Sabotage!?! There’s incredibly weird, and increasingly depressing, buzz coming off Spike Jonze’s Where the Wild Things Are, and now Chud reports that execs at Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures are considering reshooting the entire $75 million friggin’ movie! This news, of course, comes on top of the rather cool test footage that leaked last weekend, and the rather subdued statement Jonze released yesterday concerning the early footage. There are even wild rumors circulating more and more in the industry that Jonze might take his name off the project, and Devin’s report at Chud doesn’t persuade against that speculation. This is serious, people. Take this excerpt for example…
“Yet I’m hearing that just such a massive reshoot is what is on the table right now. And it’s not because of technical issues, unless you want to consider the lead kid actor and the script technical issues. Sources tell me that the suits at Legendary and Warner Bros are not happy with Max Records, the actor playing Max, the mischievous boy who is crowned King of the Wild Things. Worse than that, they don’t like the film’s tone and want to go back to the script drawing board, possibly losing the Spike Jonze/Dave Eggers script when they do it. Apparently the film is too weird and ‘too scary,’ and the character of Max is being seen as not likable.”
It’s not yet in the open whether Jonze has final cut on the children’s flick. If so, and if this news is well-founded, that could mean a major tug-o-war with execs and possibly end up with Jonze removed from the project altogether. With his former girlfriend, Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, doing the soundtrack and a tight-knit crew, that would be one ballsy move by WB. Do they really want to play knock the hipsters off the island? Jus’ sayin’.
Of course, Jonze’s statement yesterday mentioned no such drama, but he didn’t release an elated in-progress statement like James Cameron just did below, either. Early audience reports from test screenings late last year were prototypically alarming, calling the film “dark,” “not suitable for small children,” complaining about “some desert place” et al. But Maurice Sendak’s book is, as many /Film commenters have smartly pointed out, about monsters, imagination and the free realm where kids play. Sendak is also said to be on board as a consultant to Jonze and co-screenwriter Dave Eggers on the film, and Eggers, the co-founder of McSweeney’s and a literary darling, is even writing a spin-off novel to accompany the film.
This chic house of cards would lend credence to Spike and Co. staying with the project, which has been delayed until 2009 due to reported visual effects difficulties pertaining to the Wild Things’ faces (the Jim Henson Company created their costumes). But, what if, just what if…
More on this (and probable Free Spike Jonze t-shirts) as it develops. In the meantime…
Discuss: If this is true, tell Warner Brothers what you think! They are listening. Do you want a version of WTWTA on par with traditional family fare like 2003’s The Cat and the Hat and A VeggieTales Movie?
February 20th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
This is awful, how can this be happening…. I hope it’s a lie because that test footage was some of the coolest filmmaking (even though it’s test footage and apparently nothing like the movie) that I’ve seen in years.
This idea is so original and to make it into another kids movie is not the best idea. I know my generation will be looking forward to this movie even and even more forward to it with Spike Jonze directing.
I recommend if they take his name off of the movie and re-shoot the entire film, that Spike Jonze (I HOPE YOU ARE READING THIS) should LEAK this film online or a at least more of it, to create a big enough fan base to support his idea of this this film. Save this film!
February 20th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
All “studio execs” should get two in the back of the head. If they ever do anything right it is purely by accident. Screw those people. Sorry for the hate speech, but, well, I hate’em.
February 20th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
If the studio kills this film, Spike Jonze needs to torrent it. Just let the people see it. Cause I know I want to now.
February 20th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I get where the studio execs are coming from. This would be really hard to market as anything other than a kid film, and apparently in its current state it is not a kid film. That said, I’d much rather see what Spike Jonze did with the movie than any toned-down, kid-friendly version. I’ve seen a number of movies already become worse just to be kid friendly. They just need to be create about how they release it.
If they do scrap this version, however, they better have the decency to release Spike Jonze’s film on DVD. I want to see it one way or another.
February 20th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Please please please follow through with the original. While i can understand a child-friendly version being more marketable, theres a big fan base of adults as well who would love to see something more appealing than a toned DOWN remake.
Any which way, it should be seen!
February 20th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I hope this is not true. I have been anticipating this movie since I heard about it and after seeing the test footage I got even more excited.
I need to see this movie!
February 20th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
There’s a problem here. Personally I’m all for this version. I want the bootleg not now but RIGHT now. Problem is we’re in the era of marketed grown up pop culture as far as movies are concerned: Indiana Jones, Transformers, Smurfs, GI Joe, Iron Man. Hulk…all of this stuff is ‘78-’92 and the kids they’re trying to market to are about ‘97 and up.
That doesn’t mean stomp this out. That would be pathetic I think. There’s still too much of a market that they aren’t seeing or pitching to and just because they don’t know how to sell it doesn’t mean those people don’t want to see it. I would advise finding the RIGHT people and marketing it properly personally. Then next time you want to push it KNOW your director, KNOW your market and KNOW your audience. Horton Hears a Who is out there already.
February 20th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Spike Jonze, Karen 0 & Dave Eggers collaborating on one of the weirdest darkest children’s stories of the 20th century. Did the suits really expect a summer family blockbuster?
If this gets reshot it’ll be a tragedy.
February 20th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Give kids some credit. Dark Crystal and Labyrinth both have some pretty dark elements, as do most other “children’s” stories on which we grew up. I can’t speak for others, but I wasn’t traumatized. Besides, this book is of the era of Gen X and older, who, if I’m not mistaken, are no longer children. Do kids even read anymore? Who exactly does the studio think is the target demo for this movie? Especially with Jonze being attached in the first place! Disney is doing a fine job of turning Grimm’s fairy tales into bastardized, safe kid-fare over the years (as well as turning formerly edgy comedians into bumbling dads in mindless live-action movies). Let the artists deliver their vision!
February 20th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
@ warner bros:
Jonze is a one of a kind, visionary talent - no matter what your reservations may be, you gotta trust him! Another washed up campy kids tale is not what the audience wants. Take an example from Pixar, who is slowly but surely moving towards more adult themed films. Warner would be applauded for taking this dramatic step towards an adult fairy tale. Please do not ruin a film so many of us have been highly anticipating! can’t say it enough - trust Jonze!
February 20th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
To turn away and alter work from two of the greatest, quirky and interesting creative minds today would be folly. Warner Bros. needs to stop thinking about focus groups and about creating good movies again. If they’re concerned about the marketing angle, they just need to shift their paradigm a bit — instead of hoping for it to be the next Shrek, they should instead think about the success they could have with an adult market. Just think about what Fox Searchlight would do with the marketing budget that Warners can throw behind a film? It shouldn’t have to be a film for little kids, the original readers of this book (and initial audience base) are adults now anyway. That is the market to go after.
Beyond that, they ought to respect the vision of these knowledgable and talented artists (with the approval of Sendak) and not focus groups that have no educated knowledge of what makes a good film. I really hope this is just a rumor.
February 20th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Let Spike Jones do what he does…it will turn out fantastic. Please don’t let this go the way of Alvin and the Chipmunks.
February 20th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Say what?!
This is by far the worst news since Heath Ledger died!
How the hell can they do this?
My god, i really hope this is not true and that the film indeed will continue as it was planed!
February 20th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I’d be incredibly disappointed to not have a chance to see the Jonze version of this movie. I have to agree with Agony - what did they expect by attaching Jonze to the movie in the first place? He’s clearly not going to shoot something sugar sweet and Disney-styled. What this movie currently looks like is something with excellent potential to be a classic in the vein of some of the darker fantasy movies from the 80s.
February 20th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Fairy tales for adults work, critically and with audiences. Think Pan’s Labyrinth.
Why would the studio listen to a mother’s critique of a SPIKE JONZE film? The mind behind music videos for Beastie Boys and Bjork. The mind behind Being John Malkovich and Adaptation. When did his material ever market to old women with children?
Dave Eggers and Spike Jonze previous bodies of work attract the twentysomething audience. Its absurd to think that their collaboration was going to be rainbows and gumdrops for the kids of the nation, and their minivan driving mothers, to snuggle up with.
The book is about the dark and intriguing corners of the imagination, why not let the movie be free to explore the same corners …
February 20th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
One of my favorite books as a child was Where the Wild Things Are! I’m 18 years old and can honestly say I’d go see this, I definitely think they shouldn’t re-shoot and turn it into a kids movie (we all know how well The Cat in the Hat did). That test video was amazing! Again, they should keep this version and NOT re-shoot it kid style.
February 20th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
What did Warner’s expect???! Come on now? You don’t hire Spike Jonze and not expect the film to have his stamp on it. Was there any collaboration along the way. Any of the “suits” have anyone on the set?
Puhhh-leeeaze.
February 20th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Oh Blair!: The movie DOES look like that. EXACTLY like that. The weird sunlight, everything. That’s just not the kid and that monster is voiced by James Gandolfini (who does some of the best voice work I’ve ever heard by the way).
*Here there be Spoilers*
The cut I saw was heartbreakingly brilliant. It’s poignant and sad and true to what it feels like to grow up and be a lonely little kid with a wild imagination. I will personally face-punch anyone who stands in the way of this film being released.
As far as Max being unlikable: He’s a kid who just wants some attention so he acts out. His older sister has outgrown him, his (single) mother doesn’t have time for him. He’s angry and wild. Then, the Wild Things make him king. They depend on him to make all the important decisions for them but guess what? HE’S A KID!!! He really doesn’t have any idea how to lead them, parent them, or what’s really good for them– but he still tries. He learns from them, what it’s like to grow up, how to deal with all kinds of life’s problems (not unlike the issues his own family is going through) and to deal with jealousy and loss and pain and loneliness and rejection. Personally, I love Max because he’s so REAL.
An open note to the execs who seem intent on fucking up this movie:
WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU? You should be making this movie the way it is, not dumbing it down for little kids. Do you have any idea how much legitimate film goers HATE your sorry asses because you cater to test audiences you cultivate from, let’s be honest here, some of the stupidest people you can find? DO NOT BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU. Give us the movie WE want. Please us, your loyal film geeks, and you’ll make more money than you could’ve imagined because we’ll take to the streets and evangelize for a film like this in ways your tired marketing strategies can’t touch. But no, you’d much rather take the safe route and slap a bunch of smiling monsters on backpacks and slam dunk a bunch of shitty will-most-likely-be-recalled-toys into Happy Meals. For shame.
I am officially going on a CRUSADE for this movie. I WILL see it released in one way or another. You money-grubbing bastards have screwed us fans over one time too many and I can’t wait to see your heads on a metaphorical pike.
Up Yours,
The Cinemaniac
February 20th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
can be any scarier than Dark Crystal. loved that movie when i was a child.
theirs no way this movie is bad. all the stupid sheep people had no problem paying to see “we are spartan” but they wont go see this? its a guarantee success in my opinion
everyone is so lame, humans disappoint me on a dayly basis, we are such a sad race
February 20th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
WARNER BROTHERS DO NOT RUIN WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE!!!!!
SPIKE JONZE AND DAVE EGGERS ARE THE ONLY REASON WHY I WOULD EVER BUY A TICKET TO SEE THIS FILM…
LOOK AT YOUR TEST SCREENERS?
ASK JONZE IF YOUR TEST AUDIENCE IS THE
TARGET GROUP???
I DOUBT IT!
February 20th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
I agree with Dr. Know, what were the suits thinking when they let him have this project. I wonder if their next move is to give this project to Spike Lee and get disappointed again because it was “too black”. SPike Jonze is an artist and his work will have his personal stamp. Next time WB, give it to a the hack that did “Cat in the Hat” and stop wasting the time of real filmmakers.
February 20th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Where The Wild Things Are was my ultimate favorite book as a kid, my mom doesn’t let me forget everytime she sees her grandchildren and wants to read them a book. But even now, I remember not liking Max anyway, just loving the monsters. So who cares if Max isn’t likeable in the film? I’m going to see it because Jonze is sweet, the source was a favorite of mine, and if he keeps Max unlikeable like I remember, I’m still going to enjoy it.
February 20th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
I think they made a good decision to hire Spike Jonze and to not allow him to follow through with his vision would be short-sighted. They did it, they should own it.
That said, I do have to wonder why they hired him in the first place. His idea of whimsy is a very sophisticated and adult idea of it, not necessarily the same kind a child would have. The two ideas are not mutually exclusive, but have to be approached carefully. Think of something like the original Snow White, or many of the older Disney films which were made to entertain both audiences. Being frightened is a part of life, you can’t protect your kid every moment of the day. Learning the difference between the real world and make-believe is a necessary part of growing up. Learing about fake fear can help prepare you to deal with the real thing.
I haven’t seen the film so I don’t know how dark it is–but if you take your kid, and he or she starts crying–leave the theater. It’s as simple as that. Don’t bitch about being out the 9 bucks or that it was a waste of time–you just showed your kid that its feelings are important to you. It’s okay to do that. I think that must not occur to people somehow.
February 20th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Warner Brothers: If you re-cut “Where the Wild Things Are” you will for sure make your own grave for this movie
And that grave is the $5 dvd bin at Walmart.
February 20th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I grew up with the book and even went to the wild thing land in san francisco. The Leaked Scene looks so fucking amazing, I’ve watched it atleast 5 times. The Jonze cut needs to get out there somehow.
February 20th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
WB is the biggest piece of shit studio ever. They reshot the entire Invasion movie that came out last year and now they are planning on reshooting this entire movie?
they waste money and hence they get bombs.
February 20th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Leave this damn movie alone.
1) “dark and scary” aren’t bad. Look at the Dark Crystal.
2) This could be very “shrek-like”. (a film for children & Adults) I don’t have children and I was planning on seeing it.
In closing: WB: you screw up everything else, leave this alone.
February 20th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
I would love to see this movie in it’s current incarnation. What will the studio lose by releasing the Jonze cut as is? They can still continue on their re-shoot if need be. But take a chance, I know it will do a lot better the that Paris Hilton movie. If any movie has a chance at becoming an instant cult favorite, this would be it. I was in love with this movie when the first movie still was released. At this point, I would pay a premium to see this movie.
February 20th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Studio want to market to a big audience cause of the cost of it. This is the kid audience. What the need to realize is that pans laberynth was a similar style to this and made some money. This could cash in on that niche and its in English so will make more money than pan. Also tim burton makes a lot of money.. This can tap into that market too. How many films can market a film as a truely dark fairytale? Not too many.. Nice niche.. Don’t tone it down.. This will be massive!!!
February 20th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
You’d think that a dark version of the greatest childrens book would make more money than a little kids movie. I was at an improv and the guy said something along the lines of, ‘Theres nothing I enjoy more than when you take something from my childhood and make it dark and twisted.’ [in his case referring to candy land] You figure that a more mature version of the movie would be easily marketable anyway, seeing as the kids who grew up with it are older now. You figure any kid older than 9 would see this (i don’t know how dark it is but still). So the age range is from about 10 - 60 lets say. This is figuring not only the kids who grew up with this will see it but that parents, even grandparents might go see this, remembering the book from when they read it to their kids. I know that my own Aunts, Uncles, and my Grandmother would go see this movie.
What it comes down to is the fact that ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ can not be translated into a comedy, or anything flowery. What’s going to make audiences flock to the theaters is the thought of seeing a great, extremely memorable book from their childhood be translated into a movie. The only person of doing this translation a smoothly as possible is Spike Jonze. When I first found out that this movie was going to be made I realized that my family didn’t own it. I immediately went out and got it for my little brother, who is four. I read it to him the same night. His first reaction is that it is scary. This is the book. He was only scared of it because of the image of the monsters. Needless to say he has since come to love the book.
Reshoot = Horrible Idea. End of Story.
February 20th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
First, let’s get one thing straight: threatening WB is a waste of time. So they won’t get the money from a handful of hipster. Do you know how much money a kid’s movie makes? They can live without it.
I haven’t seen the movie, so I don’t know the extent of how un-child-friendly it is. However, if it is a movie for adults, then it’s fundamentally a poor adaptation of the source material which is for kids. It’s not an issue of marketing.
Understand, the strong attachment you all have for this book is because you read it as children. Isn’t it messed up, then, to say “well, forget little kids, they should make this movie for me at age 20/30!”
February 20th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I’ve never posted here, and registered only to post that I would be severely pissed if Warner Bros. does this. Enough that I wouldn’t ever pay to see a film of theirs again. If they feel the need to do this, fine whatever. It’s their money. But at least put the Spike Jonze film straight to DVD so that those of us who WANT to see THIS version of THIS film can do so.
February 20th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
@ Alex
Is this the best encouragement you can give the WB?
“But take a chance, I know it will do a lot better the [sic] that Paris Hilton movie.”
Hah. I’m just kidding, sort of. Good comments dudes and ladies.
February 20th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Hi guys,
If you feel strongly about this, send a letter to Legendary Pictures. I know I will!
Legendary Pictures
4000 Warner Blvd.
Building 76
Burbank, CA 91522
February 20th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
In large response to the one known as ‘dopiestghost’:
The material and the director/writer combination are all dark and sophisticated in their various natures.
Children are going to enjoy a movie like this at the surface level. A kid partners up with some big goofy monsters and runs and parties with them.
The point most writing in this response column are holding to is the potential flawed thinking behind tampering with the artistic vision of the director and writer that were chosen for the project.
The book is a vague, imaginative, and dark platform. Never was it a typical children’s book. The atypical nature of the book is what made it so appealing to the edgy side of children readers. The studio should allow for the minds they chose to interpret the book to do as they wish and create an atypical experience that children can dare to watch and adults can rush to watch. They are the ones with licenses and wallets.
The safe children’s fantasy movies trying to recreate the success of Lord of the Rings are falling on their faces. Instead of creating another mindless popcorn movie that fizzles and is forgotten, allow the movie to be inventive, bold, and memorable.
February 20th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
In the book, the kid was an unlikeable prick who got sent to his room without dinner… Sounds like this actor kid was dead on…..
February 20th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Though I don’t care much for either, someone like Tim Burton should direct this if you want dark and twisted, Jonze just doesn’t have the stuff.
If they did decide to make a dark and twisted version of Where the Wild Things Are, I’d be more inclined to see that than something that would completely destroy my childhood memories of it.
February 20th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
My boss read the book to her 2 year old daughter the other week and she woke up having nightmares for about a week afterwards-(its actually for kids 4 yrs upwards) the book obviously taps into childrens fears and so the tone is dark(ish). That said if the warners family wanted a cutish version they could have got some family friendly director in and script writers (do a polar express for instance).no instead they gave it to Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers-what did they think was going to happen? Of course the film is going to be weird and odd, have they ever seen his stuff?
I notice Tim Burton is doing Alice in wonderland. Are Disney going to be surpised when the film turns out to be overtly gothic?
February 20th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
wb can reshoot this movie if they want…..to loose all the money they’ve spent so far!!!
take a note from pixar you dopes–don’t cater to the lowest common denominator. if you do what’ll you have? something low and common, not what sendak’s creation is.
sure pixar makes kid friendly movies but they also challenge their audience. the first 5 minutes of finding nemo (oscar nominated!) had all the kids in the theatre crying their eyes out — in 5 minutes!! ratatouille was virtually unmarketable. both were the best films of their release years.
DO NOT CHANGE ‘WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE’ INTO SOMETHING COMMON AND FORGETTABLE.
LEAVE IT BE. I WANT TO SEE SPIKE JONES & Co.’s WORK.
IF YOU CHANGE IT, I WILL WATCH JONES’ MOVIE ANY WAY I CAN, AND YOU WON’T GET A DIME.
February 20th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
In response to John: “This would be really hard to market as anything other than a kid film, and apparently in its current state it is not a kid film.”
Are you kidding me? While I’m no longer a child, neither are most of those who enjoyed the original story. I have a feeling we’re looking forward to this film more than any child could. In fact, I don’t know of any children, those belonging in my family or to friends, that know this story.
Also, think of Harry Potter, Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events, Labyrinth, etc. While generally being children’s stories the darker elements made them incredibly appealing to adults and children won’t care or understand their depth until they are older. I grew up on “Where the Wild Things Are” and I would hate for it to be ruined for the sake of making it pleasant for today’s Nanny State children.
Leave it creepy. And, what Mind Reader said. Good job.
February 20th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Might this be the AOJJBTCRF of children’s films?
That said, I would never underestimate the popularity of WTWTA (the book). Some comments seem to suggest that since the book is old (as are all of us punkish 20somethings and quarterlifers and beyond who are dying to see this) that it is only popular with those groups. This is not like the movies: bedtime stories are passed down and are much more cherished.
As other comments have pointed out, the popularity of Sendak’s work has only increased and spread across generations. Sendak’s consultation here is what I find most reassuring, I’ll admit, though I doubt Eggers’s script is overly-arty caca.
February 20th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I’m a film historian and critic. And I know a lot of films that have suffered this fate. Let me name a few:
*Twice Upon a Time
*Little Shop of Horrors
*The Thief and the Cobbler
*The Emporer’s New Groove (or should I say it’s original title was called “Kingdom of the Sun” until Michael Esiner took over.)
This film sounds marvelous and pure genius from what I hear and I don’t want it to end up like some of the others mentioned here. By the way the plot souds it is about finding a family. Max is in a troubled life and no-one will tend to him. So, he thinks he should create a group of his own that will understand him and act like brothers. However, he reilizes that his true family is where the heart truly is. And it is clear why he abandons them and goes back to his regular life. If you are planning to reod something, he is a tought. In the end, it should be shown that the Wild Things are not purly twisted and evil, but are put to a test. It should play out like this:
As Max departs on his boat, one of the Wild Things should threaten to him that they will eat him if he doesn’t come back. The others are discouraged to hear this, because they love this guy, they don’t want him for lunch. And the fact that Max wouldn’t be able to make it across the sea, due to a huge storm heading his way. The films should also end on a climatic moment where Max and the Things not only try to help him get through the storm, but they have to go through a large and deadly sea-serpent. After a massive fight, they get through the hurdle and get the boy home. As the Things fade away and bid him good-bye, Max finds himself in his room and to find his supper there, nice and warm. Mothers appears through the door, he apoligezes, they hug, fade to balck, the end.
Now, there is an ending. However, I have not seen a print of this, so I’m unable to know how the movie is now. All I can say is, PLEASE LEAVE IT THE WAY IT IS. This could truly be a masterpiece. Jim Henson had his days too with The Dark Crystal and Labryinth. Paramount recently released an adaption of the Spiderwick Chronicals, it looks dark, but could be good. Years ago, they did Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events. It featured a scene where Jim salpped one of the kids, but did that stop the movie. NO! It kept going. And same could happen with this movie. It may look terrible, but it could bring great success. For the final time, LEAVE THE MOVIE ALONE! LOOK WHAT IT’S DONE TO SOME OF THE OTHERS THAT WERE RE-DONE DUE TO STUDIO DEMAND. IT GOT THEM NOHWERE AND THE FILM BOMBED. Remember, if you leave it untouched, money will come.
February 20th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
The audience for this film isn’t children right now, it’s for people who were children in the late 60s, 70s, and 80s. I’m sure some people recently have shown the book to their children, but as far as I can tell, it’s more of a nostalgia piece for 20-40 year olds.
People may take their children to see Where the Wild Things Are, but that’s no longer it’s indented audience. It sickens me to think the studios might kill this one…
February 20th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
WB you bastards!!!
February 21st, 2008 at 12:10 am
No no NO!!! What happened to you WB? You used to be cool! You gave Stanley Kubrick complete freedom to do what the hell he wanted and look what classics he gave us while working for you! Spike Jonze is a major talent and you run the risk of not only upsetting him but also his cast, his crew, his MASSIVE fanbase as well as a large portion of the music and film community. Let’s not forget that the fanbase for WTWTA alone is big enough to put a major dent in the publicity. Did we not grow as people after the Cat in the Hat debacle?
February 21st, 2008 at 1:27 am
Paul Dano!, Forest Whitaker!, James Gandolfini!, Catherine Keener!
Catherine O’Hara!, Lauren Ambrose!, These are great actors! I want to see this movie! I want to see Max Records as max! I want to see Spike Jonze’s vision! and I want to see Max Records as max
Leave the film up to Jonze!
February 21st, 2008 at 1:52 am
Is there a way that we could petition for this film to be put completely in the hands of Spike Jonze? If this turns into a family safe film it will be terrible.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:13 am
@ Keicharones
That’s sort of what this comments section is, a preemptive petition in case WB tells Jonze his film needs to be reshot/remade. So, you guys keep it up.
This is easily one of the best Pro-Jonze comments sections on the film’s status. If anyone saw an early version of the film (whether in Pasadena or at a later date), let us all know your thoughts here.
If anyone is wondering about the script by Jonze and Eggers, here’s a review view NY Mag’s Vulture Blog.
http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2007/10/weve_got_dave_eggerss_and_spik.html
cheers.
Hunter
/Film
February 21st, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Where The Wild Things Are is considered a “children’s” story, but it had always been a little darker than other kid’s book. The story showed the more somber, fanciful side of children’s imagination as they dealt with their growing maturity. I had thought that was always the appeal of Maurice Sendak’s work. It appealed to children yet also smart to suggest themes that children may not directly recognize but can connect to. I hope the studio can see this and trust their audience more. And from the positive reaction of the leaked test footage to script reviews, seems like the studio can have a film with a more broad appeal than just strictly a “kids movie.” I hope this doesn’t turn into another Disney-like film that’ll just come and go and forgotten when they need more shelf space to sell the next movie.
February 21st, 2008 at 12:35 pm
PLEASE release the film - there is a HUGE market for it - just not the Hannah Montana High School Musical demographic that some apparently have thought was the target…..
it will be a true shame if this is scrapped - if so - could Criterion hop on this and try to get rights to release it as a special DVD/Spike version???
February 21st, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Maybe this is because I was the kid who read adult books, or the adult who reads kids books, but I was hoping for a WTWTA that reflects how dark the book truly is– let’s face it, Max runs away from his mother and family. I was planning on seeing the movie, and frankly, I don’t care if the main kid melts my heart and makes me want to goo out my shoes. If I want that, I’ll go see “August Rush”. I want a movie that embodies the spirit of the book while keeping with what I know of the director and writers- I want creepy, I want fantastical, I want what childhood is really like- quirky, and scary and uterly amazing to look back on.
Is that too much to ask?
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:16 am
I’m really hoping this gets a response from Warner Brothers.
I really am excited to see this…with this I mean Spike Jonze’s version.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:23 am
Echoing what others have said: release the movie as Jonze/Eggers wanted it.
Don’t scrap it. It’ll be a terrible waste of a film with a whole legion of pros: Jonze as director, a talented cast and the chance to make something a bit unusual and special, rather than typical kiddy fare.
Have the balls to take a risk, Warner Brothers.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:36 am
I actually saw a full test screening and this movie is to damn amazing to be thrown out…so please if you are listening warner bros. PLEASE DONT THROW AWAY THE MOVIE ITS TO GOOD!
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:02 pm
You do not know how pissed I am about the WB’s decision. Why would they do this?
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Here is a BIG point that im not sure anyone has brough up: not only is Sednak on board, he is WORKING WITH Jonze &co., so if the creator is ok and enjoying the direction things are going, who the fuck does warner bros., think they are?! yes i know they are putting up the money, but wouldn’t it be nice if studios didn’t make so many assumptions? they cannot know more than Sednak, as far as how the work should be presented, its his story!!! i know things dont work that way in this world, but it’d be nice if warner bros realized that if the creator is happy, they should just shut the fuck up and let it ride.
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:05 am
Upsetting!!!
“Where the Wild Things Are” should be a dark film. It should also obviously be fun. I’ve no doubt that Jonze’s version of the film is both. If it’s too dark for Warners’ taste, then I’m sure it can be toned down slightly for theatrical release. It’s one of the last things I would want to happen, but even worse would be them reshooting the film completely with a new director and script.
I want to see Spike Jonze’s “Where the Wild Things Are”. If it’s taken away from him and made as a run of the mill family film, it won’t be getting a cent from me. I doubt I’d even watch it for free. It would be turning the film I’m anticipating more than any other right now, into something I have no desire whatsoever in seeing.
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:49 am
If the higher-ups at the WB can’t let Jonze have this film, than just screw the film altogether. It looks amazing so far… maybe not something for busloads of squealing six-year-olds to see, no, but there are plenty of mindless movies for those kids. I’m sure older kids, teens, and their parents would be more than willing to see a mature, intelligent interpretation of a dark children’s book.
Seriously… shame on Warner Bros if they screw something up that looks this good.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:05 am
Warner Brothers will be ruining a probably excellent film if they order reshoots. i mean, come on! Spike Jonze is not a kid’s director, Eggers is most definitely not a children’s author (try What Is The What) and certainly they’re not going to try to make a saccharine movie. the thing is, I trust them and their ideas, and even if they ruin childhood classic, at least they erred on the side of originality. Parents who want more “authenticity” are looking for the simulacrum of the book, and if they get their way it’ll be a PC, lifeless, unoriginal, self-serving pile of you-know-what. I’m sorry that I rant, but I want to see a movie with the spirit of the book intact– not the traditionalist children’s values that the parent’s lobby wants to impose on everything. Godspeed, Spike & Co.!
February 26th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
i’m basically going to repeat what everyone else has said, but since warner bros. is communicating directly with this site, i’m hoping adding one more comment will help increase the impact of the message:
please, leave this movie as it is. spike jonze is a brilliant director. people who appreciate his work will love you if you let it be what it is. they will take their kids to see it, even if the fools you surveyed don’t. but they’ll resent you if you ruin the film. warner bros. presents itself as a studio that supports film as an art form, touting its relationship with auteur stanley kubrick. don’t destroy that image now and rob the world of an artist’s vision.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Come on Warner, had you not seen any of Spike Jonzes’ films????? You think he was going to make a washed out Kids Fairy Tale??? If you destroy this I’m sure you can find some cookie cutter Director to make your kiddy movie and make millions, But I guarantee if you let Spikes versions out, your studio will praised and will profit not only in your back pocket, but from what movies are about…ART!!!!!!!!!! greedy bastards.
February 27th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
i will only pay to see the spike jones version. i will boycott anything else.
February 27th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
i second that.
February 28th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
First post. Hope it makes a difference.
Over the course of history, the highest-grossing movies have been the ones that pushed the envelope, that didn’t pander to a politically-correct, ‘family-values’ demographic that makes up the minority of cinema-goers. In the 1980s, films like The Neverending Story, Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal all had good box-office returns based, yet they pushed the envelope in terms of emotional and psychological content in childrens’ fantasy.
In the 1990s, a string of Disney films - The Lion King and Tarzan come to mind - were endowed with dark imagery and sensibilities, yet they became two of Disney’s most successful movies of that time period, Lion King one of Disney’s most successful movies ever.
Now, in the new millenium, quirkier and darker material consistently triumphs over the more cookie-cutter of childrens’ films. Pixar works such as the emotional Finding Nemo, the ‘unmarketable’ Ratatouille, and the ‘adult’ The Incredibles have all found massive critical and commercial success; Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory wasn’t exactly fluffy, and was a major success; the original Shrek’s emotional content was part of the driving force behind its massive success; the Lord of the Rings trilogy, even, despite being M-rated, proved to be three of the largest grossing films of all time and much-loved by all ages, even though it was dark and, at times, gruesome. Hell, even the later Harry Potter films are becoming more loved due to their darker content.
These dark films are consistently demolishing lighter films in the box office - films like The Cat in The Hat, Chicken Little and Bratz, childrens’ films based on popular brands and stories and utilising the more common ‘light & fluffy’ template of childrens’ films, failed miserably both critically and commercially, and live action fantasy films that played it safe, despite trying to be more like the dark and lengthy Lord of the Rings, have bombed (The Golden Compass and Eragon come to mind).
In the long run, cute, cuddly and feel-good does not win in the childrens’ box-office. Children aren’t stupid, Warner Bros, even if their parents think they are. Children aren’t afraid of being challenged. Don’t pander to the parents ‘who know best’ yet again - it’s time to take a stand and release Where The Wild Things Are in its current incarnation, in the way Jonze, Eggers and Sendack intended. The box office will reflect this, as the audience is more likely to embrace something different than something pandering and condescending.
Don’t underestimate the children, Warner Bros. Box office records show that they don’t want the fluff that comes out every holidays.
February 29th, 2008 at 4:19 am
This is awful. I have been captivated by the prospect of this film in its current guise and having seen the awe inspiring stills, my heart breaks at the thought of it being tampered with.
Dear Studio bosses, have a little faith and imagination - release the Jonze/Eggers version.
Is there a petition yet?
March 26th, 2008 at 2:58 am
It’s clear that the suits at Warner are out to sell more merchandise (Plush Wild Things, Happy Meals, Keychains, T-shirts, pillowcases, diapers - what have you)
Please show support by signing this petition, I personally feel he’s the best man for the job, & I’d hate to see Warner lock Jonze’s film away never to be seen.
(I’d also hate to be put away for breaking into the Warner vaults just to get a peek)
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save_wtwta/index.html
May 5th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Hello, is there a way we can actually tell the people at WB what we think, is there a way to make them listen.
What can we do to make the right thing happen???
I may blow the WB headquarters up if they sabotage this, its an insult to humanity, its heartbreaking to squash the goodness and sense like this.
There must be a way, I have had no news of what is happening to Where the wild things are for a while, but I hope I get really good news soon
Peace out
Kim
May 5th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Who can I send a letter to or phone or something like that, I need clarity in my power, do I have no power to change and make things good.
???
Please, this is not just a fight for freedom in the world of film, this Is much more.
We must come together.
Get in touch if you know anything of what we can do.
peace
Kim
May 5th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I was just thinking, if Forest .W is saying he loves it and Sendak is on the team, then does that not mean that its got backing, I mean its gotta mean something if Sendak is saying hes cool with it.
peace
Kim
June 25th, 2008 at 5:51 am
If the execs don”t like it, the film actually must be quite good.
July 7th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
All I can say is PLEASE do NOT ruin what you have here WB. We do NOT want to see a toned down version of this classic piece of literature. What I really liked about the book (and still do to this day) is the fact that it IS a little creepy and IS visually dark and sometimes threatening. Most of these classic tales are not watered down for preschoolers to come see, half of which probably wouldn’t understand it anyway until they are older. All in all, I have complete faith in the film from what little I have seen and heard from it and in my humble opinion, I think they should just finish it to the best of their abilities and release it. If Max is really THAT horrible then re-shoot his scenes and integrate him in the final work somehow. I mean c’mon, when we get just horrible child actors like Jake Lloyd and every other kid that isn’t Freddie Highmore from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I doubt that this kid could be THAT horrible. And if he is, why the hell did they even cast him in the first place? We need this version of WTWTA out there. It seems like an absolutely perfect bullseye to make it a little creepy and moving for all ages and NOT something utterly ridiculous and generically horrible like other family films recently out. Make something beautiful WB, not dumbed up. We all age and mature in time, but film is forever.