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McG Helming Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Remake

by Alex Billington
January 6, 2009

From futuristic wastelands to the depths of the oceans. McG has signed on to direct 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Captain Nemo, a remake of the classic 1954 live-action Disney film of the same name. The original story, written by Jules Verne, was first published in 1870, but most people remember the Kirk Douglas version famous for its giant squid scene. This screenplay for this remake was written by Bill Marsilii, of only Deja Vu previously. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Captain Nemo is an origin story focusing on Nemo as he creates his warship, the Nautilus. Disney wants to get this made this year.

Obviously McG has his schedule figured out for the next few years. He's currently finishing Terminator Salvation and will move right into 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, most likely to be released in the summer of 2010. Following that he'll jump right back on to the next Terminator sequel, which was confirmed in December. I know this is another remake, but I get the feeling that McG could pull off a BioShock-like dark, intense, and exciting version of this story. To put it plainly, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is the kind of movie that could use a good modern remake and McG seems like the right guy for it. Thoughts?

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http://movies.iconocritic.com/ peloquin

I'll wait till Terminator to reserve my judgement towards McG...he's yet to impress me and a two minute trailer doesn't cut it just yet. Plus with Disney producing I seriously doubt that it will be Bio-shock like or dark and intense. Take it out of the hands of Disney and it might have a chance, but who knows they might be able to pull off a dark tone like in Pirates yet keep it PG. (For some reason James Cameron came to mind as perfect for this after all his underwater work, but he's probably sick of oceans by now)
Christopher M

20,000 Leagues was one of the first live-action Disney films I ever saw growing up...while they had many classics such as Marry Poppins and Swiss Family Robinson which really shouldn't be touched...20,000 Leagues is one that could use an update like Alex was suggesting...I think they had Gore V. on this before he went and signed on for Bio-Shock...if that's the case McG is a perfect replacement, the original was a visually masterpiece which I think he can do justice...As long as they keep the story faithful to the novel and first film it will be great...
seoulman

WHEN WILL IT END????!!!!!!! When are we going to start getting some original material? I am the only one out there who refuses to watch any of these "re-boots, re-makes, and re-imaginings"? I don't blame the execs green-lighting these projects. I blame the artists. It's easier and more lucrative to be a glorifed editor than an innovator. C'mon, anyone of us could write the script for this movie, seriously. So come on people. Let's start demanding more from our artists and entertainers.
werdnafaz

cooooooooool
avi

let mvg first astound me with terminator and than we talk again! I haven't got allot of confidence in mvg,so we wait!
avi

Oops! i meant::McG! Stupid me!
djw

i gotta agree with number 3
http://Firstshowing.net Bigfoot's got an itch!

I actually don't mind certain remakes such as this one, or Clash of the Titans. It's the stupid remakes like Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon and having Samuel L. Jackson playing Shonuff that kills me. If the Story is big enough like King Kong (I thought that was a great remake) then I'll stay interested. I'm not really sure if we need any more Terminators, I'm really surprised they agreed to make three more. That was more of a 90's cool idea.
Tim "Cloverfield"

Origin story or remake???......There are conflicting statements in the 2 above paragraphs.
cornholio_by_the_sea

remake tho it be, I think this one will be fun...the original was a classic and an update using todays technology would be a welcome releif to the endless flow of crap issuing forth from Hollywood today...I sincerely hope this project gets the support iot deserves.....
D-9

Agree Corn, but careful when you use the word "classic". I am in firm aggreament with you. Support is key, and since Disney owns the rights, please let them not screw this up.
Daniel

I think Kirk Douglas will come back to make a special appearance to play Old Billy in this disney remake, I hope McG will cast him. I also cast Paul Walker to play Captain Nemo and he can make a hero playing him. And Kevin Costner can play Ned Lad and he hasn't star in the disney movies for awhile.
Dennis

Will Smith not be Nemo. Against Vernian ethics.
http://www.marlethouse.com/nautilus.html EJ

Marlet House Productions released a sequel to Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, last year at http://www.marlethouse.com/nautilus.html Hear this company is looking for studio to purchase movie rights.