Hello everyone! I was just reading part of an interview with Kevin Munroe on Newsarama.com and talks a little more about leaving the Gatchaman movie. Kevin Munroe (I hope that worked..geez I'm so lousy with computers!) If not here's part of it. But a lot can happen in a year. In that time, Munroe left producer Imagi Animation and Gatchaman. Why? Thats the big question, says Munroe from his home in L.A.. Its such a simple and complicated thing at the same time. Basically, I was a huge fan of the original series. We talked about it back then. I also dont think you can look at the lack of success of Speed Racer and say that applies. Theres a power and universality of Gatchaman I think will work no matter what. Theres a way to reach a truly broad audience. Thats what I wanted to do. I wanted to make it a real sci-fi action thing. But as the year went on, there came creative differences. So we parted ways. Am I bummed about it? Yeah. Its one of those jobs where we tried everything and it just couldnt work. I cant say I absolutely know whats good and whats not, but I certainly knew what I wanted to do with it. Especially after the Turtles experience, where we really wanted to push the envelope and came up against a lot of obstacles. I felt Gatchaman would have been the chance I was looking to push the envelope that was started with Beowulf and Ghost in the Shell.

Well it still has a chance to succeed, just as long as they don't try and mix BOTP/Gatchman into the same film and make it just for Kids. No robots saying all is well in the world...

Hmmm. I guess it comes down to what Munroe means by "a real sci-fi action thing." Apparently, whatever it means, Imagi didn't want it. I think we're going to have to wait to see some new concept art or, better yet, a trailer, to get a real idea of what the film is going to be like with the new director, Falkenstein.

I agree with LB. Those comment about wanting to reach a truly broad audience and push the envelope farther than Beowulf and GITS.... Munroe may have been pushing it too far and alienating the original concept/story. But then again, we're talking about someone who is a fan of the series vs studio reps... So who know?? Yep, guess we're gonna have to pack our patience (and anxieties) and wait for Jun and Imagi to let us know more!

I'd like to think the people making it are fans too, and they want to convey the emotions that made the original such a hit. Thanks Condorfan for the update!

Originally posted by Hinotori I agree with LB. Those comment about wanting to reach a truly broad audience and push the envelope farther than Beowulf and GITS.... Munroe may have been pushing it too far and alienating the original concept/story. But then again, we're talking about someone who is a fan of the series vs studio reps... So who know??

I completely agree Hintori. More movies have been ruined because the studio execs changed things so that they can sell more toys and Happy Meals from them. Unfortunately, they hold the pursestrings so directors and writers have to do what they say. Either they make it a Gatchaman movie or a Battle of the Planets movie--I hope they don't try to make it both. P.S. You're welcome Ebonyswanne!

Yeah look at Thunderbirds....there was a train wreck.

I got given a copy of the first Asterix live action movie. Not seen it, yet, Im told its sucks compared to the comic books (its interesting to note, that the Americans and Japanese, two comic reading nations, have never got into Asterix...Though he has been popular here for his 45 odd years, and been translated into many languages so people all over the Classical World can enjoy...)

Originally posted by Thunderbird Yeah look at Thunderbirds....there was a train wreck.

Ah, but did they call in International Rescue to rescue it. Unfortantely, I agree with everybody, any good original stuff that a film studio wants to make will change some or all of it, so they can get money from merchandising and stuff the real fans. I was so disappointed with Thunderbirds.

I'm not inspired to see Thunderbirds from what you guys have said. I have my fingers crossed that they make a decent movie out of Gatchaman.. If they fail, I still have the series I love to fall back on...

Originally posted by Tengu I got given a copy of the first Asterix live action movie.

There's a live action Asterix movie??????? Where can I get this? Is it in English?????

Originally posted by Tengu I got given a copy of the first Asterix live action movie. Not seen it, yet, Im told its sucks compared to the comic books (its interesting to note, that the Americans and Japanese, two comic reading nations, have never got into Asterix...Though he has been popular here for his 45 odd years, and been translated into many languages so people all over the Classical World can enjoy...)

I think I recall my grandmother buying me a copy of Asterix one time when I was little and visiting her.

There's two - both in French but dubbed. UK titles are: Asterix and Obelix Take on Caesar and Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra

Originally posted by Askura There's two - both in French but dubbed. UK titles are: Asterix and Obelix Take on Caesar and Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra

Oh yes, when you add Obelix now I remember. I can't remember anything about the books I read but I do remember those names.

Originally posted by lborgia88 Hmmm. I guess it comes down to what Munroe means by "a real sci-fi action thing." Apparently, whatever it means, Imagi didn't want it. I think we're going to have to wait to see some new concept art or, better yet, a trailer, to get a real idea of what the film is going to be like with the new director, Falkenstein.

I came across this picture at Deviant Art. In the comments, I was interested to see that the artist says he was a character designer for the Gatchaman movie, and that this was a rejected piece. It's certainly a very well done picture though. http://dingo107.deviantart.com/art/Gatchaman-vs-Galactors-90707172

That's a great picture--captures the action perfectly. The art reminds me of Wilson Tortosa's. Why would they reject it?

Originally posted by Condorfan That's a great picture--captures the action perfectly. The art reminds me of Wilson Tortosa's. Why would they reject it?

I too wondered why it was rejected and then that made me wonder what was accepted.

Great find, LB!!!

Thats a nice pic, but it looks too Games Workshopy... And thats not Ken; its a bigger, older man.