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EXCLUSIVE: 20th Century Fox has come up with a short list to replace Rupert Wyatt as the director of Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes. I’m hearing that Cloverfield’s Matt Reeves is atop the list, along with The Disappearance Of Alice Creed helmer J Blakeson, 28 Weeks Later helmer Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, Take Shelter and Mud director Jeff Nichols, Pacific Rim helmer Guillermo del Toro, The Impossible helmer Juan Antonio Bayona and Looper helmer Rian Johnson (Johnson’s reps deny he is in the hunt).
Fox production president Emma Watts is steering the effort to fill the plum post that Wyatt exited. Deadline revealed September 17 that Wyatt, who helmed the superb franchise reboot Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, would not reprise. I’d heard at the time that his exit was similar to the same reason that Gary Ross stepped out of Hunger Games: Catching Fire; with Wyatt uncomfortable about making the May 23, 2014 release date that the studio announced in May.
This should all be decided rather quickly, and this certainly helps the effort that Watts and Jim Gianopulos are making to invite elite emerging filmmakers into the Fox fold, with the promise of giving them more creative leeway. Who wouldn’t want to jump on this sequel, which already has a script by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver. They did the first film, which grossed $483 million worldwide and seamlessly set up the apocalyptic sequel plotline. Stay tuned.
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Wow, some really big names in there. I wouldn’t mind any of them.
Wyatt was stupid to walk away from this easy sequel and he’s going to regret that because it’s going to be a bigger hit than the first one regardless of who gets to direct it. None of the guys on the list will complain that there’s not enough time to make the movie. Only Rupert did and he now looks like an idiot for walking. His agents will spin it so it looks like he has lots of other offers or they’ll talk about how Fox tried to low-ball him on the money but whatever else he does could and should wait until after this movie.
Some people prefer to move on to new challenges, rather than directing sequel after sequel of a franchise. Maybe Wyatt didn’t want to do an ‘easy sequel’. I’m sure he’s not going to be wanting for work.
I’m Ape for Apes! Disappointing news Watts (He’s a great guy!) couldn’t make it but still excited for more Serkis!
Cool information. But Jeff Nichols did not direct CRAZY HEART, Scott Cooper did.
This whole thing about Wyatt not thinking he could make it is pretty ridiculous. The schedule is no different from any other sequel. It’s not that much of an ask to have a film ready for May 2014 from now. I suspect there’s more to it than that.
Not about the schedule. More about an unshootable screenplay.
There’s no screenplay, just an outline and it’s a disaster. Studio knows it, which is why Wyatt’s out. Whoever they get to take over will also be completely redoing the concept from the ground up.
Was it really about the screenplay? I thought those two did a great job writing the first film. In all the interviews they seemed to have a big vision for the franchise. If the screenplay is a mess I hope Del Toro comes aboard.
Now we’re getting somewhere. Typical FOX m.o. they pencil in a release date then they worry about getting the script right. I’m glad you posted this crucial information now it all makes sense. Very surprising considering Rick and Amanda told everyone they had a great sequel story ready to go last year after Rise did so well. Most people assumed they did another solid script and that Scott Burns was brought in to polish it. Again typical of FOX to do this.
The effects laiden sequel will need to hit harder and more often, the epic climax will need to remain with those moments duplicated in small amounts throughout out the film. The original was top heavy on the basis of origin, and with all sequels bigger may not be better but more is required.
Where are the women on this short list?
This is a pretty big budget, special effects heavy film. I don’t think it would be a good fit. Fox should go by talent not gender.
Exactly.
It’s amazing to me you two genuises can’t seem to understand you’ve just eliminated women based on “This is a pretty big budget, special effects heavy film. I don’t think it would be a good fit.” As if women can’t do these type of films.
“Fox should go by talent not gender.” Guess what? You’ve just discriminated on the basis of gender.
And if this is the same litmus test taken by TPTB at Fox to determine their short list, it’s no wonder the film industry can’t get people to go to the theatre.
It’s amazing to me you two genuises can’t seem to understand you’ve just eliminated women based on the thin supposition that it’s a “big budget, special effects heavy film… don’t think it would be a good fit.” As if women can’t do these type of films. And, “Fox should go by talent not gender.”
Guess what? You’ve just discriminated on the basis of gender.
And if this is the same litmus test taken by TPTB at Fox to determine their short list, it’s no wonder the film industry’s ailing.
Josef, try telling that to Kathryn Bigelow.
In the same breath you say you don’t think a woman would be a good fit for a big budget, special effects heavy film and that Fox should go by talent not gender. Tess did not specify who, she just said “women” in general. Please be aware of this glaring contradiction that clearly reveals your male chauvinist tendencies.
Del Toro’s by FAR the biggest name on that list, but the article downplays the possibility. Can we take that to mean he’s not in serious contention?
RJ, let yourself be in the hunt.
Do it.
“Guillermo del Toro”
HA! Fat chance!
the original apes SHOOTING script was an absolute, generic, shameful, pile of CRAP. the only reason the film turned out as entertainingly as it did was due to a seriously talented new director that will be successful with whatever he chooses to do next, WETA and yes, the films star Franco being able to ground ithe film and very subtly avoid the traps with his BS detector. it’s frightening to think a “script by Jaffa” could carry any weight.
If you’re going based on talent, not gender, how do you know it’s not a good fit for any of the female directors out there? Seems like you’re the one who made assumptions without regards to talent or ability
Del Toro is the best choice – they’d be lucky to have him – it’s an exciting intersecting of the director’s strengths and the film’s concept.
No possible way Fox would ever get Del Toro. I doubt Rian would take the job either. He’s a highly original voice with a lot to say and there is very little to say with a project like this. Rupert made a respectable decision. Art should not adhere to deadlines if said deadlines impead on vision. If Rupert never makes another blockbuster than so be it. No loss there that isn’t superficial.
Give it to Juan Carlos Fresnadillo.
The original started filming in July of 2010 and it was released a year later… How is 20 months not enough time?
The fact that the script is being written by the “Contagion” guy is a more troubling sign. Jaffa and Silver probably turned in a weak script.
Anyway, I’d vote for Matt Reeves.
When did the world take the Creative Kool Aid over Del Toro? He’s got by-far the best publicity guy in the business “attaching” his name to the trades, for minimal talent. The “Hobbit” debacle proved he’s not got it. There are dozens of directors out there who can wipe the floor with him. Hype, hype, hype, hype….
Hopefully, the dawn will be the dusk.