Okay, we promise faithfully that our man in LA will stop writing about JJ Abrams’ new, not-so-secret-anymore project, Super 8 forever and ever and ever. Well, at least until the trailer arrives online. But new details have emerged from various sources since the promo has begun to show in front of Iron Man 2 and a few lucky folk (grumble, whine, moan) got to see it even earlier than that.
So what is the thing all about? Contrary to earlier rumours it is, as Abrams has since announced, nothing to do with Cloverfield though it will share a tonal similarity with the creature feature, since it involves ordinary people encountering something decidedly extraordinary.
Abrams has written the script and, yes, will direct the film. And Steven Spielberg is producing. There will be a lot less shaky-cam in the final film and it’ll boast a budget of between $45-50 million. It’s a blend of the Star Trek director’s love of sci-fi and the Close Encounters ethos of Spielberg’s early work.
And Paramount intends to release it next year. 2011 is seriously shaping up as an amazing summer season.
Finally, because the trailer’s full contents deserve to remain a surprise, we won’t be spilling them here. If you absolutely, positively have to find out what cinemagoers are watching across the pond, hit up the Heat Vision Blog. But don’t complain to us if it drains the fun out of seeing it with your eyeballs fresh for the first time…
**Update: **TheOfficial Site is now live, featuring a suitably retro image and a promise of a proper trailer. No sign as of 6:00am, but (cough) if you're desperate to see it (cough)...