Sequel Updates: Tony Scott On ‘Top Gun 2’ And Robert Zemeckis On ‘Roger Rabbit 2’
Even as a kid, two films I never thought I’d see sequels to wereTop GunandWho Framed Roger Rabbit?Both Eighties hits certainlycould havecontinued with their storylines but there wasn’t a need because each wrapped up in a cohesive and satisfying way. In fact, if it wasn’t for each film working so well, neither would have reached the “New Classic” status they currently enjoy. But of course, in today’s no-new-idea Hollywood, each film is getting sequelized over twenty years after release and the only thing fans can hang their hat on is that the original filmmakers –Tony ScottandRobert Zemeckis– are part of the process. Both recently spoke about the very latest on each film and when you get to hear from the big men themselves, it’s worth listening. We’ve got the updates after the break.
Both updates come to us fromMTV Movies. We’ll start withTop Gun 2.
MTV Radiospoke with Tony Scott, now on the publicity trail for his new filmUnstoppablestarring frequent collaborator Denzel Washington and Chris Pine. You can hear his thoughts onTop Gun 2below, or just skip the video to read his quotes. He talks about the direction the film would take in our modern world.
Here’s what Scott said above aboutTop Gun 2:
It’s not even a reinvention, it’s not even a sequel. It’s a re-thinking. What inspired me is that the world today is great, it’s so different from the world we touched originally. It’s really run by guys sitting in Nevada on computers playing war games. So it’s a mixture of that, and it’s the end of the generation of fighter pilots. Not in a complete end to the generation, because these guys they go up in F-35s and they carry 10 drones with them. [But] it’s a very different movie.
Not in the clip is a follow up question about the possible inclusion of Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise. Previous reports from screenwriterChristopher McQuarrie(The Usual Suspects) have said that Maverick is the main character and Cruise himself hasbrushed off questions.
I’m gonna withhold that information. I can’t say anything. I’m talking with Jerry [Bruckheimer], and I’m going to withhold [those other details].
Next up isRoger Rabbit 2. Last we heard, director Robert Zemeckis had a great idea, hired the original writers,Bob Hoskins was interestedin reprising his role, Zemeckis wanted to use performance capture but the 2D cartoons would remain 2D.Once again,MTV Moviescaught up with Zemeckis at the release party for theBack to the FutureBlu-rays and asked him about the latest.
As most great filmmakers tend to be, Zemeckis was short but sweet, choosing his words carefully.
If you don’t have video watching abilities, Zemeckis said thatscreenwritersJeffrey PriceandPeter Seamanare still writing the script but “They’re slow.” He then said he has read some of it and that “It’s great. Oh, it’s going to be great. I think it’s going to be great.”
“Slow” and “great.” Thanks Bob. Now go back toYellow Submarine.
Do you think either of these sequels will live up to the original films? Do you at least feel safe in the thought that Scott and Zemeckis are on board with each?
