Universal Monster Army

Universal Pictures has officially bumped the release of Joe Johnston's The Wolfman from its April 3rd slot all the way until November 9, 2009. Like the 1941 original that starred Lon Chaney Jr., the new pic will be set in Victorian England. Benicio Del Toro will play a man who returns from America to his ancestral homeland, gets bitten by a werewolf and begins a hairy moonlight existence. Click the title above for the first three images.

 That sucks.

  I've been patiently waiting and jonesing for this movie for over four months now, trying not to claw my fur off in anticipation.  This not only sucks,  it's cruel and inhuman torture.  The words PISSED OFF pretty much describes my feelings on this horrendous news.  I am slowly loosing confidence in modern Universal's abilities and decisions (see Van Helsing post).  As far as this news goes, I'd like to "BUMP" my shoe somewhere so Universal execs will not be able to sit in "comfort and joy" this holiday season.  GRRRRRR.

Is that an official Universal press release comment? The original wasn't set in Victorian England. It was contemporary (albeit small-town) Wales. And anyone who thinks that is the same, I dare you to say it to a Welshman ....

And yes, that bump absolutely sucks. That's another freakin' year !!!!!
Well maybe at least by then Wolf Man and CrazyIvan will be well and truly home? Guys?

I AM VERY UNHAPPY RIGHT NOW.  If I return to Iraq for another tour, then my first R&R will come up before the release date and once again I won't get my second until much after, it won't be playing in the theaters anymore. 

I am writting them a letter. 

 That would indeed be a bright side for Crazy1van and Wolfman, and I have been hoping they both get to see this on the big screen.  But i'll be a nervous wreak in a straight-jacket by then, having pulled all my fur out.  I just don't understand Universal's mentality or judgements lately.  It might make a little sense if they moved it to October for Halloween, but Nov. makes no sense that I can ascertain.  I still think this sucks, but maybe this will work out for our UMA brothers over-seas.

Well CRAP! Sounds like it might be going into some weird limbo like the movie Trick r' Treat, which was supposed to be released last year. DANG!

I KNOW.  I was also looking so forward to Trick'r Treat and thought it was out on DVD but could never find it, then I went to the website only to learn they hadn't even released it yet.  WTH.  I would like to see these ^%#* movies someday before I croak or get shot with a silver bullet.  Now, for certain they darn well better be good and worth the wait. 

I am writting them a letter......

Yes, this is some bull. Another year? I can see maybe the Halloween release, but they should have thought about that beforehand in lieu of teasing us. A silver lining would be that UMA military brothers will be able to see it on the big screen.

I was also looking forward to Trick r Treat as well as American Scary which chronicled the history of Horror Hosts (a big fan by the way of Horror Hosts). American Scary has been screened at festivals but never released on DVD.

Until then, back to the library and Netflix.

Like Wolf Man, I'd rather have the April release than November.  My ghoulfriend is also in the military, and she'll be gone when this comes out now... assuming it comes out at all. 

Remember all the problems with CURSED?  Remember how the final product was so unsatisfying that Wes Craven wanted his name removed from it?  Yeah, I remember how much I was looking forward to that movie...

~sigh~

Quote from: depressedlarrytalbot on December 10, 2008, 04:54:09 AM
Is that an official Universal press release comment? The original wasn't set in Victorian England. It was contemporary (albeit small-town) Wales. And anyone who thinks that is the same, I dare you to say it to a Welshman ....

It has been the official press line since the beginning that this movie is, LIKE THE ORIGINAL, set in Victorian England.  I can only assume the PR folks have never actually watched the original.  Probably they've never seen any black and white flicks.  All they know is that DRACULA was set in Victorian England, so they must all be. 

Heck, Larry's birth and death years are shown in FMTWM, so it's not like there's not REALLY PLAIN DOCUMENTATION for this stuff!

Or maybe they're just assuming that none of the moviegoers have ever seen the original.  If that's the case, I dread what they may have done with the story.   

Keep in mind, I don't think any of the changes I HAVE heard about will be bad; in fact I'm looking forward to the changes, because it will make this a different movie.  I can have 1890s Larry Talbot and 1940s Larry Talbot.

QuoteKeep in mind, I don't think any of the changes I HAVE heard about will be bad; in fact I'm looking forward to the changes, because it will make this a different movie.  I can have 1890s Larry Talbot and 1940s Larry Talbot

You're right of course, and yeah I'm sure they are just giving a simple 'generic' version of 'both' plots leaning of course towards the newer, upcoming product and without fannishly detailed explanations.

I'm just being anal. Still, I call shennanigans !!

SHENANIGANS!

sorry, I have to yell that every time someone uses the word.  It's like a specialised form of Turrett's Syndrome.

 Anal is right deppressedlarrytalbot, this whole thing is a pain in the %#S.  I haven't been this EXCITED about a movie release in a long time, just to have it heartlessly torn from my awaiting grasp.  Announcing an earlier release date only to move it almost a year away, is nothing short of giving a small child a piece of candy only to take it away again.  Cruel and inhuman.  This better be worth the exttra wait.

Someone suggested  that the reason Universal needs more time, is because they have decided to let Rick Baker work on the transformation scenes...does anyone know if that is true? I remember hearing those scenes would be CGI,  but maybe now they've decided to let Baker do more...

Now THAT would be worth waiting for!

 If this is indeed the reason for the release delay, then that would be acceptable as it would give us a superior product.  But it still bites after becoming all worked up and excited as the April release date became ever nearer, then the shock of the Nov. announcement.  I can't help but feel like Ben Grimm of the Fantastic Four after Reed tells him no to fight: "I've been robbed".  Still, if Rick Baker IS doing the transformation scenes instead of stupid looking CGI, then I agree with Crazy1van that it would indeed be worth waiting the extra time for it.  I can handle waiting on an improved product (Besides, I've already clawed all my fur off anyways so what's a few more months).

We can only hope!  Rick baker doing the transformation would really be COOOOOL.

Still... I dunno.... a seven-month delay for makeup? That doesn't seem plausible or necessary somehow... :-\

We're talking about practical effects that now have to be built from scratch, plus reshooting all the scenes before and after the scenes with the effects.  7 months is interminably long to wait for this movie, but not unreasonable for what I'm hoping is being done.

I really feel for all the people who will miss the opening of this movie because of this.I hope they are doing it for the right reasons.If they think that they can make the movie better than so be it.I now expect a lot more.If the make-up thing is true,I'm all for it.I hate CGI.I'm way more into movies than video games.

QuoteWe're talking about practical effects that now have to be built from scratch, plus reshooting all the scenes before and after the scenes with the effects

Ack. Maybe, but what would that imply about the state of the production so far/as-is? Like all of you, I'm really pulling for this one, I'd hate to think it was that bad, that early. After all hasn't Baker already done all the makeup effects? How could it need seven months of a second go-around?
Please please don't tank, movie, nononononono    :P

Baker was brought in before, but they only did CGI modeling off what he constructed; there were no practical effects on place originally.  So the werewolf himself was done with makeup, from the looks of it, but all the scenes related to transformation were CGI.  Since Baker was involved with both the Howling & AAWIL, we know he can do bad-ass practicals with 25 year old technology; I sincerely want to see what he can come up with today.

  Having Baker doing the transformation FX instead of CGI gives me confidence in the final product.  I know what he's capable of, and hope he won't compromise his talents.  This doesn't mean the story plots and everythink else will be up to grade, but I've liked everything I've heard so far.  I'm still very hopefull.   I can wait a little extra time if Baker's talents are replacing CGI FX ( but 7 whole months ~sigh~ GRRRR).

Well, hearing that Rick Baker may be doing old fashioned special effects for the transportation scenes would definately ease the sting of the delayed release.  With our current situation in Iraq everything is up in the air so there may be a possibility of being available for the theatrical release just not certain.  I just don't want to see any CGI. 

There is so much anticipation and so many expectations of this movie, I feel that no matter what, it will be unpopular with many in this group.  It can't possibly live up to all that.

What i can't figure out is why release it in November?  Halloween is the last weekend in October and, surely, that would have made a better opening date.  After halloween it seems the general public's focus is on Christmas and not scary monsters.

 The execs at Universal don't seem to be capable at figuring out the best "Profit Margin" for this movie for sure.  It would be in Universal's best interest to replace their marketing execs with one's that have more business sense, or at least a brain.  One month earlier and they would have indeed grabbed the Halloween crowd, it's almost like they want the movie to be a flop.  I'm beginning to think I know where all the "crack" coming into America is ending up at, --Universal Studios Corporate offices.

The other spoil-sporty thing that occurs to me (forgive me but, see user-name; it's what I do; no fun at parties, me) is that, as modern werewolf makeups seem to go, this has been shown to be a traditional; a throwback; a subtle, masterful tribute that Baker has still managed to make scarey as hell. Jack P would be proud.

....but....

it also means there is no AWWIL-like step from Del Toro to Wolf Man. No muzzles rocketing out of faces, no 300% skull-shifts.

So, I repeat: seven months ??

I'm inclined to agree with the bone-headed-executive theory, which places this delay in the "because we can mess with it" category. Damn suits !!

I thought someone else might have mentioned it by now so I guess the responsibility falls to me. The rumor that the film's release has been delayed so that Rick Baker can do additional work on the transformation scenes started at the CHFB. However, Baker (who posts there fairly regularly as "monsterbaker") promptly denied this is the case and says he is not involved in post-production. You can follow the discussion beginning here:

http://monsterkidclassichorrorforum.yuku.com/topic/15601?page=20 (http://monsterkidclassichorrorforum.yuku.com/topic/15601?page=20)

 Yep, appears we've been lied to once again by a corporation.  If the delay is not for Baker's FX magic, there's no telling what's going on with this.  Better keep your paws crossed, and hope for the best.     :-\

I heard the Twilight sequel may open in November...if so, Universal better not open The Wolfman anywhere NEAR that film, or it will get annihilated at the box office... :-[

I thought werewolves usually win against vampires.  That's certainly the case with Larry Talbot and Waldemar Daninsky.

 Vampires are the current theme going for Goth youths, in some larger cities there are even Vampire themed night-clubs.  The Goth scene has grown more fashionable and popular, but their admiration seems to be more for the symbolism than for our beloved movie monsters.  Still, anything vampire seems to drawl their attention.  I'm afraid Creature Features might be right.  If both movies are released the same week, our beloved Larry Talbot may be in trouble.  The Wolfman movie might end up being a flop for Universal.  Still hope within me springs eternal that the Wolfman will start a new renaissance age for monsters, and I for one will be visiting Larry Talbot this fall.

I see that Mezco still plans to release the 12 inch Wolfman figure from this movie in the spring along with a replica of the medallion.  I wonder how many licensees feel burned by Universal's decision?

Hello fellow UMA members,

   haven't been around for a while. Have missed lots of news. My son Matthew (the monster fan) wanted me to share these pics from our recent trip to Universal Studios. As soon as he saw these posters, he flipped out. I hope it's not delayed, because I don't think he take it!lol. As usual, not sure how to put pics in post, so here is link.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bron444sol/sets/72157602763599855/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bron444sol/sets/72157602763599855/)

Hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday season!

Here's the story from Variety. 

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117997153.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117997153.html?categoryid=13&cs=1)

Sorry....


Thanks for the cool poster pics though.  Looks like you guys had a great trip to Universal!

I think the article tells it all.  Moving it back for more work on special effects.  CGI junk again?

It still sounds interesting, and I am hoping for a fun mixture of CG and physical effects.  Even if it fizzles a little, I bet it'll be entertaining.  I have a good feeling about it despite the delay. 

And we can always pop in the Chaney version while we're waiting...

  A lot of folks will get burned due to the rescheduling. Ours and other costume shops. Rubies Costumes has mask/costume rights to the property and without the film to back the merchandise, it will sit on the shelves ignored.
  And am I the only one who thinks that some time in October would be a MUCH better release date?

Quote from: CreepysFan on December 28, 2008, 12:18:05 AM
Vampires are the current theme going for Goth youths, in some larger cities there are even Vampire themed night-clubs.  The Goth scene has grown more fashionable and popular, but their admiration seems to be more for the symbolism than for our beloved movie monsters.  Still, anything vampire seems to drawl their attention.  I'm afraid Creature Features might be right.  If both movies are released the same week, our beloved Larry Talbot may be in trouble. 

According to  USA Today,  The Wolfman is set for  Nov. 6 and Twilight for Nov. 20....that's two weeks.  A bit close for comfort, imo,  but what can we do?

Come to think of it; Is there a new SAW movie coming out on Halloween? If so, then Wolfman may get sandwiched between the two, and ignored...Kind of like what happened to The Incredible Hulk last summer, opening between Iron Man and The Dark Knight... :-[   

Both SAW and Twilight have huge fanbases, and The Wolfman is relatively unknown amongst  today's younger horror fan.

Quote from: Jscareshock on December 29, 2008, 12:56:46 PM
I see that Mezco still plans to release the 12 inch Wolfman figure from this movie in the spring along with a replica of the medallion.  I wonder how many licensees feel burned by Universal's decision?

I already ordered the Medallion, lol.... ;D

I may get the figures as well, if the movie is good.

In reference to TWILIGHT, the sequel NEW MOON will have werewolves, so it will be more of a threat to the acceptance of THE WOLF MAN than SAW, based on how it portrays lycanthropy to the younger audiences.