Moviefone Editorial

Tag: miramax

  • ‘The Faculty’ Remake in the Works

    (L to R) Shawn Hatosy, Laura Harris, Josh Hartnett, Clea DuVall and Elijah Wood in 1996's 'The Faculty'. Photo: Miramax Films.
    (L to R) Shawn Hatosy, Laura Harris, Josh Hartnett, Clea DuVall and Elijah Wood in 1996’s ‘The Faculty’. Photo: Miramax Films.

    Preview:

    • A new take on Robert Rodriguez’ ‘The Faculty’ is in the works.
    • Rodriguez and ‘Barbarian’s Zach Cregger are producing this remake.
    • The original starred Jordana Brewster, Clea DuVall, Josh Hartnett and more.

    Are you ready to go back to school?

    No, we don’t mean the depressing return to campuses after a holiday –– Miramax is looking to revisit 1998 sci-fi thriller ‘The Faculty,’ in which a group of highschoolers discover that something is very wrong with their teachers and other staff.

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    The original film was directed by Robert Rodriguez, who at that point was mostly known for ‘El Mariachi,’ ‘Desperado,’ ‘Four Rooms’ and ‘From Dusk Till Dawn.’

    In what is a rarity for those involved in the legacy title, Rodriguez will be an active part of the behind-the-scenes team on the remake, as Variety reports that he’s on board as producer.

    But he’s not alone: Zach Cregger, who broke out big with his own genre offering, 2022’s horror thriller ‘Barbarian,’ is also producing.

    Cregger is teaming up with Drew Hancock, the writer/director behind new thriller ‘Companion,’ (which Cregger produced), and Hancock will write the screenplay for the new ‘Faculty.’

    We can certainly see some rich material for a new version of the story, since social media is much more rampant among highschoolers (and, er, everyone else), and that could play a big part.

    Related Article: Robert and Rebecca Rodriguez Planning Female ‘Zorro’ Series at CBS

    What’s the story of ‘The Faculty’?

    Robert Patrick in 1996's 'The Faculty'. Photo: Miramax Films.
    Robert Patrick in 1996’s ‘The Faculty’. Photo: Miramax Films.

    The storyline for the original movie is a take on the tension between highschoolers and their teachers.

    When some very creepy things start happening around school, the kids at Herrington High make a chilling discovery that confirms their worst suspicions: their teachers really are from another planet.

    As mind-controlling parasites rapidly begin spreading from the faculty to the students’ bodies, it’s ultimately up to the few who are left, an unlikely collection of loners, leaders, nerds, and jocks to save the world from alien domination.

    The original story was dreamt up by writers David Wechter and Bruce Kimmel, with the final production script crafted by ‘Scream’s Kevin Williamson.

    It grossed an impressive $63.2 million and has developed a cult following in the subsequent decades.

    Who appeared in the original movie?

    (L to R) Shawn Hatosy, Josh Hartnett, Laura Harris, Clea DuVall and Elijah Wood in 1996's 'The Faculty'. Photo: Miramax Films.
    (L to R) Shawn Hatosy, Josh Hartnett, Laura Harris, Clea DuVall and Elijah Wood in 1996’s ‘The Faculty’. Photo: Miramax Films.

    The movie starred Jordana Brewster, Clea DuVall, Josh Hartnett, Shawn Hatosy, Laura Harris, Usher Raymond, Salma Hayek, Piper Laurie, Christopher McDonald, Bebe Neuwirth, Robert Patrick, Famke Janssen, Elijah Wood and Jon Stewart in a pre-‘Daily Show’ role.

    There has been no announcement yet for who might star in the new ‘Faculty,’ but we’d think those details will be arriving in the coming months.

    What else is Robert Rodriguez working on?

    (L to R) Pedro Pascal and Director Robert Rodriguez on the set of 'We Can Be Heroes'. Photo: Ryan Green/Netflix © 2020.
    (L to R) Pedro Pascal and Director Robert Rodriguez on the set of ‘We Can Be Heroes’. Photo: Ryan Green/Netflix © 2020.

    Rodriguez, as usual, has a wealth of projects in development. He most recently directed ‘Spy Kids: Armageddon’ for Netflix, which was released in 2023.

    He’s currently busy making TV series ‘El Gato,’ which focuses on Frank Guerrero, who discovers that his deceased father was the legendary, titular vigilante.

    Returning to Mexico, Frank becomes embroiled in family power struggles while uncovering his father’s connections to a contemporary terror plot.

    Beyond that, Rodriguez has long been developing a new version of animated series ‘The Jetsons.’

    He also has a sequel to 2020 Netflix outing ‘We Can Be Heroes,’ an adaptation of the ‘Jonny Quest’ cartoons and a movie based on Frank Frazetta’s ‘Fire and Ice’ at various stages, though most of them in limbo.

    And those are just the projects we know about.

    Cregger, meanwhile, is following ‘Barbarian’ with ‘Weapons,’ a multistory horror movie about the disappearance of high school students in a small town.

    That film, which will be out next year, stars Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Benedict Wong and Austin Abrams.

    He’s also recently announced that he’s attached to write and direct a reboot of the ‘Resident Evil’ video game adaptations, just the latest to tackle the story of a virus that turns the population of a town (and beyond) into undead nightmares.

    When will this remake of ‘The Faculty’ be in theaters?

    Elijah Wood in 1996's 'The Faculty'. Photo: Miramax Films.
    Elijah Wood in 1996’s ‘The Faculty’. Photo: Miramax Films.

    Miramax, which released the original, is backing the new one, but has yet to announce a release date for this one.

    And with no director in place yet, chances are it’ll be a while before we see too much movement.

    The company has been on a remake development spree of late, rooting through its extensive library (which includes movies such as ‘Chicago,’ ‘No Country for Old Men,’ ‘Scary Movie’ and ‘The English Patient‘.)

    While we’re doubtful that the likes of ‘No Country for Old Men’ would get remade (though little surprises us these days), a new ‘Scary Movie’ is headed our way, with the Wayans brothers returning to craft the film for Paramount. It’ll be scaring up business in cinemas next year.

    Josh Hartnett in 1996's 'The Faculty'. Photo: Miramax Films.
    Josh Hartnett in 1996’s ‘The Faculty’. Photo: Miramax Films.

    List of Robert Rodriguez Movies:

    Buy Robert Rodriguez Movies on Amazon

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  • Kevin Smith Developing ‘Dogma’ Sequel

    Director/Writer Kevin Smith on the set of the comedy, 'Clerks III,' a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of John Bayer/Lionsgate.
    Director/Writer Kevin Smith on the set of the comedy, ‘Clerks III,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of John Bayer/Lionsgate.

    Preview:

    • Kevin Smith’s developing a sequel to controversial religious comedy ‘Dogma.’
    • The 1999 film featured Ben Affleck and Matt Damon –– who the director hopes will return.
    • ‘Dogma’ is heading back into theaters next year.

    Kevin Smith is not a filmmaker to mince words; which means that when he talks, people listen.

    And while not every project he has announced over the years has come to fruition, he’s not shy about talking about future plans.

    During a panel marked “Dogma Confessional” at this past weekend’s Vulture Festival, Smith revealed that he’s starting work on the script for a sequel to his controversial 1999 religious comedy ‘Dogma,’ his fourth movie following ‘Clerks,’ ‘Mallrats’ and ‘Chasing Amy.’

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    What was the story of ‘Dogma’?

    Ben Affleck in 'Dogma'. Photo: Lionsgate Films.
    Ben Affleck in ‘Dogma’. Photo: Lionsgate Films.

    ‘Dogma’ sees an abortion clinic worker (Linda Fiorentino) with a special heritage, who is called upon to save the existence of humanity from being negated by two renegade angels (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon as Bartleby and Loki) trying to exploit a loophole and reenter Heaven.

    It was a blend of Smith’s own Catholic upbringing and his usual style of gross-out gags and chatty characters. The cast also included Alan Rickman, George Carlin, Alanis Morissette, Janeane Garofalo and Jason Lee.

    Naturally, it was controversial, especially among some radical faith groups, who picketed its release and festival screenings (Smith amusingly showed up on the picket line at Sundance to support the boycott).

    Related Article: Every Kevin Smith Movie Ranked!

    What has Kevin Smith said about the ‘Dogma’ sequel?

    Director/Writer Kevin Smith behind the scenes of the Romantic Comedy, 'The 4:30 Movie', a Saban Films release. Photo courtesy of Ralph Bavaro.
    Director/Writer Kevin Smith behind the scenes of the Romantic Comedy, ‘The 4:30 Movie’, a Saban Films release. Photo courtesy of Ralph Bavaro.

    Here’s what Smith had to say about the development on the new movie at the festival (as reported by Deadline):

    “Some people will be like, ‘Don’t f—ing touch it. You’ll ruin it.’ And I’m here to tell you: I will. I’m f—ing tickled. I found a way in.”

    As for who from the original cast might return? Smith seemed confident he could continue to rely on occasional collaborators Affleck and Damon, joking that they still “owed” him for helping get their big breakout ‘Good Will Hunting’ made:

    “I have been able to hold that over both their heads for 25 f—ing years, which is why they keep showing up in all the movies. Expect a cameo from them — more than a f—ing cameo. The only way we get a Dogma sequel made is if they’re there. So count on those guys being there.”

    Still, Smith clarified the status of the movie (and the stars’ involvement at this point) in a tweet:

    When will the ‘Dogma’ Sequel be in theaters?

    (L to R) Chris Rock, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes and Linda Fiorentino in 'Dogma'. Photo: Lionsgate Films.
    (L to R) Chris Rock, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes and Linda Fiorentino in ‘Dogma’. Photo: Lionsgate Films.

    That, right now, is the biggest unknown for this project. Smith hasn’t specifically said it would be a new movie, but that seems the most likely avenue, short of, say, a limited series.

    We could easily see him cracking a deal to have the movie on limited release (as with most recent outing ‘The 4:30 Movie’ and then be available on demand.

    But the original movie, at least, is getting a second theatrical life, at least, after the rights were finally wrangled (read: bought) away from Miramax. Smith has plans for it around the 25th anniversary (albeit a year late).

    Here’s what he told That Hashtag Show about the new ‘Dogma’ status in October:

    “The company that bought it, we met with them a couple months ago. They were like, ‘Would you be interested in re-releasing it and touring it like you do with your movies?’ I said, ‘100 percent, are you kidding me? Touring a movie that I know people like, and it’s sentimental and nostalgic? We’ll clean up.’” Right now, 2024 is our 25th anniversary, this year. November is when we came out. So, I think 2025 it looks like is when the movement’s going to happen there. Back on home video, then back out in theaters, and I’ll tour it and stuff like that.”

    'Clerks III' director and writer Kevin Smith.
    ‘Clerks III’ director and writer Kevin Smith.

    Other Kevin Smith Movies:

    Buy Kevin Smith Movies on Amazon

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  • Miramax Buys ‘Halloween’ TV Rights in New Deal

    Michael Myers (aka The Shape) in 'Halloween Ends,' directed by David Gordon Green.
    Michael Myers (aka The Shape) in ‘Halloween Ends,’ directed by David Gordon Green.

    Preview

    • Miramax has bought the rights to make TV series based on John Carpenter’s ‘Halloween’ concept.
    • The deal is with the company that also owns the movie rights, so that could indicate more movie plans.
    • Other companies such as A24 and Blumhouse were also interested in securing a deal.

    Having stalked cinema screens off and on since he first debuted in John Carpenter’s landmark horror ‘Halloween’ back in 1978, Michael Myers could be forgiven for thinking he’d earned a nice long snooze before picking up his knife (or whatever else comes to hand) again for more murderous rampages.

    Yet despite being the subject –– well, alongside his most usual target, Laurie Strode –– of a movie trilogy from David Gordon Green that started with 2018’s eponymous legacy sequel, it looks like he’ll be back for more, and this time on the small screen.

    How so? Miramax has now locked in a deal to buy the rights to make a TV series (probably more than one) based on the basic ‘Halloween’ story from Malek Akkad’s Trancas International Films, which produced the most recent trilogy.

    The new deal gives the company the option to craft TV properties from any elements of the ‘Halloween’ movie story and may even end up in it being able to forge a new cinematic universe around the characters, since that’s what people still seem to want to do these days.

    Miramax speaks out about the ‘Halloween’ deal

    Jamie Lee Curtis in 2018's 'Halloween.'
    Jamie Lee Curtis in 2018’s ‘Halloween.’

    Here’s what Miramax’s Head of Global TV Marc Helwig said about the deal in a statement run on Deadline:

    “We couldn’t be more excited to bring Halloween to television. We are thrilled to expand our long and successful partnership with Trancas and the brilliant Malek Akkad in introducing this iconic franchise to a new form of storytelling and a new generation of fans.”

    For his part, Akkad seems just as enthusiastic:

    “Trancas International Films is extremely enthused to be expanding our long-standing relationship with Miramax, and we look forward to working with Marc Helwig and the entire team in creating this new chapter.”

    Related Article: Andi Matichak and Rohan Campbell Talk Legacy Sequel ‘Halloween Ends’

    Where other companies interested in the ‘Halloween’ rights?

    Michael Myers (aka The Shape) and Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode in 'Halloween Ends,' directed by David Gordon Green.
    (L to R) Michael Myers (aka The Shape) and Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode in ‘Halloween Ends,’ directed by David Gordon Green.

    Miramax was not alone in pursuing the Myers rights – though no one is officially commenting, Deadline heard that other companies had been looking to snap up the chance to make more from ‘Halloween’.

    A24 and Blumhouse (which oversaw the most recent trilogy) were among those making bids and pitches for the rights, and the latter in particular makes sense considering its history with the subject.

    As for what will become of the new show, that’s anyone’s guess at this point –– could it be an expanded universe gamble like MTV’s ‘Scream’ series?

    With Writers Guild of America members now back at work following the strike, we’d expect meetings to start taking place soon. And Michael Myers will be looking to come home again.

    Michael Myers (aka The Shape) in 'Halloween Ends,' directed by David Gordon Green.
    Michael Myers (aka The Shape) in ‘Halloween Ends,’ directed by David Gordon Green.

    Other Movies in the ‘Halloween’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Halloween’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Jon Hamm Stars in the ‘Confess, Fletch’ Trailer

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    There was a time when if anyone said the name “Fletch”, most film fans would immediately picture Chevy Chase as wiseacre, disguise-happy (at least in his version) investigative reporter Irwin “Fletch” Fletcher.

    But after two movies back in the ‘80s, that particular franchise stalled and Chase is these days considered too old (and definitely too problematic) to take on the part. So what did director and co-writer Greg Mottola do for new film ‘Confess Fletch’? He called up Jon Hamm, who has a proven track record in being able to hit the killer combo of smooth and goofy – sometimes in the same scene. And it’s one that seems to work for Fletcher in the first trailer for this next movie.

    This story, once again adapting (but also here updating) Gregory McDonald’s book series, finds Fletch trying to live a quieter life, off in Europe writing about art and travel. But that changes when he’s hired to investigate who made off with several million dollars’ worth of art from a count’s villa in Italy.

    Soon, there’s a murder and our hero is the prime suspect. The only way to prove his innocence? Find out which of the long list of potential killers is the culprit – from the eccentric art dealer and a missing playboy to a crazy neighbor and Fletch’s Italian girlfriend. Crime, in fact, has never been this disorganized…

    Jon Hamm in 'Confess, Fletch.'
    Jon Hamm in ‘Confess, Fletch.’ Photo courtesy of Miramax.

    According to Mottola, this is a new take on the character, and won’t feature Chase at all. “The reason we didn’t ask Chevy Chase to be in it is not because we don’t love the original movies, we do, but we thought this should be a new thing,,” Mottola tells Entertainment Weekly. “There’s a lot of things Chevy did that aren’t in the Fletch books: his style of comedy, the slapstick, and all the different names and disguises. We thought it wouldn’t be right to steal them. We reference the original, we pay homage to it, but we tried to really balance it halfway between a detective mystery and a comedy, possibly more than the original.”

    The cast for this one also includes Roy Wood Jr., Marcia Gay Harden, Lorenza Izzo, Kyle MacLachlan, Ayden Mayeri, Annie Mumolo and Hamm’s old ‘Mad Men’ colleague John Slattery, who plays the newspaper editor assigning Fletch to the case.

    Mottola says that it was an easy choice to reunite the pair: “I’d met John over the years, and I really, really enjoy him as an actor, so I loved the idea,” he says. “It was actually the first day of shooting all of their stuff, and it was a great first day because those guys have such a shorthand that they just immediately fell into a very funny, enjoyable rhythm.”

    ‘Confess, Fletch’ will be in theaters and on digital September 16th.

    Dana Wheeler-Nicholson and Chevy Chase in 1985's 'Fletch.'
    (L to R) Dana Wheeler-Nicholson and Chevy Chase in 1985’s ‘Fletch.’
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