Exclusive: McG Wants A Bad Boy To Go 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea!
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By Kellvin Chavez on
January 13, 2009
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I am writing this after watching the Terminator Salvation roadshow presentation that I saw with my good buddy Ron Henriques, whose in depth coverage you can read HERE!
Director McG did a hell of job selling the shit out of Terminator Salvation, and if you ask me, I think this guy deserves a chance to prove himself, and will do so with the Christian Bale driven Terminator sequel. There were many questions raised such as whether or not this is a John Connor or Kyle Reese/Marcus film and surprisingly it looks to lean towards the latter.
Anyhow, the bigger story that I have to report came after the presentation. Just like I did for the Watchmen presentation where I got a chance to chat with DC Comics president Paul Levitz and talk about Superman when this sneak peek was over we all went out to have some drinks and got a chance to speak to McG personally.
Ron and I talked a bit with Mcg about any time travel elements within this Terminator story and he explained the origins of the Marcus character and how his journey doesn't involve travellng to the past or present. I also asked him straight out “What the hell. Are we seeing Arnold or not?" to which he responded with a grin saying, “You have to wait and see, can’t give that away cause we’re in the Warner Bros. building and they will shoot me if I say anything”
There I was with Ron and we’re getting our shit to leave, and McG was kind of still hanging out with us while the room emptied.
I continued pressing McG for information and I remembered that at one time he was going to direct SUPERMAN, and he talked about what happened “I actually got fired from that due to my fear of flying.” As to how his vision would have been different he answered “I would’ve made it a much darker film. I like Bryan I think he's a fantastic director and I like Donner too, but I would have made it darker.” And would have he chose Lex Luthor as a villain or another? "DOOMSDAY. I like DOOMSDAY.”
FINALLY I had to go for the kill so then I asked him, “How do you go from Terminator to the Captain Nemo story?”
McG talked a bit about his idea and frankly I was getting my jacket to get out of there when all of a sudden I heard him say, “The character Nemo in this film is more about obsession, he is obsessed and people tend to forget that when you become so obsessed you end up being the villain.”
AND THEN THE KILLER ANSWER!! (In an interesting way.)
McG continues, “'Man I’m trying to get Will Smith to do it, been trying to get a hold of him. I've been wanting to work with him for a long time already. That guy's great”
I stopped and looked at Ron and we both gave each other that “Did he say what I thought he just said” look. That’s right! McG is pitching to the studio that he wants Will Smith to play the lead role of Captain Nemo. Now, he mentions that Nemo’s antagonist is himself, a dark side that he battles with. So I am not sure if McG wants Smith to play Nemo played by James Mason in the original film or protagonist sailor Ned Land played by Kirk Douglas. Good, bad, or both? All I know is that he wants Will Smith, and is pushing the studios to go after him!
What do you guys think? I think that it will be sort of interesting to see Smith play a villain for once if you ask me. I don’t think he’s ever played a villain. You all know that whatever Smith touches turns to box office gold…well with the exception of SEVEN POUNDS. So it would benefit the studio to consider him. Now it is just a matter of time whether or not Will Smith believes in McG. Pretty sure the success of Terminator Salvation could dictate that.
And no this is not a RUMOR! This is coming straight from the man himself and FOR ALL YOU IN THE WEST COAST go ahead and find out yourself cause after posting this information I KNOW FOR A FACT that some of you will go ahead and start your investigation or ask McG about Nemo since he will be in LA doing the Terminator Salvation thing as well.
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Tags: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Captain Nemo, News |
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Smith will say NO-mo to Nemo
Commented By: McGsucks on 2009-01-14 04:09:03
Will Smith learned his lesson from 'Wild Wild West', no way will he do this.
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Another racial stereotype from Hollywod?
Commented By: Santo Santo on 2009-01-14 07:04:09
I'm sorry, but doesn't anyone know that Nemo's Indian??!? How is Will Smith possibly going to play an Indian captain?!!?
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Another racial stereotype from Hollywood?
Commented By: Santo Santo on 2009-01-14 07:04:30
I'm sorry, but doesn't anyone know that Nemo's Indian??!? How is Will Smith possibly going to play an Indian captain?!!?
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Good idea
Commented By: Yasmin on 2009-01-14 07:11:45
Hey fuck it, whether Nemo is Indian or White who really gives a shit. Green Lantern was white then Black, so was the Kingpin in Daredevil and so on. So don't make this some sort of racial thing. This could actually be a good idea for Will Smith to play a villain.
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Commented By: avoidz on 2009-01-14 08:33:36
Will Smith's $cientology buds will be having a Sea Org-asm over this news.
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I am trying to C it
Commented By: Real Talk on 2009-01-14 09:48:56
Will as a villain.......as much as I want to see it I can't he's too decent of a person in his movies and personal life.
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$$$$$$$$$
Commented By: 420band on 2009-01-14 13:05:06
You know with his name on it and an July release WILL make them money!!!!!
If it's good or not probably wont matter
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Seriously. Please no.
Commented By: RC on 2009-01-14 15:45:02
I'm seriously doubting the direction of this movie by this pick of character. Smith is no captain Nemo. I thought McG had a good casting taste for T4 with Christian Bale, now he's ruining his taste with this crap of a pick. You want to see good acting? Look at the 1954 original movie, as old as it is, James Mason is brilliant as Nemo. I think long time fans (yes, young and old, they do exist) will not relate to Will Smith playing this part or ANY of the other characters. How 'bout McG worry about not ruining a classic remake by searching for quality (and dare i say Oscar-proven) talent. Don't make it a shallow summer blockbuster, this story deserves better.
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bob hoskins
Commented By: scorsese_fanatic on 2009-01-14 16:22:54
I know this has nothing to do with this article but, does anyone else think that Bob Hoskins would an awesome "Penguin" in the next Batman sequel?
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Bob Hoskins
Commented By: scorsese fanatic on 2009-01-14 16:35:38
Just picture his role in "Unleashed" but as an arms dealer. His Welsh (i think) accent, and his body build (or lack thereof), give him a fake nose (or not) and you have oswald cobbelpot!
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Villain?
Commented By: ZeDude on 2009-01-14 16:45:24
Anybody who's read the book or seen the film knows Nemo is not a villain. This is exactly the sort of misrepresentation of the material I fear for this film with this director and this type of casting. I'm sorry, but Will Smith as Captain Nemo is laughable. So is McG directing a Jules Verne story (sort of).
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Deep Deep Nemo
Commented By: Denroy on 2009-01-14 17:26:40
This is a joke right?
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Deep Deep Nemo
Commented By: Denroy on 2009-01-14 17:28:47
They could get Goldblum to be first mate and say "must go deeper".
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Hey Martie!!!
Commented By: Micheal Keaton on 2009-01-14 18:13:53
Fuck Batman Already!!!!!!!!
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This can\'t be for real.
Commented By: Hank Johnson on 2009-01-14 18:37:10
The names McG and Will Smith should not be uttered in the same sentence with Jules Verne. 20,000 Leagues is a serious novel, and is the archetype of modern science fiction. This project should be tackled by a director along the lines of Steven Speilberg or Ed Zwick, with an actor of the caliber of Patrick Stewart to portray Captain Nemo (who is certainly not a villain!). Please don't let McG and Smith happen to 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea.
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OH PLEASE NOOOO!!
Commented By: Arturo Badillo on 2009-01-14 23:54:58
COME ON i like Will Smith, he is a fine actor...
BUT PLEASE DONT DESTROY ANOTHER WONDERFUL BOOK!!!! first IRobot, then I am Legend... now this???... you are FILMING the classics, NOT REWRITING THEM!! stop giving them "better audience approved endings" and 2 hour long advertisements...
This movie could work if its not raped...
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Mickey G?
Commented By: Anketel Brewer on 2009-01-15 01:17:50
He should never be allowed near a film set ever again. One piece of crap after another!
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I agree with Hank Johnson
Commented By: LividEmerald on 2009-01-15 01:28:42
I agree with Hank Johnson. I've read "Vingt mille lieues sous les mers" and "L'ile mysterieuse" and have great respect for these works. Like most of Verne's novels, they are mix of 19th Century hard science and science fiction. Patrick Stewart would be the perfect choice for Captain Nemo. It's a pivotal role. Will Smith would be a disastrous choice.
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Patrick Stewart already played Nemo
Commented By: master on 2009-01-15 12:54:40
yea Patrick Stewart already played Nemo in a bad tv mini-series, The Mysterious Island. I had the misfortune of having to watch half of it last week. I doubt Stewart will touch that roll again, but nice try Mr. Hank Johnson
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Wierd choice...but o--k-a-a-a-yyy...
Commented By: Travis Cowsill on 2009-01-15 13:06:41
I love Will Smith. Great for the popcorn adventure flick. But I just don't make the connection.
That having been said, I was one of the ones that balked at Ledger playing the Joker. So I reserve judgment until it happens.
Hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised.
Travis Cowsill
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Will Smith
Commented By: Paul on 2009-01-17 22:32:38
It's interesting to see how far Smith's acting has come. The kid on Fresh Prince is emberassing compared to hi work in Ali. I've always been curious what kind of formal acting training he has gone through. A good acting school is worth it’s weight in gold. The key is to find one that caters to your individual needs. Not only do you need the basic tools for auditioning, scene study and the like, but you need a curriculum that works with whatever your schedule may be. Whether you work all day, go to high school or care for your kids, not everyone can study in the traditional way. Another acting program that works this way is Film Connection. http://www.film-connection.com/ Acting.htmlThe Film Connection’s acting program is affiliated with Joe Anthony studios and features valuable one-on-one mentoring. Most importantly they teach you about the “business†of show business.They are also available to anyone living in the United States and have financial aid assistance.
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Commented By: John on 2009-01-18 01:58:28
Hey they guy can solve the Rubiks cubes, he's OK In my boo.
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doesnt match him
Commented By: serop on 2009-01-22 08:08:05
will smith cold never make captain nemo's character work for him. someone like bruce willis would be a better nemo
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NO!!!
Commented By: RT on 2009-01-24 19:46:29
I HATE Will Smith!!! He has to be one of THE most over-rated actors of all time!!!! Seriously, I've never been able to buy what this dude's selling.... NEVER EVER!!!
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How about this....
Commented By: RT on 2009-01-24 19:59:38
I think Sam Rockwell would make an awesome Nemo. Just go ahead and let that marinate for a bit...
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Mo betta Nemo
Commented By: Ned Land on 2009-02-12 22:43:23
OMG how adorable in the land of PC-ville a chocolate Nemo. This is a guy who is as about as talented as Bruce Willis and has been a nominated for two Academy Awards. How long are these Hollwood Liberals going to hang on to White guilt? If they want to be PC then cast someone from Bollywood or find somebody who has at least some semblances of talent !!! Unlike Will the Pill.
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deep sea muff diver
Commented By: robert conrad on 2009-02-13 00:32:35
How about some tuck n roll for the interior of Willy's Sub..Now dat would be sweet !!!!
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Will Power
Commented By: felipe calderon on 2009-02-13 00:38:19
Obama for President now Will Smith for Captain Nemo this going to be a great year !!!
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calamari safari
Commented By: Harper Goff on 2009-02-13 00:44:51
Dat squid betta run cuz here come da fresh prince
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whale of a bad choice
Commented By: John Bates on 2009-02-13 00:49:44
Got a whale of a tale to tell ya, lads
A whale of a tale or two
'Bout them pickn Will Smith for Nemo
A whale of a tale and it's all true
I swear by my tattoo
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it\'s a conspiracy
Commented By: Michael Moore on 2009-02-13 00:54:58
The only reason Will Smith hasnt won an Academy Award is because he's black !!!!
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The Pursuit of Nappyness
Commented By: Chris Gardner on 2009-02-13 01:06:36
Spike Lee should be the Director
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seven pounds of poop
Commented By: Ben Thomas on 2009-02-13 01:13:43
What's wrong with you people not all of Will Smith's movies suck. Just the ones he trys to act in do.
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Wet Willie
Commented By: Harvey Milk on 2009-02-13 01:16:29
My name is McG and I want to recruit you Will Smith
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McG makes crap films
on 2009-02-21 23:48:25
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Re: It\'s a conspiracy
Commented By: Ijon Tichy on 2009-02-21 23:53:40
Forrest, Denzel, Jamie, Halle...they all won cuz they're Hispanic?
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Commented By: Seven on 2009-05-08 18:15:12
Will Smith is a wonderful actor. His films are popular because they're action packed, well-made, and a relief from the everyday.
Just one more thing. This thread is filled with comments from closet racists. The lot of you are no better that rednecks in hoods gathered around a burning cross.
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seven sucks
Commented By: Martin Lawrence on 2009-05-24 01:07:11
Cry for me Will Smith fans if you think he has talent that is your problem. Action and exciting doesn't make talented acting or great movies. So if someone non-black doesn't like his movies or music that make him or her a racist. Maybe people make stupid comments about this blog because they think ruining a classic is a joke
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