June

27. June, 2000

Debbie Campbell has recently informed me of several articles that further speculate Heath Ledger's supposed involvement in 'Queen of the Damned'. I totally overlooked them in my searching, so *thank you* Debbie for pointing them out!  J

The first is from Dark Horizons dated 19. June, 2000:
"Heath Ledger's Next: Heath Ledger has recently been in the UK doing press work for "The Patriot" and 'Bobspice' managed to overhear one of those short chat sessions: "He talked at length about his decision to turn down Spiderman (he says it's too early in his career to commit himself to a role which could typecast him forever), and then was asked about that curious film in Australia he hinted at last week. He laughed when one of the interviewers asked if it was Star Wars 2 saying 'absolutely not, no no' going onto say that it wasn't 'an American film shot in Australia, but a film made with Australian money.' More than that he wouldn't say - but he says it's funny so many people keep linking him to Star Wars".

Is it possible that 'Queen of the Damned' isn't "an American film shot in Australia, but a film made with Australian money"? Hmmmm, not very likely! At least we now know that Heath's mystery Aussie film is definitely not Star Wars, but this complicates the rumours revolving around his involvement in QotD.

Debbie also found an interview with Heath entitled 'Hollywood's Aussie Patriot'. This was apparently featured in the 21. June update at Dark Horizons. You can read the entire interview here. The only information that (possibly!) concerns QotD is at the very end of the article. The last couple of lines read:
"After filming is completed on Knight's Tale, a comedy about knighthood and jousting, he remains in period garb for the fourth film version of The Four Feathers, set during the Crimean War. And Ledger then hopes to finally return to Australia. "Something's brewing there, which I can't talk about."

On a different note, Corona's Coming Attractions has confirmed the fact that Korn are still working away on the movie's soundtrack and score in their 22. June update:
"According to a press release by CDDB, Jonathan Davis accepted an award from them for the latest Korn album being on their Top 10 list of albums for more than 30 days. When he did accept it, they mentioned he was taking time out from composing the score for this film to do so. So that part of things is well underway, we should think. [Info provided by CDDB, PRNewswire; reported by Widgett.]"

23. June, 2000

No other sites have even mentioned the possibility of Heath Ledger as Lestat since Corona's Coming Attractions reported the news a few days ago. They might still be following up the lead, but usually rumours like this spread rather quickly, so the casting of Lestat apparently remains undecisive...

Meanwhile, Debbie Campbell has created a speculative image of what Heath might look like as Lestat! To see a larger image, visit my Movie Information section:

Like Debbie says, Heath doesn't need much work done to transform him into Lestat. He fits the part very well as he is! What do you think? Feel free to e-mail me with your comments!

My new 'Script Suggestions' page should be up early next week. I have only received three entries so far, so please feel free to express your opinions! All comments will have complete accreditation and appear exactly as they are written. Go ahead and make your suggestions heard!  J

21.June, 2000

It's the casting news we've been waiting for!!!

Aspiring extras, take note! I have just received the fantastic news that the Triple M radio competition (which will decide the 12,000 extras needed for Lestat's rock concert scenes) is to be held during August! Yes, it's not too late! Contrary to my earlier beliefs, the competition is yet to be held! Best of all, you apparently do not have to be a 'local' to win! Triple M will run the competition through their website - http://www.triplem.com.au. I have had a good look around, but there's no mention yet. Look out for further updates during August!
**Extra special thanks go out to Traci Stubbs who rang the station for the details!**

After weeks of waiting for more casting news, an interesting rumour has surfaced...according to Corona's Coming Attractions, the actor to portray the character of Lestat has been all but finalised!!! The extract reads:

"Oh boy. We've been handed a scoop from a source that, if true, blows the cover off of which actor is going to take over the role of Lestat for Queen of the Damned. The actor's name? Why, it's none other than Australian Heath Ledger (The Patriot).

According to a trusted source we're calling 'The Mirage', Ledger's already committed to the part. Officially, the production hasn't released any news about how the Lestat casting is coming along. We know for a fact that Ledger is returning to Australia to work on a new, unnamed production; recent interviews with the rising star had him state he's agreed to star in a new movie lensing in Australia -- and no, before you go thinking Ledger's going to swing a lightsaber, it's not "Star Wars, Episode Two". 'The Mirage' says it's all but official that Ledger's gonna be sinking his teeth into playing Lestat. Let's hope for a casting annoucement soon. ['The Mirage' disappeared right before our eyes.]"

Heath was among the earliest contenders for the role but, as I reported months ago, he supposedly pulled out due to "other film commitments". Could he possible be back in the running??? Like CCA says, let's hope there's a casting announcement soon!
**Special thanks go out to SIMONREXs and Porcelina for e-mailing me the news!**

Tired of Warner Brother's lack of communication with Chronicles fans? Want to make your opinion heard? Well, now there's a way!
Porcelina has created a fantastic site called Anne Rice's Vampires - The Casting Game where fellow fans can send in their casting suggestions for all the characters! Some of the suggestions posted so far are quite thought-provoking...Also, there are sections dedicated to 'Interview With The Vampire' and 'Queen of the Damned', so why not check it out?

Also, remember, if you're unhappy with the script, the character alterations, or anything to do with the production, why not write out some script suggestions of your own? My brand new 'Script Suggestions' page will be arriving soon - and it will consist entirely of opinions submitted by you - the visitors to this site! This is your chance to have your say in where this movie should be headed, so please feel free to e-mail me with your comments

Speaking of the script...TWO BRAND NEW SCRIPT PAGES have now been posted!
These pages complete the opening sequence of the film...to read them,
just head over to my Unofficial Script section.  J

18. June, 2000

Aaliyah has signed on for a new movie! It is a remake of the 1976 film, 'Sparkle', and is about a 1960's pop trio similar to the Supremes. The production date remains speculative:

"There is currently no production date for this film, but it's very possible it could start sometime later this year, 2000. Aaliyah will be filming The Queen of the Damned this fall; it's possible this could be her next film after that wraps?"

This information, and much more, can be found at the Upcoming Movies page. Special thanks to Debbie Campbell for sending me the link!  J

An article in today's edition of the Melbourne newspaper, The Age, mentioned that filming is still set to go ahead in August. Apparently, a mini-series depicting the life of Marilyn Munroe may also be filmed in Melbourne during the same month, and so this will mean the two productions will be filming at the same time. The article is called 'Melbourne hot tip for Blonde' and the last line makes this reference:  "Cr Costigan said Melbourne...will soon be the location for the movie adaptation of Anne Rice's Queen of the Damned." Read the entire article here.

The Official Anne Rice Web Site has posted another phone transcript dated 11. June, 2000. There is no mention of 'Queen of the Damned', but she does mention there will be another ARVLFC Ball this October. Click here for the full transcript.

GodMother has also pointed out to me that in Anne's last phone transcript dated 28. May, 2000 (mentioned earlier this month), she confirms those mini-series rumours that have been floating around:

"The other property that I mentioned, that is being developed in Hollywood, is my book FEAST OF ALL SAINTS. It is being developed by SHOWTIME and I think that they are going to do a wonderful job on it. I am in contact with them by phone all of the time and they are very, very responsive and conscientious and want very much for the book to be translated into a beautiful mini-series. I think we may just see it broadcast in the year 2001." Again, for the full transcript, click here.

16. June, 2000

There hasn't been any 'Queen of the Damned' news for an entire week!!! However, as always, the updates to this site will continue!  J

Look out for more script pages midway through next week! I will be posting the remainder of the opening sequence, and all will finally be revealed. I think it's a very effective opening, and it has the potential to work rather well. Hopefully, you'll think so too...

A new 'Script Suggestions' page is on its way! Many people have been disappointed with the unofficial script information, so I've decided to start up a brand new section run by *you* - the visitors to this site!
Feel free to send in your personal suggestions as to how *you* think the script should read! All you need to do is send in your own basic script summary and your chosen (and excluded) character preferences. Please e-mail me your suggestions!

The discussion board has been very busy lately, with many of you taking time to express your views concerning the film. However, just about every entry is extremely negative, and a lot of you are clearly worried about how this film may turn out. Well, let me just assure you that:
- There is still over two months before filming is even scheduled to begin.
- The script will most probably be changed several times before and during production.
- Warner Brothers have so far announced only one cast member, and the race is on to see if they'll ever be organised enough to start filming on time...
- The way things seem to be going, the film rights might still revert back to Anne Rice in October!

I, for one, remain open-minded about the movie. There are still many decisions to be made and, remember, the production remains "in development". While I do admit that the movie seems to be taking a rather 'unfortunate' turn, anything could happen from here on. In the meantime, I will continue to bring you all the latest developments over the coming weeks. Stay tuned!  J

9. June, 2000

BEST QUEEN OF THE DAMNED NEWS YET!!!

The script has finally arrived! That's right, I now have my very own copy of the unofficial script!!!
Of course, as soon as I got it, I read it straight through from start to finish - all 134 pages! And I assure you that *most* of what I previously posted in my 'Script Information' section is absolutely *true*!
I have now updated my 'Script Info' page, and I've created a brand new 'Unofficial Script' section featuring the first couple of pages from the actual screenplay, feel free to head on over and check it out!

In other news, Lily pointed out to me today that Anne Rice has now posted another phone message transcript on her Official Site dated 28. May, 2000. In relation to 'Queen of the Damned', it reads:

"I don't have any more news on the QUEEN OF THE DAMNED out in Hollywood. I don't know what is going on. If you know anything about it, be sure to leave me a message because I'd like to know. We do search the Web for information on it and we haven't found very much."      (click here for the full transcript)

It seems my e-mail to her about this site never arrived!!! I do hope she finds her way here soon, Anne deserves to know what's going on!

If anyone reading this lives in New Orleans, or can reach her via her telephone number,
please leave her a phone message mentioning this site! I'm sure we'd both appreciate it!   J

Also, my search for the special edition of 'Interview With The Vampire' down here in Australia was unsuccessful. Admittedly, I only searched for the VHS (due to my lack of DVD player), but none of the stores knew anything about the new release. We're usually several months behind in video releases, so I guess it's not all that surprising...looks like I'll be ordering my copy off the net after all!

6. June, 2000

According to my sources, as well as Entertainment Tonight, the special edition 'Interview With The Vampire' DVD and VHS are released today!!! Today is supposedly the US release date, so happy shopping Chronicles/movie fans! I will be visiting my local stores shortly to discover if they have arrived on Australian shores...update soon!

Today Debbie Campbell e-mailed me an important correction! It seems I got my vampires mixed-up in identifying the mystery vamp in my interpretation of the QotD mock poster (featured below)! Rather than Lestat, Debbie assures me that it is, in fact, Enkil's face staring out from behind Akasha!
Debbie also informed me that the picture has been taken from Innovation's Issue 10 of 'The Vampire Lestat' comic book series. Some of you might have already recognised it!  J

The previous news update featured information about Josh Hartnett and '40 Days and 40 Nights'. Today I came across another couple of related stories. Lily kindly e-mailed me the link for the E! Online mention, and over at Popcorn.co.uk, I found the article Will Hartnett Abstain? Neither of them shed any new light on Josh's possible exit from the film, but they do confirm his casting in '40 Days..'

4. June, 2000

Today I received an e-mail from Thomas Holt inviting me to share his 'Queen of the Damned' artistic creation with fellow fans! Below is a mock teaser poster for the film (Please note - it's not official, only an interpretation!). Thomas says he created it about a year ago, and it was made using a scanned picture from John Bolton's Vampire Portfolio and some work on Adobe Photoshop:

Click for a larger image!

I think it's brilliant. Lestat has an amazing presence, and I think Akasha looks similar to a vampiric Aaliyah...possibly? Feel free to e-mail me with your comments.

Some news on Josh Hartnett today...could he have pulled out of the movie? Today I found out from Lily that, in the Upcoming Movies page for '40 Days and 40 Nights', it's reported that Josh has signed up for the film, and production is set to start around the same time as 'Queen of the Damned'! Apparently, E! Online is reporting similar news...

This leaves us three options to think about. 1) He's decided to do two movies at once, 2) He's pulled out of 'Queen of the Damned', or 3) the production of '40 Days and 40 Nights' could be pushed back to a later date. Upcoming Movies reports:
"There's no announced production date yet, but it's expected to be sometime this summer, as soon as Hartnett finishes filming Pearl Harbour"
This implies that production is only expected to begin after 'Pearl Harbour', and so there's no confirmation of dates yet. Hopefully, we'll discover some answers soon!

Also, for those interested in seeing Josh's new film, 'Pearl Harbour', Ign.com yesterday reported this tidbit of information (as taken from Entertainment Tonight Online):
"FDR Chosen For 'Pearl Harbor'
Jon Voight is set to star as President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Disney's megabudgeted World War II drama 'Pearl Harbor' for filmmakers Jerry Bruckheimer and Michael Bay, says the Hollywood Reporter. The project went into production before the filmmakers could find their president. "Pearl Harbor," centers around two Army Air Corps pilots and best friends (Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett) who fall in love with the same Navy nurse (Kate Beckinsale). Cuba Gooding Jr., Alec Baldwin and Tom Sizemore also star.  Having brought the United States out of the Depression, Roosevelt rallied the nation to support the war through his radio "fireside chats" and with his national speech the day after the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese sneak attack, which he described as a day that "will live in infamy."
Josh is also currently starring in the romantic love story, 'Here On Earth'.

2. June, 2000

Fantastic news today! The script information that I have been promising has finally been posted. Check it out right here!


But wait, here's even more exciting news! I have managed to obtain a copy of the actual unofficial script!!!
However, it's not not quite in my grasp yet...I have indeed bought one, but the international postal system can be unpredictable, and the date of arrival remains uncertain. The script is currently in the mail, and I have calculated that it should arrive week beginning 12. June. But if I'm really lucky, I'll get it at the end of next week! I plan to post the pages here for all to see, and finally some secrets will be revealed! J

In other news, The Age newspaper today featured an article about rumoured cast member, Simon Baker. There was no mention of 'Queen of the Damned', but since casting has not yet been entirely confirmed, he is still a possibility. His film, 'Judas Kiss', is heading to Australia, and he is looking to work here for his next project. Part of the article reads:    (for the full article, click here)

'Simon Baker has, indeed, come a long way since E Street. His visits home are rare, the longest sojourn being last year's work on location in Coober Pedy for Red Planet.
The actor hopes to work on an Australian film before too long, preferably with Two Hands director Gregor Jordan, whom he rates highly.
"I'd like to do some Australian films, I haven't done one yet. I really do miss being there. I miss the country, the beauty of it."'

So it's still possible that a role in a 'particular' Australian film might be headed his way...?! Hopefully, there'll be some kind of casting confirmation soon!

Also, before anyone else sends an e-mail my way, I do indeed know of the proposed movie, 'Wes Craven Presents: Dracula 2000', that is in pre-production right now. If anyone is interested in checking out another (but, let's face it, most inferior) kind of vampire film, check out the 'Dracula 2000' Upcoming  Movies Page. However, I will not be giving this film any further attention...  K

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