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Lionsgate Wants A PG-13 Punisher: War Zone?
By George 'El Guapo' Roush on August 14, 2008
Following up on an earlier article, one of my contacts deep within the bowels of Hollywood and close to the Punisher: War Zone project (source will not be named. Sorry!) told me today that the big fight over the Punisher project is Lionsgate wants a PG-13 cut to be released.We already know that Lexi Alexander has allegedly been fired from the film. Her own website doesn't even mention anything about the Punisher movie anymore. You would think that even if she were a consultant on the project, she'd be mentioning this huge comic book movie coming out later this year, but that isn't the case. Of course, Lionsgate can always say, "This was never intended to be PG-13. We always had an R rating in mind." but I trust Hollywood as far as I can throw it. I'm sure there's some Lionsgate exec thinking this film can do what The Dark Knight has done with a PG-13 rating. And I'm betting it's the Dark Knight impact having something to do with this internal battle over the cut of the film. Dark Knight is PG-13 and made a ton of money. But this isn't Batman. This is The Punisher. The Punisher kills people. Violently. I don't want a PG-13 movie, and I especially don't want one after seeing the ultra violent red band trailer. What do you guys think? Is Lionsgate going nuts over here? Who really wants a PG-13 Punisher movie? I'm pretty sure the actual fans of the comic book don't. Voice your opinion below or e-mail george@latinoreview.com and let Lionsgate know fans of the comic want to see The Punisher do some actual punishing!
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Comments
the trailer actually looks decent, even though they should have stuck with thomas jane, jigsaw looks pretty cool. it looks extremly violent. i hope they keep it r. we'll see.
Author: danny pickett | Permalink
PG-13?! Thu Oct 09 at 23:30 EST
The IGN trailer couldn't get a PG-13!
Author: mac | Permalink
they wont Thu Oct 09 at 22:17 EST
look if they put the thomas jane punisher in a R reating, its imposible to put this one in a PG-13, its just dumb, and that movie, even tough i enjoyd it, does not have that much guts spiling out as this one, so i think that we schould not stre it out, i mean there are a ton of comic book movies right now that are reated R, 300, sin city, wanted etc... and more to come so the punisher will be safe
Author: Angel Brophy | Permalink
wtf! Wed Oct 08 at 20:12 EST
i would ask for a director's cut but if they fired her it looks like thats a no go too
Permalinkpunsiher looks bad ass except....the story looks stupid Thu Sep 25 at 22:27 EST
..seriously.....rated r u douche bagits
Author: -.- | Permalink
not bloody enof Mon Sep 15 at 11:59 EST
needs more blood
Author: hedin | Permalink
boycott the PG-13 rating Sat Aug 23 at 05:04 EST
if lionsgate does release a PG-13 rating lets all boycott this movie until it gets to a hard R rating. we all should boycott this it just pisses me off and i bet all of you. because even though Christopher Nolan did a fantastic job with the dark knight this is much different. the punisher comics were desinged for a adult crowd. with even on the front cover a explicit rating. now there making a movie with a PG-13 rating where it saids parents strongly cautioned. this should not be for kids this should be a hard R rating. tell people if this gets a PG-13 rating to boycott it and send Lionsgate a message.
Author: patrick | Permalink
Punisher War Zone will be rated R Mon Aug 18 at 08:44 EST
This PG rumor was debunked ---- Punisher War Zone will still have a Hard R rating. kudos to El Guapo for posting the update http://www.latinoreview.com/news/updated-the-punisher-war-zone-rating-rumor-squashed-5227
Author: Jorge | Permalink
wtf Mon Aug 18 at 02:39 EST
why would i go pay roughly $20 at the movie theatre for this if its gunna be PG-13.........when i can just torrent it when uncut/unrated when it comes out in a few months....? can anyone answer? no. Because its true. and also.....is it me or did the Punisher look different.......
Author: çöΓñû‡Š | Permalink
Wow, music sucked really bad. The whole angry rap\rock died a long time ago. You can tell they are going for a young audiance that probably never read the comic. But hey, shit blows up! COOL! I'll pirate it and ridicule it with my friends.
PermalinkIt's simple Sun Aug 17 at 13:51 EST
This movie is going to suck. Lionsgate greenlit a flop and now with TDK doing so well and raising the bar, well -- they've killed the franchise. This could of been really good, should have -- we'll have to wait another 10 years before anyone touches this property again. Fuck the ratings. That's the real issue here.
Author: Cman | Permalink
Sean Sun Aug 17 at 13:29 EST
Has everyone forgot DIE HARD 4.0? It too was PG-13, but it doesn't feel like it. The movie can keep the essentials of the character, his ways of meting out punishment, and still be hardcore. I don't think this is a big deal. What is a bigger deal is if the storyline will be more than senseless killing but something that has some core and meat to it. If not, the movie will only draw in diehard fans, which means it'll barely make 50 million in its theatrical release. Just my opinion. ~Sean
Author: Sean | Permalink
Marvel & R - Ratings Sat Aug 16 at 23:04 EST
What abou the Blade franchise weren't those all R rated ?
Author: OO | Permalink
Be true to the character! Sat Aug 16 at 15:50 EST
If anything is to be learned from the success of the Dark Knight, it's that it's critical to be true to the nature of the character. While PG-13 works for Batman, it's because that character was about using his intelligence, stealth combat tactics, and preserving all life. Anyone who has read the Punisher comics knows that he has a different approach. To tone down the level of violence to make it more marketable to a wider audience would be disarming your story and character of what has made him so appealing. Learn from Warner Brothers' mistake in trying to make Batman more appealing to kids (Batman Forever, Batman and Robin).
Author: Josh | Permalink
WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING! Sat Aug 16 at 12:42 EST
PG-13 HELL NO THIS WILL SUCK! PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT CUT THIS MOVIE DOWN TO A PG-13 MOVIE. IF YOU DO THIS YOU MAY AS WELL CHANGE THE NAME OG THE MOVIE ASS WELL.
Author: Eian Crawford | Permalink
The Movie Whore Sat Aug 16 at 11:04 EST
I 100% agree and sent an email with my reasons why.
Author: The Movie Whore | Permalink
stupid movie industry Sat Aug 16 at 04:16 EST
NO NO NO NO NO TURN LIONS GATE ON FIRE!!!!!! stupidity is the reason of their failure, as always!. PUNISHER will never be a movie for the masses, for batman is a hero, but Frank Castle is not. He is a psyco. IS IT SO COMPLICATE? Did they do a Joker that does not kill, in batman? LIONS GATE SUCKS! LIONS GATE ARE STUPID PEOPLE
Author: mars | Permalink
WTF Sat Aug 16 at 01:55 EST
PG-13 will actually decrease their sales - people like me (fans of Punisher) will probably just wait for the DVD uncut version after seeing that trailer lol
Author: Wilson | Permalink
Opinion Voiced Sat Aug 16 at 00:47 EST
The Punisher rated PG-13 is just as weird as a Power Rangers movie being rated NC-17... just doesn't make sense. Follow Dark Knights example and STAY TRUE TO THE CHARACTER... best way to make money in the comic book movie industry.
Author: Mason | Permalink
WTF PG 13 Fri Aug 15 at 22:12 EST
Now if this PG 13 rating is true the company that produces so many gorey awsome movies I love can go to fucking hell!!!! What was Lions gate thinking hay guys lets cut this to PG 13 we will make more money. No did you ever say that to the Saw films all originally rated NC17 except 5. Did you cut Rambo no so fuck off! I love the Punisher and when I scene that trailer I was like yes extreamlly graphic and close to the nature of the comics. Man I was so pumped but you shit heads will ruin it. Your an insult to the fans your and insult to the Punisher. You better stick with the original version or start from scratch for your pussy PG 13 movie. Either way ill suck now. If you dont stay with the original you will lose money from the fans and me!
Author: ???????????? | Permalink
PG-13 Rumour debunked Fri Aug 15 at 18:05 EST
That story never rang true to me. I believe THIS guy: There is a rumor that has started circulating around this little thing called “the internet” that Lionsgate is pushing for the next installment of The Punisher to be rated PG-13. Given all we know of the franchise, this immediately smelled foul. Not being without charms and fully utilizing our ruggedly handsome looks, we tracked down our own source who is, of course, “close to the production.” Their word? *beep* We could add some words in front of that, like “complete,” “total,” or “utter,” but it throws off the feng-shui of the post, but they would be appropriate. It looks like this originated over at Latino Review, who indicate that they have their own source. Now, I love those Latino Review guys, but I have no idea who they’re talking to. I do, however, definitely know our source and know that I trust them completely. Punisher: War Zone will be Rated R for Rambo-Levels of violence. Which is a good thing, because the kill count of Rambo (another Lionsgate release) was 236 and featured some of the best gore violence in years. Now, while being Rated-R, the film is still facing a troubled production run, detailed by our Neil Miller at the end of last month. Who knows what else is going on in making the film “presentable,” though it probably has to do mostly with timing. While our source is more than enough for me, for you kids keeping count at home there are a few other things to keep in mind. First, former Marvel Entertainment CEO Avi Arad (and current Marvel producing partner) Avi Arad has always said that The Punisher was one character who would carry the R-Rating at Marvel (the other being Blade). Second, producer Gale Anne Hurd spoke at great length at Comic Con about the film and stressed the level of violence that would be in the film. Lastly, the exclusive footage shown at Comic Con, which was very well received, was definitely from a film that was Rated R, and it was the point they were selling - brutal. In summation, this PG-13 rumor is total *beep* Punisher: War Zone is still not a ship sailing smoothly, but it will come to theaters with that Rated R stamp all over it on December 5. And just in case you need more evidence of the R-Ratedness, have a look at the clip below, which was launched a few weeks back at Comic-Con. http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/punisher-still-to-punish-in-r-ra ted-way.php
Author: Nomad | Permalink
F*ck you Lionsgate!! Fri Aug 15 at 17:36 EST
I won't pay to see it. Punisher is not PG-13. What the hell are these idiots doing?? Lexi was gonna give us what we hardcore punisher fans have always wanted, and now these bastards are gonna ruin it for us. LIONSGATE WON'T GET A CENT FROM ME. I won't pay to see my favorite character get insulted like that. Here's an idea Liongate, call lexi back, humbly apologize at her feet. Because the only way you're gonna make any money off this film, is if you let her release her cut of the film. If not, then you're gonna lose money. You sons of b*tches.
Author: Punisher Fan | Permalink
Shocked Fri Aug 15 at 16:59 EST
Wow! I guess Lions Gate really want to destroy the Punisher. Let me see if I get this right: the punisher is a story about a man who murders criminals with guns, his bare hands, really big guns, and his bare hands covered in fire. How in the hell could that concept ever be rendered for a PG-13 audience. To even try that would be just retarded.
Author: Nick | Permalink
Crazy Fri Aug 15 at 16:54 EST
Wow dude that is like totally CRAZY dude. Well done. JT www.FireMe.To/udi
Author: Jim McDish | Permalink
R RATING FOR SURE Fri Aug 15 at 16:11 EST
this film NEEDS an R rating, Batman can do PG 13 because he can be a hero to kids. The Punisher IS NOT A HERO TO CHILDREN, nor should he be. If Lionsgate pushes for a PG 13 you're going to end up discouraging the filmmakers, which is a dumb choice. What kind of retard would say, "we should push a PG 13 rating for the Punisher".
Author: Damon | Permalink
this movie will suck regardless Fri Aug 15 at 14:54 EST
the preview was awful, it can be G rated or NC 17, it will still suck
Author: Ryan | Permalink
I don't believe this, either Fri Aug 15 at 14:36 EST
George, I hope you're VERY sure of your "source" that you won't name, coz this kind of report is just another nail in the coffin of this film, a film that may not deserve that treatment. So I hope you're being responsible, and not just breaking a BS story coz it makes you look connected.
Author: Nomad | Permalink
Actually.....that would be brilliant. Fri Aug 15 at 14:35 EST
In theory, you might think that an R rated Punisher theatrical release is the way to go, simply because the Punisher is so brutal, if you put that brutality on the screen, it will automatically be R. BUT, if you shoot an R rated film and edit it down to PG-13, the brutality will still be there, but it will be more implied, and 1) it will be a good way to scare the s*** out of 12 year olds, making truckloads of cash in the mean time, and 2) all those fans out there you speak of will eat up the unrated Director's Cut dvd like drug-laced cupcakes.
Author: bennet | Permalink
Hello Fri Aug 15 at 14:35 EST
Why would LFG be scarred of giving it an R rating? If anything there the studio who encourges the NC17 rating over the R! I might accept a PG13 Max Payne, but not a PG13 punisher.
Author: Chris | Permalink
... Fri Aug 15 at 14:14 EST
To be honest, the movie looks more like a gruesome horror flick than anything. Either way, you can't dull that down to PG-13 unless you refilm the movie.
Author: Kranon | Permalink
Chillax, nobody's that stupid Fri Aug 15 at 14:09 EST
This has more gore than a Tarintino film, there is no way they could make it PG-13. They would make so much more money if they made it R, because parents aren't going to let their kids see a movie that looks anything like that ^ and people who want to see it are going to be scared away by its tame rating. TDK did so well because 1) It's BATMAN, so duh people are going to take their kids, and 2) It is an amazing movie that just squeaked by with PG-13.
Author: Fuckface | Permalink
Successful Comic Movies Fri Aug 15 at 13:59 EST
The biggest issue, to me, is the run of successful comic movies as of late. I’m not sure if Lion’s Gate noticed or not, but the comic movies that have really worked out lately have all been fairly strict about being faithful to the actual comic series. Nolan finally got Batman right. Raimi got the spirit of Spiderman right. Even Singer put a serious enough spin on X-Men to make it right-ish. The Punisher has always been the dark side of Marvel. Not the Dark Side like the evil side, or the mwu-ha-ha demonic side. The Dark Side I refer to is the part of us who just hates to see bad guys crap all over the decent folk in society. The Dark Side of us who thinks, ‘good lord, why doesn’t somebody just kill these bastards, so the system won’t keep letting them go.’ That’s the side Frank Castle represents, and it’s dark, and visceral, and bloody, and you know, it’s great for catharsis. We want to see a Punisher who’s loyal to the graphic novel version. THAT is what made Batman successful, the fact that it was a GRAPHIC NOVEL Batman, NOT a comic batman. It just happens that Punisher’s graphic novel version NEEDS at least an R rating. Please, please, please Lion’s Gate. Please listen to the fans, as it’s the only way to be successful in a comic book movie franchise. Look at Batman. Look at Sin City.
Author: C.K. | Permalink
a PG-13 Punisher? count me out. Fri Aug 15 at 13:14 EST
Punisher can't be PG-13. if it comes out as PG-13, i won't be seeing it. anything short of an R for this movie is an insult to the character and its fans.
Author: Glenn | Permalink
Total B.S. Fri Aug 15 at 12:46 EST
With the redband trailer building alot of hype for the intensity of the film, there's no way that they'll just suddenly make this pg-13.
Author: Mr.Q | Permalink
PG-13? Fri Aug 15 at 12:17 EST
come on. this is like a the mpaa slapping Saw 2 with a PG. it just cant happen. especially after we all saw that red-band trailer
Author: jacob | Permalink
Punisher & PG13 don't mix. Fri Aug 15 at 12:11 EST
If LGF drops the hard R rating in favor of a kiddie friend PG13 then they aren't getting a single dime from me. Have the ppl behind this movie (besides Lexi) gone completely mad!!! Shit that would mean the 1988 Punisher movie is still best of the 3.
Author: Kevin | Permalink
What was the song int he trailer Fri Aug 15 at 11:58 EST
No text
PermalinkL-A-M-E Fri Aug 15 at 11:54 EST
I'll wait for the Directors Cut
Author: Zartan | Permalink
here we go again with the stupid 13 Fri Aug 15 at 11:43 EST
I don't think that kind of violence will reach the release day and will be postponed to a unrated dvd when available so is true what other guy that commented wrote. if they cut out all the good stuff it will end up as a short short dumb movie si i prefer a direct to dvd thing. Dark Knight is PG13 and people complained not to be R because there is not graphic blood, there's plenty of other heavy themes.
Author: LM | Permalink
Punisher & PG13 can Fri Aug 15 at 11:27 EST
PermalinkF*%# This Fri Aug 15 at 10:34 EST
If they rate this movie PG-13, Its a certainty that I will never watch it. No matter how much I love the character, I will not waste my time on some toned down product of a corporate decision to make a couple extra bucks. F*%#ing chodes
Author: SK | Permalink
Bullshit. Fri Aug 15 at 10:28 EST
I will not watch a PG-13 version of this film. Hell, the last one wasn't even as violent as the comics. I love the Ennis Punisher run. The filmmakers said that this story takes place in the MAX universe. That means that it should be as harsh as the comics. That's what the people want. I don't know a single person who wouldn't want this movie to be R rated. Kids should not go to see a Punisher movie. I would never take a child to one... no matter what the rating. Punisher is an adult story... The kind of industry people who would cut the balls from this movie are the very same people that the Punisher end up going after in certain storylines of the MAX series. Plus, after that trailer.... we'd string you up... Comic fans are very protective...
Author: Evan Athsma | Permalink
the only reason to even see this movie was the hardcore violence, just like rambo 4. Rambo 4 was great, but toned down shit like die hard 4 was just fucking stupid
Author: peter | Permalink
Gilight Fri Aug 15 at 09:51 EST
PG13 on the Punisher -sigh Maybe someday someone will get it right
Author: Gilight | Permalink
lol Fri Aug 15 at 09:47 EST
considering the trailer, making the aproppiate cuts to get a pg-13 rating would en up in a 15 minutes movie.
Author: The ano. | Permalink
PG 13, NAY! Fri Aug 15 at 09:39 EST
Do us fans have any friends in Hollywood? Anyone that cares about out opinions or feelings on projects that are dear to us? If we fans want an R rated movie than give it to us.
Author: Jonathan | Permalink
SAD Fri Aug 15 at 08:47 EST
Hollywood execs have a lot of balls firing a director after she finishes a project. I just don't get it! I am not a Punisher fan to say the least and I hated the Tom Jane version. That film totally sucked giant nuts!!! But what I have seen so far on the new movie looked decent! Now these Hollywood fucks want to screw it up!!! TOOLS!!!
Author: Seymour Clearly | Permalink
k Fri Aug 15 at 05:44 EST
Lionsgate has raped my childhood
Permalink... Fri Aug 15 at 04:46 EST
Making a pg-13 punisher movie is like doing sex with 30 condoms: you just don't feel a damn thing (at least if you're the male...). this guys have been talking all this time about "Punisher max visual", "Punisher max mood", "Punisher max topics" ... so, I wonder have they EVER read a p-max issue? it has nothing to do with pg-13 restrictions. as written in the article frank isn't batman, the limits of tdk (wich are obviuosly mainly commercial) somehow reflect the limits of the batman himself, the line he doesn't cross. frank has no line uncrossable but avoiding innocent casualties, bejond that there's nothing he wouldn't do to punish the scum of earth. a dent movie should display that: frank is nothing but a huge over-trained Travis Bickle.
Author: Marco | Permalink
yeah but Fri Aug 15 at 03:25 EST
pineapple express was also hilarious as fuck. this...not so much. Maybe its so friggin crazy violent that its funny. Like, I'll be laughing because I am having a hard time accepting the images onscreen and I don't know what else to do, That type of funny.
Author: MdU | Permalink
NFW Fri Aug 15 at 02:25 EST
punisher IS R rated or it isn't is the punisher...
Author: k | Permalink
Frank Miller... Fri Aug 15 at 01:47 EST
Frank Miller saw this sometime over the last few months with his producing partner from The Spirit. She stood up for Lexi's cut and even called it "amazing", but people with a grudge against R-rated films or convinced Alexander had something to do with Jane's departure (she didn't) are doing anything they can to promote the idea the film is better burned to the ground. It would be pretty amazing to see what Frank Miller had to say about the cut, considering he was one of the first and most important creators to handle the character. Hey Latino Review, why not corner the guy and ask him?
Author: nobody worth knowing | Permalink
I don't believe this one. Fri Aug 15 at 00:42 EST
Even if someone at LGF wanted this...no way they do it unless they release 2 versions. Everything that is common sense says it'll be rated R. Sounds like someone is purposely trying to shake things up and feeding you stuff with an agenda.
Author: Edward | Permalink
WTF Thu Aug 14 at 23:17 EST
WTF is wrong with the movie industry. I understand that people just want to make money, and if they don't think they're going to make enough with an "R" release, then they'll drop it to PG-13 to broaden the audience. The problem with that way of thinking is that it won't broaden the audience, because most of the people that want to see this movie, want to see it graphic and hard core, because that's how the character should be portrayed. They'll end up betraying the fanbase making this movie bomb. There were some things about the last Punisher movie that were less than fantastic, but I liked it enough to be sceptical about this one. If they drop it from an "R" rating, I (and probably many others) will probably just skip the movie entirely. Oh well, Good Luck Lionsgate. Alienate people and go for broke.
Author: Mr. E | Permalink
punisher... Thu Aug 14 at 21:23 EST
is gay anyways. who cares
Author: a;lsdjf | Permalink
Are you nuts!? Thu Aug 14 at 21:01 EST
You guys over at lionsgate are about to do the most stupidest thing to a punisher movie. What the hell is wrong with you guys over there, if you change the movie rating from R to PG-13, then you might as well cancel the whole movie project and not even release it in theatres, b/c you've just destroyed this movie that could have been a masterpiece. Yeah, thanks alot you morons.
Author: Shaun Vila | Permalink
Lets Face it Thu Aug 14 at 18:26 EST
C'mon lets face it, this has Direct to DVD all over it.
Author: Tommy | Permalink
pg-13!?! Thu Aug 14 at 17:41 EST
so there going to edit out the exploding head? i mean cmon pineapple express had voilence but it made around 20mil. i know its buisness but i guess they want to make their money back. oh well buisness is buiness. i was looking forward to this movie being and R rated just like rambo. but it seems RAMBO wins with being the most gory. lets just see how it turns out.
Author: !_! | Permalink
pg-13!?! Thu Aug 14 at 17:41 EST
so there going to edit out the exploding head? i mean cmon pineapple express had voilence but it made around 20mil. i know its buisness but i guess they want to make their money back. oh well buisness is buiness. i was looking forward to this movie being and R rated just like rambo. but it seems RAMBO wins with being the most gory. lets just see how it turns out.
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