An article in the New York Observer gossip column The Transom claims that Universal is pulling out of its proposal to financially back Robert Rodriguez's 'Barbarella' movie. Insiders claim it's because Rodriguez insists on casting his fiance Rose McGowan (also his 'Planet Terror' leading lady) as the space vixen.
Unnamed sources purport that the studio was initially high on the film and ready to commit to its $100 million budget. Then, after it became apparent that Rodriguez was committed to having McGowan topline the film, the studio came back with a significantly lower budget proposal.
Insiders claim that the studio feels, with McGowan in the lead, the higher budget would become an unacceptable gamble. Certainly 'Planet Terror' didn't do anything to enhance the star's bankability.
Rodriquez downplays the gossip, stating that the studio is tightening up everywhere. "Universal had initially signed on for $60 million," he told the Transom, "but then when we were done with the script it wound up at closer to $82 million, and they had just financed a Will Ferrell movie that was a $130 million and they even cut that down to $100."
In fact, Rodriguez asserts that McGowan's screen tests were enthusiastically received by the suits. "They said, 'What are we looking at?'" Mr. Rodriguez said. "She looks fantastic in the role...She was perfect for this part. She just has that daring look, a sort of classic sexiness that is also kind of futuristic."
'Barbarella' would be an independent film backed by producer Dino De Laurentis. Should Universal pull out, the producer would be free to find financing elsewhere.
LOGIN
REGISTER
RSS
HOME
