23 years of this site still chugging along...
Nebula winners announced
by Doc on May.08, 2006, under General News
The 2005 Nebula Awards have been given in Tempe, Arizona on Saturday. The winners: Camouflage (hardcover / paperback) by Joe Haldeman for Best Novel; “Magic for Beginners” hardcover / paperback) by Kelly Link for Best Novella; “The Faery Handbag” by Kelly Link for Best Novelette; “I Live With You” by Carol Emshwiller for Best Short Story; and Serenity by Joss Whedon for Best Script. Also given were the Andre Norton Award to Holly Black for Valiant: A Modern Tale of Faerie (hardcover / paperback); Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award to Harlan Ellison; and William F. Nolan (Logan’s Run) was named Author Emeritus.
Carter of Mars on hold
by Doc on May.05, 2006, under Movies
Although things were moving forward, director Jon Favreau’s John Carter of Mars project has been put on the back burner by the studio. Paramount is already putting out Favreau’s Iron Man adaptation, and is also pushing ahead with the J.J. Abrahms-led Star Trek XI, along with some other SF related properties, “and they don’t think the timing is right,” according for Favreau. “And, hopefully, by continuing my relationship with them, by doing this Iron Man film, I’ll leave the door wide open for Carter, which is a much more challenging property.”
Eccleston to star in The Prisoner remake?
by Doc on May.04, 2006, under Television
We haven’t heard much since November, but today Sky One gave more information on the remake of the cult classic The Prisoner. Not much to go on really, but it is to be six parts, written by Bill Gallagher (British TV series Conviction and Clocking Off) and could star former Doctor Christopher Eccleston.
More DVDs you will buy…original Star Wars to be released
by Doc on May.04, 2006, under General News
Despite previous words from George Lucas, the original, untweaked versions of the first three Star Wars films will now be released on DVD. They probably won’t go through the whole THX process so they won’t look as good, and they will include a second disk with the updated version as well. They are slated to go on sale September 12th, and I’ve heard conflicting info – the CNN article says they will only be sold through Dec. 31st, but I’ve heard that it is only for the individual movies, and a box set will stay on sale. Maybe I can finally get rid of my tempermental laserdisc player – I had both versions on it.
Another remake: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
by Doc on May.03, 2006, under Movies
Are they not listening? This time New Line is planning to repackage the classic Jules Verne story 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, based on a pitch from Craig Titley (Scooby-Doo, Cheaper by the Dozen) and produced under the Buckaroo banner of Sam Raimi (the Spider-Man movies) and Josh Donnen (The Quick and the Dead). It already has the classic 1954 version staring James Mason, Kirk Douglas and Peter Lorre, and had two competing TV versions in 1997.
SCI FI’s Declassified…with Matt Lauer?
by Doc on May.01, 2006, under Television
Does this mean science fiction really is impinging on the mainstream audience? The SCI FI Channel announced that the Today Show anchor Matt Lauer will co-host (fellow NBC News member Natalie Morales) two Declassified specials which will attempt to separate fact from fiction regarding two well known SF themes – a catastrophe causing mass extinction, and the lost city of Atlantis. They are apparently produced in partnership with NBC News Productions, hence the heavyweight names. It wasn’t long ago that some news organizations were frowning on their talent being involved in reality programming (i.e. ABC, Anderson Cooper and The Mole – which I liked, actually), but perhaps if there is a fictional element…[Updated: Flogging myself for getting Anderson Cooper’s name wrong]
Another Who spinoff: K9 Adventures
by Doc on Apr.28, 2006, under Television
It seems spinoffs are “in” in Britain. Before the first Doctor Who spinoff, Torchwood goes into full production, another spinoff is announced – but it won’t be on the BBC, and it features one of the classic characters – K9. K9 Adventures will air on Jetix Europe, and will also feature a new look to the metallic pup – looking a bit more like a Sony design. No word on any human companions, or if John Leeson will provide the voice. In the meantime, K9 returns to Doctor Who with Sara Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) this weekend.
Galactica prequel Caprica announced
by Doc on Apr.27, 2006, under Television
In a presentation to advertisers yesterday, the SCI FI Channel announced a prequel to Battlestar Galactica called Caprica to be produced by Ronald D. Moore and David Eick, along with writer Remi Aubuchon (24). Taking place more than 50 years prior to the events of Galactica, Caprica will deal with the creation of the Cylons, and follow two families – the Graystones and the Adamas (of which one presumably very young William Adama will one day become commander of the Galactica).
Another Journey to the Center of the Earth remake in 3D
by Doc on Apr.24, 2006, under Movies
Per Variety, Brendan Frasier (The Mummy) is set to star in a remake of Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, this one being produced in 3D. There have been a few remakes before, but some were pretty darned poor, having little to do with the original story except in name…
Star Trek XI back on again; J.J. Abrams to run it
by Doc on Apr.21, 2006, under Movies
J.J. Abrams, who created the hit series Lost and also took over the production of Mission: Impossible III, will apparently take over another franchise (original Variety article – requires subscription) – the on-an-off Star Trek XI movie. He’s set to co-write, produce and direct, with an aim at a 2008 release. It will reportedly be based on the often-rumored “Starfleet Academy” concept, following Kirk and Spock when they first meet and their first mission. UPDATE 4/24: Rick Berman he has nothing to do with this one – perhaps to the rejoicing of Trekkers everywhere…