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Warners Does Not Possess The Secrets of Grayskull
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By El Mayimbe on
October 16, 2008
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El Mayimbe here…
So what is the latest on one of my favorite scripts of the year – Justin Marks’ GRAYSKULL?
Nothing. As it stands, the project is dead at Warner Brothers.
How did it get this way? Here are some of the reasons.
For starters, Warners simply doesn’t get the property and wasn’t high on it to begin with.
The studio gave the execs at Silver Pictures a very small list of A-director names they would consider making the film with, amongst them Doug Liman and Bryan Singer who both passed.
There were some up and coming directors that were gung ho on the script, but the studio wasn’t feeling them.
Another reason and perhaps the biggest was that Navid McIIhargey, the exec who brought in He-Man to Silver Pictures, left the company last month to become a Senior VP at New Regency as reported last month in both trades.
Sources tell me Navid and another exec (who also left Silver) – guys in their thirties who grew up on the property - were the unsung heroes of He-Man and are no longer there doing the day to day to get He-Man over the mountain and get the movie made.
In the Hollywood business culture, once an exec leaves, usually his projects are killed by the new incoming exec.
Even heroes like He-Man need allies and Prince Adam no longer has any at the studio. Sad.
Execs at toy company Mattel are so infuriated at Warners, that they want the property back to take it elsewhere. Mattel’s anger is understandable. No movie equals no toys to make.
I personally don’t get it. You would think with all the money 80s toy properties like Transformers made for Paramount that every studio in town would do the same. Paramount knows better, they got the Transformers sequel and G.I. JOE in the pipeline for next year and Hasbro alone stands to make a king’s ransom on just the toys.
I adore the Grayskull script. It’s one of my favorites for this year which I will be voting for in the upcoming black list for 2008. It really could be another Lord of the Rings combining both mythology and science fiction. The potential is HUGE! You can read my script review HERE.
As a story analyst, it’s comforting when the good scripts in this town get made regardless of the obstacles like another of my favorites script KASHMIR went through. Awesome that KASHMR is finally getting made as announced this week.
GRAYSKULL is another gem which I want to see get made and other fanboys do too. The piles of email I get on this property alone are proof.
Warners should put the project into immediate turnaround because trust me, someone will pick it up.
Stay tuned as more info comes in…
In the meantime, check out my updates on TWITTER.
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| Comments
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WB
Commented By: A Fellow Frijol on 2008-10-16 18:43:37
Seriously, who's running this company? Their mode of business is awful. They're so lucky they have Nolan and the Batman franchise. Capitalize! Make more DC comics-films already!!! (Good ones, of course.)
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That sucks
Commented By: Bartholomew Skeletor, Jr. on 2008-10-16 19:34:28
Being a He-Man fan since I was little, it sucks to hear this news. The script review was a definite tease, and it sounded pretty incredible. Anyway, hopefully the movie will get made by WB or another company. If not, I hope the script will become available to read.
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blind execs
Commented By: steevo c on 2008-10-16 19:45:18
script sounded like it had potential. A futuristic/alien LOTR..ill buy that for a dollar! He-Man deserves to be made after that dolph lundgren abortion that was fed to the fans. Films are all about money and this little nugget could EASILY be a cash cow. Im 28 and adored He-Man as a kid and was equally gutted when i saw the 1st movie. For a long time ive wanted to see both He-Man & Bravestarr get the proper motion picture do-over that they deserve. If Warner cant see the potential here yet will green light utter turd like Speed Racer..they should just close their doors and call it a day. When I heard Speed racer was being made i knew instantly it would crash and burn. Some are meant to be made, others clearly aint. Bring on Eternia!!
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Not surprising
Commented By: Not a fan of Marks on 2008-10-16 21:16:27
EM- I hated the script, and at least 2/3 of the people I know who have read it weren't too fond of it. If that was what they used to shop around directors, it's not too shocking that this happened.
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Nice
Commented By: John Woods on 2008-10-16 23:28:57
I think you bring up some valid points here.
www.privacy.de.tc
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El Mayimbe
Commented By: Trap-Jaw on 2008-10-17 03:51:22
So you really think someone else will pick it up if Warner doesn't?
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Wiser Bros !
Commented By: Emperor Hsss on 2008-10-17 04:03:09
I agree with Frijol. Mattel is now the most dangerous enemy of the MOTU. I understand WB, Mattel is not to be trusted (see the ultra rare and expensive SDCC King Grayskull figure produced to make fans angry...)
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Thank God
Commented By: KiethBlackLion on 2008-10-17 11:57:04
Personally, I'm pleased to hear that another Justin Marks project is on hold. I read the review of He-Man and I've read the review (as well as the script) for Voltron, and I wanted to beat Justin Marks with a baseball bat for what he did to those properties.
The fact that no director wanted to pick it up, especially the director of that boring Superman Returns (aka Bryan Singer) should be an indication of the quality of the script.
I seriously doubt that the movie isn't being picked up because Hollywood doesn't know the value of hit properties from the 80s. After all, Transformers, GI Joe, and other properties are getting movies (I believe the Smurfs are suppose to get a movie). Of course, it doesn't help when the script sucks.
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WB
Commented By: Brian on 2008-10-17 15:32:10
MAKE THIS MOVIE!!!!!
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MASTERBATION OF THE UNIVERSE!
Commented By: 420band on 2008-10-17 20:50:39
He-man was a pretty gay cartoon to begin with and that's how it should be played in the movies
make it a real gay-fest and bring in the humor..
TREY PARKER AND MATT STONE directing
MORE CARTOON MOVIES WE'LL PROBALLY SEE SOON:
Space ghost
Johnny Quest(actually might be pretty good)
Thundercats
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fuck WB
Commented By: Dan the Man on 2008-10-18 01:59:41
these fucking assholes at WB dont know their asshole from their elbows. Its as simple as this... GI Joe and Transformers and no Masters of the universe----FUCK OFF WB. Grow some fucking balls and make this God Damn movie. LOTR meets 300, give me a fuckn break,. with all the bullshit movies that come out these days. God forbid an epic movie comes out. I will be writing a letter< Fuck you and your goddamn batman movies.
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Yo feel me on this Latinoreview
Commented By: D. Mill on 2008-10-18 02:13:03
I loved the script too. These fucking cocksockers can watch Robin get fucked in the ass by Batman. Then i'll watch king Grayskull cut off trapjaw fucking mouth. Fuck these mulians at WB.. THEY CAN HAVE MY MONEY AND MAKE THIS MOVIE. If this movie dosent come I will not watch any WB movie ever fucking again. SUCK MY ETERNIAN/ NEW YORK DICK
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Give me their GOD DAMN ADDRESS
Commented By: YANKEES BASEBALL on 2008-10-18 02:21:16
FUCK WB, I will boycott these assholes and their dead prescription drug addict JOKER. This Masters of the Universe script is awesome. They dont make this movie and I will NEVER SEE A WB movie EVER AGAIN. By the power of GRAYSKULL FUCK WB and their PUSSY EXECUTIVES who dont have the BALLs to make an EPIC TRILOGY
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MATTELL should sue these fuckng assholes
Commented By: ETERNIAN WARRIOR on 2008-10-18 02:27:40
SUCk a fucking dick WB. LOTR on steroids meets the MATRIX OR 300 and Batman Begins. Some movie co. will pick up this script. Justin Marks should tell WB to go fuck their mother. All twenty somethings and a whole new generation buying into Masters of the Universe. God damn WB is dumb as fuck. Fuck them, fuck looney tunes batman and all the other bullshit franchises they stand for. By the Power of GRayfull FUCK OFF for good WB.
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sith lord
Commented By: Yahnatan Levi on 2008-10-18 16:27:39
Thats really fuckeed up its a damn shame that we live in a world that is all based on politics and bullshit,now these bastards at warner brothers could have made this script manafest but because we are living in rough times such as with wars and economic issues movies such as gi-joe and star wars along with star trek and indiana jones all deal with reality and what is going on in todays society man look i am not taking anything away from those movies they are all great but come on you have a good potential script possibly a blockbuster on hand and these son of a bitches don't want to take chance on it. I know why, their scared that it would be such a huge success that it may knock off batman darkknight along with g-joe and others at the box office.Warners brothers needs to get their act together and just go on ahead and make this masterpiece because trust me if they don't then they will regret it.
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official responce from Mattel
Commented By: Angel-T on 2008-10-19 02:04:21
Hi everyone as I am sure you would expext Many of the He-Fans and She-Ravers over at He-Man. org were naturally very concerned by this news. www.he-man .org went streight to Mattel with our concerns and this was their responce!
"Mattel has long been on the forefront of entertainment between our studio partnerships on major blockbusters to DVD movies based on our own powerhouse brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels and Masters of the Universe. Our focus is to continue being a leader in the industry and exploring opportunities that will deliver break-frame entertainment and innovative products. We are committed to making films based on Masters of the Universe and collectively with Warner Bros., and remain dedicated to identifying the best and most fitting team of creative talent who will do justice to this classic property. We think it is imperative, regardless of how lengthy the process, that we partner with a team that shares our vision and brings to life the current script in a way that will satisfy even our most ardent Masters of the Universe fans."
Attribution: Barry Waldo, Vice President of Worldwide Entertainment & Consumer Products, Mattel " www.He-man.org
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official responce from Mattel
Commented By: Angel-T on 2008-10-19 02:05:20
Hi everyone as I am sure you would expext Many of the He-Fans and She-Ravers over at He-Man. org were naturally very concerned by this news. www.he-man .org went streight to Mattel with our concerns and this was their responce!
"Mattel has long been on the forefront of entertainment between our studio partnerships on major blockbusters to DVD movies based on our own powerhouse brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels and Masters of the Universe. Our focus is to continue being a leader in the industry and exploring opportunities that will deliver break-frame entertainment and innovative products. We are committed to making films based on Masters of the Universe and collectively with Warner Bros., and remain dedicated to identifying the best and most fitting team of creative talent who will do justice to this classic property. We think it is imperative, regardless of how lengthy the process, that we partner with a team that shares our vision and brings to life the current script in a way that will satisfy even our most ardent Masters of the Universe fans."
Attribution: Barry Waldo, Vice President of Worldwide Entertainment & Consumer Products, Mattel " www.He-man.org
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Stupid
Commented By: Zen on 2008-10-20 00:54:23
Really, who's running Warner Bros nowadays? They're bypassing so many potentials and making duds instead!
After Transformers, He-Man and crew is the most remembered cartoons of the 80's! It even has TWO remakes!
..and oh yeah..those ninja-wannabe reptilians too..
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NOOOOO!!!
Commented By: Faker on 2008-10-21 09:49:46
The WB is very bright for the money spent on making the horrible adaptation of Speed Racer, instead of reversing it into something big as MOTU. Now torn apart by SPEED RACER, can not be filmed or themselves in their home.
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Tripe
Commented By: John Hooks on 2008-10-22 14:30:05
This is fuckin' shit! I can't fuckin' believe this shit! Why???... Why .. They have to make this movie!!! fucking warner bros!!! What the fuck man! This news is pure trash, this news is pure fuckin' tripe! FUCK THIS SHIT! They can suck my fuckin' dick man, they can lick my hairy balls. FUCKIN' COCKS!!! FUCK!!! WB You sackless bastards betta' watch out! You stupid Fuckin' Jackass' with your head up your ass! Eat my ass mother-fuckers. Let me tell you something WB...you no god pieces of shit...if you don't make this movie, you are a stupid fuckin' piece 'a' shit cocksucker!!! You dogshit motha fuckers! Eat shit. You eat my shit. You suck!! Fuckin' bastards. You guys are fuckin' cunts... Why?... can you tell me why? No you can't...because you are no-talent pieces of fucking shit, tripe-ass bitchs. SO FUCK YOU!
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Fred
Commented By: Fred on 2008-10-22 15:41:01
why do latinos love He-Man, so much? Is it like a Morrissey thing?
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Fred
Commented By: Fred on 2008-10-22 15:41:29
Cause you guys are like going apeshit here.
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Tripe (Take 2)
Commented By: John Hooks on 2008-10-22 16:31:20
Warner Bros. You guys are fuckin’ idiots!!! I know you… I’ve worked with you in the past, and all I got to say is… You’re a bunch of pussy scallywags. You are a bunch of no-talent douche-bag nut handling fuck sticks!!! WB’s You fucks are so fucking stupid. You guys must work for fuckin’ Skeletor!!! You guys must be in cahoots with Hordak or fuckin’ King Hiss!!! I am furious over this shit! I’ve been waiting 3 years now for this piece of shit to come to light. Through the ridiculous John Woo bullshit, through the announcement of Mark’s script, and now this unforgivable act of treason. And by the way, that scum, Navid McIlhargey is an asshole for leaving! If you don’t wanna make this picture, someone else will you fucks! But in the meantime you can SUCK MY FUCKIN’ DICK!!! I’m pissed off now…FUCK!!! But He-man will still prevail in the end…BY THE POWER OF GRAYSKULL!!!
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Disappointed
on 2008-10-23 21:13:11
I am very disappointed. I am a big He man fan and could not wait for this movie to be made....
I wish someone else does the job :)
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It's a good thing; script was shit
Commented By: Not a fan of Marks on 2008-11-02 09:01:26
Forget what El Mayimbe said- the script was a piece of crap that tried too hard to be badass- characters were poorly developed for the most part, and the ones that got more development were cliched; Man-at-Arms had no character, Skeletor was a whiny pussy; Teela annoying, ...I could go on. Most of the people I know who have read it think it sucked as well. All you people flipping out were going at El Mayimbe's word that the script was decent- well, after what I've heard about Voltron (which people who aren't El Mayimbe hate even more than MOTU), I think Marks' future as a screenwriter is doubful once people who would hire him have actual finished product to see.
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He man rules
Commented By: 2pac on 2008-11-18 00:33:02
I am from Croatia and I was a great fan of He man when I was a kid. I hope I would see a He man movie, good one this time, but sadly I guess it won´t happen any time soon. :(
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SPC . THOMPSON
Commented By: JUNIUS THOMPSON III on 2009-03-12 03:11:08
I REALLY THINK IT UNFAIR TO ALL THOSE 30 YEARS OLD OUT THERE AND IF YOU CAN MAKE THE HULK YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO HE MAN
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