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Anonymous writes...

Greg-- in the undying hope of Gargoyles being turned into a movie, did you ever consider Sean Connery for Macbeth? I know you said that John Rhys-Davies would be an idel match, and this just popped into my head.

Oh, best wishes for the upcoming series Atlantis!!!!

Greg responds...

I've mentioned Connery for Macbeth before.

Response recorded on June 20, 2001

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Jason Barnett writes...

You've stated that you'd like to see the people who voiced the characters portray them in a live action movie. However John Rhys-Davies would make a fairly poor MacBeth because of his size. So excluding him who would you like to see portray MacBeth?

Greg responds...

I don't know. Connery? He's probably too old now. Guess we'd have to hold auditions. :)

Actually, I'm not sure I agree with you about John.

Response recorded on May 02, 2001

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Jim R. writes...

Greg,

I found this today regarding the live-action movie, check it out and tell us what you think. Here's the website:

http://www.corona.bc.ca/films/details/gargoyles.html

Greg responds...

The site still hasn't downloaded, and I don't want to waste time waiting.

Response recorded on May 02, 2001

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Vic writes...

Hellos,
I'm just wondering if you know anything about the fabled Gargoyles movie project. Last i heard it was mired in development hell. Has it moved up to purgatory or down to something more hopeless, like ohio?

Greg responds...

I hear they have a script they like. But I haven't seen it. I don't know anything else, but hope to have more info for the Gathering.

Response recorded on March 13, 2001

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Siren writes...

If they make a live-action movie of Gargoyles, do you plan/hope they put in songs, besides a score. I don't mean, the Gargoyles get up and sing...God please no!!!! I mean, some song(s) in the background. Or simply at the beginning or end credits. A theme, besides the instrumental theme. What I am getting to here is, if they did, do you have any band(s) and/or song(s) in mind? Or would they be written solely for the movie?

Greg responds...

You're just so WAY ahead of me. I don't know anything about the movie they're planning. In tone, in mood, etc. Answering this question would require more info that I currently don't have access to.

Response recorded on March 07, 2001

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Tk writes...

Hey I'm Back, not that it really matters much.
Anyway,ok i hav eto ramble about something and i hope it won't affend you or anyone who reads this.
The rumor of a live action movie has been around. (don't get annoyed i haven't said anything yet) I think that great,great that the story is being (excuse the word) resurected.(not that is was ever gone in the eyes of the fans)But does it have to be a live action movie. I just think that kind of ruins the story we (as the fans) have come to love.unless you were going to have the same cast for the parts as you did the voices. Sound is a big memory trigger and for all the people who watched it before want it to be like they knew it. I personally hate it when a story continues however it does and the voices or character change. I don't know maybe it is just me. I just think that there would be nothing wrong with an animated one, I mean the show was animated to begin with. I also really feel strongly on the voice thing. Voices should stay the same.I think that a live action might reck the story. Like (and forgive me for using this example some people can't stand it)the Harry Potter thing, brilliant books that the world fell in love with ,but the movie is going tobe live and i think that recks it. We no longer can imagine what the character are like because we will be told. I don't know, am i making any sense? Please tell me what you think, what are your views on this, what do you hope for the movie, what do you hope doesn't happen, what do you want. And please tell me if what i'm saying makes sense, please rip it apart and criteac it.
Thank you so much for listening.

Greg responds...

I'd love to do an animated movie that CONTINUES the story. But that's not being presented as an option.

So instead, I believe, they are planning a Live-Action movie that ADAPTS the story (at least to some degree). Sometimes this works. (Superman the Motion Picture). Sometimes it doesn't. (The Shadow.) So in theory, I have no objections, and in fact am rooting for the picture, for both its creative and commercial success -- if for no other reason than it increases the odds of the animated tv series coming back.

As to the actors, well, I would hope that they cast Keith as Goliath, Marina as Demona, Salli as Elisa, Jeff as Brooklyn, etc. Assuming all those characters are still in the movie script. Of course, I have no control over that, but I can dream...

Response recorded on February 08, 2001

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Jim R. writes...

What's the status on the live-action movie from Touchstone pictures?

Greg responds...

I don't know. Still in script development, I guess.

Response recorded on February 01, 2001

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JENN writes...

Dear Greg, 12/27/2000

Why was the Gargoyles series canceled and why aren't their any reruns to be seen? Is there going to be a movie on the Disney's Gargoyles?

Jenn

Greg responds...

1. Long story. But the short answer is that it didn't perform well in the ratings in its third season.

2. Reruns do air on Toon Disney.

3. There is a live action Gargoyles movie in development at Touchstone Pictures. I hear they have a script that they like. But I haven't seen it.

Response recorded on January 26, 2001

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Sabs writes...

Hey Greg I basically found your site by accident I was looking for either more gargoyal fanfic to read, or a Toon Disney timeline to see if the reruns of all seasons are on(by the way are they?) Anyway I read that a live action movie is in the possibility of being made, aand if this is true trust me I'll see it. What I want to know is the movie going to be based on "The Awakening" with a likeness in plot and diologue, or will it be completly seperate from any episode?

Greg responds...

I don't have any info on the live action movie beyond that it is still in script development.

As far as I know, Toon Disney is airing at least 64 of the first 65 episodes of the original series. I think that they (or Disney Channel) occassionally airs the thirteen Goliath Chronicles episodes as well.

Response recorded on January 17, 2001

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John Edward writes...

Hey Greg,...I am a Gargoyles Fan, and i wanna know about some future proyect, you know, like a movie or more Chapters of the serie......Thanx a million

Greg responds...

There's a live-action movie in development at Touchstone Pictures (a division of the Walt Disney Company). I hope to bring the series back in one form or another some day. And I'm working to that end.

The best way you can help is by attending the Gathering 2001 in Los Angeles.

Response recorded on November 09, 2000

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Amberie writes...

G'day...
You mentioned earlier that Simon Kinberg was writing the latest script for the movie and that he'd be done by October. So, since it's just about November, have you heard anything so far?

Thanks so much...for your efforts and for all those wonderful contests. I'll definitely be there for the 2001 Gathering!

Greg responds...

I haven't, which isn't surprising, as they aren't great about keeping me informed. I'll try to remember to check in with them next week.

And I'll see you in June.

Response recorded on November 02, 2000

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John writes...

Hi Greg,
What would be your favorite cast for a real-live-Hollywood-Gargoyles-Movie? I mean actors, director, artists on the Soundtrack... all that little things. Ok, maybe that is never going to happen, but use your fantasy.
CU, John

Greg responds...

Well, I'd love to see Jonathan Frakes direct it. He knows and cares about the property. And I liked his work on FIRST CONTACT. Plus, I like him.

As for cast, I'd love to see many of the voice actors reprise their roles.

Elisa - Salli Richardson
Demona - Marina Sirtis
Goliath - Keith David
Morgan - Keith David
Owen - Jeff Bennett
Brooklyn - Jeff Bennett
Hudson - Edward Asner
Lexington - Thom Adcox
Matt - Tom Wilson
Broadway - Bill Fagerbakke
Bronx - Frank Welker
Angela - Brigitte Bako
Margot - Marina Sirtis
Coldstone - Michael Dorn
Puck - Brent Spiner
Coldfire - C.C.H. Pounder
Chavez - Rachel Ticotin

Etc. Not that all of these characters would all be in the first movie, but eventually. *HEY, you said fantasy!*

As for soundtrack, my priority would be to get Carl Johnson to do the score.

Response recorded on November 01, 2000

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Robert writes...

hi Greg,
have youconsideredusing a combination of CGI and robotics fo the Gargoyles? because I've been thinking about this movie for awhile now and I figure the best way to do the Gargoyles is with a combination of CGI and robotics with the actors doing the voice overs. some people have suggested having the actors in costumes, but I think that sounds kind of cheap.
has there been any progrees on the movie lately? such as a submition of a new draft of the script or anything like that?

Greg responds...

I'm not involved with the movie, except as a nominal Producer. I'm rarely informed about their progress, and I'm certainly not included in their strategy meetings.

Response recorded on October 20, 2000

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John writes...

Hi Greg,
Ok! On my question, for what charakter you would chose what actor, you just awnsered me with some names of the speakers. Ok, thats all right. But I mean, what HOLLYWOOD actors you wanna take like ... umh ... Michelle Pfeifer for Coldfire. Hope that time it is a bit harder.
CU, John

Greg responds...

I'd choose C.C.H. Pounder for Coldfire. You may have seen her on ER among a hundred other things.

I mean define HOLLYWOOD ACTOR. If you're limiting your casting choices (of even minor characters) to HUGE BUDGET MEGA-STARS you are NOT going to wind up with a very well-cast movie.

Just my opinion.

Response recorded on September 16, 2000

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John writes...

Hi Greg,
Now, here comes a hard question! If you could choose the cast for Gargoyles-The Movie, which actors you would take for which person??? I hope, that keeps you thinking a little time. CU, John

Greg responds...

Let's see, that is a toughy...

For Goliath... Keith David.

For Elisa... Salli Richardson.

For Brooklyn... Jeff Bennett.

For Lexington... Thom Adcox.

For Broadway... Bill Fagerbakke.

For Hudson... Edward Asner.

For Demona... Marina Sirtis.

For Owen... Jeff Bennett.

For Angela... Brigitte Bako.

For Coldstone... Michael Dorn.

For Matt... Tom Wilson.

Gee, that wasn't as hard as I thought...

Response recorded on September 09, 2000

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Todd Jensen writes...

There was a discussion in the comment room last week on the original plans that you and Michael Reaves drew up for the Gargoyles live-action movie (which were rejected), and one element of it got a particularly interesting bit of attention that I thought that I'd ask you about. You mentioned that in the movie plans, Macbeth would be the lord of Castle Wyvern back in the medieval period, before Goliath and the other gargs were placed in their stone sleep.

The question that got raised was whether it would have been that advisable to introduce Macbeth into the movie in such a role. Unlike the bulk of the other major characters in the series (certainly the ones whom you mentioned in your plans for the story), Macbeth exists outside of "Gargoyles" as a very well-known Shakespearean figure. This raised, therefore, the question as to whether his appearance in the movie in the role that you and Reaves had planned for him might have been a bit distracting, on account of his literary connotations. Of course, we don't know as yet if you and Reaves ever managed to get to that part before your idea for the movie was rejected, but I thought that I'd ask you about it anyway.

Greg responds...

I think his NAME value would have been worth something. And it would have -- in success -- set us up to use him further down the line.

Response recorded on August 22, 2000

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Sixshot writes...

Hello mr Weisman!

I read the basic plot for the movie in your ramblings. Of course, it will probably change during time.

1.Should they make a Gargoyle movie, what do you think of sequels? In the past, Hollywood had very little success with sequels, particurly action/sci-fi/fantasy movies. Also, actors tend not to stay for next movies.

2.What do you think of directors? Do you think they'll alter the story, characters, etc?

3.Do you think Touchtone will be true to Gargoyles? Movies companie tend to do it the Hollywood way, the-very-predictable-not-so-impressive-way.

4.Would like to direct a movie someday (not only Gargoyles, but anything you like)

Greg responds...

1. In success, you hope for sequels. But really this has nothing to do with me. If you read that rambling, you know they didn't go for my approach.

2. Most do, or so I understand.

3. It's a worry.

4. I don't have any ambition to.

Response recorded on August 22, 2000

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stevo writes...

i found this at www.darkhorizons.com......
Gargoyles: 'AnimatorGuy' over at The Flik Spot landed this interesting bit about a project which was once ditched and now may be coming back to life:

"In 1996 there was talk of a live action version of Disney's "Gargoyles", Dean Devlin and Roland Emerich were apparently interested in helming the project, but things fell through and they decided to do "Godzilla" instead, wow, great choice! Well I can tell you that 4 years later, things are starting to heat up again concerning "Gargoyles", apparently there is actually a completed script ready and waiting! So the project is far from dead, and things may start happening sooner than we think. He tells me that everything was haulted back in '96 because the cost of creating the CG Gargoyles would have made the budget huge, but now bringing the gargoyles to life won't be so budget draining as it would of back then, so it looks like the project is far from dead!"

Greg responds...

I've seen this before, and I believe I've commented on its innacuracies. Check the archive.

Basically, the Touchstone people didn't like Devlin's script. Or so they told me. They never stopped developing it. Certainly not because of CGI costs. They've gone through a number of writers. Six that I can name. They have a new writer now, but no script. They expect to get the script in October.

Response recorded on August 22, 2000

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Todd Jensen writes...

I read your ramble on your and Michael Reaves' original plan for the live-action movie, and liked it. The bit that intrigued me about it was that in your plans for it, Lex's name was to be short for "Alexander" rather than "Lexington", in light of Lex's friendship with Alexander Xanatos in the series. I don't know if that was even on the planning board for the series when you and Reaves were working on that story for the movie, but it was fun to see it there anyway.

Greg responds...

Yeah, I think it was all being done simultaneously.

Response recorded on August 21, 2000

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Laura 'ad astra' Ackerman writes...

You mentioned your choice, if it were up to you, [hopefully it will be,] to direct a Gargoyles Live Action movie, namely Jonathan Frakes. It had never occurred to me and for the life of me I don't know why. Generations is not among my favorite Trek movies, but I thought it was script problems, (the need to shift the franchise to the NG storyline,) and not craft that was at the root of the problem- It was well made, as was the next movie (which is among my favs) that I believe he also directed. He would be perfect: If the company wont give you complete control he is someone you can trust not to betray the story. He has brought up the show in completely unrelated interviews calling for its return. He specifically mentioned how fun it was to work with his Star Trek friends on the show so they would be more likely to make time for it in their schedules. And as you stated, he gives a damn about the material.

That led me to two thoughts. Should we as fans try to draw Mr. Frakes into Gargoyles fandom? I assume we could never afford his con fee, and it would be unreasonable to ask him to forgo it, but it would be nice to show him fan appreciation. Also, should we organize in approaching Disney pushing for Frakes to direct? They might think of us as a more directed and serious group (read- more people willing to spend money) if we have clear and sound objectives. Not to mention it might subconsciously connect to Trek fandom, and therefore seem more profitable. Any thoughts or suggestions?

On a completely unrelated point that will be out of date by the time you read this- Keith David is doing Shakesleare in the [Central] Park through July 16: Midwinter's Tale.

Thanks again for answering our questions- that is what keeps my interest up more than anything else.

Greg responds...

I'm all for organization.

And it would never hurt to let Jonathan know how much you like his work, both on Gargoyles and as a director.

I'm not sure how to approach Disney right now. On the one hand, they want a lot of people to come to their movie, but they don't want to be told how (or with whom) to make it. Letting them know, in a rational way of course, that you care, couldn't hurt.

Response recorded on August 19, 2000

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Stephen R. Sobotka, Jr. writes...

Hi again, Greg!

First let me say it's going to be a bummer in August. I'm coming to Orlando, but I'll miss the Gathering by two days. Ah, well... hope to see you next year in LA then.

I figure since I haven't asked a question in a while, I'd post a new one:

Considering the level of technology avalible to movie makers these days, and going on the assumption that you'd be given carte-blanche with a movie budget, if you were allowed to make a live-action movie about Gargoyles, would you consider the option of having the clan rendered as CGI creations (ie. - on the same level as Draco from Dragonheart)?

I have another post to follow...

Greg responds...

That is, as far as I know, part of Touchstone's current plan.

Response recorded on August 19, 2000

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Zeliard (repost by Aris) writes...

Good day to you mr. Weisman.

Is the name Robert Angelo Masciantonio rings a bell to you? I don't want to start any rumors, but I saw his name and he's says he is working on a script called 'Gargoyles'.

It was on the pretty old websites (nearly a year ago): http://lavender.fortunecity.com/plan9/338/HP/news/apr99.html
http://www.drcasey.com/movies/articles/coldhearts.shtml

Note that on the second website he mentioned Gargoyle (no 's' at the end). Is this a possible Gargoyles movie; at least the Gargoyles WE know?

Thank you.

Greg responds...

I've never heard of the guy, which doesn't preclude the possibility that either

(a) he was at one point working on the Touchstone/Disney Live-Action adaptation of our GARGOYLES series...

or

(b) he was (and perhaps still is) working on a completely unrelated Gargoyle-based idea. After all, we didn't invent the concept of a gargoyle.

But if the answer is (a) then he is no longer working on the project. The current writer is named Simon Kinberg.

Response recorded on August 01, 2000

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Lynn writes...

i just want to ask if there is a Gargoyle movie supposed to be coming out?
I herd some where that there was. Thanks your reading.
:)

Greg responds...

Guys, guys, do you see that there is an archive. Could you please attempt to at least peak at it before asking questions?!

Lynn, I don't mean to pick on you, but there is an entire archive dedicated to the LIVE-ACTION MOVIE. Try clicking there first. Then if you have any specific questions that the archive doesn't answer, please come back here and ask. But just on principle, I'm not going to answer this general querie yet again. Sorry.

Response recorded on July 27, 2000

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Jason Ransleben writes...

Dear Greg, First off I wanted to tell you that Gargoyles is my all time favorite cartoon. I loved the twisting storylines that always kept me guessing what would happen next. Another reason I love the show so much is all the voice talent from actors/actresses that starred in Star Trek shows. I watch the show all the time on toon disney and I know the show was cancelled a while back. This brings me to my question. I was visiting a website called the internet movie database (www.imdb.com) and under Gargoyles it has listed several episodes or movies that were made in 1998 and 1999. I was wondering if you were involved with these and if you know where I could find them? Also I was recently in a blockbuster video and on their preview show they have running in the store there was a segment on gargoyles and it said there are 2 new movies coming out, again are you involved with these and do you know what it is about? Thank you for your time and effort and most of all thank you for creating the gargoyles.

Greg responds...

It sounds like your information is or was innacurate. There haven't been any new episodes since the 96-97 season of Goliath Chronicles. The first season was released on Home Video, but that was also some time ago. A new version of AWAKENING was edited together without my input and placed in a movie syndication package that can occasionally be seen on television. The original 65 episodes air on Toon Disney twice a night. Touchstone is developing a Live-Action Movie. But they don't have a useable script yet.

That's all I know of, and all I think there is to know.

Response recorded on July 26, 2000

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Exolex (repost by Aris) writes...

Hi again Greg, this isn't a opinion, but just a question. What exactly do you know about the Gargoyles movie script? Because, aparently a critic read it and had this to say:

"I've followed this page from the get-go, and now I've finally decided to share my views on Devlin's script, which I read almost a year ago.

"Let's put it this way: I think both ID4 and Godzilla were execrable. The type of stuff that makes true movie-lover's bladders loosen and gives the likes of Woody Allen heart attacks.

"But Gargoyles, written in a sort of John-Hughes-meets-an action-film mode, is much, much worse.

"This thing is so preposterous, so inane, so stupid... I wouldn't even know where to start. Even bad scripts have ONE good moment. This has NONE. Nothing. It's a total bore and a complete embarrassment. Someone here said Scott Rosenberg is rewriting it. I'm all for that. I'd like some of his Bad Moon Rising dialogue to permeate this script. And maybe he'd give it some BALLS, which this film is severely lacking... as well as a brain.

"The story -- for those who care -- is this: A grotesque granite gargoyle is brought to New York by a rich architect to sit atop a perch on his favorite building. Since the thing is lifted above the clouds, its spell -- placed there by a queen long, long ago -- is lifted. The gargoyle is then awakened, accidentally, by a young boy, and the gargoyle -- Goliath (so named by the kid -- after he thought better of 'Arnold') -- assumes him to be a prince and his mother a queen.

"The cliches run rampant here: We have a group of kids picking on our shy, loner young boy (only to be saved by the Gargoyle); we have a gang of thugs trying to mug our group of characters on a train -- though there's no reason in hell that they should even BE on this train (only to be saved by the gargoyle); we have the single mother who is not ready to date and the guy that keeps trying for a date (unsuccessfully) and the flashback scenes where we see that the husband was killed during a mugging.

"What's most bizarre is how this thing becomes something close to a Disney Christmas special in the end. You see... this is yet another script involving the millenium and how evil will take over the world when we reach 2000. The main bad guy in the film has shown Goliath that he's not needed in this world. So Goliath sits back as the 'evil spirits and zombie army' takes over the city. And what gets him back into the fight?

"Seeing people come out for the annual New Year's party at Time Square even though it was cancelled because of the weather (as if this would happen!).

"Dean COULDN'T have thought this worked. There's even long speeches about how the world is a really good place and that we can pull together.

"Watch those Italian loafers, I'm going to vomit.

"My friends and I keep this script around for when we need a good laugh. All we have to do is randomly pick a piece of dialogue and we're in stitches. I also suggest this script for any of the unproduced screenwriters out there. One look at this and you'll have a renewed confidence you didn't think imaginable."

OK, so the $64,000 question is: if there's just one gargoyle in Devlin's script, why is it called Gargoyles??

Just though that it might be a point of intrest for you, if you didn't know anything about it. And in responce to another fan's responce to my earlier remarks, I never ever said what you made after Avalon was garbage, just not high calibur.

Greg responds...

I never read Devlin's script, but I heard from Touchstone that they weren't satisfied with it. Calling it "the Gargoyles movie script" at this point is innacurate. It's been OVER two years since Devlin left the project. Since then they have gone through at least three writers I know of. And these guys weren't rewriting Devlin's work. They were starting from scratch on their own versions. Now they have a new writer, who's also starting from scratch. Right now there is NO Gargoyle movie script, though they hope to have a first draft by October.

And of course, I don't agree with your assessment of the post-Avalon episodes.

Response recorded on July 26, 2000

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CORRECTION

It just occured to me that I made a stupid mistake when answering the following question here at ASK GREG:

Lee writes...

For the upcomeing live action movie of GARGOYLES who would you chose as director? I would say Steven Spielberg or George Lucas.

________

I responded with...

I definitely would NOT chose either of those talented men. Personally, I would pick Jonathan Frakes. I thought STAR TREK: GENERATIONS was very well made. And I'd love to have someone directing the movie who actually gave a damn about where the thing came from. Just my opinion.

recorded on 07-10-00

Of course, I meant to say STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT. GENERATIONS didn't do much for me at all. (I enjoyed it in a nostalgic vein, but not really as a movie.) But I liked FIRST CONTACT, and thought Jonathan did a great job on it.

Sorry for any confusion.


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A Gargoyles Live-Action Movie

In light of the release of the X-MEN movie I thought it would be appropriate to discuss a possible Gargoyles Live-Action Movie.

As most of you know, Disney/Touchstone has literally been developing this for years. So far with no success. But they're still plugging away at it and have hired a new screenwriter recently. I think the success of X-Men may help light a fire under them too.

But let me tell you a story. It was 1995. A Touchstone Executive named Todd Garner wanted to develop the Gargoyles series as a live-action feature. He was told he'd have to deal with Gary Krisel who, as President of Walt Disney TV Animation, had the property under his domain. Gary, in turn, strongly suggested that Todd develop the property with a couple of writers who were familiar with it: Greg Weisman & Michael Reaves. So Touchstone made a deal with Michael and I. We would be "co-producers" of the film. And they gave us a shot at writing the treatment, i.e. the outline for the story. We did that, more or less. Our approach was rejected, more or less, by Todd's bosses at Touchstone. Todd started us on a new approach. Then Gary Krisel announced he was leaving Disney. Very quickly, Michael and I were moved off the project. We're still "co-producers". But that means next-to-nothing. Todd's no longer at Touchstone. In fact, the projects gone through at least five executives I can think of and six writers that I know of. But I'm not exactly in the loop. Still I have a pleasant enough relationship with Jim Wedaa, who's working with the movie's attached producer. So I call him for updates periodically. He promises that if they ever get a script they like, they'll send it to me. I'm not holding my breath. But you never know.

Anyway, I thought it might be an interesting subject of discussion to reveal what Michael & I had planned for the movie. I feel safe revealing this, since I know it's not going to be used.

Keep in mind, we all felt that we needed to start the continuity over from scratch. The series (which was still in production at the time) would have it's own continuity. The movie continuity would exist in a kind of parallel universe. Hopefully, it would all be emotionally the same. But details would differ. We wanted to simplify the complex plotting a bit. (Not make it unintelligent, just clean it up a bit.) We wanted to leave room open for sequels. But we wanted to tell one GREAT story, as if we'd only ever get one shot.

That story would, more or less, be AWAKENING.

But we made some changes.

For starters, we put Macbeth in charge of Castle Wyvern. In one version he had the Magus by his side. In another, the Archmage. In yet a third, we made Macbeth himself a bit of a sorceror king. At any rate, Katharine became his daughter. I know this sounds treasonous. But doing this allowed us to simplify all sorts of backstory, and allowed us (at least in the nefarious backs of our minds) to plan for a Macbeth sequel. And an Avalon sequel with Katharine and the eggs.

We also were forced to ditch the notion of the Gargoyles not having names. There wasn't time to explore it unfortunately, and it is a complicated idea. Goliath remained Goliath. Demona was Angel. Lexington became Alexander (but still Lex for short). Hudson became "Mentor" in one draft. "Soldier" in another. And a fifth prominent character was Othello. Brooklyn, Bronx and Broadway had cameos in the eleventh century flashback that more-or-less opened the film.

Once we got to the present, we had Xanatos, Sevarius and Owen. They awaken three gargoyles: Goliath, Lex and Othello. They tell them that as far as they know these three are the only three that survived. Elisa is introduced, but she doesn't meet Goliath right away. She investigates a number of strange incidents and mysterious reports (with Matt's help and under Chavez's command). She discovers the secret of the Gargoyles over time. Then Elisa and Goliath both take time to learn to trust each other. The whole Cyberbiotics plot is there but simplified. Demona resurfaces and basically becomes the main villain in the movie. (In an earlier draft, we saved her to be a main villain in a sequel.) Othello doesn't fair too well in the present. (Thus setting up a possible Coldstone sequel.) Xanatos runs a whole series of tests on Goliath, (setting up a Thailog sequel). Goliath, Elisa and Lex manage to triumph over their opponents (which included Steel Clan Robots and Xanatos in his Gargoyle-Armor). In the epilogue, they find a cache of additional undestroyed gargoyles: Hudson/Mentor/Soldier, Brooklyn, Broadway and Bronx (and in one draft, Angel/Demona). The movie ends on a hopeful note as these new Gargs are awakened.

Obviously, I'm not attempting to tell a coherent story above, but to show you what our strategy was. We were going to start over. Use a clean, straightforward story. Focus on the KEY Goliath/Elisa relationship. Intro elements that could be used for sequels but didn't require you to already know history. And didn't distract from the single big story we were trying to tell in THIS movie. There'd be a lot of tasty tidbits for diehard fans of the show. But we'd still have a brand new story that a new audience could follow.

That was the plan.

Of course, I have no idea what Touchstone's current plan is. But no matter what they do, I'm rooting for the movie. Because that movie is the surest way for us to get the series back on the air.


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Laura aka 'ad astra' writes...

Glad to see Ask Greg running again! I had downloaded the old archives, (or most of them) sometime last year. I checked periodically and it seemed the page was down. I gave up on the Ask Greg page and only checked it again on a lark. It took me weeks to read through everything!

Oh, a question-

You seem to have a much more optimistic view on the series coming back then when last I checked in. Has something changed? To be more precise- Before you seemed to say "long shot at best for the series in any form, even the live action movie seems dead". Now the movie doesn't sound dead, and the long term revival hopes good, (lost the quote, sorry). I am much heartened, and almost as curious.

I have many more questions to follow, but for now I want to say thank you for doing this, and thanks to Gorebash for running it.

Greg responds...

The movie isn't a lost cause. It hasn't progressed an inch really, but normally after this much time that would result in its death. They'd give up. But they absolutely haven't given up. In fact, they've just hired a NEW writer. Touchstone/Disney REALLY, REALLY wants to make this movie. So that keeps me optimistic. (And the success of X-Men doesn't hurt either.)

I don't love that Toon Disney is editing episodes and refuses to air "Deadly Force". But they ARE airing the show about twice a day. That gives me hope.

I haven't given up in any way, shape or form. I'm still in there trying to come up with ways to bring the show back in some, well, way, shape or form. In fact, I've got a new nefarious plan in the works now with Doug Murphy, a former GARGOYLES (and BAD GUYS) storyboard artist. Too soon to talk about now, but give me time.

The response here at ASK GREG is overwhelming. That means fan interest still exists. And I'm VERY heartened by the continuing success of the GATHERINGS. That gives me hope.

In fact, people ask me what they can do to help bring the show back, and what has become clear to me is that the best single way a fan can help is by attending one or more GATHERINGS. Aside from the sheer FUN FACTOR of the convention, it is the raw numbers in attendance that will help me prove to the powers that be at Disney that the show is still viable and ready to return. Come to Orlando next month. PLEASE. It's gonna be GREAT. Guests include myself, Thom Adcox, Brad Rader and Greg Guler.

And without doubt, plan to come to next years GATHERING in Los Angeles. I guarantee we will have over twenty members of the cast and crew in attendance. And if the fan attendance numbers are big enough, we will bring Disney Execs and show them first hand the opportunity they are missing out on. Do NOT MISS THAT ONE if you want to see the show back on the air.

Response recorded on July 18, 2000

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Bubbles writes...

Hey I'm a realy big fan of Gargoyles and I have two questions.
1. I was just wondering if it were true that there is a Gargoyle movie being made?

2. Do you think that Disney or who ever will ever ask you and your crew to make Gargoyles again?

Thanks for you time!

Greg responds...

1. Yes. It's in development at Touchstone pictures. They have a new writer, Simon Kinberg, who should turn in a first draft script in October.

2. I hope so. I think so too.

Response recorded on July 17, 2000

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Lee writes...

For the upcomeing live action movie of GARGOYLES who would you chose as director? I would say Steven Spielberg or George Lucas

Greg responds...

I definitely would NOT chose either of those talented men. Personally, I would pick Jonathan Frakes. I thought STAR TREK: GENERATIONS was very well made. And I'd love to have someone directing the movie who actually gave a damn about where the thing came from. Just my opinion.

Response recorded on July 10, 2000

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Carissa writes...

Hey Greg,

I love the gargoyles and I realy miss them. I havent missed a day of them since I found out the were on toon disney. I just want to ask if Gargoyles on a scale between 1-10, 10 being the highest, will be coming back anytime in the near future?
And what's this talk of the gargoyle movie?
Please write back thanks.

Greg responds...

Define "near" future? Like in the next couple years. I'd give it a zero chance. Cuz it ain't in production and it takes time to launch (or relaunch) any show. If you mean sometime, than I think the chances go up to eight or so.

Touchstone is developing a live action film based on the gargoyles. They've been at it for years. They haven't given up. But they haven't put it into production either.

Response recorded on June 29, 2000

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Robin Wynn writes...

Ok..this is probably a false alarm, and I'll probably know the answer before you have a chance to answer, or even see this post, but, I was on a page called "Ain't it Cool News". Don't know if you've ever heard of it, but it's a very reliable page of Movie news and reviews. I was reading an article about who was going to be playing Anakin in the next Star Wars movie (or at least who the latest rumour was), and at the end of the article, the guy who runs the page continued to talk about what he was going to be up to next. After talking about a few movies he said (and I quote:)
"THE FINAL APOCRYPHA: THE RETURN OF THE GARGOYLES which is supposed to be a damn kickass film."
That's all he said about it, but the mention of Gargoyles, naturally, got my attention. So...what do you think? Could it be the movie we've all been waiting for? Probably not huh? oh well...it sounds interesting anyway...

Greg responds...

I have no idea.

Response recorded on March 25, 2000

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Alan Coleman Waltrip writes...

Okay... I know people have asked you this 1,001 times, but it's about a book deal... I mean, Disney does own a publishing company... hell, they more or less own the world. I feel the only reason they don't approach you for anything is that Disney is falling futhur and futhur towards simply a children's media outlet. Think about it, Princess Monoke and Fatasia 2000 were either hardly advertised or shown in such limited release that no one was able to see it. They denounced Kevin Smith's Dogma (which was originally produced under Miramax), which is one of the greatest films I've ever seen.

So, why don't you think the Disney executives don't try to target a more adult audience? Sure, there are early to mid 1990s shows and movies (The Lion King, Gargoyles, to name a few) that do appeal to a more adult audience, but with things coming out such as The Tigger Movie, I don't think Disney realizes what they're missing out on.

Okay, so that was more of a rant than a question, but I'd still like to hear your response...

Greg responds...

I'd like to rant and rave, but it's of limited value. Certain projects are targeted to certain markets. It's ridiculous to think of the Tigger Movie as proof of anything vis-a-vis Gargoyles -- as if we weren't making episodes of Winnie the Pooh at the same time we were making Gargoyles, at the same time we were making Schnookums & Meat, etc.

I haven't seen Dogma, so I can't comment on that, and I also haven't seen Sixth Sense, which was a Touchstone film, but from what I understand, that was a fairly intelligent movie targeted at a non-kid audience. And they're still developing the Garg live-action movie, so they haven't exactly given up on squeezing a dime outta the property.

Disney sees a value in Gargoyles, but not the value. We aim to change their mind. At this moment, for no particular reason, I'm confident that we will eventually succeed.

Response recorded on March 21, 2000

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Aris Katsaris writes...

So, what movie do you think deserves to win the Oscar this year? :-)

Greg responds...

What's nominated?

Response recorded on March 19, 2000

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Adan Rodriguez writes...

I was seeing possible upcomming movies on the web and saw Gargoyles as one of them and being live action is this true.

Greg responds...

Possibly. Try checking out the "LIVE ACTION MOVIE" archive below for the most up-to-date info I have. Which isn't much.

Response recorded on March 09, 2000

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David writes...

Hey there Greg,

I just want to say first that the show Gargoyles is the best cartoon show ever and it´s also so much more than a cartoon show, thank you for making these shows!

Now for my quiestion: I don´t now much about the movie that is being made but I´ve been wanting to ask you, is it a cartoon or not? And also is about the Gargoyles story that is in all the shows about the Gargoyles or something else?

Thank you for your time.

P.S. Hey did you now that The Gargoyles have got fans here in my country(Iceland)? It´s a little island in Europe. Anyway it shows that the shows are great and will hopefully come some time again!(We can only hope!)

Greg responds...

I'm greatful for all our fans all over the world. Thanks for the kind words.

I really have nothing new to say about the movie, so you should check the "Live-Action Movie" archive for all my old responses.

But briefly, it's live action with CGI. And I can't tell you how closely they're sticking to our stories. I don't know if they have an approved script. But if they do, they have not shown it to me.

I'll try to get some more information in time for G2000 in Orlando.

Response recorded on February 09, 2000

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Dan writes...

Is it true that they're making a real life Gargoyles movie??? If they are, is Salli Elise Richardson (ELISA MAZA) going to play Elisa??? Thanks Greg, Your number one fan, Dan.

Greg responds...

Hey, Dan.

It's true that they are developing a live action movie. I would hope they'd have Salli play Elisa, but they're not near ready to cast yet. Least not as far as I know.

Response recorded on January 10, 2000

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lisa writes...

1.what was the story plot for the new gargoyles movie?

Greg responds...

I don't know. They haven't shown me any of the script drafts.

Response recorded on January 07, 2000

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Josh writes...

Hi Greg, I have 2 questions.
First, I've read some earler posts that a live production movie is in progress. In one of these posts you said that the release date might be around summer 99, well it's that time. Has the movie been disbanded or did I read that post wrong. If I the movie hasn't been canceled is there any release date.
Secondly, Besides the obvious budget constraints was there any other reason why you chose to have the show anamated?
Thanks a lot for your time.

Greg responds...

I have no new information regarding the movie. (Believe me, I'll post when I do.) As far as I know, it is still in development at Touchstone. I have no release date.

As to your second question: Sorry, but questions on separate topics must be posted separately.

Response recorded on January 07, 2000

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Shannon writes...

I'm one of your biggest fans!, but i'm sure you've heard that a million times!Anyway heres my question, is it true there is a motion picture comeing out? This is not an idea I saw it posted on another web site. It would be really kewl! Well please answer my question, BYE. P.S. Almost never miss an episode at 11.

Greg responds...

All I can say is that it is in development. Keep your fingers crossed that it happens and that it is good.

Response recorded on December 30, 1999

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traveler writes...

okay, stay calm. Mr.weisman,um greg.Alright I'm okay. First of all I would like to say that I've been wanting to talk to you for sometime, but since before I got my computer [webtv] I never had access to the web,and the location in which I live it is hard for me to get to a gathering. I have been with the show scince it first came out and am very sad that it is gone .

1.Are you currently working on a movie script? I was sort of hoping for a PG rated film , I mean most of us fans are over 12 now and we love it even more than we did when it first came out, because now we can appreciate it more.

2. would you rather have the movie be live action or animated?

3.If the movie does at least okay,would you have plans to recreate the series ? Do you think Disney would give you another chance?

4.What future plans did you have for Eliza and Goliaths relationship? Will they one day become mates.

5.If gargoyle children are raised by the whole clan, would that mean that goliath is the trios parent.

6.Did you create Sata [Timedancer] or did someone else.

7.Are the new olympians oberons children.

8.Alot of names came from the bible[David Gabriel, Eliza, just to name a few] . Is this coincidence or does gargoyles have biblical ties.

9.Is gargoyles a creationism based story or were they created by evolution.

Thamks for listening, I look forward to the day when gargoyles will be shown again.

Greg responds...

1. No.

2. I have no preference, but if you're talking about Gargoyles, they are planning it to be live action with CGI.

3. I hope so. I like to think so.

4 - 9. Sorry. Questions on separate topics, must be posted separately.

Response recorded on December 30, 1999

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Warrioress writes...

What's the news on the Gargoyles movie, if it's still going to be done?

What, if any, future plans did you have for Coldstone and Coldfire? And the Avalon clan?

Thanks!

Greg responds...

1. I have nothing new to report on the Gargoyle Live Action Movie front.

2. Questions on separate topics must be posted separately.

Response recorded on December 29, 1999

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Siren writes...

Welcome back Greg! A few questions...
1.) How goes with the Gargoyles movie by Touchstone? Simply, how far into development.
2.) What does Titania whisper to Fox? (One day we'll find out somehow)
3.) If the show continued, would you might have introduced other mythology characters, such as Pegasus, unicorns, dragons, etc. If so, would they be considered New Olympians or Fay?
4.) On Bronx and Boudica (sp?), are the "dog-oyles" rare? Or do they just take longer to breed? Since we only had met two...that I can remember anyways.
5.) Did you ever consider "cat-goyles"?

So far, that's all I can think of. Thanks Greg!

Greg responds...

1. I have no new news.

2 - 5. As per our new rules, you'll have to resubmit these questions on separate posts (by common topic).

Response recorded on September 17, 1999

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kalen writes...

Have you ever thought of making a movie about Gargoyle's.

Greg responds...

Me? Like with my own money?

Sorry. Look, Touchstone has a live-action Gargoyles movie in development. For more info check the Live-Action movie archives below and/or comb through the OLD archives.

And, no, as far as I know, there's nothing new to report.

Response recorded on August 24, 1999

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Alaxk writes...

Greetings Mr. Weisman, just a couple of questions.

1. Can you give us any new information concerning the movie, current script writers or directors (obviously your involved, but from some of your comments, you have led myself to believe that you will not be writing it)?

2. What was the main plot line in Future Tense going to be?

3. By the end of "Journey", does Xanatos realize he has obtained his immortality already through his son or was he going to continue in his attemps to live forever (I realize the two, immortality and living forever are very different which leads me to my fourth question)?

4. Did Xanatos learn from Hudson in "The Price" the difference between living forever and immortality?

Thanks

2.

Greg responds...

1. As I've stated many times, my involvement is contractual not actual. I'm officially a co-producer on this film with Michael Reaves, but as a practical matter I have not been included in the movie's development. As far as I know there is no director or cast attached. By now, I think they probably have yet another first draft script by yet another writer whose name escapes me for the moment. That's all I know.

As per our new rules, I invite you to resubmit your remaining questions on multiple separate posts.

Response recorded on August 17, 1999

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Entity writes...

Glad you're back, Mr. Weisman! Here are a few questions I've pondered over:

1) If the series had ever shown Merlin, how do you envision his physical appearence? Would he have been along the lines of the white-bearded Disney version from "Sword in the Stone", or the younger, clean-shaven version from "Excalibur" or "Merlin" (the mini-series)?

2) I heard somewhere that you'd written an early screenplay for the GARGOYLES theatrical movie, which was basically "Awakenings" cleaned up around the edges, but that it was rejected on account of being "too cartoonish". Would you be able (and willing) to share with us that screenplay?

3) You mentioned that "Hunter's Moon" was originally going to be a video release (which would explain why so much of Part 1 seemed like a reintroduction to the series). If it had been released on video as planned, would it have been longer than only one hour (3 twenty-minute episodes)? I ask because that seems kind of short for a video, and because out of all the other chapters of the series, "Hunter's Moon" is the only one for which you've revealed full-fledged scenes that didn't make it into the final cut.

Greg responds...

Hi Entity,
1. Not telling this now. Had very specific plans though.

2. Michael Reaves and I wrote a pitch and then a treatment (actually two), not a screenplay. And it would be irresponsible to share it at this point, since the movie is still in development at Touchstone Pictures.

3. The decision not to make it a video came before the script (and maybe before the final draft outline) was written. It would have been at least a bit longer... we certainly wouldn't have had to cut the Jason/Elisa clock tower scene. But beyond that, it's too hypothetical a question for me to answer. We never were given the opportunity to explore that avenue in any real way.



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