Watchmen case settled out of court?

January 15, 2009 By 790 18 Comments

Warner Brothers and 20th Century Fox agreed today on a tentative deal that insures the Watchmen film will be released on schedule, March 6th 2009.

Both studios have been involved in deep meetings for the last few months and today the two congloms agreed to settle out of court. They will both go before Judge Gary Feess tomorrow and ask that the case be dropped. Afterwards both studios will release statements concerning the deal.

At this time the terms of the deal have not been completely disclosed, however I have found out that both studios have agreed that Fox will not have co-distribution rights, and will also not have any rights to Watchmen property in the future. There are rumors that FOX will get a huge chunk of cash and also a percentage of the box office gross.

I knew all along that money would change everything, and we would watch Watchmen on March 6th 2009. The final chapter of this graphic legal battle will hopefully end tomorrow!!!

“JUSTICE IS COMING TO ALL OF US. NO MATTER WHAT WE DO.”

Ricardo Montalban, passes at 88

Weekly Rundown 1/18/2009

Jon Stephens

It’s about damn time!

Who will watch the Watchmen?

I will. On March 6th.
Metallicat79

I will watch, though i can’t guarentee when I will time and money being what it is. But this is very good news, lets hope fox did not end up with any DC property, heaven forbid they got their hands on the green lantern or the Flash, we would probaly end up with some bizzare Daredevil/Flash crossover **Shutters at the thought**
Metallicat79

@JD
Well put. I believe that we are at the peak, when it comes to the comic book films, i think we may start to see them taper off in the next 5 years or so I din’t know what willreplace them though.
Realtiy tv turned into film?? Chose your own adventure films? Heaven forbid 3D Catches on, ewwwww!
JD

So what are the chances that only us “true comic book fans” really give 2 craps about this film? I really don’t know anyone outside of the “geek fan-base” who really wants to see this movie.

Not that I don’t want it to be a great film and do really well, but it would be kinda funny for the studios to be believing their own internet hype and have about 30 fanboys show up for opening night.

Yes, I’m sure it will do well, but Spiderman did well because people know and love the character. X-Men when well because it was riding the wave of good fortune that Spidey brought. Dark Knight did well because we’re still trying to get the thought of Schumacher’s nipple suits out of our head and what’s his nuts couldn’t stay away from the pills. Superman Returns did well because…oh wait, sorry missed that one.

Anyway, what do you guys think? Are we truly in the age of comic book movies being the blockbuster “action films” of the 80s and 90s? Instead of us waiting to see the next Schwarzenegger, Gibson or Stallone film we’re waiting for the next spandex-clad, explosion filled flick?

Don’t get me wrong, I love me some comic book movies, but I am surprised by the public’s transition into accepting Super Hero characters.
Jon Stephens

I don’t know any *non geeks* who want to see it either, but my belief is that the movie looks very good. It seems to be a comic movie that doesn’t fit in with the other common types of comic movies A.la TDK. So I think that the comic geeks will come out and see it multiple times, and soon word will spread about the movie, bringing in all the other movie goers. Watchmen has been the greatest graphic novel for years now, and there are a lot of fanboys who are anticipating this. Certainly not enough to make the movie successful, but enough to make a serious impact on other movie fans.

I think we are in the age of comic films being blockbusters. Here’s why:

In these tough times, people have a lot of stress. Lord knows I have more than my fair share. People have always used movies as a way to escape the realities of their lives. And what better way than a hero film? People can go to see one which is complete fantasy, and usually visually entertaining, so that’s a good way to take your mind off of your stress. And, hero films have a tendancy (for a lot of people, not all) to make the viewer imagine what life would be like as a hero. Who wouldn’t want to live in that world, as a hero; someone people everywhere admire and respect. In that aspect, it is also a good way to take your mind away. People just want to be somewhere other than in their debt filled world. At least for 2 hrs.

Now, I’m a huge comic fan, and I’m not necessarily happy about this transition. This may shock some comic fans, but I don’t want comic films to be the ultimate summer blockbuster films every year. My reasons are twofold:
1. If these films become ultimate summer blockbusters, it will inevitably lead to some Hollywood types turning the genre into a Will Smith action film. Here’s what I mean. Will Smith action flicks (Men in Black, Independence Day, I am Legend) are fun films, certainly having their fare share of excitement and some good visuals. Action filled movies, slightly funny at times. But are they truly GOOD films? I say no. They are entertaining, but not good. And if the comic genre heads down that road, it will be the end of great comic films like TDK. I don’t believe everything will get dark like Dark Knight. I don’t want to see the Avengers being nothing more than a superhero Independence Day.
2. If/When this transition happens, it will lead to studio’s being “picky” about how they choose the heroes to appear on screen and how they choose to represent those heroes. Some of the better characters that wouldn’t fit into the “fun popcorn action flick” category may not be made or will be made in such a way to ruin the character. Think Deadpool. For those of you who don’t know, Deadpool is a wise ass mercenary. The character is somewhat of an anti-hero. He has dark origins. The comic action is brutal and bloody. Does that subject matter translate into fun popcorn films? No. If they went on with a character like that, they would change so much that it would be EXTREMELY disappointing to the true fans like me.

And lets not forget that if they get to be massive success’, every single character will eventually make their way on screen, even if they don’t warrant an appearance. We will see a solo film for The Wasp. We’ll see a Demolition Man film. We’ll get a Wild Cat film. These characters are fun backup characters, but they can’t carry a movie. Studios are greedy, they will do anything to get the cash. If characters from both major comic universes become smashing success’ then the studio will eventually try out those secondary, “D” and “F” level characters.

I hope Metallicat is right, with comic films tapering off into a one or two at most a year, lower level type movie. There won’t be as much expectations for them, so directors can make their own movie. And that ultimately would lead to a better movie. At least the chances of a better movie being made are greater with lowered expectations.

Wow. That was long winded.
Screw reality tv
Metallicat79

I really believe that aside from Marvel doing its avengers stuff, we should start seeing less and less of the “Blockbuster” comic book film. I think TDK really set the bar high.
Jon Stephens

I hope you are right Metallicat. TDK did set the bar really high, but that doesn’t exactly mean that they won’t be trying to repeat the success. Whenever you make that much money, they are bound to try to repeat that success.
metallicat79

I firmly believe that it willl not be repeated, many will try, some will come close, but ulti,metly in the end, they will fall short.
ar901

Hey jon,

Your right. They already did a crappy Will Smith hero movie called Hancock. And your right about the secondary characters getting crap movies, too. Did you know David Hasselhoff has his own Nick Fury movie out?(Who hasn’t been a major stand alone character for a while now). I am pleased to know that Deadpool will be in the Wolverine:Origins flick, however. Personally, i would like to see more movies in the calibur of TDK, but it takes a certain mix to make it happen and the second comic fans or cinematic genius stops directing and the machine takes over, I won’t see any differance between our favorite characters and films like “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”.
Metallicat79

YOu know I am both excited and nervousa about the new Wolverine movie, Having just discovered Deadpool myself, I would really welcome a spin off from the wolverin flick, but not by Fox which as it looks, Fox has the rights to the charactor. They did the right casting, wit Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson/Deadpool, but i still have some reservations until i see the finished product. I hope it works out.
Metallicat79

It will be interesting to see Deadpools treatment and rolein Wolverine. I for one think I will wiat and see it in the cheap theatre. Another one of those films I want to be really good, but know it is not going measure up. Please let me wrong on this one.
Jon Stephens

Welcome ar901!

Yes, I did know about the ‘Hoff’s Fury film, I saw it. It was, much like the ‘Hoff is, total garbage. True that Fury is no longer a stand alone character, but I get the feeling that Marvel want’s Fury to be a character that is big in the universe they are creating, and probably feature him in most of their movies. But I’m pretty sure they will not try to make him a stand alone character. I am a huge Deadpool fan, and it’s good to see him appear in the Wolvie film. Basically, I know it won’t be satisfying to fans of the merc with the mouth, but it’s a chance to expose him to a wider audience. If his cameo is done right, it’ll be the perfect setup to the Deadpool solo film. I hope that FOX does not get to make the DP film, and instead it goes to Marvel. Deadpool should have a rated R film, and it should be a hard R. It would be awesome to see it. Do I think it’s going to happen? Hell no. But I do think it’s possible they go for the “Dark Knight angle” on it, make it a hard PG-13 film with dark themes, and I’d be okay with that. It wouldn’t be ideal, but it’d be good enough for me. I really enjoyed TDK. If I ever met Nolan, I’d thank him for what he’s done. To quote the Joker…

“You’ve changed things… Forever… There’s no going back…”

Comic films from now until we get another film in the vein of TDK will be compared to TDK, whether fair or unfair, they will.

Metallicat – Ryan Reynolds is the PERFECT casting choice for Deadpool. I’m a little worried about it too. Particularly, I’m worried about his look. We’ve all probably seen the shots of Reynolds as Deadpool, without his trademark suit or his horribly scarred face. Now, they could always introduce that aspect of the character later in the film and it just hasn’t been shown yet. Still, until I see it I will worry.

Side note, to anyone who has seen the Wolverine trailer – There are those flashes of scenes showcasing all the cameo appearances, right? Well, there was one shot that came and went rather quickly, showing Wolverine running towards some mysterious baddie, ready to throw down. If you are able to pause it, or slow it down, and take a look at this “baddie” you will see that he is wearing a red suit that looks very familiar. I am 100% convinced that this is Deadpool, in his final outfit (complete with mask) prepping for a fight with Wolverine. It would make sense, considering all we know about Deadpools abilities and techniques, and his violent history with Wolverine. I know they are making Sabretooth the big villain for Wolverine, at least as far as the Weapon X team is concerned, but Deadpool could be just as good as the big villain. They’ve thrown down before. Wouldn’t that be awesome?
Metallicat79

I tell you what before anyone watches it here, we must all do seven Hail mary’s before we go into the theatre or pop in the DVD. That might save it.
Jon Stephens

Yes, I feel the same way you do Metallicat. I hope we are both wrong.
Jon Stephens

Maybe that is a good idea
790

AR901, (cool number) I saw that Hassell-Fury dvd in Best Buy man I couldn’t believe it!
Hahaa!!! Lmao!!! I thought you were joking!!!!

Its true the original Nick Fury is David (Knight Rider) Hasselhoff. Fracken hilarious.

Welcome to MOVIEGUYS AR901!
ar901

Glad to be here, thank you for the warm welcome, everyone.
Metallicat79

I really believe that aside from Marvel doing its avengers stuff, we should start seeing less and less of the “Blockbuster” comic book film. I think TDK really set the bar high.