"ReBoot," one of the earliest computer-animated episodic TV series, will be redeveloped as a trilogy of feature-length films by Rainmaker Animation.
Originally produced in 1994, the series centered on life within a computer, where good forces fought invading viruses and videogames were viewed from within.
"ReBoot" was created by MainFrame Entertainment, which was acquired by and renamed Rainmaker in 2006. The show aired for several seasons on ABC, YTV and Cartoon Network.
"The idea is to relaunch the brand in a new way," said Rainmaker Animation executive vice president Paul Gertz, who will oversee the project.
To do this, Rainmaker has entered into a strategic alliance with Zeros 2 Heroes, a Web site set to launch Monday (July 23) to provide a social network for comic book fans.
Five undiscovered writers chosen by Rainmaker were selected to work with the animation studio's production teams to prepare a pitch for the new "ReBoot" story line. These will be posted on the Zeros 2 Heroes site Thursday (July 26), the opening day of San Diego Comic-Con International. Those who visit the site will be able to work with each production team to help refine the ideas for "ReBoot" and later vote and select a favorite pitch. The brainstorming environment is what the site calls "Think Ups."
A Web-based comic, based on the selected story, will be published this year. Production on the features will commence at that time.
"'ReBoot's' legions of fans have been incredibly loyal and continue to keep the property alive on dozens of fan sites," Gertz said. "We're very enthusiastic about how we're reconceiving this classic series by creating an innovative way for those fans -- who were kids when the series started -- to use new technology to help guide us."
Shatner out of Trek?
Some reports say that William Shatner (James T. Kirk of course) is miffed that Trek Original Series co-star Leonard Nimoy (Spock) was offered a cameo role in the upcoming Star Trek XI and he wasn't. He is said to be lobbying for a role though his manager, Larry Thompson, refused to comment about it.
The new film, which Paramount hopes will revive it's fading franchise, is being directed by Lost producer/director J.J. Abrams later this year. -- 6/27/07
Conan to Battle Again?
Yet another older film franchise may get new life as Conan the Barbarian is once again under development at Warner Brothers. Boaz Yakin (Fresh, Remember the Titans) is currently writting the latest film version based on the Robert E. Howard novels. He may also direct.
Yakin has been a fan of the Howard series since he was a kid and pitched an idea closer to the Howard story of the hero that apparently impressed WB.
A new comic book is also due. The Dark Horse comic is being released to coincide with Funcom's upcoming "Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures" massive multiplayer online game. The game centers on Conan as king of Aqualonia as he deals with ancient evils and dark forces that are abroad. The game features brutal combat and characters who meet uncertain destinies. The game is set for launch towards the end of the year.
The one shot comic will be followed by an original 5-issue story arc titled "Conan and the Midnight Gods" which will not be tied to the game.
Josh Hartnet to star in 30 Days
Josh Harnett will star in the vampire drama "30 Days of Night" for Columbia Pictures. Sam Raimi & Rob Tapert are producing with David Slade set to direct.
The movie is set in Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost town in the United States where the sun doesn't appear for more than 30 days during the dead of winter - a natural haven for vampires! The local sheriff (played by Hartnett) and his wife are forced to choose between saving themselves and helping the town survive until daylight returns.
Due to shoot in early August in New Zealand, no release date has been set as yet. The movie is based on the graphic novel by Steve Niles which was illustrated by Ben Templesmith.
