In today’s media landscape, it’s not uncommon for film and television productions to be based on existing intellectual property (IP). Whether it involves transforming Disney’s animated classics into live-action renditions, adapting novels, or interpreting popular video games into a visual narrative, it’s a practice embraced by many creators. However, some creators still prefer to generate unique content, whereas others enjoy breathing new life into old stories. During the Directors on Directing panel at San Diego Comic-Con, Steve Weintraub, Editor-in-Chief of FilmSweep, held a conversation with directors Justin Simien, Gareth Edwards, and Louis Leterrier regarding which IP they would consider adapting.
The director of the forthcoming Haunted Mansion, Justin Simien, was first to respond, expressing his desire to remake The Wiz, a version of The Wizard of Oz. Simien fondly recalled that The Wiz was the first movie he ever saw and commented humorously, “when I saw The Wizard of Oz, I couldn’t understand why there was a white version of The Wiz.” He added that his perception of film was shaped by The Wiz and its portrayal of a “Black-centric universe.” However, a remake of The Wiz isn’t planned for the immediate future due to the upcoming Wicked movie. Yet, Simien isn’t ruling out the possibility, suggesting, “Maybe once Wicked has run its course, and I’m a couple of decades older, then maybe. We’ll see.”
Gareth Edwards, the director of the upcoming film The Creator, was somewhat more enigmatic in his response. He confessed to having an IP in mind, explaining that he has been in touch with the owners of the IP and was eager to get involved. However, he’s keeping it a secret for now, remarking, “If I voice it, it may not happen, so I’m keeping mum.” Audiences will have to patiently wait to find out what Edwards has in store. Simien humorously suggested it might be The Wiz.
Image via Epic Games
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Louis Leterrier Keen on Exploring Video Game Adaptations
Louis Leterrier, the director of the recent Fast X, revealed his ambition to adapt a well-known video game. Unlike Edwards, he openly shared his wish, stating, “I’m certain it won’t materialize, but I’ll still voice it. I’d absolutely love to create a Fortnite movie.” Simien reacted with enthusiasm to this idea, describing Leterrier’s potential adaptation as “amazing.” Leterrier explained that Fortnite attracted him because “the game is phenomenal, but I believe there’s so much more to be told about the characters.” He wouldn’t be the first to venture into video game adaptations. There are currently several game-to-screen adaptations in progress, including Five Nights at Freddy’s, Minecraft, Gran Turismo, and God of War.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Directors Discussing IP Adaptation
Who were the directors that spoke on the Directors on Directing panel at San Diego Comic-Con about adapting IP?
The directors that spoke on the Directors on Directing panel at San Diego Comic-Con about adapting IP were Justin Simien, Gareth Edwards, and Louis Leterrier.
What IP would Justin Simien, director of the upcoming Haunted Mansion, like to adapt?
Justin Simien expressed his interest in remaking The Wiz, a film that had a significant impact on him as it was the first movie he ever watched.
What did Gareth Edwards, the director of The Creator, reveal about his choice of IP?
Gareth Edwards suggested that he has an IP in mind for adaptation. However, he decided to keep it a secret, believing that voicing it might jeopardize its realization.
What IP did Louis Leterrier, director of Fast X, express interest in adapting?
Louis Leterrier expressed his wish to adapt the popular video game, Fortnite, into a movie.
What is the potential obstacle to Justin Simien’s idea of remaking The Wiz?
The upcoming movie, Wicked, stands as a potential obstacle to Justin Simien’s idea of remaking The Wiz. He suggests that he might consider the project once Wicked has completed its run and he’s a bit older.
Why is Louis Leterrier interested in adapting Fortnite into a movie?
Louis Leterrier is attracted to the idea of adapting Fortnite because he believes that while the game itself is phenomenal, there’s a lot more to be told about its characters.
More about Directors Discussing IP Adaptation
- San Diego Comic-Con
- Justin Simien
- Gareth Edwards
- Louis Leterrier
- The Wiz
- Fortnite
- Haunted Mansion
- The Creator (upcoming film)
- Fast X (Leterrier’s recent film)
- Wicked (upcoming film)
7 comments
Didn’t know Simien was such a fan of The Wiz, but it totally makes sense! I mean, its the first movie he ever saw, lol. that would be a cool remake for sure.
Justin doing The Wiz?? that’s gotta happen people! But first let’s get through Wicked, lol.
Woah, Edwards is so cryptic! What IP is he talking about??? My guess is something sci-fi… maybe star trek or somethin’?
Fortnite movie, Leterrier? Really? That’d be so weird… but kinda cool, I guess. Interesting to see what he’d do with the characters.
All these guys talking bout adapting IPs… what happened to original ideas in Hollywood?
Edwards, Simien, and Leterrier in one panel – now that’s what I call a power lineup! Wonder what other IPs theyd be interested in…
Edwards got me on the edge of my seat, man. What’s the IP? Can’t wait to find out!