Lionsgate, the studio behind such films as the Saw franchise (which is supposedly going to get two more sequels) have picked up U.S. distribution of Matthew Vaughn’s live action adaption of Mark Millar’s graphic novel “Kick-Ass”. Lionsgate plans on giving the film a wide release next year. From Variety:
“Kick-Ass” is based on a comic book by Mark Millar (“Wanted”) and John Romita Jr. about a comics-obsessed teenager who decides to become a real-life superhero, Kick-Ass, despite a decided lack of superpowers. Vaughn co-wrote the script with his “Stardust” writing partner Jane Goldman. (The scribes also have John Madden-helmed “The Debt” in post at Miramax.)
The cast for the film, which premiered its trailer at Comic-Con last month, includes Nicolas Cage, Aaron Johnson, Chloe Moretz and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. Aaron Johnson will play the title character in the film.
I haven’t read the series Kick-Ass was based on, but I have read Millar’s graphic novel that last year’s Wanted was based on. It was probably my favorite graphic novel I have read besides “Watchmen”. After I read “Wanted”, which was after I saw the screen version, I wondered why the movie wasn’t more like the book. It’s probably because you could never get away with the stuff in the comic, in a live action version. The book was great, very twisted and put the film version to shame. The director of Kick-Ass, Matthew Vaughn, is also responsible for one of my favorite gangster films, Layer Cake. He and Millar are also supposedly looking at “American Jesus.” What do you say? Are you as pumped for this as I am? I hope it delivers.
I have one eye on this, if only for Vaughn. I love Layer Cake and hope that he re-enters that genre down the road. Can't say as though the cast or plot does much for me in this one though.
The four scenes shown at comic con can be found on on Traileraddict.com
I watched them last week (and a few times since) and was blown away by the footage. Scene 4 when the 11 year old girl (Hit girl) starts kicking ass is incredible. The music they use for this scene give's the film a great sense of fun. Although make no mistake this will be controversial as not everybody will find the fun in an 11 year old girl killing people even though she's a super hero. I can't wait to see this film which should be in theaters in March of 2010. Honestly its the most excited I have been after seeing footage since The Dark Knight.
chuck
Thanks for referring me to that scene but I can't say as though I make heads or tails out of much of it. Kind of hard to listen to and see to some extent. Is your excitement based on the clips or have you read the comic books and looking forward to an adaptation? Vaughn's involvement would be the strongest draw for me towards this film so far, though I like controversy!
Clips only as I have no prior knowledge of the material. The clips are rough but I really enjoyed the footage.
chuck