It’s your one-way ticket to midnight,
call it HEAVY METAL …
I did not see this coming, but Paramount Pictures is making an animated film based on Heavy Metal, the 1970s sci-fi/fantasy magazine that spawned the 1981 cult classic film Heavy Metal and a mediocre sequel in 2000, Heavy Metal 2000.
Director David Fincher is spearheading the film project and will direct one of the planned eight or nine individual animated segments. Kevin Eastman — co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and current owner and publisher of Heavy Metal, will also direct a segment, as will Tim Miller, whose Blur Studios will handle the animation for the feature. The trio will also produce the film, and the studio is currently hiring more directors, a different one for each segment.
As with the original movies, and in keeping with trademark style of the magazine — erotic and violent storylines and images — the new animated feature is being conceived as an R-rated, adult-themed film.
Heavy Metal magazine debuted in the United States in 1977 and introduced the works of American artists and writers such as Robert Silverberg, Harlan Ellison, and H.R. Giger.
I haven’t picked up the magazine since the 1980s, but the 1981 Ivan Reitman-produced film Heavy Metal
— which had comedy geniuses John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Harold Ramis in the voice cast — is one of my favorites of all times. And while I always thought the Soundtrack should have been a little heavier, I love it nonetheless (especially the Sammy Hagar title track and Black Sabbath’s “Mob Rules”).
How will a Heavy Metal movie appeal to today’s audiences? While I have faith in Fincher, I’m wondering how faithful the film will be to original style of the magazine and what type of animation will it be? And dear lord, who will be on the soundtrack?
I’ll be keeping my eye on this one.
[Source: Variety]
It’s your one-way ticket to midnight,
— which had comedy geniuses John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Harold Ramis in the voice cast — is one of my favorites of all times. And while I always thought the 
should have been a little heavier, I love it nonetheless (especially the Sammy Hagar title track and Black Sabbath’s “Mob Rules”).
This is exciting news. The outcome is in question, especially after Heavy Metal 2000, but if they can get back to the magazine and the original movie, which has both awesome stories and animation, then it could be great. I will be looking forward to seeing this one.
Comment by tstar69 — March 14, 2008 @ 7:32 am
I think this is wonderful news. If they can get some of the old feel back that was lacking in the sequel, that would be ideal.
Comment by Jerry — March 14, 2008 @ 8:53 am
The only thing I’m a bit worried about is the ability of CGI to capture the eroticism of Heavy Metal. Blur has very talented animators, who have done excellent work in commercials, films, and video games, but nothing I’ve seen of theirs shows that they can do the erotic stuff. And really, when have you ever seen sexy CGI?
Comment by Slayve — March 14, 2008 @ 11:45 am
If you are looking for erotic blur work just pick up the Playboy issue that showcases cgi naked video game characters…..most done by blur…done.
Comment by reader — March 15, 2008 @ 12:53 am
Great post. Loved the 1981 version, but the 2000 version was almost physical painful. I can’t imagine Fincher can do anything but good things with a project like this.
Comment by FauxNixon — March 15, 2008 @ 1:51 pm
Obviously the ’81 Heavy Metal is amazing and its sad that commercially adult-themed animated film has not worked.
I am totally against CGI, but maybe to make this film commercially successful and create a new era of adult-animation I think CGI might have to be used.
When it comes to adult-themed its not just naked women its also showing narcotics use, and just not having creative boundaries.
We are in such a conservative environment I’m not sure this animated series will work.
But I also think that this could be a great opportunity for adult themed animation to florish.
Wish you all the best!
Comment by Nixon — March 15, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
i think this is great. I can’t wait to see who they have for music bands on the movie.
Comment by asgarren — March 16, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
i thinki this is a great sequel to the first one. I can’t wait to see who they pick for the bands to play the music on the movie.
Comment by asgarren — March 16, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
Does anyone think the new HeavyMetal will lead to more adult-themed animation?
Comment by asgarren — March 28, 2008 @ 2:31 pm
WHY DONT THEY CONTINUE WHERE ALL THE STORIES LEFT OFF IN THE FIRST ONE!!!! AND MAKE A NEW VIDEO GAME OF THE FIRST ONE!!! FFS damn!!!WTF….plz!!!!geeesh
Comment by Space Toast — April 3, 2008 @ 3:57 am
Sounds cool…The world is in NEED of a Adult cartoon coming back into the threathers…And when does this come out?
Comment by Chris — August 2, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
I have been praying for the day when Heavy Metal could be brought to life properly and a CGI format is absolutely essential! How could anyone question the ability of CGI to bring out the best of the erotic element? Have you not seen Beowulf for Godsake?!?
Comment by Dan'o — October 15, 2009 @ 6:31 pm