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Monday, September 29, 2003:
According to YAHOO MOVIES, WB has selected July 4, 2005 as the release
date for Chris Nolan's BATMAN film. This is one of the biggest release
dates of the year, and will put it against the next INDIANA JONES
film...I have recieved more confirmation that Lindy Hemming is indeed
the costume designer for the film. I have put in a confirm/denial
request with her management, but no response yet. Nevertheless,
I have heard from several--and unrelated sources--saying she has
the gig....I have pulled the Orson Welles story due to the fact
that it seems to be a hoax.
Wednesday, September 24, 2003:
I have been told by more than one, and unrelated, sources that Lindy
Hemming will be the costume designer on Chris Nolan's BATMAN film.
I am trying to get final comfirmation still, but Hemming looks to
be onboard. Remember, BOF sources have told us that one of Nolan's
mandates was the end of the rubber-armour Batsuit. But I doubt that
we will be getting a straight cloth and spandex Bat-costume. Must
say I am interested in seeing the finished product.
Saturday, September 20, 2003: I've heard
this, but now a MOVIEHOLE source is confirming it. So, did the internet
have anything to do with Bale's casting as The Batman? "A friend
at WB told me that two things clinched it, says Clint from the website,
"the internet interest in Bale as Batman and the fact that
he is still relatively inexpensive to cast." I am pretty sure
that the fact that Bale was a huge fan-favorite for the role did
indeed have an influence on the casting decision--but of course,
Bale had to win the role outright....There is no truth in the rumor
that BATMAN: YEAR ONE is still in the works. According to this rumor
making the rounds, David Boreanaz and Josh Whedon were in the mix
as star and--I assume--new writer/director of the project. Uh, no.
It is dead as George Washington....According to several sources,
Wally Pfister has been confirmed as director of photography for
INTIMIDATION. Pfister has already started working on the project....I
can't believe I didn't mention this in an earlier update--Hey Giant
fan! 35-32! How did that can of Tuna taste? Late.
Friday, September 19, 2003: Got a couple
of things for you, so here goes....The word from several sources
is that additional casting on INTIMIDATION will be coming very soon.
It might have already happened, but the casting has not been made
public. So be looking for it over the next few days or weeks....More
than one source--and unrelated ones--have told BOF that this Bat-film
will feature "flashbacks." The exact details are unknown,
although there is speculation that The Batman's origin is a candidate
for such treatment. This could involve Ra's as well....Kurt Russell's
name is starting to pop up on the rumor mill for Gordon. Russell's
name has long been rumored for the role--as far back as 1998. In
fact, this was the very first rumor that BOF did a story on way
back in June of 1998. The Dennis Quaid rumor is getting a lot of
run right now. Stay tuned to BOF for all you Bat-movie news!
Sunday, September 14, 2003:
This in overnight. This longtime BOF scooper warns to take this
as rumor right now:
As you know Jett, WB is guarding the Nolan/Goyer script like none
before. Very few people have seen it, but a few things about it
are starting to get out. As I told you before, as more people are
added to work on the project, the more info will leak out.
Anyway, tell your readers that Ra's is indeed in this film. How
much, I am not sure. I am not sure if he is intended to be a true
"villain" as we are used to seeing in a "Batman"
film. The Scarecrow--I keep hearing that he's in the film.
I have also heard that this is a true "Batman" film in
every shape and form, so Gordon, Alfred, Gotham and the "Batman
mythos" will be in the film. One rumor I've heard that we'll
see a pre-Batman Bruce Wayne for some of the film. He's on his world
travels before he returns to Gotham and begins his life as Batman.
This is what brings him to London and meeting Ra's. However, I've
not heard yet that this is a flat-out "origin" film. But
I believe Alan Horn has mentioned that the studio wanted to reestablish
the character [Batman--Jett] in an origin film.
Saturday, September 13, 2003:
A few things I have been hearing--before and after the Christian
Bale news. But, take as rumor until further notice....A little birdie
told BOF that the final group of actors who screentested, also signed
Bat-contracts. So if WB went with them, it was a done deal then
and there. And these contracts were for three pictures. However,
some of them may have had an out, if they actually got the role.
Josh Hartnett had an out when testing for SUPERMAN, because he didn't
want to committ to three films. Bale may have had this out--I don't
know for sure. But, this is not a one-shot deal--WB is intent on
continuing the Bat-series after Nolan's film. And this includes
BvS, as Alan Horn really likes the script and premise for the film....So,
who is going to be Gordon? I've been told by a source that since
Bale is 29--and could be playing The Bat at around 25--look for
Gordon to at least be in his mid 40's. Here's an interesting name
I've heard recently: Dennis Quaid....I have heard yet again that
The Scarecrow is in this film, but not much regarding Ra's. I am
sure we'll find out soon enough as casting is taking place as we
speak....This is quite obvious, but Robin is not in this film....I've
heard that Michael Gough will not return as Alfred as previously
rumored....More--MUCH more I am sure--as new info comes in. Stay
tuned to BOF for all you Bat-details!
Thursday, September 11, 2003:
Well, I knew he was one of the two finalists, and I had a feeling
he was the one. And I knew that the decision as coming REAL soon.
And he's it....This press release in today from Warner Brothers
announcing that Christian Bale will be the next Batman. Oh yeah,
congrats to all you Bat fan-boys, this is what you wanted:
(Courtesy P.J. Wares) BURBANK, CA,
11 September 2003 - Christian Bale has been cast in the
starring role of Bruce Wayne in Warner Bros. Pictures' upcoming
Batman movie, to be directed by Christopher Nolan and produced by
Emma Thomas. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President
of production for Warner Bros. Pictures.
Principal photography on the film is expected to begin in early
2004. The movie is written by David Goyer and Nolan, and will follow
the early career of The Dark Knight.
Said Nolan, "What I see in Christian is the ultimate embodiment
of Bruce Wayne. He has exactly the balance of darkness and light
that we were looking for."
Robinov stated, "Now that we've found the best person to play
Batman, we are really looking forward to moving ahead with the rest
of our casting, and are excited about the exceptional group we are
assembling."
Now, according to Harry at AICN, "one"
of the villains is Ras Al Ghul, and The Scarecrow--as has long been
reported by BOF--will have a "small part." And the film
will also include London as a setting. What has Nolan and Goyer
have cooking? The great thing is that we soon shall see!
Also, keep an eye out for some things an earlier scooper--the "Fuel
Man"--told BOF. If you remember, he said the following were
mandated by Nolan: smaller, sleeker batmobile, & the departure
of the rubber suit. He had also mentioned that Bale was one of the
names on WB's Bat-list.
It is on! After over five years of running this site. Over five
years of trying to make sure that WB would give us the ultimate
Bat-film. After five years of wishing and hoping, and ups and downs.
After almost getting BATMAN vs. SUPERMAN in the summer of '02--only
to have the rug pulled out from under us. We have finally won! We
perhaps ARE finally getting the ultimate Bat-film! With a great
director, screenwriter, and now an actor that most Bat-fans wanted,
how could this go wrong? Good job WB, you got this one right. And
I gotta wonder if BOF, and YOU influenced WB at all? Now WB, get
that damn movie out--which by the way, is scheduled for a 2005 release.
Late.
Monday, September 8, 2003:
OK, first up, I have to be vague with this info. Let's just say
that I know more than I can give out right now. More details later....I
have heard from more than one source that it is down to two actors--I
know which ones, but I just can't say right now. But they are from
the group who were screentested. One of them may be apprehensive
to take the role, because of a possible role in another famous film
franchise in the future....I have heard from more than one source--and
this is nothing really new--that Michael Uslan will again Bat-produce,
along with Nolan vet Emma Thomas....Casting could come soon. REAL
soon. The word is that WB wants to get this thing rolling--and it
already is really--because filming will start soon after the first
of the year....There has been some talk that WB is considering a
Holliday 2004 release--but summer 2005 is also strongly in the mix.
More later....Oh, yeah, a bit from VARIETY.
"Warner execs and helmer Chris Nolan are readying 'Batman'
for a production start in early 2004....Last week, WB and Nolan
tested several actors -- among them Jake Gyllenhaal, Christian Bale,
Joshua Jackson, Cillian Murphy and Eion Bailey -- to determine who
will next don the bat cape. A casting decision is expected as early
as this week. [The Bat]Film, developed from a script by David Goyer,
should hit theaters in 2005." The same article--By CATHY DUNKLEY
and JONATHAN BING--also comments about the status of BATMAN vs.
SUPERMAN, "Longtime production chief Lorenzo di Bonaventura
parted ways with the studio in part over a creative battle with
WB prexy Alan Horn to push the edgier 'Batman vs. Superman' into
production first. Insiders say a final clash of the superheroes
is still possible, but the studio is determined first to breath
life into 'Batman' and 'Superman' as separate entities -- a function
of Horn and WB chairman-CEO Barry Meyer's mandate to build AOL TW's
lucrative library gradually."
 Friday,
September 5, 2003 (Second update):
I was just about to call it a night, and I got this in from one
of BOF's better sources:
Now, I have not read the script--only heard bits and pieces about
it. I'd chalk up what I've heard as rumor. And as I have told you
before, the word going around for a while is that The Scarecrow
is in Nolan's film. I read the AICN story in which Harry speculates
that the villain is Ra's. But after talking to a few people today--and
believe me this is the hottest thing going around right now--those
sets that were described could involve Dr. Crane. They could be
sets that will involve feargas-induced hallucinations. I'm trying
to get a look at that script, but the studio [WB--Jett] has that
thing under TIGHT lock and key. And most people real close to the
film aren't saying a damn word. But as more people come aboard during
preproduction, tongues will start to wag. But again, those Scarecrow
rumors have been strong for a while. But they could have also always
been a studio smokescreen.
Friday, September 5, 2003:
Let me preface by reassuring you all that I am still around--just
busy as hell right now! And yes, I am fired up by all this exciting
new Bat-news. Do you think that I would miss all this after running
this site for over five years? It's been the goal of BOF from the
beginning--the summer of '98--to help see to it that a GREAT BATMAN
film is made. And perhaps this will be it....The Bat-news regarding
Nolan's flick is starting to snowball, so here's the latest....Harry
has a new article up at AICN, where he speculates that Ra's Al Ghul
is the villian in the upcoming BATMAN: INTIMIDATION. Now, I read
the "scoop" that led to Harry's assumption that Ra's is
the villain, and I just don't see what he sees. Perhaps he's heard
something in addition to his latest report, that says:
"...sets are being constructed including a giant lair in the
shape of a spiders web. Speculating, the only thing that i can think
of would be the black widow played in the the 60s by Bette Davis.
There is also supposed to be a few of the sets with a strong egyptian
theme but he was fuzzy on the detials as they are only head height
in order to make room for the remainder of them to be computer generated."
Egyptian theme? Could be Ra's, but it sure as hell had better not
be King Tut! Just joking. Anyway, we should find out soon enough....More
details on the Nolan Bat-film come from LATINO REVIEW. According
to the site:
- The title is INTIMIDATION GAME.
- Emma Thomas (INSOMNIA, MEMENTO) is the producer.
- Now in full pre-production at Shepperton studios.
- Shooting starts shooting at the end of February
2004.
- Shooting in Shepperton studios and on
location in the U.K.
And yet even more rumors come in from DARK
HORIZONS. The DH source says that "one of the workshops at
Shepperton has 'Dark Knight Films' on the sign." The source
also says that Christian Bale, Josh Hartnett and Cillian Murphy
are the leading candidates to be tapped the new Dark Knight--with
Murphy the probable winner. The source says Bale will not take the
role because it will cost him Bond in the future. Remember, BOF
reported the same thing about Bale a while back. And another DH
source--and this is sort of out of left field--went to see Russell
Crowe's band "30 Odd Foot of Grunts'" where he allegedly
announced that he's been offered a "damn bad guy role thing
that the guy from Memento's doing". I don't know about that
one, frankly....Well that's about it for today. BOF is checking
into all this with some of the site's own sources to get their take
on the situation. Stay tuned to BOF, because you know more is coming.
Wednesday, September 3, 2003 (second
update): Bunch of stuff, so let's get started....Thanks
to Johannes of the great christophernolan.net website, I was made
aware that I was correct in that WB does not own "www.batmanintimidation.com."
But they DO own "www.batman-intimidation.com" and ".net."
I checked it out and it is true. And it seems that they actually
secured these domains just yesterday. I guess some on-the-ball dude
squated on the other one. But yep, WB owns them so you can chalk
up the INTIMIDATION news as pretty darn true....Over at AICN, Harry
has run a follow up to the THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER story that BOF
ran earlier today, and his own story regarding INTIMIDATION from
yesterday. He's got a nice breakdown of the actors that are up for
the role, with pictures and Harry's take on each. Not a bad list,
except for Joshua Jackson--just can't see it. Actually, and I am
surprising myself, I am really starting to warm to Christian Bale.
But a few of the others will work as well, IMO. I am just glad that
they are going after an ACTOR, and not someone like *cough* Kutcher
*cough*. Harry goes on to say that he has...
"...got confirmation about the Shepperton
Studios story. The title of the Pre-production project is BATMAN:
INTIMIDATION and it is the Christopher Nolan film. They've begun
crewing up there with special effects guys, set designer and modelmakers...
and the riggers and carpenters are lined up with the start of the
main bulk of construction beginning around the start of October.
The Art Department has been going at full swing for quite a bit
now and they've been working on 'quite extensive concepts' that
have been shared only with personel that 'need to know.'
And that leads me into this: an email that BOF
recieved today from one the best and oldest sources of this site.
Someone who has let BOF in on some really good inside stuff--some
of which I have not been able to reveal. But he says "go ahead"
on this one, since the "cat is starting to get out of the bag....Tell
your readers that this is it. Unless there is a total meltdown on
WB's part, the fifth 'BATMAN' film will start shooting early next
year. And they can thank Chris Nolan for getting this job done."
Well, almost. It hasn't started filming yet, and we know what has
happened in the past with WB and their superhero films. But, dare
we believe that "this is it?" Late.
Wednesday, September 3, 2003: (From THE HOLLYWOOD
REPORTER) As I said to ya'll yesterday, "Could this really
be it?" According to the HR, actors are being called in to
test for the role of "Batman" over the next few days.
Again, the same names your read about from the EW story are again
mentioned in the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. And--I have to mention again--these
guys are 20-something. Remember I told you from the get-go that
Nolan was interested in a younger Bruce Wayne. That indeed seems
to case. Here's a bit of the HR story (by Zorianna Kit):
"It's as if Warner Bros. Pictures were shining
a Bat Signal over Burbank, summoning potential Caped Crusaders.
Warners and helmer Christopher Nolan are zeroing in on an actor
to star in the title role of the studio's next 'Batman' installment,
which is scheduled to start shooting in February. Sources said that
during the next three days, several young actors are expected to
test for the role. The list of potential crime fighters includes
Jake Gyllenhaal, Christian Bale, Joshua Jackson ('Dawson's Creek'),
Cillian Murphy ('28 Days Later'), Henry Cavill ('I Capture the Castle')
and Eion Bailey, who stars in the upcoming HBO feature 'And Starring
Pancho Villa as Himself.' Meanwhile, sources say Hugh Dancy, currently
shooting the Walt Disney Co.'s 'King Arthur,' may test if his schedule
permits and he is able to shave the beard his "Arthur"
character, Galahad, is sporting."
News tends to run in cycles with BATMAN.
You'll get it in bunches. And it seems after having a lull for a
few weeks, the Bat-news is starting to pick up again. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, September 2, 2003 (Third update): Just
some more info....Previous BOF source says that although rumors
remain strong that The Scarecrow is the villain in Nolan's film,
he himself has heard nothing about this rumored title. However,
he says he would not be surprised if such preproduction work was
currently going on. Just wanted to clear up that the source was
NOT confirming the "INTIMIDATON" title....I did a little
digging to see who owned the domains "www.batmanintimidation.com,
net," etc. And it ain't Warner Brothers. If this was a actual
title that WB was seriously considering--or even potentially using--they
would have secured those URL's. I think you should keep that in
mind. Tuesday,
September 2, 2003 (second update): Just checked
email from my old account (had to change, as I have been flooded
with virus-infected emails), and a very reliable source says that
there may in fact be some validity to the earlier report. More details
later, but this source says that rumor has it that The Scarecrow
is the villain of the film. And the David Goyer script just may
have elements of BATMAN: THE FRIGHTENING as rumored. I am checking
into this, so take with a grain of salt until further notice. But
what villain could appear in a film like INTIMIDATION?
Tuesday, September 2, 2003: According to AICN,
it seems that some test work is being done on "a" BATMAN
film at Shepperton Studios under the name of BATMAN: INTIMIDATION.
Here's a bit of the AICN article from scooper "Clancy":
"I am working at Shepperton Studios in England and staff from
other productions are all talking about a new Batman movie gearing
up for production here. They are calling it 'Batman: Intimidation,'
apparently they are doing test shots at the moment. A colleague
knows someone on the production and I shall get the name of the
director."
Could this be the Chris Nolan Bat-film? If there is indeed a Bat-film
at work at the studio, if would HAVE to be--since the Nolan film
is the only Bat-flick in the works. Could this actually be it? Let's
hope so! So, what do you think of the title? Click HERE to read
the entire AICN story. (Thanks to BOF readers Craig, Kerry, and
Bo for the head's up!)
Monday, September 1, 2003: According to ENTERTAINMENT
WEEKLY, Billy Crudup (ALMOST FAMOUS), Jake Gyllenhaal (THE GOOD
GIRL), Christian Bale (AMERICAN PSYCHO), Hugh Dancy (BLACK HAWK
DOWN), Joshua Jackson (THE SKULLS), and Cillian Murphy (28 DAYS
LATER) are all candidates for Chris Nolan's Bat-flick. While it
sounds to me as nothing but speculation on EW's part, the age of
these actors are consistant to what BOF has heard previously--that
Nolan wanted a younger Bruce/Batman in his film. I'd still be leary
of this because those names could have been in that article for
a variety of reasons. It could be--as I said--speculation, hype
for the actor via his "people," or those names could indeed
be on Nolan's Bat-list....The NFL football season is upon us! Thank
goodness! Here's hoping that my beloved Dallas Cowboys--under the
great Bill Parcells--finally break this 5-11 rut we've been in for
the last three years. Go Cowboys! Late. (Thanks to our friend "LSOK"
for the head's up.)
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