Larry Hama to Consult on the Movie

[Cobra-La]

Well, this is certainly promising:

The story actually came from Latino Review

http://latinoreview.com/news/exclusive-larry-hama-enlists-with-g-i-joe-movie-3764

[Irid70]

Fantastic news. See, all the people jumping the gun on hating the movie...there is hope.

[Recondo]

wonder what he'll say about the ripcord/wayans and rex/cobra commander nonsense to sommers and DB

[VIPER 48]

I am glad to hear he will be a part of the movie...Great news...

[deathvalleymachine]

Holy Skippy...this is the greatest news in my life....dont worry about chartacter changes now boys...lol....I am going to set off fireworks in my livingroom...

Larry Hama is most def' an Ace up their sleaves...

Ripcord? Marlon? hahahahahah, Stalker guys..."I don't even wanna here about it" (as LDB chases Larry around the studio)

THIS IS WHY LDB SAID THE ENDROSEMENT WOULD MAKE ALL THEIR LIVES EASIER...Hama endorsed to Paramount from Hasbro....Of course it would make all their lives easier if Larry was on board for character development.....I am soooo excited I am a grown man who is shaking......

[Echo7Solo]

wonder what he'll say about the ripcord/wayans and rex/cobra commander nonsense to sommers and DB


oh can somebody say "script rewrite"?

[Cobra-La]

oh can somebody say "script rewrite"?

I wish they could, but with the writers' strike they can't rewrite. :/

[Recondo]

I wish they could, but with the writers' strike they can't rewrite. :/

yeah unfortunately there's nothing that can be done with the story unless the strike ends or paramount makes a seperate deal with the WGA

whether hama likes it or not

so really all he can advise on is characterization to the actors

[Derek2783]

I hope all that internet chatter about "Rex" and "Ripcord" is just to throw people off, and it's really a great re-telling of what GI Joe has always been.

With Hama on board, it certainly gives credibility to the project, and I hope Hama isn't just selling out, which I would like to think he wouldn't do.

Here's hoping!

[deathvalleymachine]

oh can somebody say "script rewrite"?

I dont think you should start a script rewrite (lol), alot of the movie news are just thrown out there like curve balls - They obviously knew he was coming - they obviously were not going to give him a huge mess coming in...LDB stated that a huge endorsement would be announced that would make all their lives easier, Hama enters the room (meaning they wanna keep it right but have had trouble with it, Larry comes to the rescue)...Kudos to LDB and the crew for sticking it out and trying to answer all of our questions without really knowing the Joe Universe, things will most def' become easier for them now - A strong pat on the back to everyone whom had begged for Hama to come over......I have a new found faith and I dont think Larry would want the burden from the fans knowing they changed everything and Larry was OK with it...He is the fans last line of defense to keep this movie as close to the orgin as possible...and truely, I dont think Hama will be the demise of GIJOE...

[G.I. Smurf]

Fantastic news. See, all the people jumping the gun on hating the movie...there is hope.


i wish i could believe this, i really want to. but i think its to little, to late. wayans is probably already in a contract, so their not going to change his charatcer, the guy playing duke is to young. just to much damage for hama to make any difference.

[deathvalleymachine]

i wish i could believe this, i really want to. but i think its to little, to late. wayans is probably already in a contract, so their not going to change his charatcer, the guy playing duke is to young. just to much damage for hama to make any difference.

they change characters all the time - its a curve ball...look at the placeholder names in Transformers (by the same people)

[Irid70]

i wish i could believe this, i really want to. but i think its to little, to late. wayans is probably already in a contract, so their not going to change his charatcer, the guy playing duke is to young. just to much damage for hama to make any difference.

Wow. The only way the movie could be salvaged is if Wayans is fired and they hire a Duke to match your specifications? You must be some kind of movie genius!

No...wait. You're just a fan on a message board. Lighten up people! Give the movie a chance. It hasn't even started principal photography. How can there be "too much damage done" already?

[Counterpoint]

I wish they could, but with the writers' strike they can't rewrite. :/

Wrong... The WGA only covers members and as Larry is not a member, he is not bound by their rules and regulations.

With all of Larry's previous work being in Comics and Animation, it is not governed under by the WGA.

As for script re-writes, yes, if some lines need tweaking, as a none member, he can do that work... but so can Sommers.

[jamarmiller]

this is great news! way to go to everyone on the movie scene for bringing him in

[G.I. Smurf]

I have a new found faith and I dont think Larry would want the burden from the fans knowing they changed everything and Larry was OK with it...He is the fans last line of defense to keep this movie as close to the orgin as possible...and truely, I dont think Hama will be the demise of GIJOE...

ok, everyone is going to hate me for this, but i have to disagree here. im a hama fan as much as anyone, if not for him the joe comics would have went nowhere and the toy line may, i say may because i watched the toon back in the day and never read a comic until recently, but the toy line may have suffered if not for him. but as for him not going to let them change anything because he wants us to be happy. he did the ninja force, def and eco warriors not because he wanted to, but because he was told to. from what i hear he knew these three teams would be a bad thing for GI Joe, but hasbro wanted to cash in on the ninja turtles and captain planet thing. lets remember he did write until the end of the marvel joe comics. once the ninja force junk started and snake eyes was killing everyone and their brother and snake eyes also had ties to everyone in both cobra and joe alike. it was then that GI Joe was lost. so, in my opinion, which i am entitled to, he has let us down once before. he is human, and only has so much he can say, and is himself influenced by others. he can only advice, not tell them what they can do. and irad70, your wrong. i am a movie genius,lol. and its not what i want, its what all the fans have been saying. we want something that we know, something we grew up with, not something new with the same name and a few characters with the same name but totally different attitudes.WERE ALL DOMED I TELL YOU, DOMED!!!

[Irid70]

WERE ALL DOMED I TELL YOU, DOMED!!!


So...are we having round-topped buildings being built on top of us?

In all seriousness, though...the only way to know if the movie will succeed is by waiting for it to be made and then watching it. Period. Writing something off well over a year before it's going to be released is just silly.

[deathvalleymachine]

Wrong... The WGA only covers members and as Larry is not a member, he is not bound by their rules and regulations.

With all of Larry's previous work being in Comics and Animation, it is not governed under by the WGA.

As for script re-writes, yes, if some lines need tweaking, as a none member, he can do that work... but so can Sommers.

Your absolutely right....

[RolandofGilead]

wonder what he'll say about the ripcord/wayans and rex/cobra commander nonsense to sommers and DB

Larry Hama was able to successfully integrate (mostly) nearly every whacked out character, vehicle, or playset Hasbro threw at him into a cohesive and believable narrative within the universe he helped create. If he could make Sgt. Slaughter or Dr. Mindbender fit, he can work miracles. The film can only be better because of his involvement.

[Shin Densetsu]

I think Hasbro brought him in because they knew that he knows the characters more than anyone else. I don't think they would force him to do something that he thinks won't fly at all. Otherwise, whats the point of bringing him in?

[G.I. Smurf]

So...are we having round-topped buildings being built on top of us?

In all seriousness, though...the only way to know if the movie will succeed is by waiting for it to be made and then watching it. Period. Writing something off well over a year before it's going to be released is just silly.

ok, why is it when i give my opinion saying i think it will suck, its just silly. but when you say it will be ok, just wait for it, i am supposed to write it down like a bible? are you the movie genius? your opinion is it may be good, mine is it wont be. i will go watch it and pray every minute until it begins that it will be. but in my opinion, from what i know of it, it will not be. you cannot change my mind on this. only when i see it, and hopefully like it, will my mind change.

[Irid70]

ok, why is it when i give my opinion saying i think it will suck, its just silly. but when you say it will be ok, just wait for it, i am supposed to write it down like a bible? are you the movie genius? your opinion is it may be good, mine is it wont be. i will go watch it and pray every minute until it begins that it will be. but in my opinion, from what i know of it, it will not be. you cannot change my mind on this. only when i see it, and hopefully like it, will my mind change.

No, your opinion, as stated, is that it is impossible for the movie to be good. Too much damage has been done, etc.

My opinion is that it is impossible to have one yet; the movie hasn't been made. Can't judge something that doesn't exist yet. I do think that many of the signs are positive, which is where I differe from you.

I don't mean to attack you, the person, and I'm really not trying to. I apologize if I have.

If the movie sucks I will be right there with you bashing holy hell out of it. Believe me. But there's no reason to go dismissing yet. It doesn't even exist as a thing to be dismissed.

[CobraCoffee]

I think this could go either way.

Larry Hama was great for GI Joe and was 99% of the reason most of the story lines exsist.I have to admit though I enjoy newer more realistic reasons things are as they are in the GI Joe universe now. I guess it could be the adult in me.

Larry consulting will definantly sway it more of the old school way ( that's if they didn't just do this to shut the fans up and as a PR stunt to rope in the doubting Thomases. I mean, come on.... all these people saying NO! NO! No way! I'll never see this wreck of the story! these people are all gonna be saying.. "Oh..Larry Hamma huh? ok I'll trust in him. Here's my $9.50)

The way iy could go sour is, Larry putting to much of the old universe into it. Remember, even the kids toys of the 80's need to have an element of grit, darkness, grunge, for them to prevail in todays market. We are all old now, and we want a little more from our old heros. I think Marvel, DDP, IMG, they all did a great job, I just want to keep it viewable.

We don't need Dennis Quaid escaping the enemy base in a CGI Cobra POGO. hehe


=COBRACOFFEE

Please dear god let this movie not blow.

[Recondo]

Larry Hama was able to successfully integrate (mostly) nearly every whacked out character, vehicle, or playset Hasbro threw at him into a cohesive and believable narrative within the universe he helped create. If he could make Sgt. Slaughter or Dr. Mindbender fit, he can work miracles. The film can only be better because of his involvement.


yeah but he didn't write the script. In the comic he was the writer, he had the freedom of creative choices on how he would make the characters and story work. He doesn't have that on the movie. He's a consultant, all of the creative choices on how to use the characters are up to Sommers and Beattie. Hama can suggest all he want doesn't mean LDB and Sommers have to listen.

This appointment of consultant is at the very least a good faith attempt by the producers to keep the fans "satisfied". LBD has already said its an endorsement that will make thier lives easier and stated that you can't make movies for fans cause they will always complain.

And no I'm not complaining, merely pointing out Hama as consultant does not automatically mean this will be the greatest GI Joe movie it can possibly be, his voice isn't as large as it was on the comics.

^^^
I agree with CobraCoffee

[RolandofGilead]

I realize he won't have much of a role here, and I didn't mean to infer that he was somehow taking on writing responsibilities. I am merely stating that with the old Joe comics, Larry was able to take what might have been unusuable and made it fit. If they ask his opinion, and they accept his advice, it can only make a better film (IMO). If he's nothing more than window dressing, then that is truly a waste of his talent and expertise.

[G.I. Smurf]

im sure were all praying they head his word. heck, i wish they would just let him write the movie, or make it up as they shoot. the vasloo guy who played the mommy will be good as zartan. likewise the muarry guy should make a good destro, i dont know of him, other then he acted on stage. but a stage actor should be able to bring out the nobility in destro. and quaid as hawk, they could not have done better here. lets just keep bombarding the treads about this movie and hope they see what we want and dont want and listen. if your reading this(whoever) remember, your making the movie for the fans, not yourself. you do us wrong, we dont pay to watch, and your the next director/writer in the unemployment line.

[Omegawrath]

This, THIS THISSSS!!!!

THIS IS THE BEST NEWS YET!

WE HAVE OUR PETER CULLEN !

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!

[deathvalleymachine]

This, THIS THISSSS!!!!

THIS IS THE BEST NEWS YET!

WE HAVE OUR PETER CULLEN !

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!

VERY WELL SAID, lol

[Compulsive Collector]

Wrong... The WGA only covers members and as Larry is not a member, he is not bound by their rules and regulations.

With all of Larry's previous work being in Comics and Animation, it is not governed under by the WGA.

As for script re-writes, yes, if some lines need tweaking, as a none member, he can do that work... First of all, Larry Hama has done a lot of stuff outside of comics and animation, specifically commercial work you'd never know was his. Secondly, it's likely that Hama is a TAG member (I know he was a SAG member, and SAG is totally on board with the WGA strike), and I find it a stretch to just assume he would stab striking writers in the back by scab-writing for Paramount. He knows what it's like to be between jobs as a writer, so I'm going to give him more benefit of the doubt than that.

Now having said that, Hama would be allowed to make minor changes under the Guild's CBA with studios, but rewriting a whole line of dialogue or adding entire scenes isn't at all likely to happen. I expect his role will be just what's been announced, that of a consultant. Besides, just because he's not credited on anything that made it into production, that doesn't mean he hasn't sold enough to studios to have made it into the WGA. He may well be a Writers Guild member. If that's the case, he wouldn't be able to change anything during the strike.

but so can Sommers. Not if he's a Writers Guild member. There's also the chance that many of the actors involved with this project are WGA members, and they wouldn't take kindly to that sort of activity. Marlon Wayans certainly is, and as a hyphenate member, he can't improvise on the set. If Wayans is there to be funny, he'd certainly be more effective if he's allowed to contribute his own brand of humor to the production.

There is the chance, however, that the strike will end prior to the beginning of principal photography, and certainly before the end of it. I'm sure Sommers and the producers are taking the strike into consideration, and will, to whatever extent it is possible, film their most polished scenes first. The WGA has taken the idea of organizing reality and animation writers off the table (which they have to do every time they negotiate a new deal), they granted an exemption for the Grammy Awards this week, and "informal" talks have resumed between the Guild and studios. Online distribution is still a major sticking point, especially with the residuals currently earned on broadcast reruns, but there's still a chance that striking writers could be working again before the end of February.

[swafus]

This is the best piece of info to come out yet!! I am totally overjoyed at this news!! I only hope that they will not handcuff him too much and let him do his thing with the characters he created.
Make no mistakes about it, Larry Hama was brought in to fix this mess. Otherwise why wouldn't he have been on board the whole time? I just hope that he is enough to steer this thing in the right direction?

[Steel Brigade]

This...is...REAL..GOOD...NEWS!! For the Real American Hero!!

[Omegawrath]

This is the best piece of info to come out yet!! I am totally overjoyed at this news!! I only hope that they will not handcuff him too much and let him do his thing with the characters he created.
Make no mistakes about it, Larry Hama was brought in to fix this mess. Otherwise why wouldn't he have been on board the whole time? I just hope that he is enough to steer this thing in the right direction?
He hinted at being involved back at the convention.

[BigErn]

Fantastic news, I'm happy.

[TEAM Z]

wonder what he'll say about the ripcord/wayans and rex/cobra commander nonsense to sommers and DB
He needs to kick him in their after burners and get new actors that fit the profile

[tkprime]

I guess all of those calls to Rhode Island paid off, Hasbro at lasts listens to the fans and brings in the "Brains" of the Whole Joe/Cobra mythos!

[DarthBrett]

Larry Hama isn't going to be able to recast this movie or do major script changes since he's onboard as a creative consultant only. He certainly brings some credibility to this project, but I would hardly call him a savior at this point. There are too many producers and studio execs that can easily veto any ideas that he might have that they themselves may not agree with. Making a movie is full or tug-of-war issues between directors, producers, writers and studio execs......political BS has ruined movies before. I sure as hell hope this movie end up being half-way decent, and this news of Hama joining the credits helps. But he alone isn't enough to make this a winner just yet. The script, the directing and the characters have all got to be good in order for this movie to achieve cinematic satisfaction for me.

As for the strike, it's been a damning experience in the industry (I happen to work in post), but the end is in sight and the rumour buzz going around right now is that it will be over by the end of next week (hopefully, even sooner). Also, don't forget that SAG has to have a new contract by June (let's all cross our fingers on that deal happening smoothly and quickly).

[Gerrorism!]

the only news that could of been better is that Larry had written the movie... though he did write spytroops...

[tile_mcgillus]

WOW! Well if Larry is there...hope restored. For now....

[Omegawrath]

Larry Hama isn't going to be able to recast this movie or do major script changes since he's onboard as a creative consultant only. He certainly brings some credibility to this project, but I would hardly call him a savior at this point. There are too many producers and studio execs that can easily veto any ideas that he might have that they themselves may not agree with. Making a movie is full or tug-of-war issues between directors, producers, writers and studio execs......political BS has ruined movies before. I sure as hell hope this movie end up being half-way decent, and this news of Hama joining the credits helps. But he alone isn't enough to make this a winner just yet. The script, the directing and the characters have all got to be good in order for this movie to achieve cinematic satisfaction for me.

As for the strike, it's been a damning experience in the industry (I happen to work in post), but the end is in sight and the rumour buzz going around right now is that it will be over by the end of next week (hopefully, even sooner). Also, don't forget that SAG has to have a new contract by June (let's all cross our fingers on that deal happening smoothly and quickly).Yeah, but Hasbro and the fans have obviously pushed for Larry's involvement. The director would be crazy not to be consulting Larry daily or even on set to try to capture the proper feel.

A lot of people made a lot of noise about this man. More people in Hasbro and the comics industry in general are aware of him than ever before. Additionally, Hasbro learned a LOT more about their own role in the creative process and how this process can influence a the film and toyline (Megatron's head).

Hasbro now fully understand what their sphere of influence is and that fan input on a film like this can be (in the eyes of the director) marginally relevant at best.

If they have their own personal representative in the form of the creator of the characters, that not only lends validity with the fans but it also gives it a certain mark of distinction.

G.I. Joe as written by Hama has several truly classic comic moments in it. Worthy of Frank Miller or Alan Moore. Comics in general as a form of art and literature suffer from a grotesque stigma, but comics based on toys bear an even greater prejudice, set apart as "kiddie books." We may even see the entire silent issue as 7 minutes of movie someday.

The script may be screwy, and Hama may or may not be able to save it. He may simply save the characterizations. He may be told he's insane and put aside or ejected altogether. He may get two weeks to do rewrites after the strike and just make it rock.

Whatever he does, I doubt he'll be mum about his feelings for it. Diplomatic but honest.

I can't wait for the tell-all books in 15 years.

[Omegawrath]

the only news that could of been better is that Larry had written the movie... though he did write spytroops...Yeah.

For ages 5 and up.

Give the man a break.

This is PG-13!

They can even make the blood RED!

[Astrokreep]

And for what it was, Spytroops wasn't that bad.

[Compulsive Collector]

Yeah, but Hasbro and the fans have obviously pushed for Larry's involvement. The director would be crazy not to be consulting Larry daily or even on set to try to capture the proper feel. Not crazy, just egotistical, which one has to be to become a filmmaker. Larry Hama will likely be solicited for ideas, but he won't have input on the level that Frank Miller had with Sin City, and Sommers isn't likely to have him on the set throughout principal photography.

[Bug-Eyed Earl]

Great news all around.