Here's an update on the ongoing Fanboys controversy from The Weinstein Company.
"THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR ‘FANBOYS’
NEW YORK, NEW YORK (March 24, 2008) The Weinstein Company announced today that it plans to jointly release two versions of its highly anticipated film, “Fanboys,” on home video, with the Company exploring options for its theatrical release. In recent weeks, Star War fans nationwide have built a multi-tiered grassroots effort to voice their strong support for one of the earlier versions of the film, including a campaign which generated over 300,000 emails in support for the film. Based on the tremendous feedback and interest from the fans, today’s announcement will ensure both versions will be equally available within the marketplace.
Set in 1998, the film, starring Jay Baruchel (“Million Dollar Baby”), Tony Award Winner Dan Fogler (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”), Sam Huntington (“Superman Returns”), Chris Marquette (“Sugar Mountain,” “Joan of Arcadia”), and Kristen Bell (“Veronica Mars,” “Pulse”) is a heart warming comedy of a group of young, passionate Star Wars fans who drive cross-country to raid George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch, and watch “Star Wars: Episode 1- The Phantom Menace.”
“Over the last few weeks we have received a tremendous amount of input from Star Wars fans nationwide,” stated Matthew Frankel, Chief Communications Officer, The Weinstein Company. “While the later version tested very well with audiences, the grassroots support we have received for the first version simply cannot be ignored. We are very excited to launch these two films and look forward to giving the fans the opportunity to see both versions.”
“Fanboys” is a production of Trigger Street and Picture Machine. Jay Baruchel plays the role of Windows, a junk food addict who’s dedicated his 150 IQ to a worthy cause: comic books. His nickname was inspired by his titanic window-like glasses. Dan Fogler plays Hutch, a guy who is a force to be reckoned with, a hot-head overflowing with piss and vinegar. Sam Huntington plays Eric, a guy who’s all business. He’s usually in a pressed suit and glued to his huge cell phone. Chris Marquette plays Linus, a boyishly handsome, extremely charming young man. But looks can be deceiving as this dude’s a geek and proud of it! Kristen Bell plays Zoe, a sexy firecracker with a great sense of humor.
The film is directed by Kyle Newman and produced by Kevin Spacey, Dana Brunetti, Evan Astrowsky and Matthew Perniciaro. The script was written by Kyle Newman, Adam Goldberg and Ernest Cline and Kevin Mann serves as executive producer.
About The Weinstein Company
The Weinstein Company (TWC) was created by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films Corporation in 1979. TWC is a multi-media company that officially launched on October 1, 2005. Dimension Films, the genre label that was founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, is also included under the TWC banner.
During the Weinsteins' tenure at Miramax Films the company released some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful independent feature films which received 249 Academy Award® nominations and won 60 Oscars®, have generated billions of dollars in worldwide box office receipts and billions more in home video sales. In its history, Dimension Films has released some of the most successful franchises including "Scream," "Spy Kids" and "Scary Movie."
Fans are already calling this move a ploy to avert the Superhero movie boycott that is brewing to take place later this week.
UPDATE: Not really an update as to the news above but you can click here for a 4 page article at Wired.com about the creation and production of Fanboys. You can also click here for Wired's"Submit Your Best Star Wars Tribute Photo" contest. Thanks to CK for the heads up!
UPDATE #2: Click here for an in depth article about the new Fanboys details regarding both versions of the film from The Hollywood Reporter. It's nice to hear from some of the film makers still partial to the original version. Thanks to Chris B. for the link.
Another nice in depth article can be checked out here at Wired.com. Thanks to Bridget for the link.
UPDATE #3:Click here for a Reuters article at comcast.net (and elsewhere) about the "Jek Porkins" led picketing of The Weinstein Company release of Superhero Movie. Both sides seem to be claiming victory. The Weinstein Company states that no one really showed up to protest and the Stop Darth Weinstein movement cites the film's dismal weekend performance as proof of their victory. Who knows? Superhero Movie opened cold (not screened for critics) so it may just have been a crappy flick. On the otherhand, if this helps get the original version of Fanboys released in theaters, then great!
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