The San Diego Comic Con 2008 got underway on Thursday, July 24 with Stan Lee and Hugh Jackman sharing the stage and talking about the next X-Men film that will feature the origins of Wolverine. Titled “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” it will premiere in May 2009 up against J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek.” Lee announced that he will again make one of his popular cameos in the Wolverine movie. “Don’t tell anyone,” Jackman joked about Lee’s surprise announcement. “It’s always a big shock when people see him.” “I promise not to try and overshadow you,” Lee said.
By-the-way, there may not be any Star Trek panels this year highlighting next May’s film debut, but the presence of the iconic 40-plus year franchise was felt just about everywhere with some of its cast walking about, posters and memorabila galore and your standard costumed Federation and Klingon fans all over the place. Everywhere you turn you are reminded of Trek!
Keanu Reeves jujmped up stage and introduced a sneak peak at the remake for “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” in which he plays the role made famous by classic actor Michael Rennie in the 1950’s Robert Wise film. Keanu informed fans that for this film, unlike the original, his character, Klaatu, isn’t as peace-loving as Rennie’s portrayal, and isn’t afraid to be a bit intimidating. “In the original, Klaatu was a little warm and fuzzy,” said Reeves, “I’m not that guy!”
Some other announcements came by way of actress Rose McGowan, who will star in the resurrection of “Red Sonja” from ex-beau director Robert Rodriguez. This time around Rose promises to watch the do…””I will not have a mullet!” stated the feisty actress.
The status of two other Rodriquez projects were finally revealed. His remake of “Barbarella” has been put on indefinite hold and now that Frank Miller has finished the script for “Sin City 2,” all that remains is getting all the primaries back under the roof, however, that could take some time as many of those attached are already committed to various projects. The word is though, “Sin City 2” is coming.
Good news for Conan fans. The ancient warrior will grace the silver screen once again. Rodriquez is currently in talks to direct a new rendition of Conan the Barbarian, one that will stay more faithful to the original Robert E. Howard creation. The famed director also stated to be on the lookout for an upcoming two-disc Grindhouse DVD release.
Disney took center stage on Comic Con’s opening day to unveil its sequel to the groundbreaking 1982 Tron film. “Tron 2,” a new computer animated film, looks awesome with the introduction of today’s highly stylized graphic designs and camera techniques. Here is one of the best lines from the clip: “This is just a game!” — response: “Not anymore.” A crowd of 6500 saw the preview which showed a much older Jeff Bridges reprising his role of computer whiz Kevin Flynn.
An yes, Paris Hilton was on hand to promote her new film “Repo: The Genetic Opera.” She plays the daughter of an organ-removal specialist for director Darren Lynn Bousman. What did she think of her first Con experience? You guessed it….”It’s hot!”
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