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[…] Our friends at FirstShowing report that Derrickson is currently prepping one of the longest shoots in Canadian history. The Vancouver shoot will run all the way to November. All of this according to the Hollywood North Report and IESB. […]

Scott Derrickson to remake The Day the Earth Stood Still | /Film on Apr 10, 2007

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[…] Pues nada, hoy los responsables de First Showing, que ya nos hicieron el anuncio del remake de Ultimátum a la Tierra (1951), vienen con el nombre encargado de adaptar el clásico de la ciencia ficción al mundo moderno… Scott Derrickson, rumoreado unos días después, ha sido confirmado hoy para este nuevo proyecto de la todopoderosa 20th Century Fox. El film, que comenzará a rodarse tarde o temprano y hasta noviembre en Vancouver, tiene ya fecha de estreno… 9 de mayo de 2008. […]

Uruloki :: Blog » What if cinéfilo: los Weinstein planean dividir Grindhouse en USA, el trailer de Werewolf Women of the SS y otras suculencias de martes triste… on Apr 10, 2007

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[…] Day the Earth Stood Still Remake Director - Scott Derrickson (FirstShowing) Enlace Permanente | Enviar por email a un amigo Más anotaciones de: Noticias, Directores Otros blogs que comentan acerca de esta anotación […]

Extracine » El remake de “El día que paralizaron la Tierra” ya tiene director on Apr 11, 2007

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The remake of the perfect sci-fi movie is bound to be a disaster! The Day The Earth Stood Still was made when people still thought about life and had a concious. Hollywood is likely to try to make this bigger, which would be the wrong approach. The beauty of the original movie in a certain way, was from its genuineness, its humanity and simplicity in dealing with some very frieghtening issues of it's day. These issue are STILL with us today only now they are more troublesome because of the fact that fear IS what drives the lives of people today subconciously. People don't believe this though and people think they are smarter today than they REALLY are. That is scary.
It is not 1951 anymore. The remake is a bad idea.

Bud (Orlando) on Apr 13, 2007

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I think NOW is the TIME to remake this classic….with the RIGHT script, Actors and Special Effects…this could Be GREAT! With all the Death,destruction, poverty,starvation….war etc happening in 2007, the early part of the 21st century is turning out to be VERY Violent! The World NEEDS a Message of Peace! The remake of W.O.W. was really good….If they can make this remake in the same caliber….I already know Id be seeing it in the theatre, and buying the DVD.

Rex on May 16, 2007

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Fantastic news. Robert Wise's original was, and still is, a classic - with it's menacing undertones ("Will the robot, Gort, be unleashed to destroy everyone", "What would have happened if Michael Rennie had died? Would Gort have gone berserk?"). But there was always that slight note of optimism that, even though we are a warlike race, there is a hint of optimism for the future.
We need Gort now more than ever - set him loose to destroy all the world's weapons.

Terry Barrie on Jun 5, 2007

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I found a sequel online to this Classic Sci-Fi film which was written in 1981 by Ray Bradbury "The Evening of The Second Day." It was okay, but the studio passed. However, a remake is a wonderful idea if the story holds true and is reminiscent of the original in content, style and tone. Michael Rennie's "Klaatu" is benevolent, optimistic and means business. Who could deliver that kind of style today in that type of role? Keanu Reeves perhaps? The 1951 film delivered a serious message. A direct sequel may be stronger than a retelling, as though humanity didn't take Klaatu seriously and he's come back un-aged ala CG to check on our progress as we fight to prove ourselves before it's too late. There's something classic and original about his space suit…very other worldly even with those slim, pleated pants.

Then again, perhaps a retelling of the tale followed by a sequel would bring everyone along for the ride in a more contemporary setting. We loved the 1951 Klaatu because he was a handsome, actorly white guy who represented the stereotypical 1950's. But today, we might consider a plain old white guy too American. Perhaps as a shapeshifting alien who wants to appear to us in a way that would make us all comfortable with his message; appearing to each of us as every race, ethincity, etc. Gort's design and character was sleek and menacing and posed a real threat. Would we believe that image today? If Hollywood respects this property, it could be a cool story. But Hollywood today is often hit-or-miss. Too many effects; not enough story. It's either too many cooks in the kitchen or in George Lucas' case, for example, one guy who owns the sandbox who tells all his people how to play. Time for something new. I know Michael Rennie was an unknown at the time. I think I just geeked out…

Charlie Rose on Jun 28, 2007

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Your article mentions Scott Derrickson is directing the remake of The Day the Earth Stood
Still. How can I get in touch with this person or at least send a message. Thank You

George Gough

George Gough on Aug 8, 2007

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I agree with Charlie, and a lot of people here that a remake would be great IF the message is left in tact and Hollywood would see this as more than just product. I think that Keanu would make a awesome Klattu.

M.G.P. in Orlando Fl. on Aug 22, 2007

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I grew up with this movie and treasure it. Still, I think a remake for the modern audience is a great idea because of the film's message and the relevance it has to the current world situation. I hope the filmakers have the sense to retain the film's simple, yet critical theme, and not gunk it all up with extra characters and subplots, etc.

I must say that they're off to a poor start with Keanu Reeves as Klaatu. I do like him, but I don't think he has the depth or charm to pull it off. The one actor who could do it beautifully is Johnny Depp. Reconsider this casting!

Peggy Finch on Aug 31, 2007

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As much as I like the original, Michael Rennie was chosen because he was unknown and gave the role his own mystique and warmth. And what a cool alien friend he played to Billy Gray. However, since we're on the subject, the actor I think of as a modern similar persona is Ralph Fiennes. He even looks like Michael Rennie.

But I agree…the message is of utmost importance. About Keanu Reeves….um…sorry, but it's Hollywood and agents and money and politics and….well Keanu could pull it off. And so I agree with Shannon. Well said about "unexpected actors." And we can all watch the original on DVD anytime we want to see the Original, the Classic. Isn't Patricia Neil a hoot in the DVD extras? I just love her!

Puppetoon on Aug 31, 2007

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Also potentially good would be Gary Oldman as Klaatu. Beyond known actors, an unknown would have been good. Christopher Reeve was one of those too.

Guess it's too late now, huh? Almost forgot, Patricia Neil & Billy Gray should def. be in the film at least in cameos.

Has anyone seen the Ray Bradbury sequel script about Klaata, Klaatu's daughter returning to Earth?

Puppetoon on Aug 31, 2007

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Can you tell me where I could inquire about an "extra" job in the remake of "Day the Earth Stood Still"? (agency, studio etc.)
Thanks.
Billb.

Billb on Sep 1, 2007

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Off the cuff, I'd say there are Yahoo groups and various lists that inform people of "extra" work in movies/TV. I'm in Dallas and I used to receive those notices for shoots in Texas. Local agents can give you more specific info and of course there's always Google. Shouldn't be too difficult, but you gotta go where they shoot. Have fun.

Puppetoon on Sep 1, 2007

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This movie is one of the greatest hits of all times. It's elegant and well made. I think a good choice for Klatu would be Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith in Matrix). He did a great job in Matrix and Lord of the Rings. I just hope they don't screw this up. Hope Hollywood will "Handle this with care"!.

Frank D on Oct 23, 2007

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To Frank D: Great suggestion! He does have a certain 'cool' that would make a wonderful Klaatu. I'm visualizing the powers that be in "handling this with care" (well said) and being surprisingly satisfied with their update and film making.

Puppetoon (Charlie Rose) on Oct 23, 2007

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After hearing now that Keanu Reeves has been signed to play Klatuu, I find it difficult to be optimistic about the outcome. Someone else here suggested Christian Bale and I think that's a good plan, certainly better than Reeves who I don't think can pull off the seriousness of the Klatuu role and has too much negative baggage (as in he can't act). Picture this….Klatuu exits the ship, reaches into his inner pocket and withdraws a strange looking hand held device that he later says was to be a gift for our president. But as he withdraws the device from his pocket and begins to activate it, a trigger happy military type takes a shot. Klatuu's response is "Whooa"!

What Hollywood can't do today is write. WOTW is an example of that. The computer effects are advanced but the writing has taken a backward step. Mark my words….this will be another remake that shouldn't have been done.

Jim Henderson on Nov 14, 2007

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I would love to see this movie updated in color and wide screen HD. I hope the producers leave the sleek smooth 50's futuristic design of Gort, the spaceship and the clear plastic controls as was. They look so cool and futuristic even by today's standards. I fear they will make the spaceship all cluttered with protruding hoses, vents, hieroglyphics etc… like in the 4th of July movie and other recent sci-fi movies. And Gort was so smooth with the art deco styled visor hinges etc.. please do not mess it up!!! I pray they carry over the shinny silver 50's futuristic art deco theme. THE SOUND TRACK WILL HAVE TO BE OTHER WORLDLY!!! What a challenge for the film makers! Please take the time to do it justice.

Doug Gard on Dec 13, 2007

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[…] Day the Earth Stood Still Remake Director - Scott Derrickson […]

Easy news » emily rose on Jan 8, 2008

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Scott Derrickson,
If you read any of these comments. Please read this one. Please do not make some lousy remake of this classic. I don't care who plays who in the cast of characters. I don't care if you use small models or CG. Just don't make some cheesy, badly directed, badly produced, badly acted remake. I will conjer up the gods of Sci-Fi and they will send an army of Gorts after your A_ _.
I always thought I would like to see a remake of this film, if done correctly with all of the technology at Hollywood's fingertips. My only regret is that I'm not a director. If I was the producer with deep pockets, I'd make sure that I would have heavy weight talent in all of the apects of this classic. Great screenwriter or writers, special effects people, the right actors, the right director, set design, wardrobe, etc…..
Please make this a good remake. Make me believe that you were the right director for this. I will go see it regardless of the reviews. However, if it's screwed up. You have been warned!

Richard Alliston on Apr 16, 2008