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'MIB's' Barry Sonnenfeld Attached to DC Comics' 'Metal Men' Project

by Alex Billington
June 21, 2012
Source: Vulture

Ever since The Avengers destroyed the box office earlier this summer, Hollywood has been in a frenzy over comic book movies with ensemble groups. Word is that Warner Bros is back developing another Justice League script, there may be a Guardians of the Galaxy feature coming soon, but what else can we expect to see? Vulture is reporting that Men in Black series director Barry Sonnenfeld is apparently attached to DC Comics adaptation Metal Man, in development with producer Lauren Shuler Donner since 2007 but mostly stagnant until this year. I think we have a better idea of what to expect - more of a comedy ensemble.

The news doesn't provide too many details on the project, but does reveal that this is apparently the "secret comic-book movie" that Sonnenfeld has been linked to. The 1960's-based comic book movie was originally picked up for adaptation years ago, from veteran producer Lauren Shuler Donner (Constantine, X-Men, The Wolverine) with a script by Eric Champnella. We haven't heard much since, but Sonnenfeld has been mentioning it to press recently. "I'm talking to Warner Bros. about doing a franchise based on a comic that hasn't been around since the 60s. But it's too early to talk about it," he told ComicBookMovie back in May.

The story of the DC Comics' Metal Men focuses on a brilliant scientist, William Magnus, and his six highly advanced male/female robots who have powers associated with their respective metals - gold, iron, lead, tin, mercury and platinum. Instead of having to be programmed, the six Metal Men could think for themselves, which is both their genius and their biggest flaw. The heroes are a dysfunctional family, with the stories balancing sentimentality, humor and action. It all makes sense Sonnenfeld is in the mix, he balances humor and action quite well. I just hope it doesn't turn out like Fantastic Four. Stay tuned for any updates.

Filed under Comics, Development, Movie News

From around the web:

Ehsan Davodi

Uppercut DC >> Marvel
DAVIDPD

LOL. Sounds lame. Plus Sonnenfield has not had the Midas Touch in quite a awhile.
Manuel

If it's going to be like MIB, pass. The response of Warner/DC to the Marvel's Avengers movie it's pretty lousy. Marvel has a very solid background to keep pulling out movies about their super heores, DC has to start from scratch. Good luck with that.
- http://www.facebook.com/people/Clark-Kentt/100001546137221 Clark Kentt
  
  Sounds like something a MARVEL would say, lol. This hate between each other needs to really stop lol
  - Manuel
    
    @facebook-100001546137221:disqus Actually, I read DC comic books every month. Unfortunately I have not enough time to read Marvel too. @ehsandavodi:disqus I was commenting about movies. Marvel has the advantage of quality and quantity, DC has to pull off some impressive movies, instead we have Green Lantern big dissapointment, Batman ending, a non-DC Universe-view of Superman and a Barry Sonnenfeld project for Metal Men. In my opinion it's pretty lousy the response at Marvel Avengers. I love DC Comics, I wish the best for them an their movies.
    - Ehsan Davodi
      
      Totally agree with you , solid answer , but I talk about Comics and really believe in comic side DC win the show . Probably I sense DC have more darker tone and I love darker side of superheros. Your comment light me more about 2 of them. Cool dude
      - Manuel
        
        In the paper, DC rocks. Titles like Swamp Thing, Batman, American Vampire (all written by the genius mind of Scott Snyder), Green Lantern by Johns, and many other titles, like The Flash by Manapul/Buccellato. I crave for best DC movies, but I all see is Batman.
      - Ehsan Davodi
        
        Yeah , me to , but Superman , Constantine , Watchmen , V for Vendetta and even Red or History of Violence was Extraordinary for me dude , Anyway You Right , like you I'm Huge Fan of Batman either!
- Ehsan Davodi
  
  Manual your comment is about Comics or Movies ?? I didn't get it dude ? are you going tell me Avengers > Justice League ?
http://www.facebook.com/dale.s.morgan.7 Dale Scott Morgan

If it was following the 3rd xmen movie or wolverine it would be ok. DC has to go big or stay home what next tim burton doing the doom patrol?
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1665819392 Pedro Victor
  
  James Cameron doing The Blackest Night.
  - landshark
    
    Copolla directing Ambush Bug?
SDCC 2010

I remember the epic fail called Green Lantern. A fail at the Comic Con (thanks WB for treating the fans like 2nd class citizens) and a fail on all levels as a film. No thanks.
landshark

Actually, I'd like to see his treatment of Metal Men- his movies are fun, and family viewing. I'm over the whole "grim and gritty, violent, bloody deaths, and have some wholly gratuitous sex thrown in" a la X Men: First Class. I was there with my 10 year old daughter, and extremely embarrassed. Keep in mind, before the first Blade and X Men flicks, Marvel's movies stunk to high heaven. They're on a roll now, and I've enjoyed most everything since. I have not yet forgiven them butchering the FF, Daredevil, and Punisher films, although the first Ghost Rider was better than I expected. DC's first two Superman and first Batman films were good, and the Nolan Batman flicks have been well done. Their animated stuff has been great too, although tending to be closer to anime for sheer violence and adult content at times. But they haven't done minor characters well, and need to have all the elements there that were in Whedon and Singer's films: acting, a solid plot, good effects, and humor. I still can't handle comic films that take themselves too seriously, which is why the Avengers, Iron Man, Thor, Capt. America, and first couple of X Men and Spidey movies worked.