It’s no secret that much of today’s film and television pulls from pre-existing IP, whether it’s remaking movies such asDisney’s animated to live-aciton pipeline, adapting books, tackling popular video games, and more. While some creators in the industry opt for original content, others are excited at the chance to make something old new again. During theDirectors on Directing panelatSan Diego Comic-Con, Collider’s Editor-in-ChiefSteve Weintraubspoke withJustin Simien,Gareth Edwards, andLouis Leterrierabout which IP they would want to tackle.
Justin Simien, who directed the upcomingHaunted Mansion, kicked off the responses, sharing that he would love to remakeThe Wiz, itself a remake ofThe Wizard of Oz. Simien revealedThe Wizis “the first movie I ever saw. So by the time I sawThe Wizard of Oz, I didn’t understand why they had made a white version ofThe Wiz, like I truly didn’t get it.” He added thatThe Wizcreated what his understanding was, noting how “it was a Black-centric universe.” However,The Wizremake isn’t in the cards just yet, due to theforthcomingWickedmovie. Simien doesn’t fully discount the possibility, saying, “Maybe onceWickedis in and out, and I’m about 20 years older, maybe then. I don’t know. We’ll see.”
Gareth Edwards, director of the upcomingThe Creator, responded next, but his answer was much more cryptic. He revealed that there is an IP he plans to work on, saying that he already “contacted the people. I know the people that own the IP. I’m trying to do it. I say it out loud it won’t happen, so I’m gonna keep that bit quiet.” So, for now, audiences will just have to wait and seewhat Edwards is cooking up. Simien has one idea, though, jokingly saying that it’sThe Wiz.
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Louis Leterrier Wants to Wade Into Video Game Territory
Louis Leterrier, who recently directedFast X, shared that he would love to adapt a popular video game. He took a different approach than Edwards in his answer, stating, “I know it won’t happen, so I’ll say it. I don’t care.I would love to doaFortnitemovie.” Simien additionally expressed his excitement at the response, saying that Leterrier’s adaptation “would be amazing.” Leterrier shared thatForniteinterests him because “the game is incredible, but the characters, I think there’s so much more to be told.” Leterrier certainly wouldn’t be the first to head in the video game direction. Currently, here are a few upcoming game-to-screen adaptations on the way, includingFive Nights at Freddy’s,Minecraft,Gran Turismo, andGod of War.
