Kathleen Kennedy

Producer Kathleen Kennedy Talks WAR HORSE, JURASSIC PARK 4, the TINTIN Sequel, LINCOLN, ROBOPOCALYPSE, and a Lot More

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: December 24th, 2011 at 11:12 am

Opening on Christmas Day is director Steven Spielberg‘s fantastic new movie, War Horse.  Based on the Award winning play (which is based on Michael Morpurgo’s book) and set during World War I, War Horse tells the story of “the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man called Albert (Jeremy Irvine), who tames and trains him.”  And don’t just take my word for it, early screenings have been very positive and the drama is heading into Oscar season with very positive buzz, especially after the National Board of review named War Horse one of the best 10 films of the year.  The film also stars Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Peter Mullan, Niels Arestrup, Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Toby Kebbell.  You can watch the trailer here and here’s seven clips.

To help promote the film, DreamWorks recently held a press junket in New York City and I was able to land an exclusive interview with producer Kathleen Kennedy.  As the longtime producing partner of Spielberg (she produced A.I., Munich, E.T., and Jurassic Park just to name a few), she talked about the way they make movies, how they pick projects, who gets to see the movies first, and the making of War Horse.  In addition, Kennedy gave me updates on Jurassic Park 4, a 3D re-release of the original Jurassic Park, the status of the Tintin sequel, Lincoln, Robopocalypse, and a lot more.  Hit the jump to watch.

Steven Spielberg, Producer Kathleen Kennedy, and Screenwriter Richard Curtis WAR HORSE Interview

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: December 21st, 2011 at 3:02 pm

Opening on Christmas Day is director Steven Spielberg‘s fantastic new movie, War Horse.  Based on the Award winning play (which is based on Michael Morpurgo’s book) and set during World War I, War Horse tells the story of “the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man called Albert (Jeremy Irvine), who tames and trains him.”  And don’t just take my word for it, early screenings have been very positive and the drama is heading into Oscar season with very positive buzz, especially after the National Board of review named War Horse one of the best 10 films of the year.  The film also stars Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Peter Mullan, Niels Arestrup, Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Toby Kebbell.  You can watch the trailer here and here’s seven clips.

Anyway, I was recently able to participate in a press conference in New York City with Steven Spielberg, producer Kathleen Kennedy, and screenwriter Richard Curtis.  During the extended interview they talked about how the film came together, the differences between the book and the film, the creative decisions to get a PG-13 rating, the distinct visual palettes for each story, and so much more.  Hit the jump for the interview.

TOP 5: THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, Movie Stars Portray Famous Movie Villains, TRANSFORMERS 4, QUANTUM OF SOLACE Script Problems, Kathleen Kennedy Talks JURASSIC PARK 4, TINTIN, More

by Jason Barr    Posted: December 10th, 2011 at 12:40 pm

I think there’s something to be said for coming to your own conclusions. Case in point: I may currently be at odds with 77% of the Rotten Tomatoes critic community when I say this, but I found The Sitter to be worthy of my box office dollars. Was it the best comedy I’ve ever seen? Not even close. Was it the best comedy I’ve seen in the past six months? Nope. That said, I had been looking forward to the pic over the course of covering it for this site. When the critical negativity began pouring in, I could have easily passed on the film as a result (something I’ve been guilty of in the past). Instead, I decided to check it out and I laughed (quite a bit, actually). So, what’s the moral of my story? If you want to see a movie, go see it. Don’t let poor reviews detour you from something you think you may enjoy. Use reviews as a foundation for healthy debate rather than as an excuse to not give something a chance because someone else didn’t like it.

All ranting aside, in this week’s “Top 5″ installment, you’ll be able to read all about The Dark Knight Rises and its IMAX prologue, viral campaign, and potential IMAX footage runtime. You can also see George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Rooney Mara and more portraying classic movie “villains” of their choice, get up to date on Michael Bay potentially returning to direct Transformers 4, Daniel Craig discussing the script problems that plagued Quantum of Solace, and producer Kathleen Kennedy talking Jurassic Park 4, Tintin, Lincoln, and Robopocalypse. Check out a brief recap and link to each after the jump.

Kathleen Kennedy Talks Daniel Day-Lewis in LINCOLN; Says ROBOPOCALYPSE Starts Filming End of Summer/Beginning of Fall Next Year

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: December 8th, 2011 at 12:02 pm

Just a few days ago we brought you a portion of Steve’s conversation with producer Kathleen Kennedy, whom he spoke to as part of the junket for Steven Spielberg‘s World War I drama War Horse. One of Spielberg’s most prolific producing partners, Kennedy provided updates on Jurassic Park 4 and a Tintin sequel, and even talked about a 3D re-release of the original Jurassic Park.  Today we’ve got more of Steve’s interview with Kennedy and she talks about Spielberg’s next two projects: Lincoln and Robopocalypse. The producer talked about working with the phenomenal Daniel Day-Lewis on the now-filming Lincoln and revealed exactly when/where/if Day-Lewis breaks character.

In addition, Kennedy talked briefly about Spielberg’s next project after Lincoln, Robopocalypse. Based the novel by Daniel H. Wilson, the film tells the story of a sentient artificial intelligence that takes over our global technology and begins a systemic attack on mankind. Hit the jump to see what Kennedy had to say about both projects.

Producer Kathleen Kennedy Talks JURASSIC PARK 4, a 3D Re-Release for JURASSIC PARK, and the TINTIN Sequel

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: December 4th, 2011 at 1:35 pm

If you’re unfamiliar with the name Kathleen Kennedy, I assure you you’re very familiar with her work. Kennedy has been one of Steven Spielberg‘s producing partners since Raiders of the Lost Ark, and is responsible for producing films like Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park, The Sixth Sense, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and many many more. Most recently she worked with Spielberg on the director’s two December releases War Horse and The Adventures of Tintin. Steve is currently in New York for the War Horse junket and he got the chance to speak with Kennedy, who gave updates on a number of high profile projects.

While we’ll have the full interview up shortly (as well as updates on other upcoming projects), we wanted to share with you what she had to say about a Tintin sequel, Jurassic Park 4 and the possiblity of a 3D re-release for Jurassic Park today. Kennedy confirmed that they’re working on another entry in the Jurassic Park franchise, revealed that Universal has approached them about a 3D re-release of the original Jurassic Park, and said they’ve already set things in motion for a sequel to Tintin, which could feasibly be released by Christmas 2014 or summer 2015. Hit the jump to see what she had to say.

E.T. Writer Melissa Mathison to Adapt Roald Dahl’s THE BFG for DreamWorks

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: September 23rd, 2011 at 9:04 pm

I remember loving the Roald Dahl book The BFG when I was a kid, but I can’t recall a single detail from it.  Thankfully, I won’t need to go back to and read it (ugh), because DreamWorks has acquired the movie rights.  According to The Wrap, Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy (Hereafter) will produce the adaptation.  Marshall and Kennedy have few animation credits on their lengthy filmographies, and there is no mention of DreamWorks Animation in the report.  So for now we will assume this is a live-action BFG.

Melissa Mathison (E.T.) will adapt the story about a young orphan girl who befriends the Big Friendly Giant: together they “cook up an ingenious plot to free the world of troggle-humping — forever.”  Read the full book synopsis after the jump.

Steven Spielberg Is Brainstorming Ideas for JURASSIC PARK 4 With Mark Protosevich

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: June 15th, 2011 at 9:17 pm

Back in 2008, producer Kathleen Kennedy was pessimistic about the status of the Jurassic Park franchise:

“You know, when [Jurassic Park author Michael] Crichton passed away, I sorta felt maybe that’s it. Maybe that’s a sign that we don’t mess with it.”

Jurassic star Sam Neill agrees, citing the death of creature design guru Stan Winston alongside Chrichton when he told MTV in a recent interview, “I think we’ve told the story. I think it’s done.”

It’s a nice thought, but the franchise is about as likely to remain dormant as the dinosaurs within.  Jurassic Park III director Joe Johnston went so far as to tease “the beginning of the second Jurassic Park trilogy” last year, but that’s probably taking things too far the other way.  Heat Vision hears Universal and Steven Spielberg are absolutely thinking about Jurassic Park 4, that Spielberg is brainstorming with Mark Protosevich (Thor) how to reboot the franchise.  But reps for the studio and Spielberg stress that discussions are, at this point, “purely exploratory.”  More after the jump:

THE KING’S SPEECH Oscar Winner David Seidler Will Write THE JUDGE and GAMES OF 1940

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: March 23rd, 2011 at 9:45 pm

For me, the greatest outcome of The King’s Speech‘s success was getting to know screenwriter David Seidler — the wittiest, most eloquent interviewee on the press circuit in 2010.  One Oscar later, and Seidler is rightfully in demand.  He just signed on to write for two projects: the family drama The Judge and the WWII tale Games of 1940.

Nick Schenk (Gran Torino) wrote the original script for The Judge, which centers on an attorney who returns home for his mother’s funeral — he learns that his father who suffers from Alzheimer’s is suspected of murder.  Warner Bros. has hired Seidler to rewrite the screenplay.  David Dobkin (Fred Claus) will direct The Judge and produce with Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey.

Hit the jump for more on Games of 1940.

Official Synopsis for Steven Spielberg’s WAR HORSE

by Jeff Ames    Posted: December 14th, 2010 at 8:07 am

Things are heating up for Steven Spielberg’s highly anticipated drama War Horse, starring Emily Watson, David Thewlis and Jeremy Irvine. After a few brief set photos a while back, and that release date fiasco – which bumped War Horse from its initial August 10, 2011 opening to a more awards-savy December 28, 2011 – we are now pleased to unveil the film’s official synopsis, courtesy of DreamWorks.

Okay, so maybe the news isn’t that ground breaking, but at least it’s something. We have long been privy to the film’s synopsis (it is based on a play that was, in turn, adapted from a children’s book after all), but even so, the Beard has seen fit to grant us an “official” rundown of his flick, which adds a few minute (even spoiler-ish) details. Hit the jump for the synopsis and more.

Screenwriter Peter Craig to Adapt FATHERS AND GUNS

by Laura Kelley    Posted: November 30th, 2010 at 5:34 pm

The Town screenwriter Peter Craig is set to adapt the French-Canadian film Fathers and Guns for Columbia.  Fathers and Guns is the story of a father and son who are cops sent to investigate an outdoor adventure group.  The film is being produced and developed by Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall.  The original film was a huge hit in Quebec in summer 2009, earning more than $10 million.  Denise Robert and the original’s writer and director Emile Gaudreault will also produce Columbia’s reboot.  Screenwriter Craig is also currently at work on Bad Boys 3 for Sony. via Variety

Daniel Day-Lewis to Star in Steven Spielberg’s LINCOLN; Filming Set to Begin in Fall 2011 for 4th-Quarter 2012 Release

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: November 19th, 2010 at 11:20 am

Earlier this year, Liam Neeson dropped out of the title role in Steven Spielberg’s long-in-development Abraham Lincoln biopic, Lincoln.  DreamWorks has now issued a press release saying that Daniel Day-Lewis will play the role of our 16th President.  According to the press release, the film is still based on Doris Kearns Goodwin’s excellent book Team of Rivals with a script by award-winning writer Tony Kushner.

The press release also notes that “Filming is expected to begin in the fall of 2011 for release in the fourth quarter of 2012 through Disney’s Touchstone distribution label.”  That’s curious since, as we reported earlier, Spielberg was planning to direct an adaptation of Robopocalypse in January 2012.  Presumably, that project has now been pushed back.  Hit the jump to check out the press release.

Like Kathryn Bigelow, Terrence Malick also Wants to Develop HELD BY THE TALIBAN

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: January 15th, 2010 at 2:12 pm

Earlier today, we reported that director Kathryn Bigelow had signed on to direct Held by the Taliban, which is based on New York Times writer David Rhode chronicling his captivity by the Taliban.  Now, Risky Biz Blog is reporting says Bigelow is not attached because Terrence Malick is also interested in the project.  That’s a big deal because Malick is like an Ent: he is very deliberate, takes a long time to do anything, and will storm Isengard if you give him a motivational speech.

The “package” that went out to the studios is an adaptation by Stephen Belber (Management) with Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall attached to produce.  Bigelow has signaled interest in the project, but her reps and the reps for the Times both say she is not attached at this point.  Now Malick has thrown his hat into the ring by saying he wants to produce the film and he has his own pitch on the material.  It’s unknown who will win out and Risky Biz says that it’s unlikely the projects could co-exist unless Malick and Kennedy/Marshall could combine forces for one movie.  Risky Biz expects a deal on who will direct or produce will be hammered out by Monday.  Of course, in Malick time, that could be Monday, January 18, 2020.  The dude is slooooow.

Does Anyone Besides Bill Paxton Want a Sequel to TWISTER?

by Keith Demko    Posted: January 8th, 2010 at 10:53 am

Apparently, even all the beautiful women he’s surrounded by on Big Love aren’t enough to get Twister out of Bill Paxton’s mind, but does he really think anyone in the world would want to see a sequel to that unnatural disaster?  According to an interview with Bullz-Eye, the answer is, “Yes.”  In an interview to promote the HBO show’s Sunday night season premiere, Paxton said he got the inspiration for the idea from a trip to the Ozark Mountains last Spring, and has already talked with movie bigwig Kathleen Kennedy about it.  Hit the jump to read what he said and my commentary on his mad ravings.

Lucy Dahl Says Screenwriter Melissa Mathison Trying to Adapt BFG (Big Friendly Giant) For Producer Kathleen Kennedy

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: November 4th, 2009 at 4:11 pm

Earlier today I participated in a roundtable interview with Roald Dahl’s daughter, Lucy Dahl, for the movie “Fantastic Mr. Fox”.  Since so many of Dahl’s books have not been made into movies, we asked his daughter if she’s heard about any progress in bringing them to life.   The main thing she told us was…many people ask the Dahl estate to make movies, but they are very selective in what they will allow.

But while many of his books have never been optioned by Hollywood, she told us the hot book right now is “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”. She then told us that producer Kathleen Kennedy has the rights to “BFG” (Big Friendly Giant) and screenwriter Melissa Mathison (“E.T.”, “The Black Stallion”) has recently written a draft that has gone over well.  Of course writing a draft that people like doesn’t mean it’s a go project, but it is one step closer to making the movie happen.  For more on what Lucy Dahl told us, hit the jump.

Matt Damon Flings Himself into Clint Eastwood’s HEREAFTER

by Nicole Pedersen    Posted: September 17th, 2009 at 6:44 pm

Matt Damon is having a big week.  Not content with appearing on every talk show known to man in support of his new movie “The Informant!”, or with announcing that he will reteam with “Informant!” director Steven Soderbergh for his new “Liberace” biopic, Damon is also getting some play in the trades for a project that has nothing to do with Soderbergh for a change.  Damon will next star in “Hereafter”, a supernatural thriller from director Clint Eastwood that is set to film this fall.  To give Matt Damon another topic to discuss at press junkets, hit the jump.

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