There is no question for me what is the most exciting, most eagerly anticipated movie in the works right now: James Cameron’s AVATAR. I saw ALIENS when I was 8 and it helped shape and warp my mind into what it is today, so Cameron will always be the man as far as I’m concerned.
All this talk of 3D technology in relation to a movie like BEOWULF doesn’t really do much for me. But when we’re talking about a James Cameron movie utilizing the tools, I actually find myself getting excited about all the geeky technobabble, since this guy has always been at the forefront of advancing the medium of film. Hell, wasn’t he talking about shooting a movie on the friggin’ Moon at one point? (if not, he should get on that.)
Anyway, AVATAR is moving forward slowly but surely, and has now snatched up two more actors. Stephen Lang (pictured above) will play a seasoned Marine Corps colonel who travels to the planet Pandora to take charge of its troops.
Michelle Rodriguez will play a girly damsel in distress, and the love interest of the hero. Psych! As if… Nope, she’s predictably playing an ex-Marine pilot (probably tough-as-nails, too). Is there any doubt that if ALIENS were being remade today, she’d be cast as Vasquez?
In other news, cinematographer Mauro Fiore (THE ISLAND, TRAINING DAY) has been brought on as the D.P.
AVATAR is a $190 million hybrid of live action and animation. Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment team has researched a mix of live-action cinematography and virtual photorealistic production techniques which will feature virtual characters. It’s currently in production in L.A., after which thirty-one days of live-action photography will begin on Peter Jackson’s Weta soundstages in October. The film is scheduled to be released May 22, 2009. Can I buy a ticket now?