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Warner Bros. and Francis Lawrence Find Marco Polo Fantasy

by Ethan Anderton
March 4, 2010

Sometimes it seems like the ideas being pumped out of Hollywood are being decided by a random game of chance, or maybe even some studios blindly grabbing for something, like in a game of Marco Polo. But in this case, Variety reports that Warner Bros and director Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend) are developing a film actually focusing on the 13th century journey of trader and explorer Marco Polo. But rather than being a biopic, the Adam Cooper and Bill Collage scripted story will re-imagine history and take the form of a fantasy adventure. However, no story details are available as the logline is being kept under tight wraps.

Marco Polo was a merchant from the Venetian Republic who wrote Il Milione, which introduced Europeans to Central Asia and China. He learned about trading whilst his father and uncle, Niccolò & Maffeo, traveled through Asia. He later met Kublai Khan, who asked him to serve as an ambassador, leading to his extensive travels in Asia on behalf of Khan. This is just one of many recent re-imaginings of real events and people in history (others include Moby Dick and the story of Moses, both of which were written by Cooper & Collage, so it sounds like they've found their niche). These types of flicks are right up my alley if they're done right, simply because I love the idea of fictional applications to real history. Anyone think this could be fun?

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http://iconocritic.com peloquin

An actual story adapted into fantasy work of fiction to sell more copies huh? Sounds like how the Bible began...
monal

Marco Polo's journey is fascinating and open to a lot of interpretation due to some of thie historical accounts being disputed. They don't need to bring fantasy elements into like the POTC series to make it good .....
http://www.mattgaser.com matt gaser

I'd work on the project:) If given the chance, doh! Matt
beavis

i like their plans for this film. i think it could be GREAT fun.
Sharlto

Yea it could be fun if they take it seriously. I've always wanted to see a good movie about him but leave the fantasy out of it
http://wliw.org/marcopolo Francis O'Donnell

Hello , My name is Francis O'Donnell - writer , producer & director of the PBS - Emmy nominated documentary film called " In the footsteps of Marco Polo " Which chronicled my two year 25,000 mile overland journey in which my colleague and I retraced the entire Silkroad route of Marco Polo , without flying - the first and only Expedition in history to do so ! We have also written a companion book to the film ( of the same name ) but my reason for writing this comment is I would like to offer my knowledge and unique insite to the subject matter . I know I have a lot to offer ! An understanding and point of view you can get NO where else ! So if by chance you know or can contact Francis Lawrence , Adam Cooper or Bill Collage or anyone at Warner Bro's that might be involved in the project , Please pass on my eagerness to consult on the content ! In closing - There has not been a good Marco Polo film done as of yet ! Gary Cooper's 1938 effort - being the most famous is quite weak at best , a 1962 ? film and all other versions , T.V. mini series etc... have been worse yet ! WHY ? THERE IS NO QUESTION it's a great story on so many levels chock full of Magic , mystery , and Adventure , exotic people , human emotion , Bigger than life characters , beautiful places & historic locations and love themes - that if done right - should be a big winner with at least one sequel in the offing . wliw.org/marcopolo