The Live Action Evangelion Movie Thread

[Ironfoot]

Any news, information or what-not should belong here. If you haven't heard any of it yet, then I invite you to look below and feast your eyes upon the greatest work...or the greatest nightmare of hollywoodized anime.

I AM ALWAYS UPDATING THIS SO IF IT LOOKS LIKE A MESS....BLEH. I'll try to make it as neat as I can.

Oh yeah, and if I get any more scans for whatnot I'll link them down below.
=======

Announced in May 2003 (the site I have the article from is from July 25 when they started) :/

http://www.drizzten.com/blargchives/000384.html
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/article.php?id=3606
http://www.tfme.net/yattanime/news/neongenesisweta52203.htm (http://www.tfme.net/yattanime/news/neongenesisweta52203.html)

ADV Announce a Live Action Movie will be made!
25 Jul 2003
ADV Films has just announced the production of a live action movie based on many people's favourite anime series of all time, Neon Genesis Evangelion. Special Effects will be developed by Weta Workshop, Ltd, the company that made the Lord of the Rings look so good.

"In an announcement sure to make waves in the entertainment industry, ADV Films President and CEO John Ledford today publicly confirmed industry rumors that the firm has acquired the rights to produce, and has already begun development of, a live-action feature-film based on the Japanese animated television series "Neon Genesis Evangelion," a multi-million dollar worldwide franchise and perhaps the most influential anime title in the history of the art form. The project is a collaboration between ADV Films, Gainax and Weta Workshop, Ltd.

The Participants ADV Films is the leading producer-distributor of Japanese animation in North America. The Japanese anime and game studio Gainax Network Systems was one of the original production studios responsible for Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Weta Workshop, Ltd. is the New Zealand-based special effects studio that created the effects for Peter Jackson's Lord Of The Rings trilogy.

"The three main players here represent something of a 'dream-team' for a project like this one," said Ledford. "Between the quality and significance of the Gainax title, Weta's industry-leading skill in the creation of special visual effects, and our expertise in the marketing and promotion of anime and anime-related content, this project is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The Story
Neon Genesis Evangelion is the story of a reluctant young hero, called upon to pilot an immense robotic weapon in battle against alien invaders. Including both a 26-episode television series and at least two animated motion pictures, Neon Genesis Evangelion has long been both a fan favorite and an extraordinary critical and commercial success, with the worldwide franchise producing many millions of dollars in revenue.

Timetable
The Neon Genesis Evangelion live-action motion picture is in the earliest stages of development. Ledford confirmed, however, that the timetable is an aggressive one, and that more information on the project is forthcoming.
============

Other articles:

http://anime-tourist.com/article.php?sid=472

Gainax's page on the movie (http://www.gainax.co.jp/anime/eva/hollywood.html)

============

June 24, 2003

Anime-Tourist (http://anime-tourist.com/article.php?sid=453#adv)

The live action Evangelion movie has a budget of 100 million. As many of you know, Weta, the art and special effect folks behind LOTR, is involved as well. According to Matt, "If they do half of what they've sketched, it will be the most amazing sci-fi movie you'll ever see." The movie will be shot partially on location in New Zealand and will feature an international cast. The movie will not be a prequel or sequel, but a new retelling of the story in a feature format.

On a related note, the folks from Gainax were very tight-lipped about the movie, dodging the questions or suggesting we talk to ADV. They did, however, bring and show some proofs for the big Gainax spread that's coming out in the July Newtype-USA. Apparently, a lot of information about the movie will be revealed in the articles and they didn't want to give anything away.
==============
From eva.trivialbeing.net

Recent Internet rumors suggest that the Evangelion movie shall have the budget equal to that of a blockbuster, being roughly of 100 million or more. To compare this with other top movies; The Matrix had a $63 million budget and LOTR: Fellowship of the Ring had a budget of $109 million. It is unknown where such cash is coming from as the income of Anime does not rival that of Hollywood blockbusters.

Like LOTR, the core of the principle photography will be filmed in New Zealand.

Along the lines of a plot and adaptation of the series, recent internet rumors suggest the film will focus on the first half of the 26 episode series - possibly extending the story with a later sequel - all the content covered within NGE is difficult to include yet often too important to miss out.

Gainax are keeping hush hush about details of the flick although they have a busy schedule for the movie and its "promotion", so expect to find out more saucy details in the coming weeks.
=================

According to sources from Weta the movie is currently in its pre-production stages. The movie, in its current form exists as several hundred concept images, a few of which have appeared in the Newtype magazine, and a draft screenplay which awaits editing by the chosen director. The project seems to have been in the works now for a solid few months with the Weta team working hard on perfecting visual preparation (Weta appear very dedicated, sources telling us that they have turned down two other projects over this one).

The film will not be directed by Hideaki Anno, neither will it be directed by Peter Jackson. Rumors have been flying around about who might be involved in a directing sense; who could do the series justice, remain true to the storyline and still pull off a fantastic movie? That is the question that Gainax have to answer.
=============================

Interview with Tiffany Grant and information on release
12 Sep 2003
Tiffany Grant (voice actor for Asuka) has just had an interview with Comicon. Thanks to Michelle

When asked about her views, thoughts and plans for the movie Tiffany says she thinks it will be "INCREDIBLE" and also mentions that her husband Matt Greenfield will be on the production team. Apparently she knows a lot about the movie however isn't allowed to tell anyone anything. According to Tiffany, a large portion of the folks at WETA are fans of Evangelion as, "the entire show has aired in Australia at least twice on regular television". This is good news. She also goes on to mention that if the movie is successful we can expect one or two more sequels to cover the whole 26 episode period.

Now for the not so good news. When asked about casting, she stated she had a few ideas about who could play Asuka, but also speculated that the shooting wont begin for another couple of years. Meaning we wont get to see the movie until at least 2006. But we cannot rush these things.

The entire interview can be seen here (http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/pulse.cgi?http%3A//www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi%3Fubb%3Dget_topic%26f%3D36%26t%3D001368).
==================

November 09, 2003

HOUSTON, November 5, 2003-ADV Films today announced a January 13, 2004 release date for Resurrection, the first of two Directors’ Cut volumes of the enormously influential anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. The Directors' Cut is not just a remaster, but a revised and re-edited special edition produced under the careful supervision of creators Hideaki Anno and Gainax to include amazing new footage never before available outside of Japan. The first volume contains Evangelion episodes 21-23 in both the extended Directors’ Cut versions and the original broadcast versions, allowing fans to see the creative progression of this seminal title’s final moments.

In addition to the Directors’ Cut episodes, ADV has obtained special DVD extras that are sure to fuel the excitement for this highly anticipated release. Resurrection will include an exclusive 25-minute interview with Richard Taylor, co-founder and head of Effects and Creatures at Weta Workshop, the multiple Academy Award-winning (for The Lord of the Rings trilogy) special effects studio currently working on the Neon Genesis Evangelion live-action feature. Also included are numerous never-before-seen production images from the theatrical release.

ADV Films (http://www.advfilms.com/news/index.asp?c=&i=1153)
==================

December 09, 2003

Anime-Insider (http://anime-tourist.com/article.php?sid=586)

Many of you have written to me curious for information regarding the upcoming Live-Action EVANGELION movie being produced in conjunction with Gainax and WETA (Lord of the Rings). They currently have a draft of a screenplay and are shopping for a director. They are a long ways from casting or filming right now, so hold off on sending in your headshots and resumes for now! There will be dozens of gorgeous production drawings from WETA as extras on the upcoming EVA DC releases - due out in December and January. I believe issue #12 of ANIME INSIDER will contain an in-depth interview with Mr. Greenfield regarding this project as well as NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN production drawings!! Ooooh!!
=================

Scans (as of 12-15-03):

Asuka (http://www.geocities.com/dain_ironfoot_ii/pic1/liveeva1.txt)
NERV (http://www.geocities.com/dain_ironfoot_ii/pic1/liveeva2.txt)
Neo Tokyo-3 (http://www.geocities.com/dain_ironfoot_ii/pic1/liveeva3.txt)
EVA Unit (http://www.geocities.com/dain_ironfoot_ii/pic1/liveeva4.txt)
EVA Head (http://www.geocities.com/dain_ironfoot_ii/pic1/liveeva5.txt)
======================

More will be added later (hopefully). You guys can thank me later...this took more than an hour to make. :p

[BlueFire]

Even though a live action anime sounds kind of .. not so promising.. i have to admit this has greatly interested me.

[Ironfoot]

Even though a live action anime sounds kind of .. not so promising.. i have to admit this has greatly interested me.

Yeah, many believe that Anime -> live action really degrades the quality of the anime series. However, keep in mind that anime doesn't have any human imperfections. Making anime into real life movies will create some perfection problems, but we have to learn to accept this. If Weta stays true to Evangelion like they did to The Lord of the Rings, then this movie will be one of the best sci-fi films ever created. No kidding, look at Weta's work on LOTR, think I'm lying? LOTR is the bible of fantasy, so many say. For the most part, Weta stayed true to the story of LOTR, though they had to make some minor adjustments because of Hollywood. I just hope that Weta wont have to adjust Evangelion so much that it'll ruin it. :/

I can only wonder what the LOTR fans said when they found out that the trilogy was going to be a movie. "OMG Why!!!" was what most probably said, now look at the movies. Some of the best fantasy films (if not the best) fantasy films ever made.

[DarkMaster]

I can only wonder what the LOTR fans said when they found out that the trilogy was going to be a movie. "OMG Why!!!" was what most probably said, now look at the movies. Some of the best fantasy films (if not the best) fantasy films ever made.
Actually, when I found out, I was like "OMG Sweet!!!" and I enjoy the movies just as much if not more so than the books.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing more on this movie.

[Rndm_Perfection]

I agree with you, DM. Lord of the Rings has such an amazing story, that I feel it's hard to screw up. And... when I saw previews, I was awestruck.

What works for Lord of the Rings is that it's the type of series that isn't built on hype. Similarly when they make the movie to Ender's Game. Very good stories, but no "hype".

Now, Dragonball Z on the other hand...

[Vampyr]

*agrees whole heartidly with Dark Master*

I tried reading "The Fellowship of the Ring". I really did. I got about halfway through it, and I just couldnt take it anymore. All they did was walk, and walk, and walk, and for a change, they would run.

It was so FREAKING BORING!

But, I can understand how it became a classic. I can understand why so many people like it. I also respect it, because it was a FANTASTIC pieces of literature, I just didnt like it. I like the movies A LOT more.

Which is EXTREMELY rare for me. I am an avid reader, and read a lot, and this was the first time I ever liked the movie more than the book.

I believe the reason for this is that when Tolkein first wrote the saga, people actually had time to read it. Technology wasnt nearly as advanced as it is today, and stress was a lot lower. People didnt mind to go home and spend four hours reading a book. In the "lord of the rings" books, Tolkein weaves a fantastic story. He actually creates a seperate world, and creates the people that live in it. He gives them a full personality. Nearly everyone in his books are "round" characters, not "stock" characters. Tolkein was a marvelous author, and I admire him for his ability to literally create a seperate world, and create people to live in it.

But today we live in a society that follows a strict creed of instant gratification. When we sit down to read, we want action! We want the plot to be right up in our face, and we want things to happen, fast and cool like.

Thats what the movies give us. The movies are based on instant gratification, while the books are based on creating a world and all of its people.

And Random, I am EXTREMELY excited about the Ender's Game movie. It is going to be SO suave. I am also looking forward to the American McGee's Alice in Wonderland.

*cough*

Sorry about that, Ironfoot. You can all go back to your NGE topic now...I just had something I really wanted to say.

[Ironfoot]

But today we live in a society that follows a strict creed of instant gratification. When we sit down to read, we want action! We want the plot to be right up in our face, and we want things to happen, fast and cool like.

Unless you're a perfectionist like me. That's probably why I was a little disappointed in the LOTR movies, especially the last one. Being a perfectionist is sometimes difficult, you look past the beauty of things and look for everything to be perfect instead.

Eva is different however. While LOTR is a book with hardcore facts, Eva is a TV series that can be twisted to an extent, so I'm not minding the change in this movie too too much.


Sorry about that, Ironfoot. You can all go back to your NGE topic now...I just had something I really wanted to say.

No problem...some new scans are coming soon btw.

[Hero2]

off subject
I tired to read the lotr books i got past the first page thats only because i was bored after reading the first paragraph and flipped a few pages. But I thought the movies where still good any movies where they start with tens of thousands of troops and end up with a ghost army and 1000 troops and a whole lot of blood shed is a good movie in my eyes.

back on subject no movie has ever been equal too the book(or series in this case) but some have come close

[Ironfoot]

January 1, 2004

linkage (http://eva.trivialbeing.net/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1072958319&archive=&cnshow=headlines&start_from=&ucat=2&[/url)

There were supposed to be 3 new concept arts in Anime Insider #12, however, Wizard Entertainment has issued a notice for the guy who has the scans that they're copyrighted material. Still, someone else got one of the scans. :)

EVA Unit-00 and Rei? (http://www.eva-armageddon.com/Grafiken/realfilm6.jpg)

Not what I was expecting, but keep in mind that going from cartoon to real life will involve changes no matter what and that these are still early concept arts. I personally like what they did to Unit-00, making it look more life-like and less robot, although more armor could be used and a little more detail. The toes are kinda freaky too. o.0

Rei...I agree with Crowe's opinion that Rei should be Asian, but she shouldn't look as...alive as that. In the series, she was unemotional and pale. Hopefully, this is just one artist concept and that there are others lying around.

We've seen Asuka's and Rei's...I wonder what Shinji will look like.

[BlueFire]

Rei does look a bit too alive... she needs to be more apathetic.

[Rndm_Perfection]

What's up with all the art? I thought it was going to be live action.

Edit: Unless it's just concept art. Which is still awkward, as the series should be all the concept art they need, heh.

[BlueFire]

What's up with all the art? I thought it was going to be live action.

Edit: Unless it's just concept art. Which is still awkward, as the series should be all the concept art they need, heh.
Yeah, it's concept art.

[Ironfoot]

January 2, 2004

linkage (http://www.secondimpact.net/main.shtml)

secondimpact.net has scanned the pages in Anime Insider #12 for us, so well that I can read the actual article as well. :)

Page 1 (http://www.secondimpact.net/images/ainsider1.jpg)
Page 2 (http://www.secondimpact.net/images/ainsider2.jpg)

Hangers and more Hangers, in addition to the new Unit-00/Rei art. While bleak, they're still interesting. The thing that bothers me is in the second hanger pic though, where one of the eva's heads is exposed...it looks like a grey from Roswell. I have a feeling that I know where this movie is going, and its going down quite an interesting path.

Rndm: In reason, all the concepts Weta needs are from the series. However, in reality you needs to make something that will sell as a blockbuster around the world and something that American audiences will buy. Evangelion in its current cartoon form won't make as a huge blockbuster, though of course most anime fans would gobble it up. Anime fans don't make up most of the Amercan croud however and the average American is the major source of revenue.

[Ironfoot]

January 15, 2004

A huge slew of concepts were released on the NGE Director's Cut "Resurrection" DVD, all in the link below:

http://eva.trivialbeing.net/index.php?c=images

[BlueFire]

That possible Misato character looks scary as hell.

[Ironfoot]

That possible Misato character looks scary as hell.

Tell me about it. :(

[Ironfoot]

March 1, 2004

Long time, no update. That's about to change.

From Tiffany Grant's website (http://www.eva-r.com/tiff/stats.htm), some new movie information was added.

======
8: I'm afraid the new Live-action eva movie I keep hearing about will screw up the characters.
What can you tell me?

The movie is being produced jointly by Gainax (of course), ADV and WETA. If you are somehow NOT familiar with the WETA Workshop, this is the incredible studio founded by Peter Jackson in New Zealand that created the Lord of the Rings films. By watching the fantastic documentaries on the LOTR DVDs, you can get an excellent idea of the kind of attention to detail that is being given to everything in the Eva movies. Also, if you have read the LOTR, I think you will see that the characters in that iconic tome have been very faithfully brought to life and not, as you put it, "screwed up." In fact, in a film adaptation of the second most read book in the English language (the Bible is the first), it is pretty well unanimously agreed that WETA got it exactly right. Bearing that in mind, I have every reason to have confidence that the same folks who hand-glued every hair on each hobbit foot, will do a spectacular job with our NGE heroes. Keep in mind that WETA will not be doing this in a vacuum either, as they will be supervised by people at both Gainax and ADV (such as my husband, of course). I believe you can rest easy knowing that the films will be everything and more that we ever thought they could be. As a bonus feature on the new Evangelion Director's Cut DVDs about to be released by ADV, there will be LOTS of cool never-before-seen production drawings for the live-action movies. I've seen them, and they are AWESOME!
==========

Confirmation: "production drawings for the live-action movies." Multiple Live Action Evangelion movies. The next Lord of the Rings series?

==========
Someone from the Evangelion forums for trivialbeing.net (http://forums.trivialbeing.net/index.php?showtopic=423&st=0) went to "A Weekend with Tomino." There, some speech from Matt Greenfield, President of ADV (I think (he's writing the draft script for the movie)) was recorded.

==========
Question: If there were auditions, who exactly are you looking for? (*This isn't the exact question, but this is close to what was asked.)
Matt Greenfield: I've seen a lot of cast lists with a lot of dead people. And it's like, you know, yeah, he would be really great, but he died three years ago. Or, you know, people who were appropriate to the age... yeah, it would be great if you could go back in time short-round and Indiana Jones: The Temple Of Doom, but he's now thirty. So, that's why I don't talk about the casting 'cause until that project goes it's going to depend upon... I mean, if any... if it started today, there's people who'd be great who are not going to be good in a year. It's just a matter of character versus aging so... until we actually get to the point where we've got a completely greenlighted production, we're not even talking about... who. We're talking about types. But, and that's why, a lot of it's purely up in the air, it's like okay, you want to get someone to play the character and not necessarily someone who is a deadringer for the character in the anime or whatever; only to get the typewrite. And, it's an ensemble thing. Everybody has to be able to work with everyone else. You don't want, for example, [trying to think of something...] if for example, you know, you found a really great Asian teenager to play the male lead, it would be kinda weird if you cast Laurence Fishburne as his dad. So, it's one of those, you know, if you kinda... because, all the characters are related in various ways. You've kinda got a situation. AND YES, HE'S BEEN SUGGESTED BY A BUNCH OF PEOPLE OVER THE INTERNET.
ADV employee: And as far as your other bets concern, it's a matter of, we would have to kill you, and then they would kill us. (NOTE: This pertains to the reason why they can't explain what ADV stands for just so you all know since the girl asked.)
Matt Greenfield: We just find it a lot easier just not to say things that might be taken out of context. And someone says,"OH! BLAH BLAH BLAH!" And I could say," Yeah, someone who's like him." But, and the all of a sudden it's (Note: Matt Greenfield says the following in a higher-pitched voice and is very sarcastic. ) OH HARRY POTTER IS GOING TO BE SHINJI! AAAAWWW!!!
Matt Greenfield: Yeah, he would have been great four years ago. Have you seen him? He's like 6'6" or something like that. Pretty tall!

Question: What will the story of the Evangelion Live-Action movie be like since it is a 2 to 3 hour movie? (*This is also close to the original question asked.)
Matt Greenfield: So much that it's the basic storyline structure, but how closely it will tow the line to the... You can't exactly tow the line just as the manga does not tow the line. Even though the manga came after the anime. Different mediums require different ways of approaching it. If you're talking about a 2-hour feature film, there's things you can do in a 13 hour tv series, which Evangelion is, so, it will tell the basic elements of the story, but not everything.
Tiffany Grant: So will Tom Bombadil be in the movie?
[Everyone laughs.]
ADV Employee: Hey, it's YOUR wife!
[Crowd saying "Ooooooh!" while Matt Greenfield shakes his head like he's tired by resting his forehead on his hand.]
[Questions about Eva continue, but are not about the Live-Action movie here.]
Audience member: Hey, are you going to let Asuka kill a bunch of angels in the movie?
Tiffany Grant: YAY!
Matt Greenfield: ...No.
[Everyone whines "aww..!!" Tiffany Grant also whines too and adds,"Come on!"]
Audience member: (same one as before) Asuka needs to kill something!
[Some people are still whining/groaning.]
========



I smell a Trilogy.

[Rndm_Perfection]

AWESOME information. Thank you very much.

Oh yes, I can't believe it... an A class animé getting A class production.


I liked this quote:
Tiffany Grant: So will Tom Bombadil be in the movie?

Hahah... yeah, I always talked about Tom Bombadil's absence. He could see Frodo when Frodo was wearing his ring! Ah, good input though.

[Ironfoot]

AWESOME information. Thank you very much.

Oh yes, I can't believe it... an A class animé getting A class production.


I liked this quote:


Hahah... yeah, I always talked about Tom Bombadil's absence. He could see Frodo when Frodo was wearing his ring! Ah, good input though.

Your welcome. :)

Now you can see why I've been following the developments of the live action movie(s) for quite some time now. One of the best Animes being converted into (a) live action movie(s) by one of the best development studios on the planet. Evangelion deserves the attention.

And yeah, that Tom Bombadil quote was awesome. It gives us a slight perspective that they know what they're doing.

Also, keep this in mind:

"Bearing that in mind, I have every reason to have confidence that the same folks who hand-glued every hair on each hobbit foot, will do a spectacular job with our NGE heroes."

Good confidence booster, eh?

[Ironfoot]

March 2, 2004

Things are indeed changing...

From trivialbeing.net (http://eva.trivialbeing.net/index.php#Questions%20finally%20answered!), as usual. Apparently someone from their forums called "KameKase" picked up something written by Tiffany Grant. I'm not sure how old it is, but knowing the fact that eva.trivialbeing.net and other sites are always probing for new movie news, I'd say it's pretty recent. I'd like to point out however that a lot of it was cut and pasted from Tiffany Grant's information found above. I'll bold the text that's new...to me at least.

=========

I noticed there have been a number of posts regarding the moive, and this is a little essay I have written for your perusal. I hope it clears some things up. - TG

First off, there are 26 TV episodes and two movies in the Eva library. The first goal is to produce a movie that encapsulates the most important elements of the early part of the series so that the viewer will not have to have seen the aforementioned 15 or so hours of video - AND - leave room for one or two (maybe more?) follow up films that can finish off the story.

The movie is being produced jointly by Gainax (of course), ADV and WETA. If you are somehow NOT familiar with the WETA Workshop, this is the incredible studio founded by Peter Jackson in New Zealand that created the Lord of the Rings films. By watching the fantastic documentaries on the LOTR DVDs, you can get an excellent idea of the kind of attention to detail that is being given to everything.

Also, if you have read the LOTR, I think you will see that the
characters in that iconic tome have been very faithfully brought to life and not, as you put it, "screwed up." In fact, in a film adaptation of the second most read book in the English language (the Bible is the first), it is pretty well unanimously agreed that WETA got it exactly right. Bearing that in mind, I have every reason to have confidence that the same folks who hand glued every hair on each hobbit foot, will do a spectacular job with our NGE heroes.

Keep in mind that WETA will not be doing this in a vacuum either, as they will be supervised by people at both Gainax and ADV (such as my husband, of course).

As for the "slug" names used in the preliminary script (NOT
the final version!!!) which appear on the production drawings, they are only used so as not to refer to them as "Pilot A" and "Captain B" etc. As has been widely discussed, the cast will be international, and mostly of European descent. Meaning, for example, if Daniel Radcliffe (Anime Insider's suggestion - NOT mine!) were to play the
lead male role, it would be pretty stupid to call an ENGLISH
boy "Shinji."

The show is in VERY early stages of pre-production, so nothing is final yet. ADV was just trying to share a little Eva goodness with everyone by showing off some of the thousands of production drawings that have been produced. I think they are fabulous, personally, and I eagerly await each new development in the project.

I believe you can all rest easy knowing that the films will be
everything and more that we ever thought they could be.
=========

Change is happening, they must tred the path carefully.

[Rndm_Perfection]

Daniel Radcliffe... I don't want it.

[Ironfoot]

Daniel Radcliffe... I don't want it.

I doubt it will happen after seeing this speech from Matt Greenfield:

Matt Greenfield: ...But, and the all of a sudden it's (Note: Matt Greenfield says the following in a higher-pitched voice and is very sarcastic. ) OH HARRY POTTER IS GOING TO BE SHINJI! AAAAWWW!!!

[Ironfoot]

March 6, 2004

Those concepts I posted a while back are now availible as High Res shots (http://eva.trivialbeing.net/index.php#50%20High%20Resolution%20Concept%20Images). Also, there's some new concept art from the Genesis Reborn DVD released just a little while ago, located here (http://eva.trivialbeing.net/index.php#GENESIS%20REBORN%20Concept%20Art). Eva-01 looks nothing what its supposed to be, good thing they're just concepts.

[Ironfoot]

March 26, 2004

"Untitled Evangelion Project." (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0400911/)

[Teuthida]

If I get as good a mindf*ck I'll be satisfied.

A lot better than Pitof, the horrible director of Catwoman, directing the live-action version of Akira. Now that's a way to ruin a classic. I'm preparing for the worst on that one.

[Ironfoot]

April 4, 2005

Well, after a year long hiatus, I return to GameTavern.


In the time since I was gone, Gainax had announced at around Jun 2004 that they had a pre-approved list of directors. The topic is found here (http://forums.trivialbeing.net/index.php?showtopic=980).

Since then, The Live Action Evangelion Project has been in "pre-production hell", where a project in this phase could easily be put onto the backburner for years and/or just totally forgotten. Sometimes they get accepted right away, though that's not usually the case.

A few new tidbits (two rumors) were posted recently.

The first was posted on Feb. 21 about the possibility of Peter Jackson directing the project, found here (http://forums.trivialbeing.net/index.php?showtopic=1845).


Please note that the following is an unofficial source and should for now be treated as nothing more than rumor.

One of the attendees claimed to have an associate currently interning in WETA's prop shop (for lack of a better term). He claimed that WETA artists have produced more than just the conceptual artwork we've seen thus far, including some preliminary 3D models and so forth.

Also of interest is that the word around the studio is that Peter Jackson is indeed interested in directing this project, however due to contractual agreements with Universal (?), he is currently tied into working on King Kong, and is unable to head up Live Action Evangelion, and may well be in line or have vouched for Live Action Eva once King Kong's production closes.

Once again, this is pure unsubstaniated rumor, and should be taken with a grain of salt. The possibility for Peter Jackson's direction may exist, according to what I was told. However, this is not a credible source and needs further verification.


The next rumor was posted on Mar. 29 and the project is reconfirmed to be alive by ADV President Matt Greenfield. The post is found here (http://forums.trivialbeing.net/index.php?showtopic=1973).


From ANN's (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com) Kamikazecon report:

"As expected, a large portion of questions revolved around the live-action version of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Greenfield confirmed that the project was very much alive, and they were currently in the process of finding a director. While naming no names, Greenfield did confirm that interest has been shown by several major directors, including one who has won an Oscar. He also mentioned that the probable location of the shoot would be New Zealand, the same country where WETA, the studio slated to create special effects for Evangelion, is located. When asked how soon the movie would be finished, Greenfield indicated it would be at least a year, most likely 3 or 4."

[Ironfoot]

If I get as good a mindf*ck I'll be satisfied.

A lot better than Pitof, the horrible director of Catwoman, directing the live-action version of Akira. Now that's a way to ruin a classic. I'm preparing for the worst on that one.

Well this is a coincidence. :o

Yeah Greenfield better know how to make people go crazy, like make everything religious and have crusaders try to ban the whole thing.

[TheSlyMoogle]

Thanks to a movie called Casshern I'm not worried about how good EVA will be.

Casshern is a live action movie based off the anime Kashayn or Casshan or something like that.

It was sweet!

So I fear not for Live action goodness any longer!

[Teuthida]

I didn't like Casshern...not one little bit. :(

[TheSlyMoogle]

I thought Casshern was great.

I can see where a lot of people wouldn't like it though.

[MuGen]

Casshern's story was a little more complex, and they failed to tie them together a little smoother, but i loved Casshern for it's action, story, and special effects.

Story = I had to watch CASSHERN twice to understand it fully.

[Teuthida]

I gotta admit for the budget they had, Casshern is a masterpiece...doesn't mean I like it. Everything was done on a green screen and was ridiculously easy to tell nothing was real. Haven't seen Sky Captain so dunno if that was more successful in that regards but Sin City sure does look nice. How hard is it to get some bookshelves for a fight scene? I was grossed out by the lighting flares which I assume was to hide how bad it really looked. The one part I liked was fighting the robot army. That was well done. The acting was very stiff. The ending tries to get you to feel something though and they just throw that at you expecting you to comply. I guess if I were to watch it a second time knowing that I could see it differently...but probably not. And it dragged...oh how did it drag.

Ok. So that was my little rant as to why I didn't care for it. Might try to hunt down the anime to compare.