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Wonder Woman co-writer Jason Fuchs to take on Robotech
by Doc on Sep.12, 2017, under Movies, Television
Deadline reports that writer Jason Fuchs, who co-wrote Wonder Woman and also wrote Pan and Ice Age: Continental Drift, will take on the screenplay for Sony’s Robotech. Andy Muschietti (It) was attached as director in July.
The project is Sony’s attempt at a new franchise based on the 1985 anime series from Harmony Gold USA in partnership with Tatsunoko Production Company, and was actually three separate anime series (“Super Dimension Fortress Macross”, “Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross”, and “Genesis Climber MOSPEADA”), dubbed and edited to have a common plot line, showing three “generations” of characters. The common theme in the series is what is called “robotechnology” (a.k.a. “mecha”) – vehicles and spaceships which could transform into robots, which allowed the humans to take on aliens of immense size. It also spawned a number of direct-to-video movies.
J.J. Abrams to direct and co-write Star Wars Episode IX, release delayed to December 2019
by Doc on Sep.12, 2017, under Movies
With last week’s surprise announcement that Colin Trevorrow was ousted as director of Star Wars IX, speculation ran wild on who would take over…but that’s all put to rest now as it was announced today that J.J. Abrams himself will return to direct and co-write the script with Chris Terrio.
With the change in direction, the release has been pushed back to December 20th, 2019.
J.J. ushered a new era of Star Wars with The Force Awakens, directing and producing along with co-writing with Lawrence Kasdan. He handed the reins over to Rian Johnson for the upcoming The Last Jedi, and was considered the front runner to replace Trevorrow.
Dr. Jerry E. Pournelle 1933-2017
by Doc on Sep.08, 2017, under Books, Obituaries
Author and technology pundit Dr. Jerry E. Pournelle passed away earlier today, according to messages from his son Alex and daughter Jennifer.
I cam across him in so many ways over the years, although we never had the chance to meet in person. I remember his columns in Byte magazine, one of my favorite parts of the magazine, where he discussed using the various things he was sent to review. And like Larry Niven he provided world building in his fiction stories. I was particularly enthralled by the CoDomunium setting, which I discovered through his collaboration with Niven in [asin=0671741926]The Mote In God’s Eye[/asin] and the sequel [asin=B005KSL45M]The Gripping Hand[/asin], where each author played off each other’s strengths.
I’d later encounter Pournelle again in the tech world through the This Week In Tech podcasts, where he was an occasional panel member.
We will certainly miss him.
Star Wars Rebels final season trailer and premiere date
by Doc on Sep.05, 2017, under Television
The fourth and final season of Star Wars Rebels will premiere on October 16th on Disney XD with an hour-long episode, which finds the crew of the Ghost joining the Rebel Alliance, but when Ezra’s home world of Lothal sees a new Imperial threat, he heads back to to take on Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Check out the second trailer below!
Trevorrow out as Star Wars IX director
by Doc on Sep.05, 2017, under Movies
News is spreading across the galaxy fast that directory Colin Trevorrow is out of Star Wars IX in a mutual parting.
In a release from Lucasfilm, the company stated “Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on Star Wars: Episode IX. Colin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ. We wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon.”
Trevorrow, who ushered back the Jurassic Park franchise with Jurassic World, was announced as the director of the ninth saga film just over two years ago. Last month it was announced that Jack Thorne would take over writing duties from a draft Trevorrow and Derek Connolly worked on.
In June, Ron Howard took over the director’s chair for the Han Solo anthology film from co-directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller after the two were ousted, also over “creative differences”.
Star Wars IX is expected to release on May 24, 2019.
Richard Anderson, Oscar Goldman in The Six Million Dollar Man, 1926-2017
by Doc on Sep.01, 2017, under Obituaries, Television
Actor Richard Anderson, best known as the head of a secret government organization who oversaw The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman, passed away yesterday at the age of 91 at his home in Beverly Hills.
Anderson rose to prominence when he was cast in the 1957 film Paths To Glory by Stanley Kubrick, a year after a smaller role but in the genre classic Forbidden Planet as Chief Engineer Quinn. A character actor who often presented as an authority figure, he played a number of military roles. But it was in 1973 in a series of TV movies and later a series on ABC about an astronaut rebuild with bionic parts after a crash where he became ingrained in our memories. That series then had a spinoff in The Bionic Woman, in which Anderson reprised his role on both series simultaneously. When The Bionic Woman shifted networks to NBC, he was the first actor to play the same role simultaneously on two different networks.
When both series ended in 1978, he was reappear in the role in a series of TV movies through 1994, after which he was largely retired.
Dark Matter canceled after 3 seasons
by Doc on Sep.01, 2017, under Television
While we were celebrating the renewal of Killjoys for two more runs, we just learned that Dark Matter has been canceled by Syfy. The news was confirmed by co-creator Joseph Mallozzi on his blog.
“It is with great sadness that I confirm the news. Syfy has cancelled Dark Matter after three seasons,” he said.
“To say that I’m incredibly disappointed would be an understatement.
“I’ll save my comments and field your questions in a future blog entry. For today, I just want to extend a heartfelt thanks to my amazing crew, my wonderful cast, and to all of you, our incredible fans.
“You all deserved better.”
Dark Matter starred Melissa O’Neil, Anthony Lemke, Alex Mallari Jr., Zoie Palmer, Jodelle Ferland and Roger Cross and followed the crew of the Raza, who woke up on board with no memory of who they are, and in the middle of a tense galaxy run by corporations. It was based on the graphic novel series from Dark Horse.
SYFY and Space announce renewal of Killjoys for two final seasons
by Doc on Sep.01, 2017, under Television
Killjoys is coming to an end…but not for a couple more seasons!
SYFY and Space announced today the pickup of Seasons 4 and 5 of the sci-fi adventure series Killjoys ahead of its action-packed Season 3 finale airing tonight at 8/7c. The two-season, 20-episode pickup will act as the final chapters for the fan-favorite space drama. From Temple Street, a division of Boat Rocker Studios, and Universal Cable Productions (UCP), Killjoys follows a trio of interplanetary bounty hunters – rebel leader Dutch (Hannah John-Kamen), tech-savvy John Jaqobis (Aaron Ashmore), and tactical D’avin Jaqobis (Luke MacFarlane) – on the brink of a multiplanetary war. Creator Michelle Lovretta serves as executive producer along with Karen Troubetzkoy and Temple Street’s David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg. Season 4 is set to air in 2018.
“Helmed by Lovretta and driven by the superb storytelling, we are excited to bring Killjoys back for two final seasons,” said Bill McGoldrick, Executive Vice President Scripted Development for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. “Tonight’s game-changing season finale sets the tone for the final chapters of our bounty hunter’s space adventures and we cannot wait for our talented cast and crew to bring to life what is sure to be an epic journey that will leave our passionate fans on the edge of their seats.”
“A final two-season order is a huge vote of confidence for a show that keeps getting better and better,” said Fortier and Schneeberg, co-presidents of Boat Rocker Studios and executive producers of Killjoys. “We are so proud of the support Killjoys has received from critics and fans alike, and are thrilled to plan a deserving ending for Dutch and the Jaqobis brothers; it has been an incredible intergalactic journey and we could not have wished for better partners to share the ride.”
“This renewal is the kind of privilege every creator hopes for – a chance to plan the end of your story with the luxury of 20-episodes to do it,” said creator and executive producer Lovretta. “I’m immensely grateful that both of our network partners – along with Temple Street and UCP – have given our team, cast and fans this incredible opportunity.”
Throughout Season 3 of Killjoys, war has loomed over the J Star System. As the underdog trio struggled to assemble an army, the dangerous force of Aneela and her Hullen crew drew near. In tonight’s finale, the Killjoy militia are finally ready to go to war against her, using Delle Seyah as bait, but as the battle begins, Aneela finds a way to change the entire game.
Killjoys was created by Michelle Lovretta who serves as executive producer. David Fortier, Ivan Schneeberg and Karen Troubetzkoy also serve as executive producers. The series is from Temple Street, a division of Boat Rocker Studios and Universal Cable Productions for Space and SYFY. Universal Cable Productions distributes the series worldwide, excluding Canada.
Del Toro’s Fantastic Voyage remake likely pushed to at least 2020
by Doc on Aug.29, 2017, under Movies
It appears that the Guillermo del Toro-led remake of 1966’s sci-fi classic Fantastic Voyage is getting pushed back about a year, to allow time for del Toro to deal with the release of The Shape of Water, which is coming out December 8th in time for Oscar season.
Deadline reports that Fox and Lightstorm Entertainment are willing to push full development of the film until next Spring, to allow del Toro to be able to fully concentrate on the development before they start spending money on set production, etc. Given the original timeline was to start dull production in the Spring for a late 2019 release, but this would probably push filming until the Fall, and a release sometime in 2020.
Syfy unveils Fall and Winter schedule
by Doc on Aug.29, 2017, under Television
SYFY announced their upcoming fall and winter schedule, including the premiere of their new original series starring Christopher Meloni, HAPPY! on November 29 at 10/9c. The series, based on New York Times best-selling author Grant Morrison and Darick Robertson’s graphic novel of the same name, also features Patton Oswalt as the voice of the imaginary blue winged horse named “Happy.” HAPPY! is produced by Universal Cable Productions.
SCRIPTED ORIGINALS (in order of air date)
CHANNEL ZERO: NO-END HOUSE – Second Installment Premieres Wednesday, September 20 at 10/9c
Inspired by Brian Russell’s “creepypasta” tale, CHANNEL ZERO: NO-END HOUSE tells the story of a young woman named Margot Sleator, played by Amy Forsyth (“The Path”), and her best friend Jules (Aisha Dee “The Bold Type”), who visit the No-End House, a bizarre house of horrors that consists of a series of increasingly disturbing rooms. When Margot returns home, she realizes everything has changed. The second six-hour installment will be directed by Steven Piet (“Uncle John”). Franchise creator Nick Antosca (“Hannibal,” “Teen Wolf”) will return as executive producer and showrunner; Max Landis (“Chronicle,” “American Ultra”) will also executive produce.
HAPPY! – Series Premiere Wednesday, November 29 at 10/9c
Universal Cable Productions’ HAPPY! is based on New York Times best-selling author Grant Morrison and Darick Robertson’s graphic novel of the same name. The series follows Nick Sax (Christopher Meloni, “Law & Order: SVU”) – an intoxicated, corrupt ex-cop turned hit man – who is adrift in a world of casual murder, soulless sex and betrayal. After a hit gone wrong, his inebriated life is forever changed by a tiny, relentlessly positive, imaginary blue winged horse named “Happy” (Patton Oswalt). Executive producers Morrison (“Batman,” “The Invisibles”) and Brian Taylor (“Crank,” “Gamer”) co-wrote the pilot teleplay. Neal Moritz, Pavun Shetty and Toby Jaffe of Original Film (“The Fast and the Furious” franchise), Meloni and showrunner Patrick Macmanus will also executive produce. Taylor directed the pilot.
CO-PRODUCTIONS/ ACQUISITIONS (in order of air date)
CON MAN – Television Debut of Web Series Airs Saturday, September 9 at 10/9c
The short form web series, which debuted on Vimeo and Comic-Con HQ, will have its television debut with a Season 1 marathon on Saturday, September 9th beginning at 10/9c showing all 13 episodes back-to-back. The critically acclaimed, geektastic series, which recently received two Emmy® nominations for Outstanding Actor and Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series, follows the journey of Wray Nerely (Alan Tudyk), a washed-up, former sci-fi celebrity who revisits his glory days on the convention circuit. The series is executive produced by Tudyk, PJ Haarsma and Nathan Fillion, who also co-stars. The star-studded first season also features Seth Green, Felicia Day, Sean Astin, James Gunn, Tricia Helfer and many more.
Z NATION – Season 4 Premieres Friday, September 29 at 9/8c
Z NATION follows a team of everyday heroes, led by Lieutenant Warren (Kellita Smith), during their epic struggle to save humanity. Season 4 begins with a mind-bending jump in time. Murphy and Warren find themselves alive in Zona, the zombie free playground for billionaires. Meanwhile, the rest of our heroes are fighting alongside the last of the humans against the mutated Zombie Virus and the unkillable “MAD-Z’s.” Warren’s mysterious dream of a black rainbow and flesh-eating black rain propels the season forward and puts our heroes in the middle of an even worse Zompocalypse. Here they will have to battle Jugalo Zombies and find the Zombified President of the United States – or at least his thumb. Produced by The Asylum, Z NATION stars Kellita Smith, Keith Allan, DJ Qualls, Anastasia Baranova, Russell Hodgkinson, Nat Zang, Joseph Gatt, Emilio Rivera and Matt Cedeño.
VAN HELSING – Season 2 Premieres Thursday, October 5 at 9/8c
VAN HELSING stars Kelly Overton (“True Blood”) as Vanessa Van Helsing, a descendent of the Van Helsing lineage who must lead mankind against a world controlled by vampires in the post-Rising apocalypse. In Season 2, Vanessa and the other survivors discover old alliances have crumbled, and new connections expose long-buried secrets about The Rising, the Van Helsing heritage and the survival of humankind itself.
GHOST WARS – Series Premiere Thursday, October 5 at 10/9c
Created by Simon Barry, the horror series GHOST WARS is set in a remote Alaskan town that has been overrun by paranormal forces. Local outcast Roman Mercer (Avan Jogia, “Tut,” “Victorious”) must overcome the town’s prejudices and his own personal demons to harness his repressed psychic powers in order to save everyone from the mass haunting threatening to destroy them all. GHOST WARS is produced by Nomadic Pictures. Chad Oakes and Mike Frislev (“Fargo,” “Van Helsing,” “Hell On Wheels”), Simon Barry (“Continuum”), Dennis Heaton (“Motive”) and David Von Ancken (“Code Black”) serve as executive producers. The series also stars Vincent D’Onofrio (“The Judge,” “Daredevil”), Kim Coates (“Sons of Anarchy”), Kandyse McClure (BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, “Hemlock Grove”), Kristin Lehman (“Motive”) and Meatloaf (“Fight Club”).
SUPERSTITION – Series Premiere Friday, October 6 at 10/9c
The series centers on the Hastings family, owners of the only funeral home in the mysterious town of La Rochelle, Georgia. The family also acts as the keepers of the town’s dark secrets and history. Known for its haunted houses, elevated graveyards, odd townsfolk and rich history of unusual phenomena, the town is also a “landing patch” for the world’s darkest manifestations of fear, guided into the world by an ancient, mysterious malefactor. XLrator Media’s Barry Gordon and MVPTV’s Mario Van Peebles (“Roots,” “Bloodline,” “Hand of God,” “Empire,” “Lost”) will produce, and Van Peebles will also write, direct and star in some of the episodes. Joel Anderson Thompson (BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, “Boomtown,” “House M.D.”) has been tapped as showrunner, and Laurence Andries (“Alias,” “Six Feet Under,” “Supernatural,” “The Pacific”) will executive produce.
ALTERNATIVE (in order of air date)
GAME FACE – Airing Tuesdays at 9/8c
SYFY’s all-new FACE OFF spinoff series, GAME FACE premiered on Tuesday, August 22 and will air Tuesdays at 9/8c. The seven-episode series is based on SYFY’s award-winning FACE OFF with an electrifying new twist. GAME FACE will feature former FACE OFF all-stars as they go head-to-head each week, with multiple make-up reveals and eliminations throughout each exciting episode. Every week, four artists will race against the clock to complete three challenges, with eliminations after every round, but only one artist will walk away with the $10,000 prize. McKenzie Westmore, a member of a multi-generational family dynasty whose name is synonymous with the make-up effects field, will host alongside the renowned judges, multiple Academy Award winner Ve Neill (“Pirates of the Caribbean,” “The Hunger Games”) and Academy Award® winner Rick Baker (“Star Wars,” “The Exorcist”). GAME FACE will also feature a panel of rotating guest judges which includes Emmy Award winner Eryn Krueger Mekash (“The People V. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story,” “American Horror Story”), industry veteran Glenn Hetrick (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Spider-Man 3”) and creature designer Neville Page (“Avatar,” “Prometheus”). GAME FACE is a production of Mission Control Media with Dwight D. Smith, Michael Agbabian and Ian Mallahan serving as executive producers.