly quirky humor, the show's creators have hopes that it will be a welcome edition to the GENre line-up.
In the world of Science Fiction Films the less than stellar film Aliens Vs. Predator, a movie that while lacking any real quality beyond high priced effects still managed to netted enough money for 20th Century Fox to greenlight a sequel. The new script is written by Shane Serlano, the same man who rewrote the original script for the first AVP. Recognizing where the primary source of interest is going to come from for this movie, Fox has hired the Visual Effects team Greg and Colin Strauss to direct. To their credit, the Strauss brothers have done a good deal of Special Effects for such noteworthy movies as "X-Men: The Last Stand", "Titanic", and "The Day After Tomorrow". Slated to go into production this coming September and scheduled for a summer 2007 release, 20th Century Fox is staking a good deal of money that the trend in Style over Substance in films will continue.
With the release of their first "Heirs of Destiny" graphic novel, "Vendetta's Edge", GENre has found a popular new character in Sir Thanimere, or Tam for short. In fact there was such a large response from the fanbase that after some fast and heated negotiations with the producers and writers, the single-weapon wielding knight has become the newest edition to the show's cast of regulars. The show's creators only recently let it slip that Jake Busey is the actor who sports the signature facial scar and agressive attitude. It is still unknown if two other popular character's will be returning for a second season, namely Ginessa and Bourgin played by Julia Roberts and Jason Patric respectively. The network and show producers are hopeful that the negotiations will finalize soon in a mutual agreeable manner.
Len Wiseman, producer/director/creator of the Underworld Film Franchise got a fresh dose of attention recently when it was announced that he is set to direct the 4th movie in the Die Hard series while he was promoting the just released DVD for "Underworld: Evolution". He also let out a few facts about the third installment planned for his beloved hit film series Underworld. The third chapter is going to be a prequel and finally reveal the origin story of Lucian. It will also go into the creation of the races and show how the war seemingly eternal war between the two started. It will definitely be a period piece. He confirmed most of the writing is completed on "Underworld 3" and while he will co-write and produce it, he won't be directing it. For all the Kate Beckensdale fans out there we do have some bad news for you. Because it deals with the history of the war, it will focus primarly before her character Selene came about. Although her creation is rumored to overlap with the events being portrayed.
And finally before I forget, here is the teaser for the season premiere, let's hope its going to be a good season.
"For Crown and Coil": With the harvest well underway and eight months of routine built up around them, the homebound heroes have heard rumors that a band of brigands has set to stealing away the hard earned coin of the Prince's vassals and peasantry. Can the companions wind their way through the intrigues of High Court, the machinations of couriers, and a web of greedy merchants to unmask the enemy among their own or will the Coil's Talons lay claim to the Crown? [Fantasy/Adventure, TVPG, Uma Thurman, Jerry O'Connell, Leonardo DiCaprio, John Saint Ryan, Jake Busey]
