Friday
Jul182008
Friday, July 18, 2008 at 11:30AM 'The Golden Compass' Now Pointing South?
Even though it eventually recouped its money after
stronger international ticket sales than we saw in the states, it was a bit
surprising when we heard rumblings earlier this year that there would be a
sequel to
The Golden Compass. It wasn't odd from the standpoint of the story;
after all,
Phillip Pullman wrote a trilogy of books. But it was one of those
sequels that was hard to accept financially.
Sure, The Golden Compass made $372 million worldwide
against a $180 million budget, but when you add in marketing costs and all the
rest, it's safe to say that this didn't come close to doubling its money (until
you factor in DVD rentals and sales...and then the math gets really cloudy). And
when you're talking about a $200 million sequel, well, you don't want to run the
risk of Prince Caspian happening - and that series got off to a great start.
Contact Music is reporting that Pullman says he's never
been approached by a sequel, which fans the flames of speculation that this was
truly a one-and-done.
"When the first film was in production, I was talking to the studio and to
(writer/director)
Chris Weitz and producers quite frequently. I'm sure I would
be now if the sequel was in production," he admits.
"I know everyone would
like to see a sequel and I know I'd like to see it."
Some say the protests from the
Catholic Church not only hurt the box office performance of the first film but
may be keeping the sequel from moving forward. I certainly buy that the Church
had a big influence here in America with regard to the output of The Golden
Compass, but as for the sequel? I think what might be dooming that is the only
thing more powerful than God in this country: Money.
Reader Comments (14)
I thought The Golden Compass was a failry fresh and individual CGI fairytale. It worked despite having several flaws, such as not deciding if it was a movie for children or for grown-ups (it certainly wasn't for families). Perhaps it was the obvious pitch for a sequel that did it. Audiences must be getting tired of all the epics without proper endings. Regarding the religious issues (?!) I'd be very surprised if people with real faith lose it over watching The Golden Compass. Someone surely made a mistake?
I didn't see the movie mostly because Ann Coulter was played by Nicole Kidman. I figured if a blond Nicole, highly overrated actress that she is, would be playing a dark haired Mrs. Coulter (so easy to change, that) and featured so prominently in their marketing the movie would be a far cry from the trilogy that I cherished so well. I figured it wouldn't be the Lyra centered fable of epic journey and from what was reported to me, I was right. Nicole Kidman ruined this movie before I even saw it. A sequel? Maybe if they followed the story and found an actress to play the mother fatale. But you're right, given the fizzled first, why would the clueless even bother? And the church wouldn't squawk about a sequel. By ignoring the petty production, the Catholic church retains it's dignity and probably prevents a boost in sales from those wanting to know what got the pope's panties in a bunch.
Nicole Kidman was actually the best actor in the film so don't let the hair colour issue stand in your way ;)
Films are entirely different kettles of fish from books anyway, so it's usually best to regard them as completely separete works.
I loved the movie and am very anxious for a sequel. I admit that I was extremely disappointed to read that there may not be one. I have yet to read the trilogy but, I am definitely going to go out and get them now. I vote YES for a sequel and as far as the church goes....don't they have enough 'irons in the fire' to be worries about fabulous movies! What's next???
I bought this movie for my children and watch it them and I loved it. I liked the action, the spx effects, and the story. As for the the squeal I would love to see it. I think the church should worry about other important things. It is fairy tale. People it is a made-up story.
As a fan of Pullman’s Dark Materials trilogy I looked forward to this film. Even though it severely abridged the story of the written works it was a fabulous piece of story telling. Yes it is true its not a family movie. The violence was a bit too ferocious and the deaths of souls a bit too graphic. The book the film is based on is a triumph of imagination and scholarly art. Pullman’s grasp of diverse religious ideas is broad and inextricably woven into the plot. This is not the film the Catholics were worried about – it would have been the two to follow which would have made them squirm. This is a film about spiritual freedom and individual sovereignty – something the brainwashed religious of the world can’t stand. I was amazed even this film made it to the box office. And it is fabulous it did so. Can’t wait for the sequel – but sounds like a sequel is not happening. And I though Nicole was suitably evil – a well acted role.
I for one loved the books and was disappointed to see that the movie cut out before the end of the first book, but i absolutely want to see the rest of lyra's adventures. i am saddened to hear that it is likely there will not be a sequel. the rest of the story is such a good one
I just have to say that i have read the books and loved them. And for a movie made from the books it wasnt that bad i actually really enjoyed it. If people are true god seeking people, things in the entertainment world shouldnt bother them so much. Its not really meant for it to change peoples mind, its there for their enjoyment.