‘The Idolmaker’ To Also Get A Makeover; ‘Hercules’ Project In The Works
Update: Cinema Blend reports that their sources at MGM say none of these films are in the work, at that only “The Hobbit,” “James Bond 23” and “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters” are on the current slate.
Once on the verge of being sold off in bits and pieces, MGM is back and getting ready to be a contender again. They recently signed on to co-finance “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters,” and of course, they’ve got their two mega-franchises “The Hobbit” and “James Bond 23” in production and on the way to hit theaters next year. But it will take a little while for the money spent on those projects to start coming back into MGM’s bank account, so it’s no surprise that the studio is developing even more projects to keep cash flowing outside of those two tentpoles.
Variety reports that MGM is going back to the well of a few recognizable franchises and prepping them for the big screen. Might as well stick with what people recognize. While we’ll have to live with the idea that Darren Aronofsky won’t be involved, “Robocop” is still on the docket to get some fresh paint in a reboot. The 1983 Michael Keaton comedy “Mr. Mom” is getting a remake and “Poltergeist” is getting a fourth installment though it’s not clear if it’s a sequel or if it will be given a makeover (our guess is the latter).
But that’s not all. Remember the 1980 movie about rock promoter/producer Bob Marcucci, “The Idolmaker,” by Taylor Hackford? Us either. But MGM will dust off that property to give it another whirl. Finally, the studio has a movie about the mythical Hercules in development.
So let’s just review a second: a sci-fi action pic, a mainstream comedy, a horror film, a music-driven movie and a vehicle based on a mythical figure. Sounds like MGM has all their quadrants covered. But really, it’s a savvy move that gives the studio options and an ability to adapt to the changing tides/trends of Hollywood as these things make their way through the development process.
The projects are all seeking creative talent to come aboard so it might be a while before we see these yet, but MGM is back and looking to once again roar.