Punisher:War Zone

[darthZartan]

Looking forward to this very much. I just got the teaser poster last night. Its glossy! I am a huge punisher fan going back to the limited series by Zeck. No other character has fans as rabid as he has and no other character has as extreme non-fans. Seems like you either like him a lot or hate him with your whole soul.

http://www.micurio.com/collection/editCollection?cid=484
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg280/punisher1020/3639new_storyimage1209638_full.jpg

[RolandofGilead]

Big fan since I was in High School. The movies haven't done him justice so far, but I love the character so much I still watch them. The only fear I have is that Thomas Jane, who became a big fan himself, dropped out because he didn't like the direction the new movie was going. That's not a good sign.

[darthZartan]

Agreed. Jane is missed. But who knows, maybe this can be good. I'll see it no matter what at least twice in the theaters.

[Gung.Heaux]

The only fear I have is that Thomas Jane, who became a big fan himself, dropped out because he didn't like the direction the new movie was going. That's not a good sign.

why is that not a good sign? thomas jane's opinion scares you?
have some faith. it may surprise us all.

[RolandofGilead]

"Scare" isn't really the right word, how about "worried?" It's because Jane came to really understand the character and remained a fan long after filming was over. He even wrote a few of the Marvel Comics. If he left because he felt the movie wasn't worthy of the Punisher, then there's a good chance he's right.

Of course, you are correct in that he could be wrong. It could have been personal bias and the movie will be great. I'm watching it either way.

[Rocky]

"Scare" isn't really the right word, how about "worried?" It's because Jane came to really understand the character and remained a fan long after filming was over. He even wrote a few of the Marvel Comics. If he left because he felt the movie wasn't worthy of the Punisher, then there's a good chance he's right.

Of course, you are correct in that he could be wrong. It could have been personal bias and the movie will be great. I'm watching it either way.

I think your first assessment of Jane's reluctance to reprise the role is spot on. Should that be the only criteria to NOT see this film, NO. But when an actor has issues with a character they have brought to life (Jodie Foster in Hannibal comes to mind) there is always a reason to wonder why? So much of the film depends on the actor and they casted an unknown that has been acting for like 15 years. To boot there is no A-list talent to this. How do you all think it will fare at the box office? I think it will it make its 30million budget back, of course depending on what it opens against. But assuming it has no competition it should break even.

[Gung.Heaux]

"Scare" isn't really the right word, how about "worried?" It's because Jane came to really understand the character and remained a fan long after filming was over. He even wrote a few of the Marvel Comics. If he left because he felt the movie wasn't worthy of the Punisher, then there's a good chance he's right.

Of course, you are correct in that he could be wrong. It could have been personal bias and the movie will be great. I'm watching it either way.

im glad youve made up your mind to make up your mind once youve seen it.............i REALLY wish some of the joe fans on this site would subscribe to that about the Joe movie.

but, being a fan, no matter how big a fan, doesnt make thomas jane the foremost authority on whats good and whats not.
i love batman as a character, but i hated every batman movie so far, save for returns...which i found okay at best.

[Blake]

By all accounts, it's Jane's vision that was the problem. I loved his protrayal of Frank, but he wanted to turn him into, in his words, Travis Bickel. Which is not exactly what Frank is about. Also the script that he wanted to do with the director of the first movie was pretty horrible sounding (the final battle taking place inside a Wal-Mart???)

Based on all the interviews from people involved with the movie, the word "MAX" (as in the comic) gets brought up everytime. So I think that can be a very good thing.

Also, to date, Jane has not written any of the Punisher comics (or Marvel comics for that matter).

[karamazov80]

I'm kind of feeling the way that Roland does on this one. I read the Aintitcool article a few months back where Jane explained himself, and after reading it, I also felt a bit worried. Jane came off as a serious fan, and someone who left for right reasons:

Just found it:
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/32673

Of course, you guys are right in that his opinion may diverge from any of our own, BUT he sounds to me like a fairly like-minded person (look at the movies he lists!), and most importantly, someone with a sincere appreciation for the character who left the movie because the studio wasn't treating the character the right way.

Having said that, Iron Man and the early word on Hulk makes me want to give Marvel the benefit of the doubt. . .but then again, this one will be co-produced by Lionsgate. . .

--edit: I like the idea of Punisher as Travis Bickel. Though Frank Castle may be a tad more of a sadistic fuck, they are both way, way off the deep end, in a good way :) .--

[Rocky]

I'm kind of feeling the way that Roland does on this one. I read the Aintitcool article a few months back where Jane explained himself, and after reading it, I also felt a bit worried. Jane came off as a serious fan, and someone who left for right reasons:

Just found it:
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/32673

Of course, you guys are right in that his opinion may diverge from any of our own, BUT he sounds to me like a fairly like-minded person (look at the movies he lists!), and most importantly, someone with a sincere appreciation for the character who left the movie because the studio wasn't treating the character the right way.

Having said that, Iron Man and the early word on Hulk makes me want to give Marvel the benefit of the doubt. . .but then again, this one will be co-produced by Lionsgate. . .

--edit: I like the idea of Punisher as Travis Bickel. Though Frank Castle may be a tad more of a sadistic fuck, they are both way, way off the deep end, in a good way :) .--

I agree 100% with everything you said. I base every film on my eyes and my eyes only but it says something when the main actor jumps ship.

[RolandofGilead]

...Also, to date, Jane has not written any of the Punisher comics (or Marvel comics for that matter).

I stand corrected. In a few interviews I thought Jane had said he was writing some Punisher comics. I could have misheard, or he could have been premature.

[Blake]

He's written comics for Image (I think his own creation or collaboration), but nothing for Marvel. I think he spoke about writing a special or one-shot at one point, probably when the movie hoopla was going on. But nothing ever came of it. Too bad, cause I would like to have seen what he came up with.

[Snake Eyes-Joe Ninja]

I was under the impression he left primarily because they wouldn't start filming, and after he left, they cast someone else and started to film.

[cornbot]

i collect movie posters. do you have an extra one

[darthZartan]

It was a "mutual" split between jane and lions gate. The film had a green light as far back as march 2006 (perhaps before then). Jane wanted a specific portrayal (which only about half the "fans" liked) and L.G. wanted to go.....not with his portrayal. Its a little convoluted.

[darthZartan]

Punisher war zone teaser trailer is here!

http://movies.ign.com/dor/objects/382367/punisher-war-zone/videos/punisher2_trailer_061008.html

Cant wait.

[onefastbird95]

Looks kinda poor. Maybe it will be better than it looks... but if it is the same script that Thomas Jane turned down than don't expect much. Plus the colors are horrible.. reminds me of when they made the crow 2. Fingers Crossed.

[sgtapon]

i'll base my opinion after i actually see the movie.

[Blowtorch]

Four new Punisher War Zone Posters check em out

http://www.marvel.com/news/moviestories.4079

[nightforceoutback11]

this movie could only be an improvement. the first 2 blew!!!!!!!!

[delta]

I liked the First one from 89'. It was pretty good. Thomas Jane looked o.k.. It was John Travolta that stunk up the place in the last one. Optomistic about this new one though.

[delta]

he wanted to turn him into, in his words, Travis Bickel.

Thats cool. Taxi Driver is the best Punisher film so far :)
One of these days they are gonna get organazized http://youtube.com/watch?v=CJE2GpF9Ohc&feature=related

[darthZartan]

New punisher trailer is here. Good looks at jigsaw.
Punisher War Zone Exclusive Premiere Trailer - SPIKE (http://www.spike.com/presents/punisher)

[RolandofGilead]

Pretty damned cool

[Blowtorch]

I'm so going to see this movie and I will own it on DVD. On a side note I bought my 3rd Punisher T-shrit today too.

[darthZartan]

Heres a article about the punisher panel at comic con. Has a few very light spoilers (kill descriptions).
SDCC: Punisher: War Zone Panel & Footage Online - Superhero Hype! (http://www.superherohype.com/news/punishernews.php?id=7535)

[sharke]

me likes!

[TheLongestDay]

that con footage is SICK!!!

[onefastbird95]

As I see more, I realize this will just be another bellow par comic book movie... and the punisher was one of my favorites. What a shame.

[Griff]

Heres my question....WHERES THE SKULL ON HIS CHEST?!!!! Please don't let this be a Lundgren style punisher.

[RolandofGilead]

It's there, but it's very, very faint. It kinda looks like it was spraypainted on but only lightly.

[Nemesis*Prime]

This film looks like it's really going to be THE Punisher film and I can't wait. Ray Stevenson is a great choice for the role, I thought he was terrific in HBO's "Rome".

[darthZartan]

Oh man, this isn't good news if its true. Director is out, metal is in.
The Unfortunate Reality Behind PUNISHER WAR ZONE... -- Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news. (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37642)

[Quick_Kick]

Looking forward to this very much. I just got the teaser poster last night. Its glossy! I am a huge punisher fan going back to the limited series by Zeck. No other character has fans as rabid as he has and no other character has as extreme non-fans. Seems like you either like him a lot or hate him with your whole soul.

http://www.micurio.com/collection/editCollection?cid=484
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg280/punisher1020/3639new_storyimage1209638_full.jpg

I with you DarkZartan, I love Zeck's work on the Punisher, especially his work on the original Secret Wars series!!

[darthZartan]

Here is a very bloody set of clips from war zone that lionsgate threw together set to horrible music. Not for the kiddies.
IGN Video: Punisher: War Zone Movie Clip - Comic-Con 08 Footage (http://movies.ign.com/dor/objects/382367/punisher-war-zone/videos/punisher_warzone_072308.html)
I like the fist caving in the face.

[darthZartan]

More bad news. Lionsgate wants it to be PG-13 rather than the hard R it (and the fans) deserves. Its like they WANT it to fail.
http://www.thebadandugly.com/2008/08/15/lionsgate-really-fing-up-punisher/

[Reznor]

More bad news. Lionsgate wants it to be PG-13 rather than the hard R it (and the fans) deserves. Its like they WANT it to fail.
TheBadandUgly.com Lionsgate Really F***ing Up Punisher (http://www.thebadandugly.com/2008/08/15/lionsgate-really-fing-up-punisher/)

yeah, i just read that. Pretty wierd given that they already released a red band trailer. Its the Die Hard 4 syndrome again. Shoot it as an R film, edit it to be a PG 13 release, so they can capotalize on an Unrated DVD. Seriously, that bums me out that they can get away with doing that now.

Its funny, cuz I don't blog on my MySpace, but I actually wrote my a thing about how it seems that Hollywood is gonna be doing this a lot now, and Die Hard 4 was the main example I used.

[Gulfster]

Punisher should be so easy to do but yet it seems like they can't figure it out(lionsgate).It's not freaking hard people.If they drop the rating and chop it up then it'll be the death of the Punisher for sure.For a while there was hope.At least there is two kick ass marvel 3.75 figures coming out.Thanks for the update

[darthZartan]

Update.
If this is true then all that about Lexi being kicked off and a pg-13 version is bunk. It doesnt address the crap death metal music switch, however.
PUNISHER: WAR ZONE Is Still R-Rated! -- Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news. (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37965)

[MLos1]

I def think wolverine has some rabid fans too . And if The Punisher gets hit with a pg-13 rating and he keeps swinging upside down from chandeliers, I'll get the uncut version on DVD.

I have no probs with Ray Stevenson from ROME fame taking over, but if it's pg-13, it's a dead stick.

The redband trailer was awesome, but alas, if that pg-13 hits it, it's a movie that's deader than a criminal looking down the business end of one of Castle's .45's.

[RolandofGilead]

Update.
If this is true then all that about Lexi being kicked off and a pg-13 version is bunk. It doesnt address the crap death metal music switch, however.
PUNISHER: WAR ZONE Is Still R-Rated! -- Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news. (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37965)

If it's all true, then Great News! Just seems an odd way to respond to all the negativity of the past couple of weeks.

[Gulfster]

If it's all true, then Great News! Just seems an odd way to respond to all the negativity of the past couple of weeks.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed it's true.It was a relief to read something at least.

[darthZartan]

Found this great 8/27/08 article that explains everything about all the nonsense going on with PWZ.
Punisher: War Zone Rumors Deconstructed - Comic Book Movies | CRAVEONLINE.COM (http://www.craveonline.com/articles/comics/04651483/punisher_war_zone_rumors_deconstructed.html)