This morning, the good folks at Ain’t It Cool News put a correction up, stating that yesterday’s review of my CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY script was in fact bogus. I want to thank them, and especially Mr. Beaks, for taking care of it.
Charlie
AICN review of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory script is completely bogus
This morning on Ain’t It Cool News, someone using the pseudonym Michael Marker posted what he claimed was a review of my CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY script. In fact, it was an elaborate and tedious piece of fiction. Not only did this guy not read the current draft, I suspect he’s never read any draft. Every single detail he mentions (such as the American setting, and Mrs. Bucket’s job) was completely wrong.
While the faux-review was very positive, it points out how incredibly inaccurate fan-run sites can be. Anyone with an agenda can easily manipulate them, while hiding behind the shield of anonymity. Good or bad buzz can be created without any backing whatsoever.
If people want spoilers for the movie, they can read the original book by Dahl. The movie is very similar to the book, with a little extra to explain how Willy Wonka became a candy magnate, and an ending that goes a little further to pay off Wonka’s handing-off of the factory to Charlie. With Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, I think the movie will absolutely rock. And I’ll sign my real name to that statement.
I’m not writing The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
A few people have written in to ask if I’m working on the upcoming adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE. I’m not. A few months ago, I had a few phone calls with the director, Andrew Adamson, and read through some of the materials. Although I liked it, I had to pass on it, because I was too busy with TARZAN. But I think it will make a tremendous movie, and wish him and his team all the luck.
I’m still working on TARZAN, though most of my time recently has been spent on CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, which is scheduled to start shooting this summer in London. Tim Burton is directing, and Johnny Depp is starring as Willy Wonka. So at least I’m getting my kid-lit fix.