The following item appeared in the June 30, 2000
issue of USAToday:
Stars learn the phrase 'Never say never'
By Josh Chetwynd and Andy Seiler, USA TODAY
Hit movies from the '80s and early '90s - and the
actors who became stars in them - are trying to revive the magic.
Harrison Ford is waiting for a script from M. Night
Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense) for a fourth Indiana Jones. Sharon
Stone is ready to do Basic Instinct 2. Arnold Schwarzenegger
is returning for a third Terminator. Sylvester Stallone is "in
talks" for Rocky 6. Paul Hogan is shooting a third "Crocodile"
Dundee. And Under Siege 3 is being developed for Steven Seagal.
Many of the stars vowed they'd never go back. But
now, with the possible exception of Ford, their signature characters
are their best bet for a career boost.
"Their careers have not been as great as they
once were," says syndicated columnist Marylin Beck. "So
they are more susceptible to offers to a sequel that - on the
way up - they said they wouldn't do."
More old favorites might be returning without their
original stars. Planet of the Apes is returning with Mark Wahlberg
in the Charlton Heston role.
Several producers are considering another Fletch, but someone
younger than Chevy Chase likely would star. And writers are working
on the script for Pink Panther 10, though attempts with Alan
Arkin, Ted Wass and Roberto Benigni in the late Peter Sellers'
role failed.
Why the rush to bring back old movies? Hollywood
is not making good new ones, Beck says. "Ask somebody, 'Seen
any good movies this year?'" and their list probably begins
and ends with Erin Brockovich and Gladiator. You have to hunt
out the art houses to find the foreign films to watch a decent
story. So Hollywood leans more and more on the tried and true."
Rocky VI anyone? Thanks to Andrew for posting this item on the SZ message
board as well!
- Craig Zablo |