Free Of The Mountain...

Famed Archaeologist freed from unknown red tape...

Been keeping an eye on things even though I haven't posted lately.  I said I'd try to do a few posts before Blue Sky goes quite for a while.  This story is enough to make my fingers reach for the keyboard.  I'm sure you've heard the news, and if you haven't why are you reading this?

When The Walt Disney Company bought Lucasfilm last year, it was primarily for the Star Wars franchise. But George Lucas' company has many other valuable properties, but none more valuable besides Luke Skywalker than the Man in the Hat.  Many people thought that the Mouse would not do anything with the iconic character because of entanglement of distribution rights that belong, not to it but to Paramount Pictures.

Sure, Disney owned the character, but to distribute it they had to go through the original studio that Lucas and Spielberg partnered with back in 1979.  This all comes from a deal that then Paramount executive Michael Eisner made with the two wunderkind storytellers.  Many people thought that Iger and the Mouse Suits around him wouldn't want to deal with the hassle of the previous contracts and hoops the studio would have to jump through.

It appears now that they/we were wrong.

According to Variety today, the Walt Disney Studios has negotiated an agreement with Paramount Pictures where the new owner has distribution rights to all new films related to the classic adventure. Paramount does retain distribution rights to the original four films, and will receive a percentage of the profits from any new films of this valuable franchise.

Although this doesn't mean that Walt Disney Pictures has a Indiana Jones film in the pipeline, it does clear the way for one. And with Harrison Ford's interest in playing the character again it looks like the green light could soon be given, if it hasn't already been.  Hopefully they will play this smart and hire the right people for it. No more space aliens even if it fits the 1950s Red Scare time period.  I would immediately get Lawrence Kasdan to brainstorm ideas with Kathleen Kennedy and George Lucas over the coming months.

Once a great idea is approved, hire someone who is capable of creating great screenplays like Mark Protosevich or the hot flavor-of-the-month Simon Kinberg.  Any film that they make would likely be Ford's last adventure as the character since he is 72 years old and I can't imagine him in a sixth film because it would probably involve a wheelchair.  Let's face it, if there's an Indy VI then the MacGuffin will have to search for him instead of the other way around.

I'm sure after that Disney will want to continue such a valuable creation, but it leaves me fearful of the character's future. Sure, I would love to see an Indiana Jones Animated Series, or maybe an Indiana Jones animated film. But Harrison Ford IS Indiana Jones. Just like he IS Han Solo.  It's hard to imagine anyone with his form of masculinity playing those characters. Then again, I guess it would be hard for some to have pictured anyone taking over James Bond from Sean Connery, but someone did. Many, many times.

It might just be my soft spot for the portrayal he created in the character that sprang forth from his performance, but I have trouble imagining a future reboot/reinterpretation of the whip carrying, pistol packing, hat wearing archaeologist from America.  It could happen, and it likely will. But it won't be the hero from the past, his, yours or mine.  Sometimes it's hard to let go of things, even when you know it's right.  People, characters, and events seem to attach themselves to your heart and create a bond that is hard to separate.

Like the red tape Doctor Jones just was set free from...

Raiders Of Lost Games...

Lucasfilm licensed their Star Wars gaming rights to Electronic Arts recently...

And even though the company is primarily known for that property, and it's primarily why the Mouse bought the company, it's not the only property they are known for.  Kathleen Kennedy was the mover/shaker behind this decision with EA, dispite everyone thinking it was motivated by Iger or Horn.  They did sign off on it, but the decision was hers.

She's the one who initiated the deal for the three games (yes, three) that EA are working on.  But one has to wonder where the deal will go.  Again, Lucasfilm isn't known just for these characters.  Kennedy knows that and wants to expand the brand within the Disney empire over time.  It's one of the reasons she is moving forward with Gary Rydstrom's animated film.  Hopefully somewhere down the line she'll get to work on cultivating more Man in the Hat possibilities.

You all know my long wished dream of an animated series/movies based on George Lucas' inspired hero.  But there are other uses for him. The last decade has shown that Lucasarts didn't know what to do with this property.  "Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings" was a waste of an amazing character and a squandering of time for anyone playing it.  If you wanted to play an Indy game, you had to have a PS3 and you needed to own a copy of  "Uncharted".

I've talked about this before, but if only Naughty Dog were in charge of coming up with a game or series of adventures for the famed archeologist, then we would get the game we've all been waiting for.  Now that Lucasfilm has handed over the rights to their most famous creation, what will they do with their next most famous IP?  Now this is speculation combined with geek dreaming.  I have no knowledge that anything like this will happen.

But what if Kennedy likes what EA is doing?  The direction that the games they're working on could lead to alternative opportunities.  The idea of licensing other properties could be suggested.  Maybe even game designers in the companies many divisions could pitch a form of this to her.  Would it be out line to think that someone at DICE or Bioware wouldn't want to create their own Uncharted?  And with the original character that inspired it?

With teams that have worked on "Battlefield 4" and "Mass Effect 3" with all their talent, couldn't this become a possibility?  How many game developers with the various divisions wouldn't jump at the chance to create a game like that?  Imagine the mythos they would be working with?  The stories could involve old characters on new adventures, recreations of old adventures, or expansions of entirely original stories.  

What about a new game on Raiders of the Lost Ark with expanded story elements, Temple of Doom where you could play as Short Round, or an adventure with Indy finding the Spear of Destiny or the City of the Gods?  The possibilities are endless.

The treasure awaits someone willing to go on the journey...

Cultural Icon...

Joss Whedon is a writer with his finger on the pulse of modern culture...

In his interview last week with Entertaiment Weekly, he gave his thoughts extensively on many subjects. One of them was his problem with "The Empire Strikes Back" and it's ending.  I don't necessarily agree, but I understand his point.  Star Wars is modeled after a serial, Joss (Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers, Phantom Empire, etc.).  I know there are three years between chapters, buuuut.  Sigh.

Anyway, another story structural nemesis he had was with Indiana Jones.  Not the masterpiece that is "Raiders of the Lost Ark", but the flawed prequel that was "Temple of Doom".  Even though it's not the problem I have with the film, he makes a serious and compelling argument:

A movie has to be complete within itself; it can't just build off the first one or play variations.  You know that thing in Temple of Doom where they revisit the shooting trick?...  That's what you don't want.  And I feel that's what all of culture is becoming - it's becoming that moment.

What he seems we saying is that the originality that makes up the world, art, film, books is dissipating.  We are rehashing ourselves. We're making carbon copies of everything. There's no spark, no originality.  We're remaking movies that were only out a little more than a decade ago because our culture is so brand identified that suits believe we can't handle something original.

We're making remakes of remakes, And new books that tend to tell stories that seem to fall along tired, familiar lines we've seen before.  We're remaking classic television shows into new television shows, and old movies into new television shows. It is essentially the death of a new idea.

How much longer can society go on when all it does is repeat what it just did, and not grow and move forward?  At least that's what I take from his statement.  Our brains have the ability to come up with a unique idea that could be shown a thousand times, in a million different ways.  we shouldn't have to simply repeat everything.  Where will we be in another decade simply rehashing the ideas that came out last year?  Or last month?  Or even yesterday.

Of course, it could all be for naught. Societies change, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Hopefully the idea drain that we are suffering through will not be a permanent one.  There is so much treasure to be found in the idea of originality.  There is no need to create what has already been created.  We don't have to chain ourselves to stories that loop over and over.  It is freedom to do something different, to be repetitive, continually trapped in the past doing what has been done forever is to relinquish free will.  And that is to be a slave.  A slave to dead culture.

And a dead culture is only for the dead, not the living…

The Geek Codex...

It's amazing how the past can sometimes take control of the present...

Or predict the future.  Because that's what happened between the 1930's to the 1950's.  Much of the literature or films of these decades greatly influenced what we go to the theaters to see, or what we turn on the television to watch.  Now, I'm talking specifically about a certain type of literature (pulp magazines & comics) and a certain kind of film (serials).

Don't think so?  Think again.

Imagine some of the biggest hits in the last two decades, or even three decades and what do you come up with?  Star Wars?  It's a Saturday morning serial, especially "The Empire Strikes Back", as it's a pure matinee picture.  Raiders of the Lost Ark?  It's cut from the mold of old serials like "Spy Smasher" or "Zorro's Black Whip" among others.  Even it has imitators like "The Mummy" that play into the serial/pulp vein of pictures.  What is Disney's big tent pole picture this summer?  "The Lone Ranger" which is based on pulp stories that turned into serials like "The Lone Ranger" and "The Lone Ranger Rides Again" to the classic television series.

And then there are the pulp stories like "Doc Savage" that is walking right out of a tattered, old pulp magazine.  There have been some abortive attempts like "The Shadow" which has the correct look, but the wrong feel for the character.  And there have been efforts to bring him back, specifically, Sam Raimi a few years back before he got "Spider-Man" off the ground.  Disney's own "John Carter of Mars", which sadly didn't connect properly with audiences, comes from the Edgar Rice Burroughs stories printed in these old pulps.  Most people like to make fun of this that have never read the novels, or they simply forget because of Burroughs more famous pulp creation: Tarzan.

And comic books seem to be the biggest beneficiary of this resurgence.  There have been bad attempts at this over the decades, but around the end of the last century we started getting films that tapped the right fan artery.  Part of this was because Suit in charge were beginning to be the generation that read these comics so the stories were more authentic, and second, the introduction of computer graphics made it possible to create believable worlds; something that wasn't achievable a decade earlier.  A film of the Justice League or Avengers a couple of decades ago would have looked horrible, but with the help of CG and a script by Joss Whedon, look at what can be achieved?  A Justice League picture right now sounds like a monster waiting to be unleashed, not a film to be humiliatingly tucked away in a vault.

But a great deal of what you see on the silver screen today has been born from the DNA of these mediums.  And we're beginning o see more and more of them.  Expect if Doc Savage succeeds for The Shadow to be quickly green lit into production.  Studio Suits will go mining the pages of dingy pulps looking for the next character that they can exploit.  Something like The Spider could be the next one to go, or a less known pulp hero like Operator 5 or Secret Agent X.  If Warner Bros. wants to get on the band wagon, all they have to do is look through their DC Comics characters for "Spy Smasher", a little character they bought from Whiz Comics years ago.  He's the star of an incredibly entertaining serial by the same name that is utterly dear to me.

Not everything will be a hit.  For every Star Wars, there is a "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" that doesn't perform.  Or a "Rocketeer" that disappoints.  But even that film has developed a growing following as it's gotten older.  It's aged like wine to the point where the Mouse is thinking of rebooting it for the next generation.  Everything old is new again, or can be.  If you were a fan of "The Clone Wars" then you might not know that you were watching a serial.  Everything about that show flows back to the old Flash Gordon serials, from the action to the opening exposition setting up what's to come.

Yes, pulp/serials/comics changed the world.  At least the one we pay money for a ticket to see.  They take us away from the boring, drab world we live in to take us to a world where good will win, and it will do so with style and presence.  It's a place where danger lurks around every corner, but fun pervades every bit of atmosphere.  Within this world we can escape the lives we live, to experience something missing from our day to day journeys.

Now sit back in your chair at that theater and watch these old tales live again...

Execute Older 69...

Today The Beard is celebrating a birthday...

That's right the Master Jedi himself, George Lucas is celebrating being sixty-nine years old.  And he's finally moving on to do those things in life he's wanted to do, but a little something got in the way.  After creating the iconic filmography that has included "American Graffiti , "Indiana Jones", and of course, "Star Wars", the film maker has finally moved on to being a museum curator.

That said, he's left an incredible mark on American pop culture and even global film history.  Although his life will now pursue another course, his legacy will endure, and his creations will be timeless.  Many (myself included) may fault him for the fallacy that are the Prequels, but most directors, writers and producers would kill for a career so prolific upon the consciousness of mankind.

Happy Birthday, George...

Raiding, Honestly...

Da, da, da, da, da, da, da...

I like truth in advertising...

And truth is the most pure form of honesty.  The folks over at Screen Junkies have come up with a painfully honest trailer for the fourth outing of Henry Jones, Jr. that will have you rolling on the floor.  Well, at least it did for me.  It lets you know that it's time to pass the baton, and it shows why Lucasfilm should be in more reasoned hands now.

Now, let him ride off into the sunset like he did in the third film...

Doctored Adventures...

Where there's a whip, there a way, make mine Marvel...

So we broke the news about the Star Wars comic the other day, but we didn't address the elephant in the room...

That is, if Darth Vader is packing his bags, then the Man in the Hat will likely go with him.  While the confirmation I was given was only about Star Wars, it's simple math that determines Indiana Jones will also follow Han Solo over to Marvel.  So, then the question is what do they do with him?

Dark Horse has had a good run with Lucasfilm, being as they have had a better understanding of the properties than those that handled them in the past, and yes Marvel was one of those handlers.  The Indiana Jones adventures under their licence has consisted of some pretty good adventures for Doctor Jones.  From "Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis," "Thunder in the Orient," "Indiana Jones and the Arms of Gold" to "Indiana Jones and the Curse of the Invincible Ruby," there have been some grand adventures.  Dark Horse is a comic company that "gets" the pop-culture properties that it licenses.  So we have to wonder if Marvel will "get" them since their last tales were a bit uninspiring.

Perhaps it'll be different the second time around.  Perspective is everything.  With all those out there in the business knowing how well received the Dark Horse stories of Indy have been, it'll give the editors over at Marvel's bull pin a little more reason to stay frosty.  Hopefully, if the rights revert back to this in a couple of years they'll have a game plan ready.  This is just my advice, no secret info that has been given to me by a Bothan or Nazi double agent.  Take it for what it is: my opinion, nothing more, nothing less.

First thing they should do is something that they actually should NOT do.  Don't make it a monthly.

That was one of the smart things that Dark Horse did.  I mean, the books came out monthly, but it wasn't a monthly comic.  These adventures had a beginning, middle, and end.  There was no dragging out the story over a long period of months just to sell books.  Each story they create should be self contained.  With a certain number of issues, be it 6, 8, or maybe even a 12 issue maxi-series.  Next, there has to be talent brought together, like one puts together a director, producer and writer on a film.  Have different teams that can tackle adventures from every angle, every location, and have them have fun with the characters.

I personally would love to see John Byrne take another crack at Indiana Jones.  He may not of course, since his dealing with a Lucasfilm Suit resulted in it being one of the worst comic book experiences of his professional career.  But to imagine Denny O'Neil, Byrne and even Terry Austin together would be something I would gladly look forward to.  And if Austin couldn't do it, how about Karl Kessel, they're two of the best inkers to ever handle Byrne's pencils.

Then someone like Chris Claremont would seem to make a great writers to stick his hand at Doctor Jones' adventures.  How about you team him up with J. Scott Campbell, who's toyed around with the character for fun and is a fantastic artist.  His Danger Girl series is already heavily inspired by Raiders-type adventures; how about letting him draw the actual thing?

Speaking of Raiders-type things, there have been a few "Tomb Raider" comics over the years and some of the artist/writers that have worked on these books would fit the mold perfectly for an Indy comic.  I would love to see Andy Park illustrate a book by Marvel dealing with Jones globe traveling.  He's such a talented artist, not only in comics, but as a conceptual artist (he worked on "The Avengers" and created some fantastic pieces) too.  Maybe team him with Dan Jurgens, whom he worked with on Top Cow's Tomb Raider comic (the #1 comic of 1999, btw) and have them focus on some serial adventures?

Or take a iconic artist like Alex Ross and let him have his way with the fedora and whip?  Imagine a fully painted issue of fortune and glory done by this talented artist.  Team him up with a hot new talent like Sam Humphries or Rick Remender and you could have a very facinating adventure.

Or perhaps reach into the cinematic world?  Why should Joss Whedon be the only one that can write for both film and comics?  Someone who I think would be terrific for a Indiana Jones comic is Michael France (Cliffhanger, Fantastic Four - not the horrible Tim Story film, but the script which should have been made.), with the right artist, say someone like Ed Benes or Ivan Reis, they would make a fantastic comic book.  That would be a mini-series I'd want to see.

Then there's Mark Protosevich (Thor and I Am Legend, both of which have amazing screenplays better than the actual films that were released.), who would be great to see do an adaptation of Indy's mcguffin hunts, perhaps pairing him with Travis Charest, and having his amazing art translate Protosevich's prose?  I'm.  So.  There.

And these are just the ideas off the top of my head.  Imagine what the Marvel editors could come up with if they sat in a room with a bunch of writers and artists pitching tales of the famed explorer?  The mind truly boggles at that thought.  To keep Indiana Jones relevant and in the public's eye, these would be rather quick and easy steps to continue to mine this property until that day when Kathleen Kennedy approves Paul Dini's animated series.

Yes, I dream, but if you're going to dream, do it big I say...

Adoption Complete...

The story of a boy, a girl, and a whole galaxy waiting for a mouse... 

Well, the Mouse officially has a new addition to the family...

The Walt Disney Company completed the purchase of Lucasfilm today.  With the closing of the bell on Wall Street, George Lucas' famous company now becomes another sibling in the colossus that is Disney.  Here is the official press release:

BURBANK, Calif., December 21, 2012 – Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional creative content to audiences around the world, Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) announced today that Disney has completed its acquisition of Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lucasfilm to the Disney family,” said Iger. “Star Wars is one of the greatest family entertainment franchises of all time and this transaction combines that world class content with Disney’s unique and unparalleled creativity across multiple platforms, businesses, and markets, which we believe will generate growth as well as significant long-term value.”

Under the terms of the merger agreement, at closing Disney issued 37,076,679 shares and made a cash payment of $2,208,199,950. Based upon the closing price of Disney shares on December 21, 2012 at $50.00, the transaction has a total value of approximately $4.06 billion.

Lucasfilm’s assets include its massively popular Star Wars franchise, operating businesses in live action film production, consumer products, animation, visual effects, and audio post production, as well as a substantial portfolio of cutting-edge entertainment technologies. It operates under the names Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound.

Strange that they don't mention "Indiana Jones" in that.  I know that "Star Wars" is the primary motivation for the purchase, but the famed archaeological professor ain't no wall flower.  He can hold his own.  Not to mention all the other properties Disney has access to (American Graffiti, etc.).

But what fans have wanted for years has come to pass.  George no longer has control over his creation.  Now, the future of Star Wars is in the hands of someone else, for another generation.

And the ones after that...

A3Dventure Is Coming...

Yes, I know Blue Sky mentioned this a while ago...

And we got a lot of serious flack from people saying it was just fanboi rumors and masturbatory dreams, but it wasn't and isn't still.  See, the only way what I said wasn't true, would be if the Lucasfilm Suit that told it to my Bothan was lying to his face.  And this particular Bothan I know very well, and would trust with my life.  He's in the know.  And the Suit I'm talking about is high up, not an underling.  So when Lucasfilm started issuing parsely worded statements, and then outright denial, they're not exactly telling you the truth.  You see, it's not a lie, if they haven't actually done it yet.  Read between the actual words when you hear their press releases.

The powers-that-be wouldn't want to announce it right now anyway, but that doesn't mean it's not in the planning.  The only thing that will stop this from happening is if the box office from the next few Star Wars 3D conversions turn out to be disappointing.  Now, Episode I wasn't a box office bonanza, but remember the film isn't exactly beloved by my most fans.  As each release comes out we'll be able to get a better reaction to the audiences' warming up to the conversions.  I'd think that Sith, Hope, and Empire will get a bigger slice of the box office pie when they come out.  Should they not, the guys in Burbank/Marin County might start having doubts, but second thoughts aren't in the cards right now.

If Kathleen Kennedy and her Lucasfilm Suits get cold feet then the Raiders conversion may be shelved, but as of a couple weeks ago it was still in the planning.  So adventure in the third dimension is up ahead.

It's just not around the corner yet...

Many Bothans Died To Bring Us this Information...

If you've been reading this site for a while you know that Lucas was my soapbox...

I've written a lot of articles on George Lucas/Star Wars/Indiana Jones/Lucasfilm over the last four+ years.  And as soon as the news broke, comments started coming in, e-mails started arriving and many people showed up at my doorstep.  Ok, that last one didn't happen because I don't give out my address, but the others, they happened.

So for those of you that aren't long time readers, I figured I would give you a chance to see all those articles (or at least, most of them) that I used to make my case.  I had other signs, and clues, and even a few Bothans with hints, but mostly, it was the common sense of what just seems natural.  So without anymore fanfare, here for your perusal:



Disney Films That Aren't

A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far Far In The Future

The Turn

The Master's Vision

Threequels

Stating The Obvious

Buying An Empire

I Am Empire



And then came the news last Tuesday...

Seventy Year Old Doctor...

Candles, whey did it have to be candles...








Happy Birthday to the Man in the Hat...

Today, Dr. Henry Walton Jones, Jr., otherwise known as Harrison Ford/Indiana Jones turns 70. Wow, I hope I'm that agile when I'm that old. It seems at that age you'd be snapping that whip from a wheelchair.

Be careful blowing out those candles Mr. Ford, we don't want you to go starting any fires now...

I Am Empire...

Sell it, George...

"He's more machine now than man, twisted and evil." - Obi-Wan Kenobi

It must be tragically ironic to be a genius trapped in a nightmare of your own creation...

Despite what Decadent Dave says, I don't publish that many posts on the Bearded One. But lately, I've gotten several e-mails about "Star Wars" coverage here at Blue Sky Disney. So I guess it's time for some clarity because I've always felt that clarity was a good thing. It always helps to know where someone stands so as to know where they are going. We can always have disagreements, but at least we can respect the views of one another without coming to the same conclusions.

George Lucas is a man who lives in his own world... literally.

The business of Lucasfilm is his world, and particularly Star Wars is that world. Sure he's talked about doing little independent, art-house films that don't appeal to the public. But it's talk. He keeps pushing that day and those projects off. Trapped in the quicksand of his own success, he seems incapable of escaping it. He was once asked what was Star Wars and what did it mean. His answer, to paraphrase, was that "technology can't save us." The irony in that is he talks about the limitations of the original trilogy and how the FX of the time limited his abilities to tell a story. I'd argue that it's the opposite, those limitations helped focus on story and in so doing, made it much better. Just look at the Special Editions that are closer to what he says he wanted. Look at how he talks about the ability for these new computers to free film makers and look at what he does. Star Wars animated series, Star Wars comedy animated series, Star Wars live-action series (maybe), Star Wars fan documentaries, Star Tours update, ect.

George Lucas made news the other day when he mentioned his plan to step away from the day to day planning of his empire, Lucasfilm. It's been his said intention to go back and make small, personal films that no one will care to see. This is something he's talked about for over a decade, but he now says that he is ready to actually do that.

"I’m moving away from the company, I’m moving away from all my businesses, I’m finishing all my obligations and I’m going to retire to my garage with my saw and hammer and build hobby movies. I’ve always wanted to make movies that were more experimental in nature, and not have to worry about them showing in movie theatres." -George Lucas

And today he took the first step towards that apparently. It was announced that Kathleen Kennedy, who has long been a partner with Steven Spielberg, would take over the operation and running of Lucasfilm. Here's the press release:

SAN FRANCISCO-Lucasfilm Ltd. today announced that Kathleen Kennedy will become Co-Chair of Lucasfilm. In an effort to move forward with his retirement plans, George Lucas will work with Kathleen Kennedy to transition into her new role. Lucas will become Co-Chairman of the Board of Lucasfilm and continue as CEO. Micheline Chau will remain as President and COO of Lucasfilm, and continue to focus on the day-to-day operations of the business.

“I’ve spent my life building Lucasfilm and as I shift my focus into other directions I wanted to make sure it was in the hands of someone equipped to carry my vision into the future,” said George Lucas. “It was important that my successor not only be someone with great creative passion and proven leadership abilities, but also someone who loves movies. I care deeply about my employees—it is their creativity and hard work that has made this company what it is today. As the company grows and expands I wanted to be sure the employees of Lucasfilm have a strong captain for the ship. I also care deeply about our fans and it was important to have someone who would carry on the passion and care that I’ve given the films over the years. So for me Kathy was the obvious choice, she is a trusted friend and one of the most respected producers and executives in the industry.”

Director Steven Spielberg said, “George’s prescience is once again proven by his choice of my long time producing partner, Kathy Kennedy to co-chair Lucasfilm. Kathy has been a member of both of our families going into a fourth decade so it does not feel like she is going to another galaxy far far away. She will get just as much support from me with Lucasfilm as George has given both of us all these years.”

“George is a true visionary,” said Kathleen Kennedy. “I’ve seen him build Lucasfilm from a small rebel unit in Northern California to an international fully integrated entertainment company. I’m excited to have the chance to work with such an extraordinary group of talented people. George and I have talked about the enormous opportunities that lie ahead for the company, and as George moves towards retirement I am honored that he trusts me with taking care of the beloved film franchises. I feel fortunate to have George working with me for the next year or two as I take on this role—it is nice to have Yoda by your side.”

Seven-time Academy Award nominated Kathleen Kennedy is one of the most successful and esteemed producers and executives in the film industry. As a producer she has an impeccable record with a robust filmography working with such filmmakers as Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Martin Scorsese, Robert Zemeckis, Barry Levinson, Clint Eastwood, David Fincher and Gary Ross. As a testament to her standing in the film community, she previously held the position of governor and officer of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) and currently serves as a member of the board of trustees. She is also a former President of the Producers Guild of America.

Kathleen will step down from her role at The Kennedy/Marshall Company, shifting her responsibilities to partner Frank Marshall. The Kennedy/Marshall Company is currently in post production on LINCOLN, directed by long time collaborator Steven Spielberg whom Kennedy also produced for on the INDIANA JONES and JURASSIC PARK franchises, and THE BOURNE LEGACY, written and directed by Tony Gilroy and produced by Marshall. Under the Kennedy/Marshall banner, the pair has produced such Academy Award nominated Best Picture films as WAR HORSE (six nominations), THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (thirteen nominations) THE SIXTH SENSE, (six nominations) and SEABISCUIT (seven nominations), as well as blockbusters including the BOURNE series and THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN. Marshall will oversee the company’s current slate of projects and continue to expand it via their development deals with DreamWorks and CBS TV Studios.

So we really might see Lucas try to distance himself from his creations. But will he step back in if she makes a decision he doesn't agree with? Could this be a further step toward taking the company public, which Lucasfilm Suits have said was a viable future option? Perhaps even a merger or as I have dreamed; selling the entertainment company to the Mouse? As time passes, we'll see how much control he actually relinquishes. I've always known that he would someday step back, but it's refreshing that it is finally happening. This could be a whole new world of opportunities for George and his fan base.

And after decades trapped inside his creation, it might be that the only way to set himself free is to set IT free...

Hidden Treasures...

If fan art posters had a name...








Check out these amazingly cool posters...

I love Indiana Jones. And these poster from Geek Tyrant are so creative I want them on my wall framed please.

Now, how about that animated series so that they can do one for it as well...

Hat Tip to /Film.

Raiding Childhood...

If adventure had a documentary...

If you love Indiana Jones as much as I do, then this is for you. Jamie Benning and the geeks responsible for "Star Wars Begins" have now made a documentary, or "Filmumentary" as they call it, of "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

"Raiding the Lost Ark"

If you love the Man with the Hat, Raiders and its sequels, or serials in general, this is a small piece of love. Grab something to drink and eat and sit down and watch this.

Now where did I leave my whip...

Stating The Obvious...

A long, long time ago, hopefully soon to be bought...



Disney is still in the buying mood it appears...

In a conference call with investors for the Walt Disney Company the other day, Bob Iger mentioned that the Mouse was looking at the opportunity to buy other characters. Now, I know that people will complain about a lack of creativity, but the Maestro himself purchased the rights to several characters he didn't own(101 Dalmatians, Winnie the Pooh, ect.). Many of those characters today are thought of as being as Disney as Mickey Mouse. But I'll take this opportunity to stand up on my soapbox once again:

Star Wars/Indiana Jones/Lucasfilm.

These characters have been inside Disney Parks for two decades and most guests, particularly young boys, identify them as Disney characters to begin with. To inform them that they aren't owned by Disney would be a surprise to most if not all. If Iger is true to this statement then it's time to purchase them from Lucas and make it happen. I can only cross my fingers that this is what has been happening in back channels. I dream of Iger having meetings with George Lucas up in Marin County, discussing a transaction similar to the Marvel deal over a nice lunch at Skywalker Ranch.

If there is any company that Lucas could/would/should leave his characters in the hands of, it's the Walt Disney Company. It represents a strong collection of characters that Iger can utilize across all sectors of the company. From merchandise, television, film, theme parks, the brands represent an opportunity for the company to expand earnings and generate content with a very recognizable list of characters.

If George doesn't want to continue the films beyond Episode VI then you could have adventures like "Knights of the Old Republic," or that "Boba Fett" film that Joe Johnston wants to make. How about a Star Wars animated film from Pixar or Walt Disney Animated Studios under the guidance of John Lasseter? Or even a possible reboot/reinterpretation of the films the way J.J. Abrams did with "Star Trek."

Television offers opportunities as well, with the Clone Wars series being such a success on the Cartoon Network, shows made for Disney XD would be a given. And lets not forget to mention my long dream of an "Indiana Jones" animated series from Paul Dini. How about an animated series focusing on "The Adventures of Han & Chewie?" And if ABC can have a network show coming that stars the Hulk, could you not see one staring Republic Commandos?

Then there is the possibility of expanding the Lucasfilm brand in the parks. Could you see an entire section in the Hollywood Studios dedicated to Star Wars? Or even better: A Fifth Gate that is nothing but that? The opportunities are endless and as big as the universe the Bearded One created. So, I think Bob Iger should take the advise of one of Star Wars wisest characters:

Do, or do not, there is no try...

Hat Tip to The Disney Blog.

Thirty Years After The Greatest Adventure...

I hate snakes...





Thirty years ago today the world changed for me...

George Lucas and Steven Spielberg opened up a film that would define action for decades. It introduced one of the most iconic characters in the history of cinema: Indiana Jones.

"Raiders of the Lost Ark" was a film that I had no idea what to expect, or what it was about. I actually saw it earlier than opening night. Paramount Studios actually had test screening of it all across small town America a couple of weeks before it came out. My small town was one of those places where an advance screening took place. And I went. Not really knowing what to expect, I when as a little kid that loved the movies these two guys made and went in on that blind faith alone.

I came out blown away.

I actually stayed through the entire credit run; something I had never done before, but do quite often now. I left feeling as though Spielberg and Lucas had taking something from my mind and pulled it out and thrown it upon the screen. I can remember watching all that fun, all that action and saying to myself: "Wow, this is intense." After each one of the films action set pieces went on, I'd think that this must be it, the last one, no more action, no more story. This must be the end. But the story and action continued. It was a delightful roller coaster ride. I loved it. I went home and looked up the Ark of the Covenant, because I thought it was such a marvelous device. And I was surprised to find that it was real. So as well as entertaining me, it taught my ignorant mind a little unknown history.

Growing up in the lazy little suburbs of my quaint little city, there was little to do. I was a book reader, a comic reader and a movie-goer. I watched an ample amount of television consisting of a lot of escapist testosterone driven episodes of late 70's/early 80's cheese. One Sunday afternoon, I also happened to stumble on to a little PBS show entitled: "Super Serial Showcase." I watched it and marveled at the delight of these continuing adventures. How everything was fun and filled with action, great heroes and really nasty villains. I wondered to myself why Hollywood didn't make a movie like this. And then one day as I entered adolescence they did. They DID. For all their faults, for all the ranting I do here on Lucas or Spielberg, I have to give them my deepest respect and gratitude on this day.

For they opened another world to me...

Son Of Indy...

If adventure has a name, it must be Nathan Drake...




You've seen a lot of talk about a fifth Indiana Jones film...

There are stories going around about how Harrison Ford wants to do another film featuring the famed archaeologist and that he wants to kill off Indy. The same way he wanted to kill off Han Solo. And that he wants to hand off the series to Indy's son, Mutt.

Some of my friends feel that Lucas and Spielberg already did kill off Indy with "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." The idea of handing it off to Shia Labeouf is not only laughable, but ridiculous. He's not Indiana Jones' son. There's no way that that character came from or can match the Man with the Hat. But it got me wondering. Who really is the son of Professor Henry Jones, Jr. really?

To me, that's an easy question with many answers, but the most obvious is fairly straight forward.

Nathan Drake.

Some will argue that Benjamin Franklin Gates is a good choice. But if there is any character that feels like he's a direct decedent of Indy, it's the rouge and charismatic lead from the fabulous "Uncharted" series by Naughty Dog. Another reason I have a PS3 instead of an XBox 360 is the exclusivity of this game series. Yeah, Drake is the real successor to the Indiana Jones franchise at least in terms of games. LucasArts needs to fire their entire staff for taking such properties as "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones" and making horrible games with great characters. How is that possible? Who knows, in the near future we may have a film franchise of this series if they're ever able to nail down a story worthy of a film. Looking back at the source material should provide a wealth of ideas.

As to whether Mark Walberg or Nathan Fillion or whoever gets the roll, that'll depend on a number of factors. I know there's a big campaign by fans to get Fillion the part, but Hollywood doesn't just deal with physical looks, but box office looks as well. They're going to look at what actor can come closer to guaranteeing a return on a $200 million dollar investment, which is what a legitimate cost for something like this would be. Fillion really doesn't have that status, but it doesn't mean that he couldn't be good as the character. I have no dog in the fight, just wanting a good script for the film. Something the last Indy didn't have. So we wait for this film to arrive as we fear another feeble attempt an bringing back my favorite adventurer.

Perhaps it's just time to hang up the hat. At least live-action wise. Go ahead with that animated series Paul Dini dreams of doing. That way Indiana Jones will never get old, never have a Mutt and never be subjected to humiliation on the silver screen every again. That way the adventures can happen weekly like the serials from which "Raiders of the Lost Ark" was born.

In the meantime I'm looking forward to "Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception" on 11-1-11...

Raiders Of The Third Dimension...

Dadadada, dadada...


It looks like Star Wars will have some company...

When George Lucas revealed that the Star Wars Saga was getting converted to 3D, many wondered was this just the start of something for Lucasfilm?

It is.

Someday soon, Lucasfilm will likely announce that they're converting the Indiana Jones Saga to 3D as well. The films will be converted and released in a similar fashion as the Star Wars films with "Raiders of the Lost Ark" the first out of the gate.

Lucas has been bitten by the 3D bug since "Avatar" showed the possible/promise of the technology, so other parts of the Lucasfilm catalog could be on the horizon as well.

It's only a matter of time before the announcement...

George & Steven's Fantastic Time Machine...

Oh, time you cruel, cruel thing you...

It's difficult at times to realize that it all happened twenty-nine years ago today. On this day in 1981, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg released "Raiders of the Lost Ark" which hijacked my brain and I haven't gotten it back since.

When I went into the theater to see this new film that the poster claimed was "From the Creator of Star Wars" and "The director of Jaws" I didn't know what to expect. When I left after it was over, I was suffering from withdrawal from having the only out of body experience I've ever had watching a film. I fell in love like many others with the new character of Indiana Jones. He was bold, brash and all too human. I enjoyed seeing him even in the flawed sequels to this masterpiece(sans Crystal Skull, of course). Happy birthday, Henry Jones Jr.!

And thanks to Steven and George for making a kid feel like the world opened up to him...

Birth Of The Jedi...

A Long, Long Time Ago...



A Loooooooooooooooooooooong time ago...

Sixty-six years ago today in a small town up in Northern California...

George Walton Lucas Jr. was born. A near-death car crash right before his high school graduation forced him to consider another career path(he wanted to be a race car driver) and made him focus on something different at the local community college. He developed an interest in making films... Modern cinema would never be the same. He gave my childhood a constant wonder and my adulthood a continual pain. But I'm so very happy he decided to do that little takeoff on Saturday matinee serials. I owe him greatly for that.

Happy Birthday to the Father of the Force...