1

Damn! Forget Shazam, this is the one I wanted to see. Terrible news. Arrgh.

Devon Shaw on Jan 6, 2009

2

Actually I think it's ironic that you write about the book without even having read it, while presenting yourself as if you had read it.

Kevin on Jan 6, 2009

3

Either way, Alex, whether it's your first time reading it through, or your 10th, enjoy.

Sorry to hear that we'll have to wait longer for a movie version, but it's promising that Mr. Card is so involved and cares about doing it right.

Jedi on Jan 6, 2009

4

I am so relieved that Orson S. Card kicked that guy to the curb. Enders game is a classic. I would hate to see it done by directors of such poor vision. Id rather not see Enders game made a movie at all rather then made a summer blockbuster

MacInger on Jan 6, 2009

5

Let me know how the book is Alex…I'd like to give it a read too, but don't want to waste my time if it's not worth it.

peloquin on Jan 6, 2009

6

Alex. how can you mention Wolfgang Petersen's credits and NOT include the Neverending Story? really? how? shameful.

and #4, really, do you even know what you're talking about? Petersen is an amazing director. perhaps not the right one for this film, maybe, i wont judge that, but I feel you are insulting a director with a solid track record simply because you are in love with the book.

hmm. i ranted. sorry. it was necessary.

dave13 on Jan 6, 2009

7

Dave, I have to say I'm with MacInger on this one. Nothing against the director, it's just that you're right…I am in love with the book, and anything they put up on the screen is going to look wrong to me. I'd really prefer to have this one remain up to the imagination.

awordforthat on Jan 6, 2009

8

It wouldn't have made a great movie. The book is phenomenal, but there's hardly any way to translate it into a movie.

Korm on Jan 6, 2009

9

Fuck this movie. Read the comic. It's absolute genius.

Fuelbot on Jan 6, 2009

10

I don't like Orson Scott Card as a person but his writing is pretty damn good. Have fun with Enders (I'm surprised you formed such a radical opinion on the book before reading it, Alex).

Dave- When you list a director's credits, you tend to mention their more well known movies. I like that movie as much as the next one but if you have to mention Spielberg films you aren't going to say Empire of the Sun, you'd say Jaws/Schindler's/Raiders/ET/Ryan etc.

BahHumbug on Jan 7, 2009

11

#9 Fuck the comic. Read the book.
#10 So you can mention a b-flick like Poseidon and ommit Neverending Story ?

I often wonder why and who are the people that decide what book is not fitting for the big screen. They said the same thing about LoTR and we all know the results. I just think the big problem was that Hollywood sees every single Sci-FI as an excuse to make big CGI blockbusters and Enders Game definatelly does not fit into that category.

Also Alex, "considering most child actors aren't exactly smart enough to fit the character". What the hell is that supposed to mean ? There are tons of little smartass-looking child actors out there. Give them the lines and you have your Ender & co. Just look at Haley Joel Osment.

shige on Jan 7, 2009

12

#11 - Um, I have. And if you want to see the world of Ender realized in a completely stunning way I really recommend the comic. And I agree with Alex. Most child actors are not equipped enough to play characters this intelligent, but I know there's someone out there who can. Maybe Pixar can hire out their casting director.

Also, where is Haley Joel Osment now? Getting arrested for marijuana possession. Hm.

Fuelbot on Jan 7, 2009

13

It's disappointing how many excellent Sci-Fi books aren't being - can't be? - made. Rendezvous with Rama is another example of books that are being dropped by studios for one reason or another.

Ender's Game is one of THE classic SF books … hell, series … of all time. If done properly, as per Mr. Card's vision, this could be a truly compelling and entertaining movie. There are children actors out there that will have the chops necessary to bring Ender and his jeesh to life. Shige is correct in providing Haley Joel Osment as an example. Hell, take Dakota Fanning as an excellent example, as well. They're out there!! That's what Casting Directors are around for.

It's time we get away from ruining SF books by being made into horrible movies - Battlefield Earth, for example! - and do things right. If it means stepping back and waiting a few years to get the right team together, to ensure the adaptation is cohesive, or to wait for cinematic technology to catch up, then so be it.

Hilander on Jan 7, 2009

14

#13
Battlefield Earth? Seriously? You think it was the _movie_ that ruined the book?

Anyway… the problem, as #11 quite aptly put it, is that the studios are looking for blockbusters. Ender's Game could very well be made with few special effects other than the Combat Room, and these days I don't think you need expensive CGI to make it look real.

Luis M on Jan 7, 2009

15

From what I heard, they were trying to fit both Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow into one movie. While both books deal with the same events from different perspectives, I think that trying to do them both at once would have been difficult. The main characters of the two, Ender and Bean, have very different backstories, and while Ender's isn't all that complex, telling about Bean's life on the streets (of Brussels? I can't remember the city, it's been a while since I've read the books so I'm hazy on the details) is absolutely essential to understanding his character if he's going to take a leading role. They're both fantastic books, but I think trying to roll them into one is what killed the project. Personally, I think they should be two separate movies shot at once, and could even use a lot of the same Battle School footage, just edited differently based on who's supposed to be the main character.

The problem with finding child actors is that the characters are so YOUNG. Are you really going to show one seven year old (or thereabouts) beating another to death? That's what's going to be the tough sell, not brainy dialogue.

Lady Aerin on Jan 8, 2009

16

#14
Yes, Battlefield Earth is a fabulous book. No doubt about it … and Travolta shouldn't have gotten his crappy acting chops around it.

#15
Bean grew up on the streets in Rotterdam. Achilles was originally from Belgium. And, I agree it would be a very difficult task bring the required background of Bean into an Ender's Game movie. But, then again, Ender's Game didn't go into Bean's background … Bean was who he was in the book.

Hilander on Jan 9, 2009

17

I'm almost afraid if they make a movie out of this book. I can't count the number of times a fabulous sci-fi book was hosed up by hollywood. (Starship Troopers anyone?)

I read this book for the first time in the fifth grade, and I still read it about once a year. (I'm 29 now) Every time I read it, I always notice something different, or pick up a different character nuance. Orson Scott Card is a master! As much as I have enjoyed the sequals and other books written by him, this one IMHO is truly his masterwork.

If you haven't read it, WHY NOT? It'll set you back 7 dollars and a few hours of your time. I promise you won't regret it.

micah on Jan 10, 2009

18

I'm sad that you all think kids are too stupid to get Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow. I'm 9 and I love them and also have read the whole Piers Anthony Xanath Series.
Hollywood treats kids like breathing sets. All of you are calling us stupid. So I guess you are right it wouldn't work. Good thing there are "Dude Where's my Car" type movies for all you really smart teens and adults to act in.
If you love Ender then you should realize there are kids that could make this movie if Card found us first keeping the studio's out of it.

I kinda thought a wind tunnel would be cool for Battle Room but you have movement and use your body to fly but in Battle Room you don't get to do that.

Hunter Ryan on Jan 11, 2009

19

Given the difficulties with finding qualified 8 to 14 year-olds, I think this lends itself to being a high-quality animated film (Pixar?). And, with the central focus being battle school with many different perspectives in 3D space, it could be the first good 3D film that actually has a purpose for 3D.

All that said, it simply wouldn't be worth it if it wasn't the best quality animated film ever made. Also, the books (add Ender's Shadow) use the characters' inner voices to give the audience a perspective on their motivations and levels of intelligence. This isn't impossible to overcome, but certainly more difficult without live actors (good actors).

I might have to make it myself.

Jacob on Jan 12, 2009

20

I find it funny a lot of people out there that love the story of kid as a commander but can't accept that someone can could simply act the part in RL. I wasn't that dumb when I was little. Give the little ones some respect. They are going to be paying for your social security (or whats left of it) when you are older.

Matthew - Charlotte, NC on Jan 13, 2009

21

If Twilight can be made into a good movie so could Ender's Game. They both have the same problem in narrative vs movie content. But they still made it into a good movie. As far as kid actors there are plenty that could have done this. The movie would have done fine.

B on Jan 22, 2009

22

It has not been scrapped. If you e-mail OSC you will get a reply that tells you that they are going with another studio. In fact here is a copy of what was replyed to me form http://www.hatrack.com

Thank you for your letter. What you probably read in the paper was simply a misunderstanding by the interviewer. The Warner deal is over with, but we're working with Odd Lot now and OSC is polishing the screenplay. So it's not dead — in fact, it's very much alive — just with different people and a new agreement.

Thanks again for writing.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Bellamy
Assistant to OSC


So it looks like it was time to check facts before putting that headline up.

BD on Jan 28, 2009

23

Please never put Twilight and Ender's Game in the same sentence again. They are vastly different. One is a cheesy romance, the other is about killing a race of aliens by mistake, because one was following the direction of childhood brainwashing.

Philip on Feb 3, 2009

24

twilight the movie was terrible in comparison with the book. they completely revamped the main character. enter's game also has a lot more to lose by being made into a worse movie than almost any other book written by someone still alive. it is a sci-fi and those put into movies ended up being terrible in comparison to the originals.
unless i am mistaken the only good books made into good or better movies recently are lord of the rings and Niel gaimen things (and possible watchman, but i havent seen it yet)
even v is for vendetta lost a lot when they made into a movie. as a movie it was passable, as a graphic novel it was almost without peer

eric on Feb 6, 2009

25

Just to clear up a misconception brought up earlier, Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow storylines are not being combined in this screenplay. Card talks about trying to find people to make this movie in some length at the end of his audio book version of Ender's Game. Card wrote the initial screenplay and had to scrap his own screenplay a couple of times until he came to realize that he needed to use Ender's Shadow as a "perspective" for the Ender's Game screenplay. Not the story, just the perspective of Bean. It was the only way that he could show what was going on in Ender's head without having voice overs of Ender's thoughts.

Card is adamant that this movie be done right or not at all and I'm glad he's so insistent. I still hope that it can be done. If done right, it can be a super movie and be a blockbuster as well.

Jeff Carter on Feb 7, 2009

26

Card, because of his insane political views and inability to shut up about them for any reasonable period of time and behave like a professional, is detested in Hollywood. A lot of people do not want to work with him, under any circumstances, which is one of the reasons Warner Brothers pulled out of the movie.

Card has issues with Teh Gay, and thinks they all ought to be locked up before they destroy our society. No exageration, he's expressed that view publicly in more than one of his opinion peices. That really shouldn't matter, I mean the film industry is full of nuts (Tom Cruise and the Evil Psychiatrist Conspiracy for example) , but I know for a fact that he was unable to keep his trap shut about it during the Prop 8 madness and personally offended a heavy hitting Exec with a lesbian daughter.

As far as it being "a good thing" that he's involved in the screenplay, please get your hands on a copy of "A Star Wars Christmas". You'll then understand why Card has only one screenwriting credit, other than stuff he's done for his church.

Now, I don't mean to say the guy wasn't capable of writing great novels in the past, he was, but being a good novelist doesn't mean you can be a good screenwriter. Stephen King had his moments as a novelist, but did you see Maximum Overdrive?

The films of his novels got good once he stepped back and just approved good screenplays someone else wrote - Shawshank, Green Mile, are prime examples.

Marc Abian on Feb 8, 2009

27

Good im glad an author had the balls to say no, keeping hollywood from destroying the one of the most intricate and interesting tales of the depth of the human condition.

Jay Impressed on Feb 16, 2009

28

I love the Ender series even though i read enders shadow first so i kinda like bean more than ender…… but they are all good books, love the intricacy, the depth and the structural grittiness of what it would be like in their position.

The movie could be great or it could suck im hoping for great and seeing how good the comics are i think the movie has a fairly good chance of not ruining the awesomeness of the novels.

Warren on Feb 19, 2009

29

about peterson and the neverending story, even though i loved the movie…

"The novel's author, Michael Ende, felt that this adaptation's content deviated so far from his book that he requested they either halt production or change the name; when they did neither, he sued them and subsequently lost the case"

so yeah, i would prefer that peterson not be on the job for this. good call OSC

Neal on Feb 22, 2009

30

Most of these sci-fi properties are best done as straight up CGI.

I for one would go nuts if Pixar's Brad Bird did a CGI "The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress".

P on Feb 22, 2009

31

For all of you guys out there that claim that there are good child actors out there - there are, no question about it. But the entire premise of Battle School was that these kids were either chosen for their exceptionable mental ability, or were BRED for it. Where the hell are you going to find a child actor these days that can act like his IQ is somewhere about 200? Maybe someone, but I highly doubt it.

Andy on Feb 24, 2009

32

"Please never put Twilight and Ender's Game in the same sentence again. They are vastly different. One is a cheesy romance, the other is about killing a race of aliens by mistake, because one was following the direction of childhood brainwashing."

Here is why I will bring it up again. Both books take place from the main character point of view. Or with Ender's game mostly from his point of view. So in both books you get more of what they are thinking then action and description. And if as seen by your comment above hate both books so bad why do you care anyway?

Oh and just for you: Twilight and Ender's Game Twilight and Ender's Game Twilight and Ender's Game. Is that enough times in one sentence for you?

B on Feb 26, 2009

33

"the only good books made into good or better movies recently are lord of the rings"

Even though Lord of the Rings was a good movie, it was a bad adaptation. The biggest reason I can think of is that Aragon didn't do what he did to save the love of his life he did it to save everyone. In the book anyway. Its stuff like that, that made LOTR not as good as it could have been.

Ender's game will have its problems. But all movie book adaptation do.

And thanks BD for the info on the movie not really being scrapped. And your right just like the media, not to check there facts.

Jim on Feb 26, 2009

34

While a live action film would be awesome. i think the fact that child actors will relied on so heavy is going to be a big Hurdle to over come. i love this series I've read them all and listen to them on audio book.
my idea is simple Animate it and make it a series. I know i know Animation but the Japaneses have proven that animation can be tasteful and brilliant. more then it is to see it on the big screen i want to see cards Vision of the movie. i mean as a fan i know what happens and i know that no mater what happens all i'm going to do is say either, no it was crap or they did a good job … read the book though. i don't know. the movie could be awesome but because of my love for Ender's Game i don't want to see something half ass come out. thank goodness that card would die before he let that happen. i guess time will tell. lets see what happens

Fatespinner on Mar 2, 2009

35

i aggree with the above post, actually i think ender's game would make an awesome anime serie

hopper on Mar 5, 2009

36

Good news everyone. OSC has stated that the final screen play for the Ender's Game Movie is done and has been given to Odd Lot Entertainment for hopeful production…this might happen after all!!!
Read for yourselves at www.taleswapper.net/movies/endersgame_update.html

Melanie on Mar 12, 2009

37

All I know is, it can be done, and of all things ever, it deserves doing right. No pulling punches.

Star Wars had historical archetype this, metaphorical that.

Ender… we just need the right kid. Everyone in a potential audience has lived through childhood or is still living it, no further archetype necessary.

Self

It doesn't cut any closer to the bone than that.

The hard part for me is imagining how to do it filling enough time and not being cheesy.

On the screen the story could progress incredibly fast and loose a lot and be over in 20 minutes.

And good grief I hope they don't overdo the video game thing Ender plays… That should be a delicate touch and not some far out fantasy screen adventure, enough to understand the significance, no more !!! Less is more !!! omg I hope they are good artists…

Allen on Mar 13, 2009

38

I'm glad to see so many people have an opinion on the outcome of Ender's game being made or not made into a movie. The common thread among us seems to be we can all agree the book is great. From experience i know children also love this book and can relate to the psychological aspects of it more than any of us might know. In a world where Harry Potter movies have taken off showing the mass amounts of young quality actors out there, i would think this movie could be made, and made well at that. While the Potter series is what i would consider watered down compared to the Ender's Game book, there are stiking similarities. A young boy who does what no one else can? A school for the gifted? A game adored by those students that happens in mid-air? An enemy named as the worst kind of evil? Can we all agree? Ender's game simply takes this formula (or i should say that the Potter's stories took Card's formula) and puts them into deeper emotions, amplify the human condition. If more movies could be made to show how great and terrible we can be as a people, then i think that would benefit us all.

Speaker for the Dead on Mar 14, 2009

39

I'm sorry if i missed it but has cgi been consiederd for compensation for the lack of ability of a live child actor?

Derek on Mar 15, 2009

40

Personally, I feel that we have seen many briliant child actors out there. I am certain that OSC will be able to find one to fill the shoes of Ender Wiggins!

I think that he should also concider making it an animation, especially with seanes like the battle room and the actual time travel issues.

These days with films like Cars and other animations, it is possible to make the characters and background look almost realistic!

Something to think about…this way it doesn't matter how old the actors are…The old Milli Vanilli trick!

Can't wait to see what comes out of this! I wish he would also consider ontinuing on the Shadow (Bean) Saga. There is still much more that can be told there.

A devoted fan!

Melanie on Mar 15, 2009

41

Why is everyone so high and mighty on preserving the exactness of the story. Film is a different medium. We know some books simply do not translate well, so modifications are needed.

I totally agree that Card should do what he wants with his story — and not wanting his story massacred by Hollywood. It's hard to understand without knowing what things were proposed.

BUT as a big fan of the book and avid movie goer, i'm very disappointed this movie isn't being made. I think the problem is poor negotiations. Probably some egos got in the way as well. There is so much that can come out of fruitful collaboration.

Both Card and Peterson are amazingly talented individuals, and I know they could have worked something out. Perhaps it was an ego thing.. Perhaps it wasn't a conflict between them, but the executive producers that was pushing the different direction. We'll never know. We can only assume from what Card states, that the movie was going in the direction of a typical CG wet dream in the likes of that terrible I Robot film (what a joke). I'm sure Card would not want his movie to end up the same way.

I have high hopes that a movie can be made with the right modifications for film.

Maybe many of you might think I'm nuts, but I think David Lynch would make a great director. Think about it—there are some very surreal scenes in the movie as well as a high concentration on character development–both are his best strengths. He's not an action movie genre director, so there wouldn't be any conflict there with misdirection of the story. David is capable of keeping true to a story as he is in creating his own. At first I thought Michel Gondry might be suitable for a movie full of dream sequences, but really he's not capable of doing anything else!

Anyway, I digress.

Scott on Mar 19, 2009

42

wooooot
http://www.taleswapper.net/movies/endersgame/endersgame_update.html

woooooot wooot wooot

and to the guy who put enders game. and. twilight. in. the. same. sentence….

BLLLAAHHHGRRRRRRRAAAAAGGGGG


lol….

woot.

woot woot on Mar 26, 2009

43

#41 please read #22!

The movie IS going to happen. OSC has fininshed the Sreenplay and another producer is working on it.

Melanie on Mar 27, 2009

44

I'm glad that this movie is still going forward. It will be good.
And to the person that put Twilight and Ender's Game in the same sentence… At least I know how to read things and put them in to context unlike some of posters here. I get the point. Both take place mostly in the mind, and if it can be filmed so can this.

YES! on Mar 30, 2009

45

Just hoping the movie will be made. Turn adult rated violent graphic scenes into animations and hit me with the real story !

JoepieNL on Apr 3, 2009

46

I'd rather there was no movie at all than having another novel butchered by Hollywood.

Nick on Apr 7, 2009

47

-The only book ever read by myself, no wonder people prefer the actual book to screenplay interpretations!

I have just finished this novel for the third time since it was introduced to me as a high school homework assignment about three years ago. This book is timeless people. I am sooo glad the progress is continuing with production of the movie, yet at the same time I agree with 46. I have so many high hopes for this movie that I feel there is no way that it can give me the same feeling I recieved from the novel without making it exactly with the novel. Sure some parts can be left out but wow, I never ever ever ever read because it feels like such a tedious task. With this book though, I could not put it down.

Wishing all the best to the production of this enchanting book,

HUGE FAN #47

Gabriel on Apr 13, 2009

48

Haley Joel Osment would have been perfect for this role ten years ago.

CK in Dallas on Apr 16, 2009

49

thanks for updating the thread on the movie update… I'm totally stoked…

Scott on Apr 25, 2009

50

If the movie would end up being like twilight, then I agree, it should NOT be made. Twilight was a terrible movie. I've read the books, and they were OK. Just ok. The movie, however was one of the worst movies I've seen in a long, long time. If you want a real review of Twilight, what it seems every other place simply won't say because they feel it's the next Holy Grail in movie series… Feel free to read it here: http://www.kzink.com/blog/index.php/2009/04/twilight/

I think that maybe the ender's movies should be done, but as either an animated adventure (all CGI, maybe ala the clone wars but better) OR perhaps as a TV series allowing the actual characters to develop. This way, you would see the course of the years at battle school actually take years. This may be difficult, however due to the characters ages. If, however, the start of the series was managed from the adult point of view (with the very young actors) and then slowly began to move to the children points of views as the seasons progressed. Picture Battlestar Galacta-ish. This way, it could be set for 5 seasons (or whatever) and span the timeline nicely.

Kevin on Apr 27, 2009

51

Ender's Game was a great book, I have read it many times in the last 20+ years and have given it as a gift to many people including my 2 kids and in another few years, I will give copies to my grandkids. Pathwatch is another great story by Orson Scot Card.

I think it is about time to get the movie made, either animated or live. It will be either good or bad depending on who is seeing it; but getting the movie out there is better the not doing it at all. Plus if it can be done better in 5 or 10 years, it could be redone.

Joe on May 5, 2009

52

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! Im a massive fan of both the Enders Game and Shadow series and there is nothing I would like more than to see the film on the big screen! However, like with any adaptation there is always the danger that a story millions of readers fell in love with can be ruined when butchered by the near sighted inhabitants of hollywood. How refreshing to find an Author with principles and the respect his work deserves. Im a massive fan of O.S. Card and couldn't be gladder he didn't sell out his vision on something he wasn't fully comfortable with. I had faith from what he writes in his notes that he would always do what was right by the book and he duly delivered! Brilliant.

Stuart Stevens on May 5, 2009

53

i too am an avid fan of the series. I guess that is almost a must to be posting here I think that Ender's Game has so much to say that it would be a shame not to make this into a movie. We know that not everyone reads, so why not get this story and the lessons in it into another medium.

Personally I think that Card is being a little too critical with the script writes, what is this, the 4th, 5th, total re-write of the script? I think the deal feel through because he was delaying it too much.

I agree that this needs to remain very true to its characters etc, but why can't it also be a blockbuster? it lends itself to that very nicely and would attract more people to it.

To get this moving ahead I think OSC needs to stick with the script he has now, his own website he is very happy with it. Have some serious negotiations with Odd Lot Entertainment and accept that he may need to make some compromises.

I would love to see this avoid the animated route, as I have yet to see animation up to the level required for this movie. Yes Pixar is great, but the style is wrong for Ender's Game, IMO.

sixfoot10 on May 7, 2009

54

Okay, I know alot of people object to an animated version of the film, but as a huge fan of Anime I know that it is possible for adult themes to be translated with grace and style into animated movies. IF you don't believe me you need to watch these movies; Jin-Roh, Ghost in the Shell, Akira. I think that if Card wants this to get the trement it deserves he should get a japenese anime version of it. I think the end result would be phenomonal.

Benjamin on May 8, 2009

55

Whoever did the movie AI should do Ender's Game. It has the dame depth of emotion and character and lends strongly to the study and complexity of the human condition - which is the main focus of Ender's Game. I sincerely hope this movie comes into the making in the way that Card has envisioned it. It will be a powerful and amazing film.

Cats on May 9, 2009

56

The problem with going with Pixar is that I have never seen them do a movie adaptation of a novel, and I can't really see them doing Ender's Game and not turning it into a basic and extremely watered down Disney version. While OddLott does great films that could very well capture all of the grittiness of Ender's Game without losing the story's basic humanity. If I am not mistaken this is the company that produced 300, and Sin City both of which were adapted from graphic novels. So they have already seen some experience in doing quality adaptations. As far as finding child actors that are capable of convincing portrayals of the Battle School brats I see two main problems. One is the fact that the story spans at least ten years, with the main plot taking place within about a four year span, children can change drastically between the ages of six and eleven which is where the main plot is centered. With that said I can see ways to work around the age thing, and will probably just ignore the time line from the novel. The other problem with casting would be Bean, he was five when he went to Battle School and looked to be about two or three years old. I can definitely see Bean's character being difficult to cast convincingly.

ticonderouga on May 10, 2009

57

I agree that it should be a real film rather than animation, but I really don't see where there is going to be such a big problem finding the cast. There are many babyfaced kids out there that I am sure are very capable of handeling these rolls. Besides, has anyone noticed how mature the kids of today are!

Remember Michelle (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen) from Full House, they were smart kids. Also McKaully Cullkin from Home Alone, and the kids from Seventh Heaven!

Don't tell me it can't be done! Anything is possible. Like Card said, the right child for the part has already been born, we just have to find him.

Melanie on May 12, 2009

58

Both series were absolutely brilliant. I share the same concerns as many, casting child actors to fill a battle school of child prodigies. There have been some good examples, Haley and Dakota, but neither played a role as complex or intelligent as the children in battle school let alone Ender or Bean. Just to emphasize, Peter and Valentine were smart enough to comprehend and shape political tides throughout the world. Even the interactions between the students shows really no sign of there actually age and feels more like highly educated grad-student interactions.

That being said, I also have absolute trust in OSC. He has already shown compromising the essence of the story is utterly unacceptable and he is more than willing to pull the plug.BRAVO. So my concerns are kept in checked by Card's fierce determination to get it right…..Can't wait.


As to putting Ender and twilight in the same world….i threw up a little in my mouth…….

Chris on May 13, 2009

59

One has to also realize that in the day and are make-up does wonders fro making people look younger or older. As far as there inteligents go, well that is just a matter of being able to read the script properly.

Look at a Dawson's Creek! Now there was a group of kids that talked too much and had an extreamly wide vocabulary! They too were playing rolls younger than they actually were.

I feel that this will be a great movie, but it will take some time to make sure that it is all to the caliber of the books.

For now I can't wait to see if OSC will bring out anymore books. I think there is a lot more to be said about Bean!

Melanie on May 15, 2009

60

Better to cancel a crappy movie than to turn such a brilliant book as Ender's Game into a catastrophe.

firepants on May 19, 2009

61

It would probably be better as a low-budget movie anyway. They could concentrate on artistic integrity instead of going for mass appeal. It would probably be something the BBC could do well.

Richard Thomas on May 20, 2009

62

everyone book i've enjoyed that turned into a movie has let me down.

light on May 27, 2009

63

besides the lord of the rings series, can't wait for the Hobbit

light on May 27, 2009

64

I really wanted to see this, the book was awesome and it would be an awesome movie.

Landon on Jun 3, 2009

65

This would be an interesting movie to see. Just finished Xenocide about 10 minutes ago, that was pretty good. I'm glad that Card didn't want to release a crappy film of a great book.

On a side note, has anyone ever heard of Zero Punctuation? I just realized how weird it is that whenever I think of pequeninos, I think of the little imps that Yahtzee uses in his videos…

Glass on Jun 5, 2009

66

I was looking forward to a movie, but i really don't know how it would be able to compare tothe book. I absolutly love the book and read it all the time. When the movie is made, I will watch and purchase it as soon as I can but like I said, I don't think us Ender's Game fans will be completly satisfied with the way it will turn out.

Dynasty on Jun 11, 2009

67

Cheers Card! Don't let the bastards ruin your masterpiece!

Jett19 on Jun 11, 2009

68

Check around the interwebs some time. The movie is still a go, he's still drafting the script and looking for a company to finance him, while looking at a means of independently financing the movie. its all good.

No Worries on Jun 12, 2009

69

A lot of people have talked about it, with arguments on both sides, but I feel that the biggest roadblock for this movies would be casting. I know, I know, people have said there are a lot of talented, intelligent child actors, and there might be some who would be up to the task. But this is a school full of genius kids. Would there be enough kids who could pull it off? And another thing, the book spans five years, Ender starting as a six year old, and ending it as an eleven year old. So, there is probably the technology to be able to pull off all the special effects needed for the story, but then you need to find a kid who can look like a six year old, but manage to grow, physically and characterwise throughout the film. This doesn't just go for Ender, because the rest of the kids in Battle School are under 14. So, if we pray for a miracle, and you find the right director, producers, and all that jazz, but also the right actors, which is gonna be a thoughie, I believe it could be a great movie. Call me a cynic, but there ya go.

Fly Girl on Jun 16, 2009

70

I am still looking forward to the movie, and was dismayed to no longer find it listed on IMDB.com. Given the casting challenges, what would be wrong with doing the movie as a CGI animation? Given the technical capabilities that have been developed for characters like Gollum, it should be possible to produce child characters with the depth and breadth of emotion and expression required by the book.
Perhaps Peter Jackson should be approached to direct?

Clayton on Jun 16, 2009

71

Who can say what the movie will be, until its made. I thing that there are several reasons this would be hard, and many points in which to discuss. #1: (Movie VS Book)- I think many would agree that movie adaptation do not compare to original books. But movies are something in itself. If you go in expecting the deep thought and complex emotions of enders game, you will be dissapointed no matter how well they do it. If your going to see a movie, expect a movie. #2: (Actor Capabilities) These kids are YOUNG. But acting is not what is said, thats the scripts job. Acting is how well what is said, is presented through the actor, and thoughts and feelings are expressed through body language and inflections. Find an actor that can act, and the script will take care of itself. #3: (CGI Capabilities)- The advantages of CGI are vast and would illiminate many problems such as time passing and character growth and appearance change. But it does lack believeability and Realism in alot of aspects. CGI needs to have the right artist behing the controls, just as live action needs the right actor on the screen. #4: (CGI VS Live Action) Many will agree that a live action movie is almost always the desired choice. But surely those same people can agree that CGI has improved to exceptable standards and abilities. Find the right actors, and live action will dominate this movie. But many can see that child acting does, sometimes, have its limits (Harry Potter 1). The acting was fine, but the kid who is not a kid, is a difficult concept for even the most talented child actor to pull off. CGI can compensate where actors cannot, inoccence is harder to cover up in real life more that CGI. Like I said earlier, find the right actors and it should be done, but running the risk of butchering it is so high, maybe CGI should be written out of the possibilities. One thing i know for sure, a movie is a movie and a book is a book. If you don't like a book. Can you blame the author for not making it like a movie? In the same way we cannot expect to go to a movie and get a book. You simply cannot portray all the subleties in a movie that you can in a book, and you cannot portray all the action and giant explosion adrenaline feelings in a book as much as you can in a movie. Judge a movie by itself, and rate the adaption seperately. Just cause a movie did not hold fast to the book does not mean it was a bad movie, just a bad adaptation…. and that is my two cents (P.s. please excuse my lack or paragraphes and proper grammar, i typed this on my phone on the mobile web and it doesnt let me do alot) ………………………. ………………………. ………………………. ………………………. ………………………. ……………………….

JUSTIN on Jun 17, 2009

72

Ender's game the book rocks, and i appreciate orson only wanting to make it if it's done right. I've read the book about 8 times, and have recommended it to many of my friends. I was really looking forward to seeing the movie, hopefully we might see something in the future. To those who read the comic and have not read the book, read that book, it is the best sci-fi novel i have ever read.

Chaz on Jun 23, 2009

73

Just do it as an older Peter in flashback.

Adam on Jun 28, 2009

74

What the fuck that would have made a good movie I been waiting for them to make a movie of Enders game for years way r they not going to make it

James on Jul 2, 2009

75

Ok,So I LOVE this book,and it will be an absolute shame if it isnt made into some form of visual entertainment before I die.So,If real life action and CGI dont cut it for you,Mr.Orson Scott Card,then how about anime or some type of animation? Obviously,we're not going to find alot of 5 to 6 year olds who can play the parts of these grown up children.But I know you can find quite a few,if not alot,who can speak with the exact venacular of the BattleSchool kids.I would be so dissappointed if I never got to see an Ender movie or something.PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE MR. CARD,THE FANS OF THIS BOOK DEMAND IT!!!!!!!!

Nick on Jul 4, 2009