The Last Unicorn

[KayTang999]

Can't wait!!! December 2004!!! Now there is something to look forward to after the end of LOTR's legacy.

And to our luck, Christopher Lee will be in it as King Haggar.

Even more exciting for me when I learn that Jonathan Rhys-Meyers will Schmendrick the Magician!!!

http://www.the-last-unicorn.net/

[Knerys]

i have mixed feeling about this. I love the animated one so much, a live action one may not do it justice. But then again you never know....

[evilsquishy]

At least it will get more people interested in the story. And I think it's so neat that they got the original people who voiced them back as the actors!:D

[KayTang999]

Yeah most of them are back like Lee and Farrow. They still need to cast Prince Lir and Lady Amalthea/Unicorn. Principle Photography should start in June. They are shooting in Norway or Sweden, something like that.

[ouroboros]

Cool!

[ILOVEKATIE]

Thats awesome

[KayTang999]

You have no idea how excited I am now!!! About a year and a half, damn that is long!!!

[IdahoMR2man]

Wow. Lots of really exciting remakes happening. LOTR did a lot for that. We have this, Chronicles of Narnia, and Peter Pan....Sweet....

[KayTang999]

Yeah, exactly!!! LOTR open the door for the fantasy genre.

[evilsquishy]

Now if only the sequel and comic book ones die out a little, it can come on full force.
(Not that I don't love those, but they're getting a little old)

[KayTang999]

ITA!!! I prefer good fantasy adaptation over anything!!!

[CrazyMoo19]

Thank you KayTang999 for the info. I'm really pumped for this film as well, because this is one of my favorite stories and as a fellow Jonathan fan...it makes it even more exciting!!! A year and a half....jeez......but I know the wait will be worth it!

[sunflower03]

did they do a cartoon version of this a long time ago?

[necronon99]

wow thats kinda crazy this is being made

[Doofy Gilmore]

December= Worst month for moviegoing.

[ILOVEKATIE]

Doofy = moron

[CrazyMoo19]

Yeah, there was a cartoon version made in the early 80s. Some of the actors listed to be in this film also voiced characters in the cartoon like Christopher Lee and Mia Farrow. Of course, new additions like Jonathan Rhys Meyers will add much to the film as well!


*You will find the others if you are brave!*

[Doofy Gilmore]

Originally posted by ILOVEKATIE
Doofy = moron



Hey I'm glad you responded. I've been meaning to ask this question to someone from Miami for a long time. Does anyone there speak english now with the influx of illegal cuban immigrants
migrating there and all?

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by CrazyMoo19
Thank you KayTang999 for the info. I'm really pumped for this film as well, because this is one of my favorite stories and as a fellow Jonathan fan...it makes it even more exciting!!! A year and a half....jeez......but I know the wait will be worth it!

You like Jonathan too? That is great! He is such a wonderful actor!

[CrazyMoo19]

Oh my good lord.......YES.......I love JRM!!! He is such an amazing actor. My sister insisted I watch this film "Velvet Goldmine" and I have been smitten ever sense. He's talent is so unreal compared to so many other actors, young and old in my opinion! And not to sound shallow, but I don't believe there is a more beautiful man in existence!! I haven't met anyone who could deny his skill or beauty. Why are all of his movies coming out next year??? It's too cruel!

[pixiness]

I'm looking very forward to this! It's great news. I don't know that a live version could ever replace the special place the animated one holds in my heart - but I'm willing to be proven wrong.

[pixiness]

Originally posted by Doofy Gilmore
Hey I'm glad you responded. I've been meaning to ask this question to someone from Miami for a long time. Does anyone there speak english now with the influx of illegal cuban immigrants
migrating there and all?


Yes - most people here speak at least SOME english. There are parts of Miami where the first language you hear is spanish, and there are parts where no one speaks english. But most people know enough of both to get by. I'd say 10% or less speak no english whatsoever

[ILOVEKATIE]

Originally posted by Doofy Gilmore
Hey I'm glad you responded. I've been meaning to ask this question to someone from Miami for a long time. Does anyone there speak english now with the influx of illegal cuban immigrants
migrating there and all?
ummm yeah.
anyway, why are u so interested in knowing that since you don't like southerns to begin with? You were trying to be a smart a$$ huh? yeah thats it.

[pixiness]

ouch - hostility - can't we all just make out and not fight? ;)

[Doofy Gilmore]

Originally posted by ILOVEKATIE
ummm yeah.
anyway, why are u so interested in knowing that since you don't like southerns to begin with? You were trying to be a smart a$$ huh? yeah thats it.


*Looks at watch*. Took you longer to figure it out than I expected.

[southern]

oh stop being a prick!

[ILOVEKATIE]

Originally posted by Doofy Gilmore
*Looks at watch*. Took you longer to figure it out than I expected.
I think you need to look at that watch again and figure out how long you been a jacka$$.

[Doofy Gilmore]

Understood. *Yawns*.

[KayTang999]

Originally posted by CrazyMoo19
Oh my good lord.......YES.......I love JRM!!! He is such an amazing actor. My sister insisted I watch this film "Velvet Goldmine" and I have been smitten ever sense. He's talent is so unreal compared to so many other actors, young and old in my opinion! And not to sound shallow, but I don't believe there is a more beautiful man in existence!! I haven't met anyone who could deny his skill or beauty. Why are all of his movies coming out next year??? It's too cruel!

TOTALLY AGREE!!! And yes, he has at least 5 movies out next year. 2004 is JRM's year, I know I will enjoy it!

[southern]

i can't wait to see the first images from it:applaud:
JRM is a hottie by the way..............thanks kay;)

[KayTang999]

You're welcome!!! You can check out the conceptual art at the website. The link is in my first post of this thread.

[KayTang999]

http://www.the-last-unicorn.net./info.htm

Finally!!! They updated the site with some good news!!! The conceptual art and pre-pro stuff are done. They will start the principle photography soon for 2005 Christmas release.

[Optimus Magnus]

Originally posted by Doofy Gilmore
December= Worst month for moviegoing.

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/forumfun/negative23.jpg


Just a little message Doofy boy


(.....never insult Optimus Prime again......)

[KayTang999]

Angela L has a new project so I don't know if this will get push again.

[KayTang999]

Ok, IMDB said that it would be release 2005. They still haven't announced who will be Almalthea and Prince Lir yet!!!

[secant]

Ben Browder would be a fantastic Prince Lear. (that's John Crighton of the tv show Farscape.) I have thought this for a long time. Here some citations from the book (Peter S. Beagle) to back me up:
his {Lir's} smile wriggled at their feet like a hopeful puppy, but his eyes - a deep, shadowy blue behind stubby lashes - rested quietly on the eyes of the Lady Amalthea
Well, Ben's eyes are a light blue, but he can totally pull off the puppy thing.

but the prince felt strangely, happily certain that she had looked him round and through, and down into caverns that he had never known were there, where her glance echoed and sang. Prodigies began to waken womewhere southwest of his twelfth rib, and he himself - still mirroring the Lady Amathea - began to shine
Ben plays a man full of wonder, a man in love, very well.

"He raised his head, and the dark blue eyes were confused and sad. 'And all for nothing,' he said. ' I cannot touch her, whatever I do. For her sake, I have become a hero - I, sleepy Lir, my father's sport and shame - but I might just as well have remained the dull fool I was. My great deeds mean nothing to her.' Molly took up her own knife and began to slice the peppers. ' Then perhaps the Lady Amalthea is not to be won by great deeds.' The prince stared at her, frowning in puzzlement. ' Is there another way to win a maidedn?" he asked earnestly.'"
Lir is kind of clueless, isn't he? Ben seems like a very intelligent man, but he can play clueless with no problems, as Crighton is quite the confused person.

And finally, this is the last one:
King Lir let her hand fall as well, and he swung himself into the saddle so fiercely that his horse reared up across the sunrise, bugling like a stag. But Lir kept his seat and glared down at Molly and Schmentdrick with a face so grim and scored and sunken that he might well have been king as long as Haggard before him. "She said nothing to me," he whispered. "Do you understand? She said nothing to me, nothing at all." Then his face softened, as even King Haggard's face had gone a little gently when he watched the unicorns in the sea. For that moment he was again the young prince who had liked to sit with Molly in the scullery. He said, "She looked at me. In my dream, she looked at me and never spoke." He rode away without good-by, and they watched after him until the hills hid him: a straight, sad horseman, going home to be king
Desperate, wrecked, and hopeful at the same time. That's Ben. I would love to see him in this role.
(But if they cast someone really young as Amalthea, Orlando Bloom might not be bad.)
See some Farscape and see if you don't fall in love with Ben too!

http://www.britangie.34sp.com/images1/gallery/tvguide1.JPG

[KayTang999]

Can you post a picture of him?

Orlando Bloom would be a bad choice because Prince Lir is older than that. Prince Lir supposed to look older than Schmendrick and they have Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Schmendrick. So whoever will be Prince Lir has to be older than Jonathan Rhys Meyers for about 7-10 years. JRM is about 26-27 years old.

[secant]

Originally posted by KayTang999
Can you post a picture of him?

Orlando Bloom would be a bad choice because Prince Lir is older than that. Prince Lir supposed to look older than Schmendrick and they have Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Schmendrick. So whoever will be Prince Lir has to be older than Jonathan Rhys Meyers for about 7-10 years. JRM is about 26-27 years old.

Well, I'm trying, but I am new to this and can't figure out how. I know you click on the IMG button but I am lost after that.
Yeah, I agree Lir should be older (than Bloom), but just in case they cast a younger Amalthea..
here is a link to Farscape's crew, Ben's picture is on top.
http://www.scifi.com/farscape/characters/ (http://www.scifi.com/farscape/characters)

[KayTang999]

I have never seen Browder's work but I don't know I never picture Lir like that. Probably because I watched the cartoon version and I think that this character should have this really sensitive look on him. I think Browder looks too much like action hero for Lir.

I have no idea what they want with Amalthea but my ultimate pick would be Cate Blanchett but she is a bit too old for the part.

[secant]

Originally posted by KayTang999
I have never seen Browder's work but I don't know I never picture Lir like that. Probably because I watched the cartoon version and I think that this character should have this really sensitive look on him. I think Browder looks too much like action hero for Lir.

I have no idea what they want with Amalthea but my ultimate pick would be Cate Blanchett but she is a bit too old for the part.

Ahh, see, if I hadn't seen so much Ben I would agree! Because at first when I saw Farscape, I thought, this guy looks like the typical action-hero, no-depth, shoot-everybody up guy. And sometimes that's what he is! But he adds an extra layer to that exterior that is surprising and very touching. And, in the animated version Jeff Bridges does the voice - typical modern sensitive male. And he is great. But Lir is kind of a dumb, clueless, guy - and he is an action hero as well, since he spends months killing dragons and all other types of things to win Amalthea's love - who is totally transformed by Amalthea. So he should be the typical action hero - with enough depth to show how utterly transformed he is by the lady.
Still can't get the picture in there...

[Nightbird]

I'm really, REALLY excited to hear this news! The Last Unicorn is one of my all-time favorite animated films (that and Watership Down). I agree - the tremendous success of the LOTR series has done a lot to interest people in fantasy flicks again - and in using "live" action - not just animation! I'll be eagerly following all the developments on this one I assure you.

[KayTang999]

See the person I have in mind for this role is someone like Heath Ledger or Cillian Murphy if Amalthea was to be casted with young actress but if she would be older I would think of someone like Michael Vartan. Sensitiveness must come before action hero part IMO for this role. Another thing is I have a feeling they will get someone that is not an American speaking actor, you know someone from UK or Australia. Don't ask me why but that is how I think they are going to do it.

ETA:

It was supposed to be release sometime this year but the issue with the preproduction push out the date for the shooting. I don't know if they even casted Amalthea and Lir yet or not. It will be awhile before we get to see this.

[secant]

Originally posted by KayTang999
See the person I have in mind for this role is someone like Heath Ledger or Cillian Murphy if Amalthea was to be casted with young actress but if she would be older I would think of someone like Michael Vartan. Sensitiveness must come before action hero part IMO for this role. Another thing is I have a feeling they will get someone that is not an American speaking actor, you know someone from UK or Australia. Don't ask me why but that is how I think they are going to do it.

Heath Ledger would be awesome!
But Ben Browder is sensitive too! I finally got his picture in, by the way. I will try another in this post, of Ben looking very sensitive! I will see if I can find one with tears in his eyes.

You know that girl from White Oleander - Michelle Pfeiffer's daughter (in the film, not life)? I think she looks more the part of Amalthea if they pick a young actress.
And no one could ever be better than Cate Blanchett, although I don't see her taking on another fantasy part so soon after LOTR.
Who are Michael Varten and Cillian Murphy? Do you have pics?

I think you are right about the accent thing, but I think it is a shame, as The Last Unicorn is a fantasy without nationality. Jeff Bridges and Mia Farrow are not British (although Mia does the accent very nicely.) And if you ever see the modern remakes of Shakespeare - Denzel Washington doesn't do an accent in Much Ado About Nothing, and he is wonderful in that film. I think the British accent won't be necessary. But producers might push for it.
Here is Ben looking sensitive. Anyone know how I can make these smaller?
http://www.britangie.34sp.com/images1/gallery/fs222_66.jpg:

[KayTang999]

Michael Vartan is from Alias and Cillian Murphy is from 28 Days Later.

Murphy: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0614165/
Vartan: http://www.imdb.com/Name?Vartan,%20Michael

Heath Ledger was the only name I heard in association with the role so far.

[Nightbird]

Hmmm - don't know much about Ben Browder - admit to not having watched "Farscape." But in that photo, he looks undeniably handsome! Is he a good actor?

[KayTang999]

Whoever is going to be Prince Lir, he must be able to convey his feeling with his eyes, a lot too.

[secant]

Originally posted by KayTang999
Michael Vartan is from Alias and Cillian Murphy is from 28 Days Later.

Murphy: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0614165/
Vartan: http://www.imdb.com/Name?Vartan,%20Michael

Heath Ledger was the only name I heard in association with the role so far.

Cillian Murphy is gorgeous. The only one of his films I've seen is Cold Mountain - which one was Bardolf (Murphy)? I don't recall.
Oh, yeah, Michael Vartan! Yeah, he is hot - and sensitive. Yeah, he would make a great Lir.

[secant]

Originally posted by Nightbird
Hmmm - don't know much about Ben Browder - admit to not having watched "Farscape." But in that photo, he looks undeniably handsome! Is he a good actor?
Yeah, he's a great actor. Method actor. I originally started watching the show because I was so impressed with him. He was also on Party of Five as Neve Campbell's boyfriend - the roofer. But that's the only other thing I've actually seen him in.

As for expressing with his eyes (re:KayTang999) in the second photo of Browder I put he is trying to express that the woman he love is about to fall into a frozen lake from an airplane, and there's nothing he can do about it. What's more, it's his fault she's falling. I think he expresses that well! :)

[KayTang999]

Michael Vartan would be perfect if Amalthea is Cate Blanchett.

[Nightbird]

No offense to Cate Blanchett - I think she's a great actress. But wouldn't she be a little too old for Amalthea?

[KayTang999]

But the unicorn is old, so you can have Cate as Amalthea. She can be Galadriel, she can be Amalthea.

[Nightbird]

True - but somehow I've always pictured that, at least in her "human" form, Amalthea would look as young as Springtime! (Kind of an "old soul" in a "young body!")

[KayTang999]

Cate is not that old and make up can make her looks younger.

[Nightbird]

"Ditto" to Michael Vartan as Prince Lir! I think he'd be excellent!

[KayTang999]

Yeah, he would be ok for the part but I don't know if it would be him. Like I said, the only name I have heard being associated with Prince Lir part is Heath Ledger.

[Nightbird]

Heath Ledger? Yeah, I guess he'd be O.K. - although not quite the way I pictured Lir. Maybe I've got the animated version too much in my mind.

[KayTang999]

That is the only picture I have in my head too. Man, TLU is really quiet now, wonder when they will start shooting.

[ElysiumFirefly]

Heath sounds good to me.

[KayTang999]

Heath would be ok but depend on who will be Amalthea.

[bloomluver]

Heath would really be ok, but I pictured Lir to look more like Vartan. Anyway, I'm so looking forward to this movie cause I really like the animated version and JRM's in it ..yumm :D

[KayTang999]

Yep, JRM is in it and I am so glad that they've got Christopher Lee as King Haggard!!!

[secant]

Check out the picture gallery of designs for the film (unless you want to save it for the movie and be totally surprised):
http://www.the-last-unicorn.net/creatures/index.htm
The picture changes automatically every 10 seconds.

That Bull is looking pretty terrifying....

[KayTang999]

Yeah, I have seen those a while ago but we need to know who is doing which part now.

[secant]

Yeah, I wonder what's taking so long. Do you think they haven't found anyone or they just want to keep everything quiet?
I guess we'll have to twiddle our thumbs and wait....

[KayTang999]

I have no idea, that might be it but as I know that the pre-production minus casting is done.

[secant]

They just announced Geoff Murphy as director over at TLU... I think this is new information because I have never seen it before.

Here is a link to his IMDB spot - I don't think I saw any of those films but Young Guns 2...
http://uk.imdb.com/name/nm0614276/

[KayTang999]

It said he worked with PJ on LOTR, should we be a bit happy about that?

[secant]

That is something to recommend him by. Although, everyone in New Zealand evidently worked on LOTR.

[KayTang999]

Exactly, and "Narnia" is going to be flim in NZ. I guess NZ will be the fantasy land now.

[dustindame]

Could somebody give me a brief description about this because i never heard of it.

[secant]

It is a fantastic book by Peter S. Beagle and was a good animated movie in the 80's. A unicorn discovers that she is the last in the world - all the others have vanished. She sets out to find them and picks up some friends - a failed magician and a woman who's led a very hard life. She finds out the unicorns are have been driven somewhere into the kingdom of King Haggard, who owns the Red Bull. The Red Bull is the one who captured and drove the unicorns. But finding them and entering his kingdom under cover is not so simple, and I won't tell you anymore because of spoilers.
It's a beautiful, painful, great story, and although kids enjoyed the animated film, neither of the films or the book are necessarily kids stuff. There is a very grown-up message behind it.

[Gomamon]

I am looking forward to the live action version!

[KayTang999]

I was so excited when I first heard this is being made!

[KayTang999]

My God! I wonder if Christopher Lee will be alive long enough to make this movie! At the rate of this project is going, I don't know if I would be alive when this will be released.

[HexiumVII]

That sounds awesome. But Dec 2004? Do we have to go back to the future to see it?

[KayTang999]

LOL, at this point I have little hope left for this project. I might as well just forget about it.