NEWS ARCHIVES 28
NEWS ARCHIVES 28
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5/15 BEGINS news round-up
Saturday, May 15, 2004, 6:19 AM CST: JAMES singer Tim Booth is making his movie debut in BATMAN BEGINS playing an "evil thug." AICN has run a small blurb on this casting as well....JALI has been hired as the decoraters for BEGINS....The UK movie mag MOVIE INSIDER claims to have the first interviews and set pix from BATMAN BEGINS. The issue goes on sell May 27th....Actress Lucy Russell has been cast as the character "Susan" in BEGINS....This should be taken as nothing but rumor right now. But I've heard from more than one source that the BEGINS teaser may be tied to the new HARRY POTTER film or CATWOMAN. Now, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that those are the two most likely candidates. BOF is still looking into this and hoping to get a description what will be seen in the BEGINS trailer. (Thanks again to "Ras2005" for part of this report!)
5/14 BEGINS news round-up
5/12 BEGINS news round-up
5/10 BEGINS news round-up
Went snooping around the Kings Cross/St. Pancras station today. It seems that they are currently filming in the interior of the St Pancras Chambers or as it used to be known THE MIDLAND GRAND HOTEL. Loads of security wearing "TIG" tags around their necks, lots of lighting trucks and through some of the windows you can see the tops of some of the taller lights. They have blocked all the windows running up the back of the Chambers - probably for lighting reasons.
Our scooper sent this link along with his report....Actor Freddie Royston has a unspecified role in BEGINS. Seems that among his talents is that he specializes in "English speaking Arabic and Mediterranean characters." Perhaps a character that has something to do with Ra's....Jonathan D. Ellis is playing a reporter....Seems that the UK shoot has been good for the British film business....Michael Caine has spoken again about his role as Alfred. He is quoted as saying BEGINS "...is going to be very real and very un-comic bookie."
Petersen talks BvS, Pearce talks BATMAN
“Well it never even came about. I never spoke to Chris about it, there was never any thought about it. I heard about it through the Internet and went ‘Oh that could be sort of interesting’. If I was ever to do a Batman it would be with Chris Nolan, But it was funny, as I almost felt like I was experiencing a bit of that without even having to go to work. It was kind of a nice rumour I guess.”
Pearce is said to have been offered a cameo as Asst. DA Harvey Dent in BEGINS. This however, is not addressed in the aforementioned interview....Director Wolfgang Petersen, out promoting TROY, talked a bit about his BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN project that went into turnaround almost two years ago. Is it still going to happen? Here's what the director had to say in IN FOCUS magazine....
"I ask the question myself quite often. I was just talking to Alan Horn about it and he said, 'I always liked that concept so much.' I think it's on the back-burner because Warner Brothers decided to go with single 'Batman' and 'Superman' movies. 'Superman' is, at the moment, shelved; I think if they successfully launch it again, then at some point it will be 'Batman vs. Superman' again. I'll definitely be attached to that project whenever."
While I believe that this project is highly unlikely any time in the near future, I do know that WB--Alan Horn in particular--would love to see this thing get done. We'll see....A well known comicbook artist gave BOF his take on the BEGINS Bat-suit. He was able to view other pictures of the suit, in additions to the ones that were released online. This guy knows and loves Batman. Here's his suit review....
Definitley a lot sleeker than the previous franchises costumes and
it looks like some form of prototype armor so it fits
perfectly with the script. All in all, I can see the
comparisons to the previous franchise but I think that
the color and texture changes on the costume will
really differentiate it when people actually see it on
film and in motion. You were exactly right that the
texture of it is real impossible to get across in a
drawing. It definitely excites me even more about seeing bale
in action with this thing on!!
Bat-Pix: Chicago
Click here and here for two stories regarding BEGINS from our friend "Ras2005." The former is regarding casting, while the latter is info regarding merchandising....Chris Ryall over at MOVIE POOP SHOOT--a site I REALLY dig--has written a HELL of a review on David Goyer's BATMAN BEGINS screenplay. I highly suggest that you click on the previous link and read the thing. It's damn good and spot on--even though the dude says that BOF is only a "decent" source for news on BATMAN BEGINS [tounge planted in cheek--Jett]. Late.
Chicago shoot info, various BEGINS casting bits
"I've been told that Chicago shooting begins around the XXXX of XXXX. It will start at the old Helena Curtis Plant that was shut down at the Intersection of Cicero Ave. & North Ave. If you have ever seen this place it is huge. Out of respect for the production, I didn't reveal the exact date of this particular shoot. If any of you Chi-Town BOF'ers can get me a pic of this location, that would be cool...."Ras2005" is forwarded us some more BEGINS bits. Mark Straker has landed a part in BB which is described as "a small, but beautifully formed, role." I have no idea what role it might be....British actress Alexandra Bastedo is playing "Mrs. Delane." Click here for more info....British actress Lucy Russell has nabbed the role of "Susan." Click here for more info....The young british actress Siobhan Hewlett is up for the role of Bruce Wayne's secretary "Jessica" according to an interview in World Movie Magazine.
Source: "Considerable" BEGINS script rewrites
BEGINS bits
The Bat-symbol
The symbol is not colored differently than the bodysuit and it is big across the chest. It is part of the suit's outer silicone layer and appears as an outline....I thought the pictures that WB released this week of Bale in costume were great--especially the ones shown on the official site. I know that the suit didn't make everyone happy, but you can't please everyone. Just remember Bat-fans, you are LUCKY to be getting this movie in the first place. It has been only 7 years since that piece-of-crap known as BATMAN AND ROBIN premiered and all but killed the franchise. Be thankful that you are getting another Bat-film so quickly--and an obvious quality one at that. How long has SUPERMAN been wallowing in development hell? Something to keep in mind.
The Dark Knight is revealed!
(Thanks to the dude who sent the head's up and all of YOU who sent the emails!)
First official Bale as Batman pic!
Bale's Batman to be revealed tomorrow!
4/28 BEGINS news roundup
 
"Brian" (Movie Man's Guide) forwarded us an email he recieved from an "insider" on the BB. It seems that Christian Bale may be shooting scenes that take place early in the film.... "Me again from deep inside WB. Shoot out at East Tilbury was something to do with a prison in the east, early in Wayne's life. Thats all I can tell you for now." "Chaz" (KatieHolmesPictures.com) gave BOF a head's up regarding filming appearing in the HENDON TIMES. Here's a bit....
Batman stars Gary Oldman and Katie Holmes came to Mill Hill last Friday night as film crews transformed a medical research centre into the mythical asylum of Arkham in Gotham City.
Massive floodlights loomed over the building, where a mock asylum entrance gate had been built, and black Gotham City police SWAT vans could be seen parked on The Ridgeway. Of the Batmobile, there was no sign.
I think I know what part of the film Oldman and Holmes might be filming....FYI: the BOF forum is down due to EZ BOARD doing some major server upgrading. The board will be back up tomorrow at 8 AM, Texas time (CST). Sorry about that, nothing I can do about it.
4/27 BEGINS news roundup
GPD logo, plate picture
 
"Armando" sent us a link to these pictures that look very similar to the ones above....Speaking of pictures, our artist friend sent BOF another rendering of the BEGINS costume--this time in pencil. This is from the same dude who did the original drawings of the costume for BOF, and it is based on the SAME suit--the real BEGINS Bat-suit. *SPOILER* click on the thumbnail below to get a look....
Regarding the suit's color. I talked to a few people about what the suit is made of and how it is constructed. While it is all one color (except for the belt), the silicone only covers the body suit. In different lighting, this may give the appearance that the bodysuit is a different color than the cape, cowl, gloves, etc.
Bale, Nolan speak BEGINS?
[Bale] rather angrily denied that he was making a "comic book movie" and said that that was actually an insult to the millions of fans out there. He said "We are making a film based on a much loved graphic novel. I think to use the term 'comic book" really under values the source material!" And at the interview's end, Bale said that he cannot say much at all about the project but that if he had to describe it, he would say - and get this for uber-coolness - it "is a cross between Serpico and The French Connection mixed with a really f-ing cool samurai, kung fu movie, and there's like some really strong 70s conspiracy movie vibes in there too! It is definitely not a Batman that you've seen on screen before." The same report includes an alleged blurb from director Chris Nolan.... Director Christopher Nolan was on BBC Radio 2 this morning and stated that photos leaked of Bale "in costume" would have to be fakes, seeing as the ones that are out there show a costume similar to the style of previous movies -- and he confirmed that the batsuit for BATMAN BEGINS is "fresh, unseen by an audience and really just Batman in his experimental, early stage." UPDATE: Since writing the above story, BOF has found no evidence that either interview actually took place. While we aren't calling BS on the "interviews," BOF suggests taking this info with a grain of salt and consider it nothing but rumor--until proven otherwise. Anyone who can provide legit proof of these comments by Nolan and Bale, hit BOF with a email.
Various reports on 4/22 BEGINS filming!
"Hi, I was at UCL this afternoon (22 April) and the crew were already packing up all their stuff, so they had actually been filming earlier, throughout the day, rather than tonight as stated on your site. The sign for University Street (WC1) was plastered over with the sign 'Grand Street' over the top. I missed the actual filming but some of the extras were hanging about and lots of the film crew. Just thought you might like to know if you don't already!"
"Hi from London. Just to let you know they are filming in Malet street tonight--a car chase with 5 USA police cars."
"Hi! Nothing earthshattering, but this is an excerpt from an e-mail a friend who works @ University College London sent me today. Might be of interest to London based Batman fans....
Here's the UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON website. If any of you all over there in London can snag BOF a pic or two, I'd be much obliged. Our friend "Ras2005" is back pointing BOF towards some more Bat-news.... According to BRITISH FILMS.COM, BATMAN BEGINS finish shooting August 31, 2004. At that point, they are heading to Texas and my house for the wrap party. Just kidding...."BATGIRL" artist Jim Jean and "THE LOSERS" artist Jock are working on the project for Chris Nolan. Click HERE for more on the latter.
Hauer speaks again! Designer of "The Tumbler" revealed
So, who is the guy behind the new Batmobile? "Clarkson's Flunkey" revealed to BOF that Andy Smith is the man behind "The Tumbler." Here is a bit of what the scooper had to say....
Andy Smith was part of the original BRITISH team who engineered the first
Batmobile that starred in the Tim Burton "Batman" film, co-starring Michael
Keaton [That's funny!--Jett]. He is renowned for his ability to take a rough sketch or a mock-up
of a vehicle and turn it into a fully functioning engineered work of art
that is second to none. The creators of such mock-ups don't worry about how
it will work. That is left to the phenomenal talents of Mr. Smith. I kid you
not!
His most recent outing in the world of big boys toys was his trademark
influence in the building of the Aston Martins and Jaguars that raced each
other across the ice fields of Iceland in the Bond movie "Die another
day."
When you finally get to see the beast that is "the Tumbler" in action, mark
my words, just like the first Batmobile, you will be impressed. But do
remember it is not German nor American, but BRITISH engineering that brings
life to something that started off as sketch on the back of an envelope!
Is Dowden Flask?
BEGINS casting info
More Batmobile info
Mike Allred does BEGINS art for "GQ!"
(Thanks to "Atomic Battery" for the lead.)
Filming locale info. Caspien, not Dobson?
That AIN'T the suit, and more
Another cast member added
More on the 4/11 "Twist" story
Let me clear up a few things. First of all, this is all rumor. Just some of the buzz I've heard lately. However, it comes from people who I know would hear such things. Also, there are no major changes to the script. Any additional "twist" or alterations are things that could be inserted into the current script quite easily. And if the script is changed from what many have read, it is not any sort of response to the script leak or any negative fan-buzz (of which, there is very little). I was given some of the alledged plot/twist addition rumors--which I won't reveal as they would be considered a spoiler. *WARNING*: Any changes are not in the first half of the film. So guess.) This source is right when he says that the current plot and storyline will not be altered. It is BOF's opinion that the BATMAN BEGINS script is fantastic and will make for a great film. If, however, Nolan and crew can come up with some additions or a "twist" that makes the movie even better, then have at it. So, is this possible? Yeah, very much so. Is it true? Don't know as of yet. One thing I can say for certain about all this is that we will know for sure June 2005.
A twist to "The Twist?"
While all the script reviews and plot synopses that appeared online are on the money, there may be more to the script than meets the eye. Word has it that there may be some additional surprises in the film not revealed in the script. And, how can I word this, there might be a twist to "The Twist." Could they [WB--Jett] have leaked a script with mostly truth and some BS to throw people off? I don't know and that's not what I am suggesting, but.... I guess we'll find out for sure next summer. To those of you out there celebrating today, have a great holiday. Late.
Official Bale-as-Bats pic on hold?
Hey dude. Listen, they [WB--Jett] aren't going to release a picture of Bale in the Batman costume as planned. It was going to happen, as I told you previously, but since the script was leaked last week, the thing [releasing the picture of Bale in costume--Jett] is now on hold. I'm not sure when it will be released now, perhaps sometime this summer as you originally reported. But the leaked script clearly f***ed things up. This is from one of BOF's longtime sources who has been dead-on many times. So, I have no reason not to believe him. You know, I don't blame anyone for wanting to read the script. But BOF had recieved several emails from people who read it, and now wished they hadn't--just as I had warned. And now very likely, the chance to see the suit sooner rather than later is gone. The whole feeding-frenzy over the leaked script and the fact it got loose in the first place still burns my ass. But hell, what's done is done. Late.
BOF's BATMAN costume review, part 2
OK. After talking to a few more sources over the week, and doing a little more analyizing of the info that BOF already had, I am going to add a few more details to the BOF costume description of 4/2/04. The costume is constructed of foam rubber as was the case with the last costumes, but it seems to be thinner and not as bulky. It is covered with clear silicone, which gives it a bit of a shine. It is black, with a blueish hue, but seems to come off as "dark gray" in certain light. The Bat-symbol on the suit is part of the silcone, not the material underneath. And as I said earlier, it is big across the chest, yet subtle--i.e. the relief of the suit/symobl is not like that of the BATMAN FOREVER "sonar suit." It is more like an outline on top of the body suit. The suit also has a texture that is hard to describe. It is sort of leather-like, but it is not like the DAREDEVIL suit, nor similar to the suits from the first X-MEN. It just has some kind of texture to it. And the body suit is clearly molded into "body armor." The cowl. It does fit tight to the face, but it is not as thin as say, the Alex Ross "Batman." It will not move to convey facial expressions as previously thought. It is separate from the body suit, but will fit over the extended neck (of the body suit) fitting as one. No part of the neck is exposed. It will allow for free movement of the head, so Bale won't seem to be wearing a "neck brace" as with the earlier suits. The ears are not as sharp or long as those of previous costumes, and seem to slant forward slightly. However, they are not smallish "nubs" or anything like that. And also as previously stated, the cape seems to "attatch" right above the chest bat-symbol. Lenses? None, according to several sources. My overall take on the suit is a positive one. I really like it and believe the fans will as well. Just don't be shocked when it is not as radically different from the style of the suits from the previous films. I stand by my original observation: "It is not that drastically different than the costumes of the previous series, yet very fresh, new, and dissimilar at the same time."
BATMAN info roundup
Speaking of my advice to WB, the word among the "sources" is that is WB plans to do--release a pic of Bale in the suit. I am sure they will do it in the same manner as they did the Batmobile--It'll just pop up online sometime unannounced at the official site....According to Katie Holms Pictures, the actress is in the U.K. now to work on BATMAN BEGINS....BOF reader "Kelly B." sent BOF a very astute observation about the license plate on Bruce Wayne's car--which is a Gotham plate--looks very similar to an Illinois plate! Obviously, the Chicago filming is a location shoot and they want the plates to match up when seen onscreen....Speaking of that Chicago shoot, rumor has it that the city's famous "El" may play a role in the film. And this would make a lot of sense based on the script. You Chicago dudes keep your eyes open this summer when production head's to the Windy City...."Admiral Nelson" alerted BOF to something rather clever about the ride Bruce Wayne is seen in in those recent pics (find the link in one of the previous stories) that appeared online over the weekend. Seems that Bruce (Christian Bale) is driving a Lamborghini Murcielago. Using ENCARTA's translation tool, the word "murcielago" translated as "masculine zoology bat." BOF readers "Justin" and "PZ" point out that the name is in reference to the bull who tried to escape the matadorial ring in Spain in 1879 during a match. The bull had his life spared by the famous matador Rafael Molina. This was a very rare occurrence in bullfighting, and an honor accorded only to those bulls that have shown exceptional courage and spirit in the arena.
Pictures of Bale as Bruce Wayne and more!
About the BATMAN BEGINS Bat-suit
While many of the descriptions appearing online were close--including those here at BOF--none have been spot on accurate. It does not look like the Alex Ross suit. It does not look like the suit in the comics, but it is clearly "Batman." It is pretty much one color--a dark, blackish-gray hue. It is textured. The Bat-symbol is big across the chest, but it is very discreet. And it is not the same Bat-symbol used for the official logo--more traditional. And the suit is clearly armored and padded. The belt is a dull yellow, almost gold-looking, with no pouches as depicted in the comicbooks (i.e. military style). Think sleaker. The cowl is tight on the face, but it is almost helmet-like with a very subtle chin covering (it is NOT like a chin strap on a football helmet). It is detailed and sculpted as well and there are no lenses. It appears that it unattatched to the body suit--which will allow for free movement of the head. The body suit extends high up the neck, so there is no gap between the cowl and suit. The ears, well, are neither long nor short. They are shorter than the ones of the previous costumes, but not as short as one might think. They don't seem to be as pointed either. The cape looks to attatch right above the Bat-symbol on the chest.
It is not that drastically different than the costumes of the previous series, yet very fresh, new, and dissimilar at the same time. But hey, that's just what I've heard....BOF told y'all that a pic of Mr. Bale in the Bat-suit may appear online this summer. Let's just say it could be sooner rather than later. Late.
BEGINS release date now in June!
The Bat-costume, part 2
The Bat-costume?
The Batmobile is revealed!
This thing, in my opinion, kicks some major ass!
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