This was posted on the aint it cool news site:
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/39677
I was unable to get to the Variety site to read the full story.

Chris, according to this story at the Dark Horizons site, this new film will actually act as a prequel/origin story for Captain Nemo:

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news09/090107d.php

I hope that this is the case as the Fleischer version is iconic. Disney got it right the first time!

Since Disney is doing it, there is hope that it will be good. I wonder why they waited so long for the idea?

Not a remake but a prequel, according to the Variety story. I'm sure that will just tickle the fancies of all the doomsayers. Let the wailing and gnashing of teeth commence afresh!

The Variety story also perpetuates the misconception that the original 20K Leagues film was Disney's first all live-action movie. It was not; the first was Treasure Island in 1950.

Qapla'

SSB

Should we start the pool now on:

a) Whether or not they're going to re-design the classic Disney Nautilus?

and

b) If they do, whether or not the rejection factor by the fans will exceed that of the re-designed Enterprise from Star Trek XI?

Should we start the pool now on:

a) Whether or not they're going to re-design the classic Disney Nautilus?
.........?


Don't think you can use the Disney Nautilus unless they release its use. So, I think that's pretty much a sucker's bet.

Since Disney's doing it I'd say they MIGHT have a leg up on getting permission.

IF it's a prequel that'd be fine, IF it's a remake.......this is ANOTHER film that doesn't need to be remade.

Steve

Could be cool!

It would be nice for Disney to find a way for Kirk Douglas to reprise his role as an elder Ned Land in a short bit relating the story of the Nautilus' construction to a grandson. A short cameo at the start or finish of the film would do that nicely.

Huzz

Directed by McG?

Are they kidding?

Perhaps they should change the title to Losing Nemo.

well I can say this, the 11 foot original filming miniature we restored was moved from the facility here in Florida out to California for some secret project just back before Christmas, so who knows. Disney still owns the Nautilus and rights to it, so my gues is they might use it in some way. Also since this is a prequal, and the fact that this is being done by Disney, in order to keep continuity of what we all know to be the look of the Nautilus, they have to keep her at least close in final construction, as this is the boat that was doing all the traveling in the original...it just would make sense.
I for one, as well as Rich, are looking foward to where this leads...
Cheers,
Will
Ps. Ohh and the first live action statement, Treasure Island was filmed abroad, 20,000 Leagues was technically filmed here in the States, minus Bahamas :). I think that's the reason that make the statement they make atbout 20,000 Leagues being their first all live action film.

Hollywood has been circling a Captain Nemo origin story for years.

Case in point: back in the early 90’s I sold an original screenplay to Touchstone Pictures (i.e. Disney) entitled “Nemo”, based on the Jules Verne character. Following a series of rewrites the executive I was working with jumped ship for another studio, and the project went into turnaround (translation: it was abandoned).

It’s probably a good thing my version of the story never went forward, at least not at Disney. I had a very dark and un-Disney-esque take on the material, and the studio kept trying to steer it in a more family-friendly direction. Penning the rewrites was torture. I gave it my best shot, but the harder I worked to incorporate the studio's notes, the less interesting the script became (fancy that). Looking back, I doubt anyone at Disney ever had any intension of making the film; they just wanted to get my screenplay off the market lest another studio pick it up. Sounds silly, but that sort of thing happens all the time.

Needless to say, I’ll be anxious to see what McG cooks up.

Maybe... juuuust maybe... they will just use the original Nautilus design and this film will finally enable an injection molded Nautilus kit to get produced!

Maybe... juuuust maybe... they will just use the original Nautilus design and this film will finally enable an injection molded Nautilus kit to get produced!

I can see the endless threads about the accurate number of rivets now. :p

Since Disney's doing it I'd say they MIGHT have a leg up on getting permission.

IF it's a prequel that'd be fine, IF it's a remake.......this is ANOTHER film that doesn't need to be remade.

Steve


Well, don't I feel foolish :jest:

All this talk of the sub but none of the man. Who would play Nemo? Keanu Reeves?

All this talk of the sub but none of the man. Who would play Nemo? Keanu Reeves?

Johnny Depp.

Hey, I'm half serious (although he's probably too old)

One thing to consider: according to Jules Verne in The Mysterious Island, Captain Nemo began life as an Indian Prince named Dakkar -- a back-story cue picked up by Alan Moore in his League of Extraordinary Gentlemen series (although how Moore rationalized an Empire-loathing Indian terrorist going to work for the English, aka "that most hated nation," remains a mystery).

Interestingly, Verne's original intention was for Nemo to be a Romanian count who takes up arms against the Russians. Given France's uneasy relationship with Russia at the time 20,000 Leagues was written, this idea was vetoed by Verne's publisher. Verne was so angry he decided to avoid the issue of Nemo's identity altogether. Little did he know that this aura of mystery would make Nemo even more interesting (which raises one of the tricky issues in mounting an origin story for a character like Nemo (or Darth Vader, for that matter): the more you tell the audience about the character, the less "powerful" the character becomes.

Anyway, getting back to the casting, I suspect Disney would be wise to go with a talented young "unkown," i.e. someone who won't bring a lot of movie star baggage to the role.

Johnny Depp.

Hey, I'm half serious (although he's probably too old)

One thing to consider: according to Jules Verne in The Mysterious Island, Captain Nemo began life as an Indian Prince named Dakkar -- a back-story cue picked up by Alan Moore in his League of Extraordinary Gentlemen series (although how Moore rationalized an Empire-loathing Indian terrorist going to work for the English, aka "that most hated nation," remains a mystery).

Interestingly, Verne's original intention was for Nemo to be a Romanian count who takes up arms against the Russians. Given France's uneasy relationship with Russia at the time 20,000 Leagues was written, this idea was vetoed by Verne's publisher. Verne was so angry he decided to avoid the issue of Nemo's identity altogether. Little did he know that this aura of mystery would make Nemo even more interesting (which raises one of the tricky issues in mounting an origin story for a character like Nemo (or Darth Vader, for that matter): the more you tell the audience about the character, the less "powerful" the character becomes.

Anyway, getting back to the casting, I suspect Disney would be wise to go with a talented young "unkown," i.e. someone who won't bring a lot of movie star baggage to the role.Reading this made the idea of Lost's Naveen Andrews come to mind for me -- but he might also be a little too old.

I think they could get away with using essentially the same design for the Nautilus in this film. After all, it was a fanciful piece of Victorian design that was a period piece in 1954 (and period designs tend to hold up better going forward). It's a bit steampunk as well, which should be a relatively good thing today.

Qapla'

SSB

Since it's Disney, I think there's a very good chance they'll stick with the original Harper Goff design, or a very close incarnation (Goff designed half of Disneyland, and has become something of a deity within the Disney organization). Disney management is well aware of how iconic the original Nautilus design is, and Disney, perhaps more than any other studio, has an appreciation for their legacy.

As far as the studio is concerned the Nautilus is a Disney character, and I fully expect them to treat it with the same care they'd treat any other character.

Of course, even Mickey Mouse has been given the occasional face-lift over the years...

Noting what WBNemo1 said in his earlier post here, and Carson above, I'm fully expecting to see the Harper Goff Nautilus in the new film.

And as Leagues was a groundbreaking film for Disney, I expect that the studio wants a new movie to be a worthy successor in all respects.

Can't wait to see it!

Huzz

...as Leagues was a groundbreaking film for Disney, I expect that the studio wants a new movie to be a worthy successor in all respects.

And they have their work cut out for them.

Those who've read Verne's novel know just how much Disney brought to the party in terms of fleshing out the characters and providing the "prison escape on a submarine" narrative that makes the filmed version so compelling.

At the time it was made, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was the most expensive American film ever produced. To say that Walt Disney had a lot riding on the outcome is a gross understatement. Given how high the stakes were, Disney committed himself to making the best movie he could, and the result speaks for itself. To this day, it's probably the best live action film to come out of that studio, and truly a tough act to follow prequel or sequel-wise.

Like I said earlier, I'll be watching this one very closely...

I'm sure they'll do it.

There are enough examples of bad jobs (the first Hulk, Superman Returns) and good work (Iron Man, The Dark Knight) to show that putting in the extra time and effort really pays off in all respects.

Huzz

BTW, I read the novel when I was in the 4th grade - I still have my old paperback copy - and my Classics Illustrated comic book version.

Huzz

I'm sure they'll do it.

There are enough examples of bad jobs (the first Hulk, Superman Returns) and good work (Iron Man, The Dark Knight) to show that putting in the extra time and effort really pays off in all respects.

Huzz

Yes..... but McG? (Potential) first BIG mistake there.

Gene

I hear you Gene, and I'm skeptical myself.

Of course, Richard Fleisher wasn't exactly an A-list director.

Like most of Disney films, this one will most likely be directed by committee. In this case, that could be a good thing.

Or not.

So .... the question is, if they do go with the Nautilus we all know and love, could we possibly hope that the majority of underwater shots would use a physical model, or is it just a given that CGI would rule the day?

I'm not an anti-CGI guy by disposition, but I'd sure love to see good old-fashioned underwater model work done in this case.

So .... the question is, if they do go with the Nautilus we all know and love, could we possibly hope that the majority of underwater shots would use a physical model, or is it just a given that CGI would rule the day

Good question.

If Disney proceeds with this project it will be as a BIG BUDGET movie. Based on that, my guess (hope) would be the FX team will use every trick in the book, CGI, physical, and otherwise, to bring the Nautilus to life.

Will's post on page 1 indicates that the physical model is likely being used for something related to the movie.

If Disney is planning this to be a "BIG BUDGET" film as Carson suggests, then I would expect that "McG", regardless of past reputation, is going to have to deliver results comensurate with that budget.

Huzz

If Disney is planning this to be a "BIG BUDGET" film as Carson suggests, then I would expect that "McG", regardless of past reputation, is going to have to deliver results comensurate with that budget.

Huzz

Charlie's Angels was "BIG BUDGET". And McG obviously delivered the commensurate results because then we were rewarded with Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle.

So I guess there's nothing to worry about .... :p

Nothing gives me better hope that something like this has potential as Pirates of the Caribbean. A movie based on a theme park ride? Who thought that was a good idea? But it worked -- thanks largely to Johnny Depp, yes, but credit the producers for recognizing that and getting him to do it, and for doing the other things that that helped make it a success as well -- it wasn't all Depp. Of course, another factor in its success was that the theme park ride in question was PotC -- it wasn't exactly Tilt-A-Whirl: The Motion Picture. Yes, the second and especially third film in the series weren't as good, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Sure, it could be a travesty (true of any film that goes before the cameras, even when all the "right" personnel, on paper, is in place), but it could be good -- and surely Disney wants a good film. The original film is definitely one of the jewels in Disney's live-action legacy, and I suspect they want to do their best to live up to that.

I watched the original film again recently; it's truly amazing to watch it and realize it is almost 55 years old.

Qapla'

SSB

Well, McG is helming Terminator: Salvation. That should tell us something once we've seen it. I guess it all depends on the "flavor" Disney is aiming for.

I certainly enjoyed the first POTC. The next two - not so much.

sbaxter - Unfortunately, there is also "Haunted Mansion - the Movie" to consider. What could have been as exciting as POTC turned into a lame Eddie Murphy cliche.
Hopefully Disney learned a lesson from the 2 movies...

sbaxter - Unfortunately, there is also "Haunted Mansion - the Movie" to consider. What could have been as exciting as POTC turned into a lame Eddie Murphy cliche.
Hopefully Disney learned a lesson from the 2 movies...Well, that's true. Actually, as a serious fan of the Haunted Mansion in the theme parks, I enjoyed the movie on the level of it being a love letter to the ride -- far more so than with the PotC films, almost everything from the ride shows up in the movie. But as a film on its own merits, I can see that it is a disappointment. It certainly looked great, though; you can definitely see the money on the screen.

Now, I've heard people complain about the fact that the movie isn't actually scary -- there's maybe one good "jump" in the whole thing. But its comedic nature is actually befitting the ride upon which it was based; the Haunted Mansion in the parks isn't scary to anyone over the age of five, not is it meant to be. So, I understand that, but I agree it could have been a lot better in that sense.

But this just proves my point, really -- the movie might be terrible, but there is no reason to presume it must be so.

Qapla'

SSB

1. Even the disney version was a Remake.

2. THe book starts in 1866. The sequel to the book takes place during the Civil War (e.g Before 1866) and the characters have knowledge of the events of the original book.

The sequel to the book takes place during the Civil War (e.g Before 1866)

By "sequel" are you referring to The Mysterious Island?

Well, that's true. Actually, as a serious fan of the Haunted Mansion in the theme parks, I enjoyed the movie on the level of it being a love letter to the ride -- far more so than with the PotC films, almost everything from the ride shows up in the movie. But as a film on its own merits, I can see that it is a disappointment. It certainly looked great, though; you can definitely see the money on the screen.

Now, I've heard people complain about the fact that the movie isn't actually scary -- there's maybe one good "jump" in the whole thing. But its comedic nature is actually befitting the ride upon which it was based; the Haunted Mansion in the parks isn't scary to anyone over the age of five, not is it meant to be. So, I understand that, but I agree it could have been a lot better in that sense.

But this just proves my point, really -- the movie might be terrible, but there is no reason to presume it must be so.

Qapla'

SSB

It's funny, I have to agree AND disagree. I enjoyed seeing scenes from the ride depicted in the movie, and any movie with Rick Baker undead creatures is worth the price of admission. But POTC used the ride as a jumping off point for an engaging story with interesting characters, with the occasional ride homage adding to the overall story like spices in a gourmet meal. Haunted Mansion, IMHO, had such a weak story as its basis, a cliche "workaholic father doesn't appreciate his family, outside events and possible loss of spouse helps him see the light". It seemed like lazy writers threw any old story line at it just to justify showing the ride on-screen...

Sorry for going off-topic, but since I started the thread I guess I need to apologize to myself...

It's funny, I have to agree AND disagree. I enjoyed seeing scenes from the ride depicted in the movie, and any movie with Rick Baker undead creatures is worth the price of admission. But POTC used the ride as a jumping off point for an engaging story with interesting characters, with the occasional ride homage adding to the overall story like spices in a gourmet meal. Haunted Mansion, IMHO, had such a weak story as its basis, a cliche "workaholic father doesn't appreciate his family, outside events and possible loss of spouse helps him see the light". It seemed like lazy writers threw any old story line at it just to justify showing the ride on-screen...

Sorry for going off-topic, but since I started the thread I guess I need to apologize to myself...I can't really disagree -- the fact that the Pirates films didn't collectively hit quite as many direct references to the ride as The Haunted Mansion isn't really a flaw, and I got a kick out of those they did include.

But I do have The Haunted Mansion on DVD, and I do pull it out and watch it from time to time. And you're right about Rick Baker's work on it; those reanimated corpses are amazing, especially when you realize they're costumes, for the most part (as opposed to animatronics). I also really enjoy Terence Stamp in it -- every time I hear him deliver the line "The rain has swollen the river," it cracks me up -- and it's all in the way he delivers the line.

Qapla'

SSB

An aside... possibly urban legend, but I believe so... I heard that the reason the PotC script was soooo good was that these 2 guys worked on it for 10 years... lovingly, and could not get a studio to get behind it... then Disney came saying they wanted to do films based on the rides and the Pirates script finally popped up... a few tweaks to add references to the ride and it was ready to roll. That's what I heard, anyway... but I don't remember where... might have been in the American Cinematographer article.

By "sequel" are you referring to The Mysterious Island?


Yep----

I hope the redesign of the Nautilus takes into consideration the higher than expected technology of the time.

The CSS Hunley, with its smooth surfaced plating and counter-sunk rivets, is a lot more advanced looking than the representations of it ever indicated and much more like a modern submarine than the rivets and straight edges that Goff designed into his version.

This is a really excellent website to take a look at contrasting interpretations:

http://home.att.net/~JVNautilus/Catalog/some-designs.html

. . . Looking back, I doubt anyone at Disney ever had any intension of making the film; they just wanted to get my screenplay off the market lest another studio pick it up. Sounds silly, but that sort of thing happens all the time.

Needless to say, I’ll be anxious to see what McG cooks up.

You'd better take a notepad and a pencil if you get a sneak peek at it. They may owe you some money if you find original elements from your script included in the new version.:thumbsup:

Walt wanted a modern looking cigar shape sub, but once he saw the 'alligator design' he fell in love with it. And I hope they don't change it.

You'd better take a notepad and a pencil if you get a sneak peek at it. They may owe you some money if you find original elements from your script included in the new version.:thumbsup:

Well, having bought the script, Disney is pretty much free to use whatever they want. Heck, after all these years, I'd be flattered.

Well, having bought the script, Disney is pretty much free to use whatever they want. Heck, after all these years, I'd be flattered.

You'd get a percentage, would you not, if they do use it or portions thereof, correct?:confused:

Walt wanted a modern looking cigar shape sub, but once he saw the 'alligator design' he fell in love with it. And I hope they don't change it.

I really like the design as a fantasy type sub but the design is seriously flawed and outdated. I would think that counter-sunk rivets and perhaps a few less sharp edges would vastly improve the hydrodynamics making it much more realistic and appealing to today's audiences. We can't count on just the fans of a 55 year-old movie to come to the prequel.:p

I really like the design as a fantasy type sub but the design is seriously flawed and outdated. I would think that counter-sunk rivets and perhaps a few less sharp edges would vastly improve the hydrodynamics making it much more realistic and appealing to today's audiences. We can't count on just the fans of a 55 year-old movie to come to the prequel.:p

Actually, these days there is quite alot of interest in Steamship Punk industrial design. That being said, I don't think there is a production designer alive who doesn't think "I can improve that!"...

I really like the design as a fantasy type sub but the design is seriously flawed and outdated. I would think that counter-sunk rivets and perhaps a few less sharp edges would vastly improve the hydrodynamics making it much more realistic and appealing to today's audiences. We can't count on just the fans of a 55 year-old movie to come to the prequel.:pFor a movie set in the 1800s, I'd think that "dated" is not only appropriate, it is imperative. Unlike, say, the idea of updating the design of a fictional starship originally designed in the 1960s to represent 23rd-century technology that is still far beyond our grasp, over 40 years hence. :thumbsup:

Qapla'

SSB

You'd get a percentage, would you not, if they do use it or portions thereof, correct?:confused:

That’d be nice, but I’m afraid it doesn’t work that way.

Actually, these days there is quite alot of interest in Steamship Punk industrial design

Which the Disney Nautilus more or less epitomizes.

It’s a testament to Harper Goff that his design holds up as well as it does. Talk about timeless.

And it's a disgrace that he didn't get screen credit on 20,000 Leagues because he wasn't a union man. Even his contribution on Fantastic Voyage was dismissed with the vague credit of "creative production research." Sounds like a low-level flunky thumbing through dusty filing cabinets to find material to inspire the art directors. He designed the friggin' submarine, for Christ's sake!

And it's a disgrace that he didn't get screen credit on 20,000 Leagues because he wasn't a union man.

Not one of Walt's finest hours.

As Ub Iwerks learned, Disney could be tight with money, but even tighter with credit. And he despised unions.

That being said, I don't think there is a production designer alive who doesn't think "I can improve that!"...

And he/she would be wrong.