 |
|
|
| |
Tobe Hooper To Direct Buick 8
Based on the Stephen King novel
11 October 2007 | Written by Empire Empire | Source: Variety |
|
|
When Empire was lucky enough to visit the set of Frank Darabont’s The Mist back in March of this year, we were surprised to see that actor Jonathan Schaech – perhaps best known for his turn in Tom Hanks’ That Thing You Do! – was also there, hanging around like a crazed King fanboy.
Turned out that Schaech – a thoroughly nice guy, and huge Stephen King nut – was a friend of Darabont’s, soaking up the vibes of a Stephen King movie. But this wasn’t mere indulgence on his part – because he told Empire that he had an ulterior motive: he had just undergone something of a career reinvention by co-writing the script for From A Buick 8, adapted from one of King’s better post-accident novels.
Schaech also told us that Tobe Hooper had replaced George A. Romero in the director’s chair on the movie, which will concern a state trooper who becomes obsessed with a mysterious Buick 8 that’s stored in his police barracks, and which seems to possess otherworldly powers.
However, Schaech asked us to keep schtum about the project; we did, and heard no more about it until today, when Variety confirmed that the project was firmly on track, with Hooper on board, and Schaech confirmed as co-writer, along with Richard Chizmar (who was also on set).
At first glance, this might seem like Christine Mk II, but the origins of this particular car are much more alien, with links to King’s Dark Tower series, while the tone of the novel is more reflective and emotional than scary or gory (although there are sequences that are pure King).
We can’t say that we’re unconcerned about the hiring of Hooper as director. The guy hasn’t made a good movie since Poltergeist, including his own King adaptation, The Mangler, and it’s entirely likely that Buick 8 will head straight to DVD, like most of his current projects. But conventional wisdom has it that he’s got to pull out of his career slump at some point, and what better way to do that with From A Buick 8?
As for Schaech, he’s got two other scripts co-written with Chizmar in development – The Hour Before Dark, and Black House, a version of the King/Peter Straub Talisman sequel. He’s also playing the killer in the upcoming remake of Prom Night. |
|
Have Your Say
To comment on this, and all articles, register for free or login now.
| Tobe Hooper is a one trick poney. | Sorry but ROMERO would of been a better choice, THE DARK HALF and CREEPSHOW were excellent flicks, both endorsed by KING. Hooper's original TCM is a masterpiece, however he never did realise his potential, romero went on to direct the greatest ZOMBIE movie ever (original DAWN, still miles better than the stupid remake). This film in Hoopers hands will be a shit sandwich. More
Posted by Horrorguru at 12:59 on 13 March 2009 | Report This Post | | | | | Romero simply moves on... | ...ace, the same way Chuck Norris doesnt sleep, he just waits. Hahahaha, but anyway, Tobe Hooper did an ace job with both TCM1 and Poltergeist. Guys gotta get back on to the motorway at some point. This doesnt sound like the project to do it, but hey, we'll see. More
Posted by coomi01 at 20:53 on 11 October 2007 | Report This Post | | | | | pfft... | ''The guy hasn’t made a good movie since Poltergeist, including his own King adaptation, The Mangler, and it’s entirely likely that Buick 8 will head straight to DVD, like most of his current projects.''
well despite enjoying his recent take of toolbox murders,it took empire to remind me that his career has been stuck in DTV hell since. but you never know...
More
Posted by finalfist at 19:10 on 11 October 2007 | Report This Post | | | | | HOOPER.......OH DEAR! | Lord save us from this car crash (see what i did there ha ha indeed)!
The book isn't one of kings best , why hasn't somebody (peter jackson please!!!) decided to adapt The Talisman for the big screen it's got oscar stamped all over it if it's done right .
As for handing the reigns to Mr Hooper ....was Ewe Boll not available? Enough said. More
Posted by noseybonk at 17:59 on 11 October 2007 | Report This Post | | | | | Nobody replaces Romero, you got that Empire, romero simply decides to move on ** ANGRY FACE** More
Posted by CameronJames at 17:17 on 11 October 2007 | Report This Post | | | | | actually, which wuld be the Mk II? I mean sure, this was writen later, but the car far predate's Christine's model. More
Posted by Adrian at 16:42 on 11 October 2007 | Report This Post | | | | | Tobe Hooper hasn't made a decent film in years. I found Chainsaw Massacre 2 and Funhouse to be guilty pleasures, but they're not exactly legitimately good movies. And I thought his "comeback" movie, Toolbox Murders, sucked. So while his adaptation of Salem's Lot should give me hope for this, his adaptation of The Mangler quickly dashes those hopes. More
Posted by Dr. Benway at 15:44 on 11 October 2007 | Report This Post | | | | | |
|
|
|
|
|
