Sep 10, 2009
My movie SUPER with Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, and Liv Tyler
Finally, I can quit keeping secrets! My new film Super was announced in Variety this morning; Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, and Liv Tyler are set to star.
I have never loved a screenplay more than Super and have been working on it for years. Rainn and I have been working together on the project for a few months now – Rainn will be playing the lead role of Frank D’Arbo who dresses up as a superhero called the Crimson Bolt; he’s got no superpowers other than a pipe wrench. Rainn and I both worked hard to get the best possible folks involved. We were lucky to get Ted Hope to produce – he’s done such movies as Happiness, The Ice Storm, The Savages, American Splendor, and 21 Grams. This is not a wacky, over-the-top comedy. Super is a dark, comedic, gritty, very unusual, and grounded film and I think Ted is just the guy to help us get it done right. Being that this is a low-budget, independent movie that takes a lot of risks, Rainn, Ted, and I didn’t really expect to get big names for the other cast members — so you can imagine how shocked we were to get our first choices for the two female leads – Ellen Page and Liv Tyler! They’re both amazing actresses and awesome people and I can’t wait to work with them!! Liv will be playing Sarah, Frank’s wife, who leaves him for a drug dealer, and Ellen will play the role of Libby, a young sociopath who dons a costume and forces herself into Frank’s life as his “kid sidekick.” The score will be composed by my pal Tyler Bates (300, Watchmen, Dawn of the Dead, Slither) and PG Porn seamstress Mary Matthews will be doing the costumes.
Okay, so, yes, this is a movie about superheroes. But what it’s really about is love, violence, perseverance, and faith. It’s not a spoof. It’s an examination of what it means to try to be something more than human. I think of it as The Passion for rebels, oddballs, fanboys, and freaks everywhere. I’ve never been more excited or committed to any project in my life, and I can’t wait to share more with you all. We still have a couple of big roles we’re casting, and lots of other Super news upcoming, so we’ll keep you up to date here!
Be good, James
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September 11th, 2009 at 4:59 am
Thanks, guys! I’m very stoked!
September 11th, 2009 at 1:19 am
That is great, James. Don’t be a bastard and use the kids as extras.
September 11th, 2009 at 1:02 am
[...] the script and is also set to direct, with production set to begin in December. Gunn states on his blog: Okay, so, yes, this is a movie about superheroes. But what it’s really about is love, violence, [...]
September 11th, 2009 at 12:58 am
This is really cool! I have been waiting to hear what this was about. Can’t wait for it! You had me at pipe wrench!
September 11th, 2009 at 12:25 am
[...] Variety ran their piece, James Gunn himself posted more details on his blog. Unsurprisingly, his pitch isn’t exactly like the one in the trade paper. We’ll stick with the [...]
September 10th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Fantastic! Can’t wait for even more news to trickle in, sounds like a perfect movie!
September 10th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
“He’s got no superpowers other than a pipe wrench.”
That line instantly won me over. Also, it’s about damn time you got to doing another movie.
September 10th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
awesome news jimmy. just fucking awesome.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
This sounds AWESOME! I can’t wait to see it. I love the idea of delving into the psychology of the kind of damaged, dysfunctional person who would choose to put on a costume and become a superhero. James, you’re the man!
September 10th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
I was utterly delighted when I went on Variety tonight for TIFF coverage and found this story. Fantastis news! And it’s wonderful to read your passion for the film. It makes me a happy fanfuck.
Total Film’s announcement was like a game of telephone, where they wrote Liv played a drug addict and Rainn used a “wench.” I hope they went back and edited it.
I’m so happy for you. I hope this project is simply an incredible experience for you!