Moviefone Editorial

Tag: duncan-jones

  • Aneurin Barnard and Hayley Atwell Starring in ‘Rogue Trooper’

    Aneurin Barnard, Hayley Atwell and Jack Lowden to star in Duncan Jones' 'Rogue Tropper.'
    (L to R) Aneurin Barnard, Hayley Atwell and Jack Lowden to star in Duncan Jones’ ‘Rogue Tropper.’

    Preview:

    • Aneurin Barnard, Hayley Atwell and Jack Lowden are starring in ‘Rogue Trooper’.
    • ‘Moon’ filmmaker Duncan Jones has written and directed the new movie.
    • It adapts a character from British comic book title 2000AD.

    Duncan Jones is a crafty one. Though it has been officially known that he’s been developing a new movie since at least 2018, he’s stayed mostly quiet about forward movement until some recent, teasing hints on his social media presence.

    Yet today the news has broken that Jones has already finished shooting his project, an adaptation of cult British comic book character ‘Rogue Trooper’ and is already at the editing stage for the animated movie.

    Related Article: Hayley Atwell Talks ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’

    What’s the story of ‘Rogue Trooper’?

    Duncan Jones to direct 'Rogue Tropper.'
    Duncan Jones to direct ‘Rogue Tropper.’

    ‘Rogue Trooper’ tells the story of 19, a “Genetic Infantryman”, who finds himself the sole-survivor of an invasion force. Desperate to track down the traitor who sold him and his comrades out, the super soldier is accompanied by three killed-in-action squad mates, whose personalities have been stored in his gun, helmet and rucksack.

    The character was created by artist Dave Gibbons –– yes, the one who also collaborated on ‘Watchmen’ –– and writer Gerry Finley-Day. It was first published in British science fiction comic 2000AD (the home to the more famous ‘Judge Dredd’ character) in 1981.

    Jones has written and directed the new movie, working with Rebellion and Liberty Films and utilizing Epic’s 3D tool Unreal Engine 5 to craft the animation.

    Who is starring in ‘Rogue Trooper’?

    Aneurin Barnard.
    Aneurin Barnard. Photo: Charlie Gray.

    Aneurin Barnard is starring as the eponymous Rogue Trooper, alongside Hayley Atwell, Jack Lowden, Daryl McCormack and Reece Shearsmith.

    The ensemble also includes Jemaine Clement, Matt Berry, Diane Morgan, Alice Lowe, Asa Butterfield and Sean Bean.

    What has Jones said about ‘Rogue Trooper’?

    Liberty Films to produce 'Rogue Trooper.'
    Liberty Films to produce ‘Rogue Trooper.’

    Here’s what Duncan Jones has said about the new movie:

    “2000AD offers a very different flavor of comic action: Political and brutal at times, but always with a Pythonesque twinkle in the eye. ‘Dredd’ was a taste of what 2000AD has to offer and now we get to show the world another side of the beast. It is a genuine privilege to be given the opportunity to make ‘Rogue Trooper.’”

    Jones has also posted some teaser art for the movie:

    https://twitter.com/ManMadeMoon/status/1751974089659727934

    Here’s the statement on the movie from Producer Stuart Fenegan:

    “The advancements in Unreal Engine 5 and the inclusion of MetaHuman rigs mean that it is now possible to achieve a very high standard of animation within an indie budget. Working with our amazing partners at Rebellion, Epic and Treehouse Digital we are pioneering and developing a new creative pipeline that will enable independent production of CG animated films.”

    When will ‘Rogue Trooper’ be in theaters?

    There is no official release date yet, but the movie is currently targeting a 2025 launch.

    Aneurin Barnard, Hayley Atwell and Jack Lowden to star in Duncan Jones' 'Rogue Tropper.'
    (L to R) Aneurin Barnard, Hayley Atwell and Jack Lowden to star in Duncan Jones’ ‘Rogue Tropper.’

    Other Duncan Jones Movies:

    Buy Duncan Jones Movies on Amazon

  • 9 Things You Never Knew About ‘Moon’ on its 10th Anniversary

    9 Things You Never Knew About ‘Moon’ on its 10th Anniversary

    Sony Pictures Classics

    Ten years ago, newcomer Duncan Jones made a big splash with his directorial debut, “Moon.” Not just a promising start to a memorable career, “Moon”is now regarded as one of the best science fiction films of the 21st Century. Relive the strange odyssey of Sam Bell by learning more about the making of “Moon” and its unexpected connection to another of Jones’ films.

    1. While “Moon” was written specifically with Sam Rockwell in mind, Rockwell was initially unsure about joining the project. Patty Considine was chosen as his potential replacement until Rockwell officially signed on.

    2. “Moon” was shot in 33 days on a modest budget of $5 million.

    Sony Pictures Classics

    3. In order to cut down on expenses, the crew used several sets that had been built for the canceled “Red Dwarf” movie.

    4. Kevin Spacey (ew) didn’t sign on to voice GERTY until he was allowed to watch the entire film first, at which point he eagerly recorded his lines in a single day.

    Sony Pictures Classics

    5. Sam’s plants are nicknamed “Ridley” and “Kathryn,” references to acclaimed directors Ridley Scott and Kathryn Bigelow.

    6. When it came time to film the scene where Sam is hit on the head, Rockwell’s designated stuntman was absent from the set. Producer Stuart Fenegan decided to fill in instead.

    Sony Pictures Classics

    7. The rescue team is codenamed “Eliza,” which is believed to be a reference to an MIT computer program from the 1960’s named ELIZA. This program was designed to mimic bland human conversation when speaking to operators, much as GERTY does when interacting with Sam.

    8. Jones’ 2018 film “Mute” is actually a spinoff set in the same universe as “Moon.” Sam and his surviving clones can be seen in courtroom footage being broadcast on TV.

    Netflix

    9. Jones has said he hopes to eventually release a third film in the “Moon” universe to create a trilogy of interconnected films.

  • Duncan Jones Doesn’t Approve of Johnny Flynn Playing Dad David Bowie in ‘Stardust’

    Duncan Jones Doesn’t Approve of Johnny Flynn Playing Dad David Bowie in ‘Stardust’

    Meneret Productions

    Actor/musician Johnny Flynn (“Beast,” “Genius”) has been cast to play a young David Bowie in the upcoming film “Stardust,” about the rock icon’s first visit to the U.S. in 1971.

    Just one hitch: Bowie’s son, director Duncan Jones (whose films include”Moon”), isn’t on board at all. He tweeted, “As it stands, this movie won’t have any of dad’s music in it, & I can’t imagine that changing.”

    https://twitter.com/ManMadeMoon/status/1091041121398972418

    According to the producers, the project won’t involve any Bowie songs, so the approval or disapproval of Bowie’s family wouldn’t necessarily derail it. In a statement they said the film is not a biopic like “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

    “It is a moment in time film at a turning point in David’s life, and is not reliant on Bowie’s music,” read the statement. “Much like ‘Nowhere Boy‘ for [John] Lennon, or ‘Control‘ for Joy Division, the production uses period music and songs that Bowie covered, but not his original tracks.”

    [Worth noting: The excellent and underseen “Control,” in which Sam Riley played Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis, featured the band’s music extensively. The recent Jimi Hendrix biopic “Jimi: All Is by My Side,” starring André Benjamin as Hendrix, was made without the blessing of the Hendrix estate and so featured zero songs written by the late rock star.]

    Jones did tweet that he’d happily give his blessing to author Neil Gaiman (who penned the non-Bowie fantasy novel “Stardust“) to write an animated version of his father’s characters, but wouldn’t approve of a biopic.

    As for the rest of the “Stardust” cast, Jena Malone will play his then-wife Angie (and mother of Jones) and Marc Maron will play a record company publicist. Principal photography is set to begin in June.

    Flynn is just ending a run on  London’s West End opposite “Game of Thrones” star Kit Harington (“Game of Thrones”) in Sam Shepherd’s play “True West.” His films include the 2011 indie “The Lotus Eaters,” in which he played a drug-addicted  musician and “Song One,” in which his musician character romances Anne Hathaway.

    [Via Variety]