It’s been a while (aside from an image or two) since we’ve learned anything about how the Spike Jonze take on Where The Wild Things Are was going or reported how problems were being handled.
For those of you unfamiliar with all of the drama, Jonze was working on a darker, live-action film adaptation of the fabled children’s book because most fans are likely to be in their 20’s, but when an extremely early screening made little kiddies cry, studios were pissed and rumors started swirling that the film would be scrapped and completely re-shot. It was also reported that Spike Jonze would be replaced and basically that the studio would now make a kid-friendly movie. Many people plead with the studio to keep Jonze’s version, including stars of the film (see, “˜Where The Wild Things Are’ To Be Released October 2009).
The LA Times was able to speak to Warner Bros. head Alan Horn, who denied the rumors of replacing Jonze and was able to shed a bit of light on where everything stands.
We’ve given him more money and, even more importantly, more time for him to work on the film. We’d like to find a common ground that represents Spike’s vision but still offers a film that really delivers for a broad-based audience. We obviously still have a challenge on our hands. But I wouldn’t call it a problem, simply a challenge. No one wants to turn this into a bland, sanitized studio movie. This is a very special piece of material and we’re just trying to get it right.
The film was originally given an $80 million budget. The “more money” Horn refers to will most likely pay for the switch from costumed actors and animatronic puppets to CGI for the film’s creatures. Wild Things had also originally been give a release date of October 2009, but now it’s off Warner Bros.’ schedule completely for now.
While all of this doesn’t exactly ease my ailing heart, the fact that Warner Bros. is keep on Jonze and upping the film’s budget brings a little relief to my worry. I can understand the studio’s need to smooth things out for the best interest in their monetary investments, just so long as they leave the majority of Jonze and his vision, I think everything will be OK.
It’s been a while (aside from an image or two) since we’ve learned anything about how the Spike Jonze take on Where The Wild Things Are was going or reported how problems were being handled.
This is.. kind of good news? I remember when the shots first started coming out about this and I was incredibly excited over it.
But if all this is true and they’re not replacing anyone or making it super kid friendly then hooray.
Comment by GeorgeR — July 17, 2008 @ 4:13 pm