May 2005
From Ellis Hellican about a possible glitch in the Gonzo plans for Hunter
(excerpt)
Self-consciously cool actor Johnny Depp has graciously agreed: He'll pay to build a 150-foot tower in Hunter Thompson's yard. The tower is supposed to hold the cannon that will scatter the dead writer's ashes in Woody Creek, Colo., on Aug. 16. Now, the Pitkin County Community Development Department wants to see construction plans. Gonzo is one thing - but suburban Pitkin County has some very un-gonzo zoning laws. The questions are the obvious ones: You want to build a 150-foot tower? On a quiet suburban street? And shoot a live cannon from up there? There shall be public hearings! Ka-boom!
From Morgan
Johnny was voted the Sexiest Voice with 48% of the vote, and he came in 6th as the Most Sexiest Celebrity on the Much Music 25 Top Sexiest Celebrities.
From Hollywood Elsewhere
OSCAR BALLOONS
(excerpt)
Anyone with a line on any film or actor or behind-the-camera filmmaker of any stripe (and I mean on the basis of having read a script or actually having heard or been told something substantive, as opposed to hunches or assumptions) that they believe should be included, please forward the info and, if it sounds halfway credible or likely, I'll put it in.BEST ACTOR: Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow); Matthew Broderick (The Producers); Viggo Mortensen (A History of Violence); Colin Farrell (Ask The Dust; The New World); Joaquin Phoenix (Walk The Line); Jake Gyllenhaal (Jarhead), Russell Crowe (Cinderella Man), Johnny Depp (The Libertine); Sean Penn (All The King's Men); Eric Bana (Unititled Spielberg Munich Olympics Project).
From the ThrillNetwork
Multimedia: Disney debuts Virtual Magic KingdomMay. 28th, 2005 -- The Walt Disney Company has launched a new online experience to go along with Disneyland's 50th Anniversary. It's called Virtual Magic Kingdom (VMK), and it allows you to walk through the park playing games, shopping in shops, and chatting with people from all over the world.
Players can explore the Magic Kingdom as a customizable character and play games in the different worlds, including a naval game based on Pirates of the Caribbean, a fireworks competition, and a hunt for hidden Mickeys. With the credits earned from the games, players can buy new furnishings for their virtual houses.
VMK is currently in beta testing, so the game is not yet complete. However, it is free.
Visit the VMK homepage to sign up and play.
From In Too Depp
In the latest Entertainment Weekly Stephen King has an article about his summer "HIT LIST" and the Factory is rated as number 3.
Quote:
"The Longhair(a friend of King's) says Depp will appeal to both the kiddies and the mommies. I agree"
The Flash site for the Factory is now open HERE
Several people emailed this link to Oh Johnny! so thank you all - it's the large last trailer from the Factory HERE
With my DSL down and only dial up- updates will continue to be sporattic until Tuesday at Oh Johnny, but there are lots of large clear caps from the latest Factory trailer HERE
From the Concord Monitor - a story about rumors and Johnny
From the Harvey Wesinstein front:
The Weinstein cellar opensFriday May 27, 2005
Heath Ledger and Matt Damon in The Brothers Grimm
All set ... Heath Ledger and Matt Damon in Terry Gilliam's The Brothers Grimm, one of a clutch of Miramax films due for release this summer. Photograph: APA slew of unreleased and long-gestating films are finally headed for the big screen after maturing in the vaults of Miramax moguls Harvey and Bob Weinstein. The nine-strong roster of pictures include the stage adaptation of Proof, a relationship drama starring Gwyneth Paltrow, and Terry Gilliam's light-hearted fantasy flick, The Brothers Grimm.
The spate of releases are planned for this summer, with the Weinstein brothers hoping to put out as many pictures as possible before their Miramax contracts finally expire at the end of September, and their powerhouse studio is left in the hands of the Walt Disney Company.
Other pictures in the upcoming line-up include action-thriller The Underclassmen, kidnapping thriller Secuestro Express, and wartime action picture The Great Raid.
Also ready to go are Lasse Halstrom's drama An Unfinished Life starring Jennifer Lopez and Robert Redford, the horror picture Curandero, Johnny Depp in period drama The Libertine, and The Reaper.
Despite pioneering one of the most noted film companies of the last few decades in Miramax, The Weinsteins have in recent years complained about a lack of autonomy under the Disney banner.
They recently negotiated an exit from Disney and have been busy setting up a new venture, tentatively named The Weinstein Company, which already boasts a slate of pictures including work from Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, Anthony Minghella, John Madden and Kevin Smith.
From Zap2It
Depp Funds Cannon for Thompson's Ashes
Fri, May 27, 2005
LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Johnny Depp, who played late journalist Hunter S. Thompson in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," is making the writer's last wish come true.The Oscar-nominated actor is paying for the tower that will house a cannon from which Thompson's ashes will be shot and scattered, reports the AP. The gun-loving "gonzo" journalist who commit suicide in February requested that his ashes shot from a cannon placed on the grounds of his Aspen, Colo.-area home.
The cannon will be placed inside a 53-foot high sculpture crafted to resemble Thompson's personal symbol, the "gonzo" raised fist, which will in turn be placed on a 100-foot pillar. The monument will remain a fixture on his property. The explosive event will take place Aug. 20, to accompany a larger celebration of Thompson's life.
From SciFiWireBurton's Charlie All Dahl-ed Up
Tim Burton, director of the upcoming fantasy film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, told SCI FI Wire that he agreed to tackle the story because of his affection for the Roald Dahl story of the same name. The book had previously served as the source material for 1971's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. "I just loved the book," Burton said in an interview. "To me, he was one of the first people to do that kind of literature. Now, with the Harry Potter books, it's become much more of a [common] thing, but when I was growing [up] there weren't that many people [writing such books]."
Burton (Batman, Planet of the Apes) added: "[Dahl] was almost the only one who spoke to both children and adults and understood the danger and the political incorrectness of being a child, and with adult feelings. He was somebody who got that mixture of light and dark and emotion and humor. There weren't too many people, to me, like that."
Burton, who is also co-directing the upcoming stop-motion animation film Corpse Bride, said that it's too early to say how Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is coming together. The film stars Johnny Depp as Willie Wonka and Freddie Highmore as young and impressionable Charlie Bucket. "We're just finishing recording music and starting our final mix," Burton said. "We've still got more effects coming in. It's always hard for me, especially at this point, because you're sort of in the middle of it and not necessarily the most objective about it. But it's coming." Warner Brothers will open the gates to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on July 15 and then unearth Corpse Bride on Sept. 23.
News on a new game "Pirates of the Caribbean:The Legend of Jack Sparrow" on the POTC2 page (see link above) First looks from E3 look very promising.
May 27th is Lily-Rose's sixth birthday.
French ELLE is reporting that Johnny & Vanessa have bought a new home on the West Coast of France in the Ile de Rè region.
Word on the Web is that there will be a segment about POTC filming in Dominica Wed. May 25th on GOOD MORNING AMERICA on ABC 7am-9am - the exact time is not know. This tip comes from Red Flintlock
at the PiratesDominca forum.
Sent in by Sophie - a "Chocolate Garden"Click photo to see article
INAMORATA author Joseph Gangemi has agreed to take part in a discussion of his book on JohnnyDeppReads. http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/johnnydeppreads
This book is being turned into a screenplay by Mr. Gangemi for Johnny's company Infinitum Nihil.
From NewIndPress
Johnny's 'Willie' ready to send shivers
Monday May 23 2005 15:20 ISTREUTERS
WASHINGTON: Actor Johnny Depp has been known to model real-life characters and in his upcoming film he has reportedly portrayed music icon Marilyn Manson.
Depp, who channelled Rolling Stones' guitarist' Keith Richards' for his portrayal of pirate Jack Sparrow in 'Pirates of the Caribbean', has used shock-rocker and political activist 'Marilyn Manson' as an inspiration to portray his recent role as Willy Wonkai n the upcoming 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', reports the Star.
(Check the Factory pages for news almost daily)
From Contact Music (Note from Kazren: No contracts have been signed)DEPP LINED-UP FOR DOWN AND OUT ROLE.
Movie superstar JOHNNY DEPP is in negotiations to star in new film based on the autobiography of a homeless drug addict.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS star ANDY SERKIS will direct the movie, which tells the tale of 62-year-old STEPHEN SMITH's amazing life.
Smith was locked in an asylum at 14 and molested by a doctor before becoming addicted to amphetamines.
He later became an apprentice to a master thief and was involved with the theft of jewels from movie legend SOPHIA LOREN, as well as becoming involved with the notorious London gangsters the KRAY twins.
Smith - who escaped his addictions and is now a millionaire property developer - wants Depp to play him , and is confident of winning over the actor.
He says, "We are speaking to Johnny Depp's agents about him playing the lead role.
"He is a wild-card actor who takes parts he wants and not for money."
He adds of first-time director Serkis' involvement, "Andy is the blue-eyed boy of Hollywood and has the clout to get the film distributed across North America.
"I went for him because he is pedantic about detail. He will capture the authenticity and rawness of my life as a down-and-out."
The book - which has sold 1.2 million copies worldwide - was first set for the big screen in 1999 when STAR WARS producer GARY KURTZ reportedly offered singer ROBBIE WILLIAMS $1.9 million (GBP1 million) to play Smith.
23/05/2005 13:52
Found by Johnny Depp Reads at Joseph Gangemi's site
Current ProjectsSpring/Summer 2004 will be busy, as Joe juggles screenwriting and novel-writing duties. First up will be an adaptation of his novel INAMORATA for Johnny Depp's production company, the screenplay of which he expects to deliver in June. This will be followed by a remake of the Korean horror movie INTO THE MIRROR for 20th Century Fox/Regency and producer Marc Sternberg (OCTOBER SKY, THE GIRL NEXT DOOR). In late summer Joe will switch hats and focus his attention on a new novel, a romantic drama set during the 1950s.
More on the book.
INTRODUCTIONSet in the world of Spiritualism, Prohibition, and the new science of psychology that marked the years following World War I, Joseph Gangemi's mesmerizing debut novel vividly evokes the intellectual and social climate of the 1920s. It was a time when Americans were thrilled by Houdini's miraculous escapes, scandalized by James Joyce's modernist epic Ulysses, and fascinated by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's masterful detective Sherlock Holmes. It was a time of questioning and affirmation, of skepticism and belief.
When the Scientific American offers a prize to anyone who can demonstrate a psychic manifestation, Martin Finch, a twenty-three-year-old graduate student in psychology at Harvard, is assigned to the investigating committee. After revealing several obvious frauds, Finch is sent to examine the more challenging case of Philadelphia's society psychic, the enchanting Mina Crawley. In a series of harrowing séances, Mina appears to conjure the spirit of her dead brother Walter, who alternately mystifies, amuses, and attacks the assembled guests. But whether or not the voice in the darkened room really belongs to Walter, or to an accomplice, or to Mina herself, is a mystery Finch and the others cannot quite unravel. That the story is leaked to the press and splashed across the headlines, and that Finch himself falls in love with Mina, only makes matters more complicated. And when Finch pushes further into his investigation, he finds himself confronting even darker secrets at the heart of Crawley family. He must become an earthly detective as well as spiritual investigator, and the story becomes as much about interpreting the troubling history of Mina and her husband as it is about the nature and validity of what happens in the séance room. Indeed, Finch is thrown into the thorny epistemological problem of how we know what we know and how easily we can separate subjective emotional responses from scientific observation.
Inspired by an actual case and vividly evocative of a unique moment in American history, Inamorata is an impressive mix of love story, psychological thriller, and historical novel all rolled into one
From ZWire.com of Huston Texas
(excerpt)
Johnny Depp lay on the floor of the nearly-empty moviehouse.He was waiting to take his place on the outside wall of the new Cinema Latino movie theater on Southmore.
The theater wasn't completely empty. Otherwise, the construction crew would not have been able to finish preparing the theater for its public grand opening.
In a few weeks, Johnny Depp's face will be visible from the street just in time for the release of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
There have always been Spanish-speaking movie theaters in Houston and its surrounding area. But these theaters showed only Latin American films and most were second-generation transfers of the original films, which made the film and sound quality mediocre at best. Normally, a non-English-speaking moviegoer would not be able to see a current Johnny Depp movie dubbed in Spanish until months, sometimes a year later - and then, only on video. Wednesday, the theater showed older movies like "Shrek2" and "Shark Tale" as a way to introduce itself to the community.
Starting today however, Cinema Latino will show only first-run Hollywood and Latin American films.
Latest on The Libertine
The people making the special effects and CGI for "The Libertine", Folding Rain, are reporting it won't be released until October 2005. Box Office Prophets and Miramax still show August 19th and "Summer" respectively.
DeppCon 2005
Friday, May 20, 2005The countdown is beginning - only 56 days until DeppCon 2005 begins. We hope you are getting as excited about getting together as we are. Again the reminder to register by June 1 in order to be eligible for the drawing and be sure to order your special DeppCon t-shirt and tote bag by the same date. Of course, you can still register up until the start of DeppCon, you just won't be entered in the drawing.
Committee Members are working on their various projects, including finding some really interesting places to visit on Friday's bus tour. There are a lot of places Johnny frequents that you would never guess, and we'll take you there, along with the more popular sites like his Star on Hollywood Boulevard. It's going to be a fun and information packed tour. Vendors of Johnny items are being lined up and we will be announcing them soon. As for Saturday, we're working on a couple of surprises -- no, sorry, not Johnny -- but we think you will enjoy the program immensely. Of course, Saturday night we will see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which will be a lot of fun. The Committee is privileged to know someone who got to see a preview and this person reports that both the movie and Johnny are "just great". What else would we expect from Johnny?!? We also plan on showing some rare videos, including Johnny in Hotel and we have another idea up our sleeve that hopefully will work. You won't have to juggle your activities to see the video clips as time will be set aside so everyone can see them.
You will have a some free time this year that you might like to use to visit some places of interest in and around Anaheim as there is more to Anaheim than just Disneyland. Downtown Disney is a great place to shop and dine. In fact, this is where we are going to see C&TCF. We are working on getting a list together of things to do in the area. Of course, it's always fun to visit and perhaps go to dinner with friends both old and new.
If you plan on visiting Disneyland, make it a point to go on Thursday during the day or Sunday after the Good-bye Brunch. Keep in mind though that Sunday at Disneyland is going to be very crowded and getting in will be limited to the capacity of the crowd already admitted . . . meaning you might have a long wait to get in.
We'll keep in touch with you and as the Convention gets closer fill you in with what's happening.
DeppCon 2005 Committee
Remember the eBay auction for 2 tickets to the premiere of POTC2? (see link below) They sold for $6,850.00
News at JDR on Libertine screenings
From AZCentral
Depp's Wonka inspired by Manson?
May 19, 2005 9:48 AMPeople.com reports that Johnny Depp may have taken his latest inspiration from shock-rocker and political activist Marilyn Manson. Depp, who most recent role was Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, has been known to model characters based on real life people. For Pirates of the Caribbean, Johnny Depp channeled Rolling Stone guitarist Keith Richards for his Oscar-nominated portrayal of pirate Jack Sparrow.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory director Tim Burton wouldn't reveal the details Depp's Method acting, but he told People.com: "He will certainly be eccentric, yes."
If the report is accurate, fans should anticipate some strange contact lenses and tongue wagging when they rush to see the new film on July 15.
From Canada.com
(excerpt)
Students dole out Black Lung Awards
Canadian Press
May 19, 2005WINNIPEG -- A Winnipeg high school has handed out its first Black Lung Awards to movie stars and films that promote smoking to young people.
The awards are the brainchild of West Kildonan Collegiate's SWAT team -- Students Working Against Tobacco.
Some recipients were obvious: Al Pacino in Scarface, Renee Zellweger in Bridget Jones's Diary and Johnny Depp in pretty much every movie he does.
From Onoline Journalism News
Hellomagazine.com has introduced natty little video celebrity bios, which could be useful for background research if you’re in that neck of the woods. And there's a Johnny Depp one due next month - I checked. Hello did try and introduce video back in 2001, but without widespread broadband it just wasn't viable, it says.
From Film Stew
Thursday, May 19, 2005 EmailDepp Sips on Rum
Johnny Depp will once again take on the role of Hunter S. Thompson in an adaptation of the writer's The Rum Diary.
By FilmStew Staff Report
Depp to reprise the role of Hunter S. Thompson in The Rum DiaryHaving already played writer Hunter S. Thompson in Terry Gilliam's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Oscar-nominated actor Johnny Depp will once again take on the role in The Rum Diary, an adaptation of the first novel written by the late Thompson. Bruce Robinson has been set to both direct and adapt the script.
Rum Diary centers on the time Thompson spent writing, drinking and creating a stir on the streets of Puerto Rico during the late '50s. FilmEngine will finance the adaptation. It was originally set up at Shooting Gallery, but, according to a report in Daily Variety, Thompson sent a memo criticizing those developing the project at that company.
FilmEngine then picked up the project with the hopes of making it with Depp, Benicio Del Toro and Nick Nolte and Michael Thomas adapting the tome. With Robinson now on board, however, the producers - which include A.J. Dix, Anthony Rhulen, William Shively, Robert S. Kravis and Greg Shapiro and executive producer Depp - will go back to square one.
The UTA-repped Depp is currently working on back-to-back sequels of Pirates of the Caribbean. The first film, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, earned Depp his first of two Oscar nominations. His other nod came this year for Finding Neverland. He'll next be seen in Warner Bros.' Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
From CVG @ E3
E3 2005: JACK SPARROW IN KINGDOM HEARTS 2Our favourite drunk pirate is just one of the many new Disney characters in the upcoming sequel to the much-loved PS2 game, Kingdom Hearts...
9:14 Today we were made privy to a glorious trailer showcasing SquEnix's Kingdom Hearts 2, which will be available for PS2 this winter.
Characters making an appearance aside from the returning cast of Donald, Mickey, the Aladdin cast and that one with the big nose we can't remember (Pluto?), include a digitised Keira Knightley from Pirates of the Caribbean, Jack Skellington from A Nightmare Before Christmas, Mulan characters and a very well-realised Johnny Depp as Cap'n Jack Sparrow.
On top of this the trailer hinted at a level of polish and passion arguably not seen in a Square Enix title since Final Fantasy X, including multiple mini-games and chase scenes to add variety to the hack and slash RPG fun.
New Chocolate Factory Official Site HEREPhotos HERE
Corey sent in this link for AIM icons HERE
From RTE18 May 2005
Withnail helmer set to direct Depp'Withnail and I' director Bruce Robinson is to direct Johnny Depp in the big screen version of author Hunter S Thompson's 'The Rum Diary'.
Variety reports that Depp, who is also working as executive producer on the film, picked Robinson to direct and adapt the late author's book for the screen.
Depp, who played Thompson in 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas', will again portray the author in the film, which will follow his experiences in Puerto Rico in the late 1950s.
Production on the film will begin when Depp has completed work on the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' sequels.
Found by Emma at Variety
Tue., May 17, 2005Depp gonzo over 'Rum'
Robinson to direct thesp in Thompson's 'Diary'
By MICHAEL FLEMINGBruce Robinson has been set to adapt and direct "The Rum Diary," the first novel by the late Hunter S. Thompson. Johnny Depp, who played Thompson in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," will again play the gonzo journalist.
Exec producer Depp picked Robinson, who wrote and directed cult film "Withnail & I," the thriller "Jennifer 8" and "The Killing Fields."
Pic will be financed by FilmEngine, which bankrolled and produced "The Butterfly Effect." Producers will be A.J. Dix, Anthony Rhulen, William Shively, Robert S. Kravis and Greg Shapiro.
"The Rum Diary" is Thompson's chronicle of journalism, drinking and carousing in Puerto Rico in the late 1950s. The adaptation began at Shooting Gallery, but Thompson drafted a memorable memo lambasting the script and those involved in developing it.
FilmEngine then picked up rights and tried to make it with Depp, Nick Nolte and Benicio Del Toro with a script by "Backbeat" scribe Michael Thomas. They've gone back to the drawing board with Robinson.
Depp had tried to enlist Robinson on several projects in the past, and this was the first time they matched up.
"Johnny had tried to hire Bruce four times and this was the first thing he accepted," Rhulen said. "Johnny is working hands on with Bruce to develop his character, and we'll worry about the rest of the cast later. So many talented actors are fans of Hunter that that part should be relatively easy."
FilmEngine hopes to get the film into production sometime after Depp wraps back-to-back sequels of "Pirates of the Caribbean." Depp will next be seen starring in Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
Found by Emma at the Grimsby TelegraphKICKING HOBBIT TO DIRECT £5M FILM KERRY BEADLING
ENTERTAINMENTS REPORTER
KERRY.BEADLING@GRIMSBYTELEGRAPH.CO.UK17 May 2005
A Top movie star is swapping hobbits for habits to direct a £5-million film in Grimsby.
I just poured out my feelings and showed people how it felt to be so reliant on drugs. Andy Serkis, who played Gollum in the Lord of The Rings trilogy, will direct the film Addict which tells the story of former drug user Stephen Smith.
About eight minutes of the film will be shot in Grimsby to capture the months at the end of 1978 Stephen spent homeless, hanging around the town's Nunsthorpe Estate.
Johnny Depp has been approached for the lead in the film, which will also be shot in London and Germany.
Westworld International Films spokesman Giles Davis said the Lord of The Rings star is currently shooting King Kong in New Zealand.
"Everyone involved is really looking forward to coming to Grimsby," said Mr Davis.
"Andy is very excited because it will be the first full-length feature film he has directed. He loves the whole story and its accurate portrayal of what it means to be addicted to drugs.
"We are, of course, pleased Jonny Depp is considering a role."
Stephen (52) is now a successful businessman and writer, but 24 years ago he was in the depths of an amphetamine addiction which began at the age of 14.
The movie follows his autobiography, also called Addict, which has sold 1.2-million copies globally.
Explaining why it was important for him to film in Grimsby, he said: "I had a fleeting visit a few years back but this will be my first real visit back to it since the 1970s.
"In one way I'm happy to come back and share my good luck story.
"In another I'm not. Not because of Grimsby, but because it makes me think about how low I got."
At one point Stephen was taking 100 tablets a day, but he managed to kick the habit after visiting a London pub to take pills in the toilet. He bumped into a German student who later became his wife.
The film intends to show exactly how drugs affect people and was written by Stephen and a team of writers.
"I've received hundreds of letters from people who have read my book saying it helped them understand their or their child's addiction," Stephen said.
"I think that's because I'm not really a writer - I just poured out my feelings and showed people how it felt to be so reliant on drugs."
(Note by Kazren: Until the contract is signed, this is all just wistful thinking on the part of the production company.)
Found by Mrs. Sands at the Guardian Unlimited
The dealTerry Gilliam wants to resurrect his disastrous Don Quixote. But first he and Johnny Depp have to make a few million dollars. Andrew Pulver reports
(excerpt)
Tuesday May 17, 2005
The Guardian
The last time anyone saw Terry Gilliam's work in a cinema, he was being chased across the Navarre desert by F16s and flash floods as his long-nurtured Don Quixote film was collapsing around his ears. The fact that the entire disastrous experience was captured in the documentary Lost in La Mancha only added undreamed-of dimensions to his professional humiliation. Which is why, nearly five years after his last film was driven into the Spanish dirt, it's a pleasure to see Gilliam happily bounding on to a movie theatre platform to introduce a 20-minute taster for his new film, The Brothers Grimm.
It's clear that Gilliam's horrible experience with the Don Quixote movie cast a shadow over his film-making activities for years. "The worst thing that happened was that, a year or so afterwards, four different projects I was working on all failed. It was a cumulative effect. That's why I ended up doing Grimms, simply because it was there. I wasn't certain about the film, but I had to work. I'd reached the point where I thought, if I don't fucking work, I don't have a clue who I am or what I can do. You start losing confidence in your abilities. Grimms was a long slog. By the end I'd lost even more confidence."In any case, the Don Quixote project may not be completely dead; the corpse is still twitching. Insurance companies got hold of the film when the production collapsed. "For the past two and a half years, I've been going through hoops trying to get the thing back. There are lawyers in the way. That's what I want to do next. In the autumn, Johnny Depp will be finished with Pirates of the Caribbean 2: he'll have made so much money, he'll have time and he'll be available next spring. Let's go to work."
Gilliam has been considerably aided by Depp's Hollywood ascension in the period since Quixote. He recalls another one of his legion of aborted projects, an adaptation of Good Omens, the Terry Pratchett/ Neil Gaiman collaboration. "We were going to do it after Quixote. Johnny Depp and Robin Williams. Sixty million budget. We only needed $15m from America. I go out there, we couldn't raise it. Not a penny. They said, Depp, he does
these European art movies; Robin, his career's over. Now Johnny is sitting at the top of the pile. That's what's so awful about the system. No one thinks long-term."
Gilliam laughs as he thinks about it now. "Johnny and I made a deal when Quixote collapsed. He said, 'You make a commercial film, I'll make a commercial film, and we'll get the money to do Quixote.' He made Pirates. Grimms is my commercial film. We had a screening a few days ago, showed it to the producer of Tidelands, Jeremy Thomas. He didn't know anything about it beforehand. He saw it and said, 'I guarantee, it'll be $200m at least.' That was nice - a producer saying that. I hope he's right."
More on the Cry Baby DVD from digitally obsessed
THE DIRECTOR'S CUT EDITION DVD ON JULY 12, 2005 FROM UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENTExclusive DVD Bonus Features include
An In-Depth Reveal on the Making of Cry-Baby with John Waters and the Cast, Never Before-Seen Deleted Scenes and Much More!Universal City, CA. May 2005 - He's a doll. He's a dreamboat. He's a delinquent. Before Pirates of the Caribbean and Finding Neverland, Johnny Depp was making America swoon, one tear at a time, as "Cry-Baby," in John Waters' first breakthrough studio film. Marking the 15th anniversary of its initial theatrical release and available for the first time on DVD on July 12, 2005, comes Cry-Baby Director's Cut Edition DVD from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Loaded with bonus materials that include five never-before-seen deleted scenes and "It Came From Baltimore" featurette - an in-depth look at the making of Cry-Baby featuring new interviews with director John Waters and the cast, this DVD is priced to own at $19.98 SRP.
Poised to quench the appetites of Depp and Waters fans for ritual viewing, the long-awaited Cry-Baby Director's Cut Edition DVD is brimming with Johnny Depp's electric performance in his first big-budget movie, and a slew of rousing musical numbers performed by an ensemble cast including Ricki Lake, Traci Lords, Iggy Pop, Amy Locane, Willem Dafoe, Susan Tyrrell, and Polly Bergen. Cry-Baby Director's Cut Edition DVD is timed for release to capitalize on the excitement surrounding Depp's latest film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Directed by John Waters, Cry-Baby is set in the hysterical, high-throttle world of 1954.
Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker (Johnny Depp) is the coolest, toughest delinquent who heads a gang of hoods known as the Drapes. His ability to shed one tear drives all the girls wild, especially Allison Vernon-Williams (Amy Locane), from the rival group, the Squares. Trouble starts when "Cry-Baby" falls for the beautiful, rich Allison. She soon finds herself eagerly absorbing the influences of rockabilly music and fast cars. This sets off a rumble between the warring factions, and "Cry-Baby" ends up doing time in reform school under the supervision of the hateful guard (Willem Dafoe).
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
"It Came From Baltimore" - An in-depth look at the making of Cry-Baby with new interviews from John Waters and cast
Five Never-Before-Seen Deleted ScenesBASICS
DVD - $19.98 SRP
Street Date: July 12, 2005
Feature running time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Languages: English
Audio: Dolby Digital Dual 2.0
Wide Screen
From Pam found in Variety
May 16, 2005
(Excerpt)
A new edit of the Johnny DeppJohnny Depp vehicle "The Libertine"made a quiet return to the marketplace through Odyssey Films. Laurence Dunmore's pic made a disappointing debut at last year's Toronto Intl. Film Festival.
From the Golden Trailer Awards
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory won for Most Oriignal
From Idzy at Johnny Depp Admierers
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Premiers Thursday, July 7, 2005 at
GRAUMANS CHINESE THEATRE HOLLYWOOD
Red Carpet arrivals should begin between 5 p.m and 6:30 p.m.
Reminder - Don't forget to check out the news on Johnny's movies by clicking the buttons above for those that are yet to be released (The Libertine, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, POTC2/3, and Shantaram ) There is news in at least one of those links every day.
Sent in by Aflovesmeeko
Nestle Chocolate has a Wonka Page HERE
Lorri Collins (see link at bottom of page) is having a huge sale on eBay - check it out.
From the Mirror
14 May 2005
FORCE OF FANS WITH JOHNNY
Exclusive By Emily NashSTAR Wars fans want swashbuckling star Johnny Depp to play a Jedi Knight in the TV spin-off of George Lucas's epic films.
But if they can't get The Pirates of the Caribbean heart-throb, 41, movie buffs want unlikely hero Bolton comic Peter Kay, 32.
Hollywood stars Will Smith, Brad Pitt and Colin Farrell are also in the running.
Veteran actor Sir Christopher Lee - who plays Count Dooku in the final instalment Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - said yesterday: "Johnny is No1 in my book. I think he's a superb actor."
The Sky Movies poll quizzed 1,972 fans.
Episode III opens at cinemas on Thursday.
Found by Emma at Worth Playing
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow' (PS2/Xbox/PC) Announced
Posted on Wednesday, May 11 @ 12:33:40 PDTBethesda today announced plans to release a sequel to its Pirates of the Caribbean game based on Walt Disney film, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow will feature a blend of fast-paced action and adventure that captures the entertaining characters, settings, and spirit of the first movie.
Piracy, smuggling, buried treasure (not to mention kidnapping, sword fighting looting, pilfering, and other acts of villainy)...what's not to love about Captain Jack Sparrow? Jack Sparrow is the ultimate video game character - with his cocky swagger and his offbeat personality - and players will be able to experience his adventures first hand in this exciting action game.
Gamers will slash and hack their way through a dozen locations, with fully interactive levels and varied gameplay. Action will take place in a variety of lush, immersive settings, including burning buildings, wrecked ships, and misty moonlit caves.
The gameplay experience will be thoroughly engrossing, as one minute you are fighting hordes of your enemies, while the next you’re evading capture by the Royal Navy. You learn new moves and combos as the game progresses, allowing even more spectacular, and deadly attacks during combat.
Slated for release in 2006, the video game sequel is being developed in association with 7 Studios for the PlayStation2, the Xbox, and PC, and will be distributed under license from Buena Vista Games, Inc.
From AOL Entertainment news
Disney CEO Michael Eisner hinted that the Pirates ride would soon feature an animatronic character with the face of Johnny Depp, who plays Jack Sparrow in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean movies.Note from Kazren: Now that Michael Eisner has let the cat out of the bag, I can tell you that Florida's Disneworld will have a Captain Jack animatronic added to it's ride, while Anaheim's Disneyland will have Captain Jack and "a lot more" from the POTC movies. Expect to hear more as the release of POTC2 and 3 draws closer in 2006.
Got a few extra bucks? Want to walk the red carpet for the POTC2 premiere? Check out this auction
New Libertine pics from Bonnie - check link above. Also more Chocolate Factory pics - click link above.
View the new CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY commercial HERE
From the Weekend Standard
May 7-8, 2005
(excerpt)
And an old children's classic gets a new look when Johnny Depp is Willy Wonka in the updated Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, about the reclusive candyman who opens his factory to five lucky visitors.``He's gone underground for several years,'' director Tim Burton said of the enigmatic Willy. ``He's not Mr Social, not Mr Touchy-Feely. We were thinking of people like Howard Hughes. Sort of the Citizen Kane of candy.''
DeppCon 2 Update (www.deppcon.com)
It's May already and just a little over two months until DeppCon 2005. The time does fly. Your DeppCon Committee Members are getting more and more busy with their assigned projects. It's not that we don't want to let you know what we are up to, it's that we want to make sure our projects and plans are firm before we announce them. Our goal is to make sure you have a great time and are not disappointed.Remember you need to register by June 1 in order to be eligible for the drawing for the movie tickets and the bus tour. This is important for those of you who want a DeppCon t-shirt and/or tote bag. You must get your order in by June 1 because we are going to place one order and one order only for the items. These great souvenirs from DeppCon 2005 will not be sold at the Convention. Come on folks, we really need to show our support for Johnny when we see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory -- wear that t-shirt, tote that bag!
We can tell you that the gift bag you will receive at the convention is a completed project and there are lots of really fun items in that little bag! We think you will get a big kick out of it.
One last thing, you had better be studying up on your Johnny knowledge . . . there will be a test!
DeppCon 2005 Committee
From the BBC
Another story about Nick Hornby's novel being bought by Warner Bros for Johnny to Produce. There is a photo of the author and I sincerely hope if Johnny takes a part in this film, he doesn't play Nick's role. I prefer Johnny with hair.
From the Examiner Johnny one of the most powerful people in the industry.
From InTooDepp
Found by Emma at The Independent
4 May 2005The 5-minute interview
Nick Hornby: ‘I’ve always thought Johnny Depp was cool. He’s gone up in my estimation’
by Ciar ByrneFourth book to be made into a film
Nick Hornby's new novel, 'A Long Way Down', published yesterday, is to be made into a Warner Bros film produced by Johnny Depp
How does it feel to have Johnny Depp making a film of your book?
I've always thought that he was really cool. I was very excited when I first heard from him. He's been so courteous and warm and genuine during the process of buying the book that he's even gone up in my estimation.
Are you a fan?
He's always made some really interesting choices. He's had a very varied career and hasn't done any rubbish.
Will he be appearing in the film?
I think so. I think that might be what attracted him to the book. Depp is interested in playing perma-tanned Martin Sharp, a disgraced breakfast TV presenter who is one of four characters who meet at the start of A Long Way Down on the roof of Toppers House, a favourite suicide spot in north London.
Did you think about the film potential when writing 'A Long Way Down'?
It's not what I do. My books are all very internal. They are set inside somebody's head and I've been working on the basis that if people want to turn them into films they will, whether they seem cinematic or not.
Three of your books ('High Fidelity', 'About A Boy' and 'Fever Pitch') have already been made into successful films. Why do you think you adapt well for a US audience?
The books are about people who live in First World cities. When High Fidelity was published in the US, I realised people were responding to it not as an English book, but as a book about them, their brothers and boyfriends.
You're now working on a screenplay with Emma Thompson. How different is the process of writing a script?
I've got a couple of screenplays on the go. Fast Forward, which I'm writing with Emma, is a romantic comedy. The other is an adaptation of something Lynn Barber wrote for Granta. It's very different. You can't write people thinking, so you have to think in terms of what people are seeing, movement and settings.
Is your life more Hollywood than Highbury these days?
I have nothing to do with Hollywood beyond e-mails from glamorous people like Johnny Depp.
From icCoventry
(Note from Kazren - take all these stories about Johnny starring in films - when there's no signed contract - with a heavy dose of salt)
Johnny Depp to portray city boy
May 3 2005
By Alan HarrisHollywood is coming to Hillfields to tell a true-life rags to riches tale.
Pirates of the Caribbean actor Johnny Depp is being touted to star in the story of one man's amazing time as a down and out in the city.
Stephen Smith went through drugs, organised crime, and destitution before he eventually found love and happiness.
He turned the remarkable tale into a bestselling book called Addict.
Now it's being re-written for a movie of the same name - and already Stephen's story of homeless months in Hillfields and around Coventry rail station in the late 1970s is being talked about as a potential Oscar winner.
The film will be directed by Andy Serkis - who played Gollum in Lord of the Rings - and filming is due to start this autumn.
And film bosses are in Coventry this month to interview extras to appear in the film which is due for release next spring. The movie is being put together by Westwood International Films and has already secured interest from big name studios and distributors.
Speaking from Germany, Stephen said: "It will be a blockbuster. You don't get stories like these every day.
"I think it will put Coventry on the map and do the city a lot of good, showing the town and getting plenty of publicity.
"There's no way this can fail. It's so exciting." Stephen remembers arriving in Coventry by accident during a 20 year rollercoaster of drugs and crime.
Now aged 61, he said: "I was on the train as a down and out and I was caught without a ticket and kicked off at Coventry in about 1977.
"You mixed with other down and outs and drinkers and I ended up going to rough areas where there was trouble.
"I spent about four or five months in Coventry and I've been back to Hillfields since.
"My memories of Coventry are unpleasant because I did some begging - but the people were quite kind.
"I was round the station a lot, by the café opposite, getting free cups of tea and the stuff they were going to throw away."
Film crews will be in the city for three or four days to shoot Stephen's arrival and time spent living rough in Coventry.
Stephen says Addict is an anti-drug story and he's confident it will attract big name stars.
He and Andy Serkis will hold interviews for film extras in Coventry at the end of May and are inviting hopefuls to write to Giles Davis, Westwood International Films, 157 Gloucester Avenue, London NW1 8LA. ..SUPL:
From Variety
Johnny Depp will produce (but probably not star in) an adaptation of Nick Hornby's A Long Way Down.
Mon., May 2, 2005, 10:00pm PT
Depp to produce author's latest adaptation
By ADAM DAWTREY, MICHAEL FLEMINGWarner Bros. has acquired screen rights to "A Long Way Down," the new novel by Nick Hornby. The film will be produced by Graham King, Johnny Depp and David Heyman.
More on this story at The Film Guardianand from Contact Music
DEPP BUYS UP RIGHTS TO HORNBY'S NEW BOOKJOHNNY DEPP has snapped up the rights to acclaimed British author NICK HORNBY's new book A LONG WAY DOWN.
The movie star plans to produce the film version of the book, which focuses on four people who meet one New Year's Eve and form a bond to get through the difficult holiday period.
Movie adaptations of Hornby's books have proven to be very successful in recent years - his soccer comedy FEVER PITCH has been made twice and he's also found success with films based on his books HIGH FIDELITY and ABOUT A BOY.
The new book is expected to hit shelves next month (JUN05), while the film version, which may or may not feature Depp, is expected to be released in 2006.
Depp says, "This book is brimming with some of the most outstanding characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading."
03/05/2005 20:54
There are many interviews out there right now with Orlando Bloom as he does press for "Kingdome of Heaven," and he's been saying nice things about Johnny, such as:
"On Pirates I had Johnny Depp as a role model. The humility and grace he goes about his art with is inspiring. You never see Johnny throwing a hissy fit and he is so unbelievably creative and daring."
The Winnipeg Sun
JoBlo as some funny things to say about this year's Cannes Film Festival and his plans that involve Johnny.
From Coming Soon.com
The release date for LIBERTIE is August 19, 2005, and the page goes on to say the trailer is "coming soon."
The Fabulous Emma has found about 80 POTC2 set photos from Dominica - check out the POTC2 link above.
From the New York Daily News
(excerpt)
In the Know by Brittany Schaeffer
It's in the blood
When sizing up potential hookups, New York gals check out a guy's hairline, his jeans, his smile - even the size of his hands. But his blood type? It may sound creepy, but ladies in Southeast Asia measure a man's dateability by whether he's packing Type A, B, AB or O. We've simplified things, pairing hunky stars with their blood-type personalities - so next time a hottie tells you a he's a Type B (see below), you might just know what you're in for.
The type: A - He's artsy and offbeat, but sensitive, too.
Think: Johnny Depp
Blood line: While Depp had a crazy past, these days he's settled down and ducks the limelight. He's the kind of one-woman man we all dream about.
Swashbuckling Startrooper article HERE at the STAR
Found by IntodaDepps
From Contact Music
May 1, 2005
DEPP TOPS SIGNERS LISTJOHNNY DEPP is Hollywood's top signer and BRITNEY SPEARS the worst, according to a new annual list provided by America's AUTOGRAPH COLLECTOR magazine.
Editor STEVE CYRKIN (corr) insists Depp is a top signer because he never says no when approached by autograph hunters, while star spotters have accused Spears and others, like LEONARDO DiCAPRIO, of being "rude" and "crude".
ANGELINA JOLIE, MATT DILLON, TOM CRUISE and ELIJAH WOOD are also among the best celebrity signers, according to the magazine's 2005 list.
News for April 2005 HERE
News for March 2005 HERE
News for February 2005 HERE
News for January 2005 HERE
News for December 2004 HERE
News for November 2004 HERE
News for October 2004 HERE
News for September 2004 HERE
News for August 2004 HERE
News for July 2004 HERE
News for June 2004 HERE
News for May 2004 HERE
News for April 2004 HERE
Lorri is having a sale! All prints for $9.99 on eBay the week starting on May 14th
and many more
Latest Vanessa Paradis news HERE
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