News and Rumours
Send all credible news to
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(For news from previous months, click on the "News archives" link on the left)
Alan Porter, Editor of the Gotham Weekly News is holding his annual Alfred Awards. Fans can vote for their favourite comic talent, stories, and other Batman related material. If you would like to vote, hit the link above.
January 31, 2004
Batman: Intimidation script review online
source: Latino Review
Latino Review has got the first script review for Batman: Intimidation. Suffice to say that Batman fans won't be disappointed. Follow this link to read it
Another Filming location: Batman heads to New York
source: Variety
Variety is now listing New York as a filming location for Batman: Intimidation.
Batman: Intimidation rumours
source: Superhero Hype
The following is a rumour posted at Superhero Hype. The full rumour can be found Here but here is a brief summary.
-Morgan Freeman may get the role of Gordon now that Chris Cooper passed on it. Freeman was originally up for the role of Lucius Fox
-The person claims that the original description of the Batmobile was fake. This person's describes the Batmobile as having twin jet engines with small fins and is black.
-The costume is jet black and made of new material
-The press conference will be February 17.
We'll see if this info is truth or fabrication come February 17.
EA to make Catwoman game
source: IGN
IGN has a small rumour where they are stating that EA has obtained the licence to make a Catwoman game based on the film.
January 27, 2004
Scratch another off the list
source: Batman on Film
Bill received an email from Cinema Confidential and it appears that they made a mistake. Vincent Cassel is not involved with this film. The website meant to put Cillian Murphy's name but put Cassel's
Halle Berry injured on set
source: Warner Brothers
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, January 26, 2004 – Actress Halle Berry
was taken to hospital on Saturday night (January 24) after being involved in a minor
accident on the Vancouver set of Catwoman. As it is customary while in production,
Ms. Berry was transported to a local Vancouver hospital where she was treated and released.
Ms. Berry resumed work on the Warner Bros. Pictures/Village Roadshow production
this morning as scheduled.
It appears that Halle got hit in the head by a lighting prop.
Julius Schwartz update
source: Newsarama
Newsarma has an update on former Bat-Editor Julius Schwartz's condition.
"I'm happy to say that I just spoke to him (1:45 PM-ish) and he sounded like
his usual cantankerous old self, if not sick and tired of being sick and tired.
(Part of the reason for reported the fuzziness and confusion MAY have been due to
the fact that he had, for reasons not known, experienced an 85% hearing loss yesterday;
as of today, he's back up to 85% of his hearing.) He says his docs think he'll be able
to go home (that is, to his grandson's home) in the next few days.
"Julie's always held a special place in the hearts of those of us who have worked with and
known him. He's not only a living legend but a force of nature... although I guess at 88,
even a force of nature sometimes needs our prayers and good thoughts."
You can send your well wishes at this schwartz@newsfromme.com
January 24, 2004
Morgan Freeman is Lucius Fox?
source: Latino Review
Latino Review is saying that one of their sources is 90% certain that Morgan Freeman will sign on to play WayneTech CEO Lucius Fox. Freeman was rumoured a few months ago to be involved with this film. As well, Laurence Fishburne was also rumoured for the role of Fox.
Wait and See folks.... though I'd be happy to see Morgan Freeman in a Batman film
Another actor rumour
source: CINEMA CONFIDENTIAL NEWS
Cinema Confidential recently mentioned Vincent Cassel (Brotherhood of the Wolf, Shreck) is up for a role in the Batman film. In what has become a trend for this film, it isn't mentioned which role he is up for.
Batmobile Rumour
source: Superhero Hype
Superhero Hype has received some information as to how the Batmobile may look like
2 F1 style tires at front, and four huge monstertruck style nobbly tires at rear. Batmobile not long, but wide, also has jet at rear. 2 seater side byside, it was mobile and driving. The one I saw had no shell.
Superhero Hype is saying that Batman's cowl will have short ears.BatAlumni news: Julius Schwartz hospitalised
source: Newsarama
Former Batman editor Julius Schwartz has been hospitalised after a fall in his home. He had been previously in hospital for pneumonia. Schwartz was the editor of the Batman titles from the 50's and 70's.
January 19, 2004
Roles being turned down and other casting calls
source: Various
Well you can scratch Chris Cooper and Viggo Mortensen off the rumour list. Both have turned down the roles that they were being offered. Cooper was apparently offered the role of James Gordon and was the choice of Christopher Nolan. Bill of Batman on Film is saying that Kurt Russell is the next choice though he adds that it may not happen since Russell doesn't like filming out side the US.
In other news, Casting calls for extras have been sent out. Both Star Search Casting and Castingcollective are looking for people though the latter site doesn't mention which movie they want extras for.
Bat-Alumni News: Former Batmen to appear at London comic con
source: London and Film Comic
Con
Former Batmen Val Kilmer and Adam West have been confirmed as guests for the London Film and Comic Con. The convention will take place March 6 and 7 at Hall 1, Wembley Exhibition Centre
January 14, 2004
Laurence Fishburne to play Lucius Fox?
source: Dark Horizons
Laurence Fishburne, according to Dark Horizons, is being looked at to play the CEO of WayneTech Lucius Fox. Fishburne will have to sign for three pictures should he accept.
Special Effects Supervisor joins Batman film
source: Latino Review
Latino Review has confirmed yet another crew member addition. Chris Corbould is the film's Special Effects Supervisor. He has worked on "Die Another Day", The Tomb Raider films and The Mummy
January 12, 2004
London as Gotham city?
source: Dark Horizons
Dark Horizons is reporting that the Batman film will be filming in London for six days. There will also be a scene at a race track. London will serve as Gotham city for this filmshoot.
Catwoman tidbits
source: Super Hero Hype
The Folks at Super Hero Hype have some information regarding the Catwoman Film. It appears that Warner Brothers is planning to hype this film like it did with its Batman films with promotions, novelizations, toys etc.... The next bit is insider information regarding the film.
"Things have been great! It was a little bumpy at the beginning of production, but once all the kinks were worked out, it was a smooth experience! I haven't read the script, but from what I've seen being shot, it's going to be quite interesting, both visually and from a story stand-point."
"I think it'll be dark, yet fun. There should be many fun moments in the film. I think they're treating the character as a free-spirit, a rule-breaker, but all for good reasons. Girls will love her attitude, and guys will be scared to meet her in a dark alley, I'm almost sure of that!"
"The final product should be amazing. I've heard of the things that they're planning to do down the line. Some of the stuff in this film should be just crazy! They've got a healthy budget, and I'm sure they'll put that money to good use. CG-Catwomen, the whole she-bang...should be quite a visual feast, I can't wait to see the final thing in movie cinemas!"
In other Catwoman news, there is a chance that the trailer for the film might
be aired during the SuperBowl (Along with Spider-Man 2's) and Elizabeth Hand
will be writing the novelization of the film.
Further details can be found
Here
People like me are still wondering how this film even got made in the first place ?!
January 8, 2004
More Batman details about the film?
source: Dark Horizons
Based on the reports, it looks like Batman fans are in for a treat....at last!
In other news, Comicon's "The Beat" section has a small tidbit which says that their spies have told them that the rumours of Viggo Mortensen being in the Batman film are true.
Wait and see folks....
Bat-Alumni news: Barry Kitson signs 3 year exclusive with DC
source: Newsarama
Former Batman artist Barry Kitson has signed a 3 year exclusive deal with DC comics. His first work for DC under this new deal will be a JSA mini-series.
Newsarama also a many features featuring artist Jim Lee (Batman: Hush) so head down to Newsarama to learn more about Jim.
..And Finally
Warner Brothers has announced that Catwoman will be released on June 30.
January 6, 2004
Batman to film in Iceland as well.
source: Superhero Hype
Superhero Hype has learned that the Batman film will be filmed in Iceland for two weeks. The website also reveals what Batman will be doing there so head down to this Link to learn more. However the link contains spoilers so you have been warned.
Latino Review has some additional information about this location and some pictures which can be viewed by going to this Link.
-Filming takes place in Höfn,
Iceland (South-east Iceland) near the glacier lake Jokulsarlon (where Die
Another Day filmed).
-Location is said to be both green and icy.
-Set construction has already started.
-Filming starts late February, for approximately 2 weeks, right into March.
January 4, 2004
WB registers more Batman domains
source: Superhero Hype
Superhero Hype has learned that Warner Brothers has registered a few more domains. They are BatmanIntimidation.com, BatmanIntimidation.net, Batman-Intimidation.com and Batman-Intimidation.net.
WB planning Batman related press conference
source: Batman on Film
Is Warner Brothers planning to reveal some more information about the film. This report from Bill seems to say yes
I work for Warner Bros. as a XXXXX (please don't reveal my position). While very few details about the new "Batman" film are available, I did hear this before the holidays. The studio may be planning a press conference soon with Nolan, Bale, and others involved with the film; much like the one prior to the filming of "Spiderman." And I don't think it will take place here in the U.S., so I am assuming it will be over in the U.K. where the film will shoot. Sorry, this is all the info I can offer you. The studio is keeping this thing under a TIGHT lock and key.
Matt Wagner to draw covers for BATMAN
source: Newsarama