Joes Are Patriotic, Black Panther Trilogy & More Supes!
By: Jarrod SarafinDate: Friday, March 07, 2008
G.I. Joe Movie to Feature Patriotic Theme?
The Rumor: Rumors have been going strong that the new adaptation of the 80s comic will avoid a patriotic American theme and instead focus mainly on a worldwide organization.
The Source: MTV
The Mania Verdict: FALSE---Executive producer Brian Goldner revealed that original comics writer Larry Hama is working on the script and that the movie focuses more on the comic run and less on the cartoon. The rise of Cobra Commander is a focal point, and rumors of a dialed back US patriotic angle seem to be exaggerated. Said Goldner:
“Duke, in our story, really represents the pre-1983 G.I. Joe. If those fans that grew up on the 12-inch Army man are looking for where their anchor should be, it's in Duke; he's the leader of the team and clearly American… Clearly, the American military is involved, as are other forces. But at the end of the day, the force that matters is the G.I. Joe force, and the Pit, and all the things that relate to that."
Djimon Hounsou Will Play the Comic Character Black Panther?
The Rumor: Actor Djimon Hounsou is quoted at IESB saying he's soon starting his "dream project" which is a "comic book trilogy."
The Source: IESB
The Mania Verdict: FALSE---He could very well end up playing the Black Panther character but we find it more likely his “trilogy” quote refers to directors Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson’s series Tintin, which has been confirmed as a trilogy. It’s unlikely that he will be appearing as the Midnite character from Constantine in a separate approved trilogy franchise or Fantastic Four 3.
Transformers Visit the City of Brotherly Love?
The Rumor: The Michael Bay-helmed sequel’s production—slated for June 27, 2009---is headed to Pennsylvania.
The Source: Main Line Today
The Mania Verdict: TRUE—The local paper had the following to say:
"The film industry is [an] increasingly lucrative [thing] for government to embrace," says [Sharon Pinkenson, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office]. "We already have a reputation as the most cooperative and film-friendly city in the business. Having these tax incentives adds to our attraction. Right now, we’re looking at applications for six to eight films to begin in June, and more to follow. The not-so-top-secret list includes 'Remorse', 'Three Sistas', [M. Night] Shyamalan’s 'Avatar' series, a film based on 'Marley and Me' and possibly 'Transformers 2.'"
Smallville Season 8 Is on the Way But No Luthor and No Lana Lang?
The Rumor: The CW has confirmed that a season 8 of Smallville is coming next fall but rumors have been rampant on characters not returning, two of which are Michael Rosenbaum’s Lex Luthor and Kristen Kreuks’ Lana Lang.
The Source: TV Guide
The Mania Verdict: TRUE---Both actors have officially notified producers of the CW series their intention to split from the show. Details are being worked out on their exits but it appears both are willing to do cameos. As we mentioned in last week’s rumor column, Rosenbaum is taking meetings with Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes shingle so he may have a project lined up. Kreuk is set to headline the adaptation of Street Fighter: Legend of Chun-Li.
G.I Joe’s Baroness Villian Is a Blonde?
The Rumor: Some set photos have appeared revealing that director Stephen Sommers and the producers at Paramount are taking a liberal approach with the character looks of main Joe characters, one of them being the villainous Baroness (Sienna Miller).
The Source: JFX Online
The Mania Verdict: TRUE---Pictures tell no lies. Check out the photo above to see the Baroness at a military funeral with blonde locks. We don’t know who the funeral arrangements are focused on but it’s not the Duke character, as actor Channing Tatum was also on the set at the time.
Justice League Rewrite to Include More Batman and Superman?
Batman and Superman aboard the satellite Watchtower in Cartoon Network's JUSTICE LEAGUE
© 2001 Cartoon Network
The Rumor: With rewrites on the way for Justice League, no official reasoning exists to contradict earlier reports about WB executives “loving the script.” Word on the street is that the rewrites intend to beef up more action in the third part involving Supes and Bats.
The Source: IESB
The Mania Verdict: TRUE---The Sanchez clan at IESB are reliable enough and they’ve featured other confirmed exclusives with the JL film. It also stands to reason that the two biggest WB franchise characters need more screen time in this ambitious comic project.
Rosemary’s Baby Getting a Remake?
The Rumor: The 1968 classic from director Roman Polanski is getting remade by Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes production company.
The Source: Shock Til You Drop
The Mania Verdict: TRUE---It makes sense even if it’s not confirmed. Platinum Dunes has remade the Texas Chainsaw Massacre series. They're working on a restart of the Nightmare on Elm Street series and location shooting has already begun on a Friday the 13th revision.





The baroness, blonde? You mean Sienna couldn`t just dye her hair for the movie? I can`t stand that chick. And why is she holding an American Flag at a funeral? Maybe this is what causes her to join COBRA. The unjustified death of a loved one ? Yes, I know I answered my own question. Sheesh, give me a break its early.