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Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary Leave Fincher's Black Hole Behind

by Alex Billington
October 22, 2008
Source: MTV

Last year acclaimed writers Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary (the duo who wrote Beowulf) announced that they were hard at work adapting Charles Burns' graphic novel Black Hole. In February, it was announced that David Fincher was attached to direct, turning this project into something truly incredible. But as time has gone on, and Fincher has stayed behind close doors to work on Benjamin Button, no updates on the adaptation have arrived. However, MTV finally talked with Gaiman recently and learned that unfortunately both Avary and Gaiman have left the project, citing Fincher's request for numerous rewrites.

Let's review what Black Hole is all about before we get into the juicy details. Black Hole is a black-and-white comic series that was first published in 1995. Set in the suburbs of Seattle during the mid-1970s, the story follows a group of middle class teenagers who contract a mysterious STD known as "the teen plague", which causes them to develop bizarre physical mutations, turning them into social outcasts. Several teens find seclusion at "The Pit", an encampment in the woods. The author previously said that the mutations can be interpreted as metaphors for adolescence, sexual awakening and the transition into adulthood.

Gaiman explains: "Once they got David Fincher on -- David explained [that] his process consisted of having over ten drafts, done over and over, and Roger and I were sort of asked... if we were interested in doing that. And we definitely weren't." So in turn they "stood aside" and gave Fincher their latest draft, but that's it. I don't know who Paramount or Fincher have chosen to continue working on the script, but I hope whoever it is doesn't butcher what was potentially going to be a great adaptation. "We'll wait and see what happens. I just hope whatever happens, it's faithful to Black Hole." Me too, Mr. Gaiman, me too.

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Luis M

Um, they didn't _write_ Beowulf, they wrote the adaptation. Unless they traveled back in time to ancient Europe or something. Other than that... Gaiman is an excellent writer, and I don't see why Fincher felt that he had to mess with Gaiman and Avery's script.
Joshua m

Gaiman and Avery butchered Beowulf and they probably would've butchered this. I'm glad they're gone. Fincher can do better without them.
Peloquin

Don't say that to Guy Ritchie...Beowulf was his favorite film when asked by Alex.
Lefthanded

Beowulf was one of the worst movies ever!
Lars

Fincher probably won't make it anyway. He flirts with a lot of things that don't get made.
joe

i think movies should be new a adaptation is just taking a good book and cuting everything good out of it
trent

Neil Gaiman is a self aggrandizing Scientologist, and Scientologists create an enormous amount of misery in the world, so it really isn't cute or funny. Scientologists are either in good standing or disconnected from their family members so Gaiman is clearly in good standing as is Amanda Palmer. Why does Gaiman support this dangerous cult? I suspect in order to gain monetary and career benefit. Scientologists call outsiders WOGS and it is okay for them to lie to us, in this case about their status so they can continue to take our money and fund a dangerous cult that destroys lives. The money trail to Gaiman is a fact and Gaiman also sent his children to Scientology schools. The Gaiman Family USA are Patrons with Honors of Scientology, meaning they’ve donated at least $100,000.00. The Gaiman Family USA is Neil Gaiman because both of his sisters are married and go by their married names, Claire Edwards and Lizzie Calcione. ( These two sisters are bigwig Scienos, being the respective heads of recruiting in LA and the Wealden Center in East Grinstead). In 2006, the same year Neil Gaiman donated $100,00.00, his father David Gaiman (now deceased, donated almost 400,000 pounds or $750,000.00. Gaiman's entire family are high ranking Scientologists and Neil Gaiman is a member in VERY good standing. They also donate through G & G Foods, their family company. Go to http://www.truthaboutscientology.com/ to see the big picture. 2003: THE GAIMAN FAMILY USA Impact magazine #105 Patrons ($100,000.00) You will find them listed in CAPS because they are Patrons with Honors ($100,000.00) 2004: Impact #109 G & G Foods Patrons ($40,000.00) 2004: THE GAIMAN FAMILY USA Impact Magazine #109 Founding Patrons ($100,000.00)[circa September 2004 ]:Founding Patrons are those who became Patrons by the IAS 20th Anniversary (October/November 2004). The following list appears in Impact 114 [ circa September 2006 ]: 2006: Impact #114 G & G Food Supplies Patrons ($40,000.00) 2006: THE GAIMAN FAMILY USA Impact magazine #114 Patrons ($100,000.00) You will find them listed in CAPS because they are Patrons with Honors ($100,000.00) 2006: Impact magazine #114 DAVID & SHEILA GAIMAN UK Silver Meritorious ($750,000.00) allegiance