website tracking

Search The Big Picture


« Weird New Posters for 'Surrogates' | Main | Box Office - 'Funny People' Draws Fewer People Than Expected »
Sunday
02Aug2009

Spielberg's Next? A Remake of 'Harvey'

DateSunday, August 2, 2009 at 1:43PM
There was a lot of speculation about what project would be Steven Spielberg's next outing as a director. But now he's made his decision, and I think it's rather surprising.

Spielberg will remake Harvey, the 1950 James Stewart Oscar winner based on the Mary Chase play. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Spielberg will give the story of Elwood P. Dowd and his imaginary friend - a six-foot-tall rabbit - a contemporary spin. It was believed that Spielberg's next directing project had to be with Disney, based on the recent deal betwee the House of Mouse and DreamWorks, but this will be a DreamWorks/Fox collaboration, co-produced by Spielberg, Don Gregory, and Fox 2000's Elizabeth Gabler and Carla Hacken.

“I am very happy to be working again with my friend (Fox Filmed Entertainment co-chairman) Tom Rothman who shepherded us through Minority Report," Spielberg said in a statement, "and with Elizabeth and Carla, who I’m looking forward to collaborating with.”

The adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play has already been written by novelist Jonathan Tropper, and pre-production will begin immediately, with an eye on filming early in 2010. No casting has been announced yet, but that won't take long.

Strange choice for Spielberg. Late in the week, there was some talk that he'd direct a spy movie based on the fictional secret agent Matt Helm. I brought up Lincoln, a movie he's had brewing for about half a decade. And then there has been a lot of chatter about a fifth Indiana Jones. So it's surprising to that Harvey has risen to the top of the list, especially because of the contractual stuff with DreamWorks. Must be a hell of a script.

AuthorColin Boyd | | in , | Print ArticlePrint Article | | Comment8 Comments |

Reader Comments (8)

What a bad idea. Remember Albert Brooks joking about a Harvey remake in Looking For Comedy in the Muslim World? Brooks had Penny Marshall directing it though, which actually sounds like a better choice. If you had to do it I mean.

Sunday, August 2, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterned

Yes, that was the really funny scene in Looking for Comedy. Too bad it was also the first scene. I miss when Albert Brooks was really good.

Sunday, August 2, 2009 | Registered CommenterColin Boyd

I thought Looking for Comedy was great. I could list ten scenes that I still laugh about. From
That Darn Jew" to the campfire to the Taj Mahal. I thought the improvisation scene was comedy brilliance. Really inside stand up stuff, but amazing.I wish Albert Brooks would work faster but I still think he is as good as ever.

Monday, August 3, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterstewart nathan

Really? I liked that movie more than most people but I think it pales in comparison to Defending Your Life and almost everything before that. Mother had some great moments, too. The Muse...let's not discuss that one.

Monday, August 3, 2009 | Registered CommenterColin Boyd

Life imitates art imitates life.

Digital Harvey is a satire about a special effects company that "puts the Harvey back into Harvey". I hope Spielberg watches this short film and thinks twice about his remake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mDn3NOCXS0

Monday, August 3, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterfedhat

actually in the film Harvey was six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch, because Stewart himself was six foot and the script called for him to look up at Harvey.
Great movie... Hating the idea.

Monday, August 3, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterfaulty logic

See, I love The Muse. I guess comedy always comes down to personal taste.

Monday, August 3, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterstewart nathan

Tom Hanks in for Jimmy Stewart. Gentle, kind man, loving life - along with his tall furry friend.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 | Unregistered Commenteranniedash

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>