True to their word, Universal Pictures has kept the wheels turning for their live-action adaptation of the popular video game Bioshock, a project that ran into some serious financial troubles that moved Gore Verbinski (The Ring, Pirates of the Caribbean) from the director's to the producer's chair. Who will be replacing Verbinski? How about 28 Weeks Later helmer Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, what do you guys think about that?! Read the full story and talk, talk, talk below!
"28 Weeks Later" helmer Juan Carlos Fresnadillo is in talks to direct "Bioshock," the Universal Pictures adaptation of the Take-Two Interactive videogame.
Gore Verbinski has stepped out of the directing slot, but remains the film's producer through his U-based Blind Wink shingle. John Logan wrote the script.
Verbinski opted out of directing because the studio's budget plan for the film has been revamped to lense abroad in order to take advantage of tax credits and favorable exchange rates. Verbinski couldn't commit to an overseas shoot because he is locked into directing the Paramount animated film "Rango," with the title character voiced by his "Pirates of the Caribbean" cohort Johnny Depp.
Fresnadillo directed the 2001 Spanish thriller "Intacto," and made his Hollywood breakthrough with "28 Weeks Later."
With "Bioshock," Fresnadillo is stepping into one of the highest-profile projects on the Universal roster. Verbinski came attached as director when Universal made a multimillion- dollar against gross percentage acquisition from Take-Two. Verbinski then stepped away from directing his fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean" film because he expected to be in production on "Bioshock" last spring in Los Angeles.
But Universal put on the brakes during the pre-production phase because the budget rose to $160 million and the studio needed it to cost less (Daily Variety, April 27). At the time, Universal sources vowed this would not turn into another "Halo"-- U and partner Fox dropped out of that vidgame adaptation, which was to be directed by "District 9" helmer Neill Blomkamp with Peter Jackson producing. But the negotiations with Fresnadillo indicate the studio is determined to make "Bioshock" offshore.
Once it was clear Verbinski wouldn't direct, he and the studio sparked to Fresnadillo, whose deal is contingent upon the thumbs-up from Take-Two, which maintains director approval. Fresnadillo's producing partner, Enrique Lopez Lavigne, is in talks to become a producer.
"Bioshock" takes place in the underwater city of Rapture, where a pilot crash-lands near a secret entrance and becomes involved in a power struggle.
Where did you manage to get a hold of the script, Frontal Lobe? And I'm glad to hear that this project is still moving forward... a BIOSHOCK movie, if done correctly, could totally kick ass... especially in the visuals department (Rapture has to be gorgeous and scary at the same time).
"Rejoice and celebrate"? Could the title of an article about "above the line" changes in a highly anticipated film be any more inappropriately titled? Not only is the replacement director a hack, but the main thrust of this new piece is more US dollars going abroad due to a bloated, outdated and corrupt union system that feeds off the creative life-blood of artists. There, I made a damn vampire reference. Happy?
i have not really paid attention to BIOSHOCK whatsoever but i will now. Juan is EXCELLENT. i freaking worship 28 WEEKS LATER!! consider me officially interested now in BIOSHOCK.
I wouldn't say this is a great choice. 28 Weeks Later is a mediocre film that get's credit for being a success simply because everyone was expecting it to be a failure.
I agree with Celebrity Killing Spree here..
Considering what some of you are already saying about the script id say this is doomed already.
Too bad.. I loved the game.
I agree with Killing Spree - 28WL was god aweful. Mowing down ragers with a helicopter? Even suspending logic this is lame. I can't see how this guy would even do anything more than butcher this.
the problem is they don't get the people who made the games make the movies of the games. if the games are so much better then most movies out there then why get movie making people to make something less amazing then these games?
did anyone else read the little write up at the bottom?
""Bioshock" takes place in the underwater city of Rapture, where a pilot crash-lands near a secret entrance and becomes involved in a power struggle."
a pilot? well thats already wrong..
Comments Page 1 of 1 | You have to be logged in to comment! If you don't have an account register now for free! Your account allows you to post comments and reviews, upload videos and images, access or our forums, write personal blogs, and maintain your profile.
Print Story
Send to a Friend
