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.
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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

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.
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Other articles:

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

Gainax's page on the movie

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June 24, 2003

Anime-Tourist

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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December 09, 2003

Anime-Insider

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!!
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Scans (as of 12-15-03):

Asuka
NERV
Neo Tokyo-3
EVA Unit
EVA Head
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More will be added later (hopefully). You guys can thank me later...this took more than an hour to make.

[BlueFire]

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

[Ironfoot]

Originally Posted by BLueFire

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]

Originally Posted by Ironfoot

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]

Originally Posted by Vampyr

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

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?

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

Yeah, it's concept art.

[Ironfoot]

January 2, 2004

linkage

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
Page 2

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.