Unleash the Kraken!!!
If you’re around my age, and you had cable television, you have probably seen the 1981 film “Clash of the Titans” around a thousand times. Based very (very) loosely on the legend of Perseus, the story was truly epic, featuring a wide array of Harryhausen monsters and glowing, berobed gods and goddesses meddling in human affairs.
Harry Hamlin as Perseus
So imagine my surprise (and, I must admit, delight) in learning that not only are they remaking “Clash of the Titans” but the film is in direct competition with another film steeped in Greek myth and legend entitled “War of Gods”.
“The race for “War of the Gods” and “Clash of the Titans,” two rival projects set up at Relativity and Warners, is quickening. Both are close to casting their leads, with “Stardust” topliner Henry Cavill set to star in “Gods” and “Terminator Salvation” star Sam Worthington in negotiations to climb aboard “Titans,” which Thunder Road is producing and Legendary Pictures is co-producing.” In addition, the projects have set start dates. “Gods” would seem to have the edge — it’s tentatively planned for a February shoot, while production on “Titans” is slated to begin in April.”
What is interesting about both of these films, especially from the perspective of Pagans and Greek myth fans, is that they will directly address and involve mythological beings and deities. Breaking a recent trend to secularize or demean pre-Christian religion in films like “300″ or “Troy”.
“‘War of Gods’ concerns the battles waged by Theseus, a warrior from Greek mythology, who leads a fight against the imprisoned titans. Among the hooks is that, unlike some mythological tales, gods fight alongside mortals.”
While I sincerely doubt either film will hew close to actual Greek myth (Theseus never fought Titans alongside the gods), I’m not adverse to seeing new myths constructed for new times. Plus, with today’s green screen technology, you can expect some truly spectacular effects (though Harryhausen monsters will always hold a special place in my heart). Both films are scheduled to be released in 2010. It should be interesting to see who triumphs at the box-office, the son of Zeus, or the son of Poseidon?
10 responses so far
As a Pisces, I’m going with the Son of Poseidon.
I can’t wait to see how this one turns out; but Hollywood lives on remakes now:(
And let’s not forget that the Son of Odin will join them at the box office as well in 2010… with Kenneth Branagh directing, no less!
Hail Thor!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800369/
The only film I’ve watched more than “Clash of the Titans” is “Jason and the Argonauts”. I wonder how many other people have been inspired to embrace Paganism by Ray Harryhausen! Heh!
I love “Clash of the Titans” in all its cheesy glory! No remake!
My view of cinematic classics is don’t remake them. Cases in point: The War of the Worlds, Planet of the Apes. I could go on. I am a huge Ray Harryhausen fan, and while I don’t think this was his best work (that may be Jason and the Argonauts or the Seventh Voyage of Sinbad), but I find it hard to believe that a remake will live up to the original. If this film were to inspire something similar as a new fantasy film drawing upon mythology and the ancient gods framed to speak to our time of imagination and cultural issues, that would be great. But a remake? Don’t think so.
By the way, for those interested in a couple of interviews with Harryhausen’s agent and friend who comments on his films, and for other discussions of fantasy, sci fi and horror, see my site at http://www.theofantastique.com.
[...] Warners-backed Hollywood Gang is also producing the Theseus-starring “War of Gods” (and an as-yet untitled sequel to “300″), making ancient Greek legend a hot topic in [...]
Seriously!!? i didn't know Kenneth was directing another film!! He's awesome1
I agree CHEESINESS MUST LIVE ON!!
Yes they do and theey ruin perfectly fine classics or take amazing books and destroy them for money
not fair