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Coming Soon: Videos of cast interviews. Anne Thompson in the Washington Post: Hollywood Flashes Its Literary License "...And then, in a category all its own, is "King Arthur" (arriving Wednesday), which is based not on the writings of Sir Thomas Malory, T.H. White, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Mark Twain, John Steinbeck, Mary Stuart, Howard Pyle or Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Rather, screenwriter David Franzoni ("Gladiator") found a new angle on this mythic hero by going back to history. "He was a half-Briton, half-Roman commander who came in with the cavalry to protect the south from the invading Picts," says producer Jerry Bruckheimer ("Pirates of the Caribbean"). "It has nothing to do with the fantasized Arthur of Camelot, the Lady of the Lake and the Holy Grail. I wanted to see the ancient ancestors of the Special Forces from 'Black Hawk Down' kick ass in the 5th century." Anyone expecting a love triangle, a sword in a stone or a white-bearded wizard in a cone hat will be disappointed. This King Arthur's primary function, Bruckheimer admits, is to supply a brand name." Text added to the Mail article on King Arthur from 7/3 (See below) Thanks to Gill Clive quoted at SciFi Wire. Thanks, kireipan 7/4 - The Chicago Sun-Times: British Starlet gets medieval on her movie foes -- "...Working closely with Owen on the film's love scenes wasn't as rough on Knightley as the rest of the shoot. "Clive has such an amazing face. He's very manly," she says. "It's important that this film didn't have a pretty boy star. Clive has strength and worldliness, which is what you need." 7/4 - ic Wales: Ioan: I'll be Welsh 'til I die 7/4 - Boston.com: Don't box him in - 'Arthur' director Antoine Fuqua refuses to be confined by genre 7/4/04 - From Gill: Yesterday's Daily Mail Weekend mag had a big feature about King Arthur (the film, not the legend). It included photos from the film. (Scan HERE) The NY Times 7/3/04 - "...It's an action film, with just a tiny hint of a brain, and a reminder, though you would never guess this from all the remakes pouring out of Hollywood these days, that movies are often better at making up new stories than at retelling the old ones. In at least one respect it's also a little like its predecessor, "Pirates of the Caribbean": it creates a painless, very watchable illusion of history without all the bother of the real thing." (Whole article HERE) A thoughtful review from Ross Anthony's Hollywood report card. "...Kudos to Clive Owen, he makes a perfect King Arthur: strong, handsome, noble, thinking, charismatic. And Ray Winstone knocks down some hearty scenes as the loveable knight/daddy of eleven." [ed note: I am avoiding any editorial comment, but it should be noted that the reviews at AICN are from non-critics.] Channel: History Channel: "History vs. Hollywood -King Arthur - 60 mins. --- Historians have their own roundtable meeting to evaluate the accuracy of the film “King Arthur,” starring Keira Knightley and Clive Owen. Unlike past discussions, this one examines a movie based on legend rather than actual events. Executive producer Steven Jack dodges that issue by exploring the correctness of how the time period, A.D. 400-500, is represented on-screen and the fact-based roots of the story's central figures and symbols, such as Camelot. Jack also examines what he calls the myth's “cultural history” by looking at how the tale has changed through the years. Air Dates: 7/6 at 11 PM 7/7/ at 3 AM - Thanks, clemato Clive mention in this USA Today article: Separating the men from the boys Another poor review at AICN from a non-critic. "...And Fuqua, who was able to direct Denzel Washington to his Best Actor Oscar, manages here to piss away almost every bit of talent he's given here. Clive Owen, for one, deserves better than this. While most people now remember him as 'that BMW guy', he is one of those fantastic actors on the verge of becoming huge." JoBlo.com: A negative review. Thanks, I think, Bjarne Jax Movies: Another early review - Thanks, kireipan Emily Blunt interview with Jerry Bruckheimer. Thanks, kireipan Channel 4 UK on KA. Thanks, kireipan 1up.com is giving away a battle shield from the film autographed by the cast. Prim's pictures from the NYC premiere at MSN Thanks to Bacia at the Murphsplace forum, link to another "not so great" review at The Trades If you live near Detroit - a contest for tickets to a KA preview screening. Thanks, Jannie At Coming Soon.net, you can vote for KA as the film you want to see in July. Roger Friedman at Fox News reviews KA:"... Owen is an excellent Arthur, but Fuqua's direction doesn't allow him to be as heroic as Russell Crowe was in "Gladiator." He's more intellectual, as is most everyone else, so there are fewer thrills in "Arthur" than might have been." Hello! Magazine on Keira and the premiere. Thanks, vsecin Wire Images from the 6/28 NYC PremiereEmpire Magazine - article and imagesMovie City News - A Primer to KATime Magazine - Keira's Quest A great gallery of pictures from the Swiss/German site OutNow - Thanks to JirkaFilm Review Magazine - Fit For A King. Magazine thanks to Rai and GillEclipse Magazine - Win a Quest for King Arthur prize pack. Thanks, Karolanews.com.au: Keira's a chic knight. Thanks, Karola The Sydney Morning Herald - Return of the hero (free registration required) Thanks, Karola More Keira on the publicity trail! KK will be on E! News Live tonight (Monday). Earlier, their web site said KK *AND* CO would be in the studio, but that's now been changed. It also says the Wednesday show will be live from the LA premiere. She will also be on Access Hollywood; Entertainment Tonight; MTV TRL -- KK is on the cover of and featured in the new Realms of Fantasy mag - site, not yet updated is here Thanks, Paul Craig Kilborn - CBS Late Late Show -- Fr 7/2: Ioan GruffuddThe Sunday Telegraph au: Knightley queen on a mission. Thanks, ShannonFl"Not good" review from AICN - One person's opinion only! Thanks, Bjarne From June: "It looks like Mary Hart on "Entertainment Tonight" will be interviewing the stars of "KA" this weekend. The interviews and some behind the scenes stuff will air on Monday's show (the 28th)." Variety 6/23 - KA gets a PG 13 rating. Thanks to Bea Two new images from Latino Review. Like the second one! The Hollywood Reporter: "Fear of piracy delayed the scheduled screening Wednesday at Cinema Expo International of Buena Vista International's "King Arthur" by more than 40 minutes as each attendee was interrogated about carrying recording equipment into the auditorium." Also -- Just wanted to let you know that there will be a KA: On the Set special on Starz during July. -- Thanks, Karola at the Hugh Dancy site KA lobby display at the Odeon theater in Bromborough, UK. Thanks, Rai The NYC Premiere for KA will be held at the Zeigfeld Theater on Monday, June 28. Most of the cast will be there, including Clive. Click HERE for complete information. Thanks, Paul
Camelot Warcry: Heads up! Touchstone Pictures is releasing "King Arthur" on July 7th, 2004. Thanks, Jannie From Variety - "Knightley over knights." Thanks, Karen Mike McH, an extra on KA, has some candids from the set ready to view. Thanks, Mike. Thanks to Gill, scans of the covers for Film Review UK and Empire UK From Paul at keiraweb.com -- "European premiere of KA will be on Thursday 15th July at the Empire cinema in Leicester Square, London. Here's a map for those thinking of attending: Still no news on the US prem though." [ed note: The info I got earlier on the NYC premiere was obviously premature. Sorry!] Scotsman.com: Clans touch swords in battle to crown Arthur as their own This Is Devon: "...Mysterious forces are stirring in Cornwall. There are murmurings in Tintagel and angry whispers high on Bodmin Moor. The Cornish birthright of King Arthur has been put in doubt and a shadow has been cast over the land." At ifilm.com, several versions of previews - The Production Sizzle Reel is most interesting. TV Alert - This evening (6/20) The Quest for King Arthur on the History Channel From Paul: "Keira will be promoting KA on The Late Show With David Letterman on Tuesday 29th June on CBS in the US. This will be shown at 12.45am on Thursday 1st July in the UK on ITV2 (ie. late Wednesday night)."... And ...CO is on the cover of UK mag Film Review with a double-page interview and KA pics. Their site (not yet updated) is here. (If any UK fan can send us some scans, that would be great) International Movie Studio News: Keira Knightley is leaving her co-stars in the cold as the kick-ass heroine of King Arthur From Marg: "Thought you might like to know about a book I picked up from Barnes and Noble. It's called King Arthur (no surprise there!) It's written by Frank Thompson and is based on the KA screen play.There are a few minor differences that I have noticed. For instance Arthur's horse is black in the book.The dialogue is a little different in parts too. Obviously the book's a major spoiler but I like to know what I'll see when the film hits the cinemas! I think Clive can pull this one off nicely." (You may also order the book from Amazon through my Associate link) 6/13/04 - New TV Spots - From Touchstone Pictures -- "Please find included HERE a series of new television spots for KING ARTHUR. The four new television commercials included (grouped together in one clip marked “Montage”) start running nationwide today. Each commercial highlights a character from the film: Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, and Merlin." - You can also view the Arthur spot alone from Movie City News. Click HERE From Paul at Keira Web: "Keira will be promoting KA on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Monday June 21st on NBC. It will be shown in the UK on Tuesday 22nd on FTN." Dave Poland at MCN: "I am a great believer that the market will break all "rules" for the right movie. This summer has already broken records. But the bar for what qualifies as the "right" movie has got be a little higher at this point in the summer. There are a five "big" movies that still have to worry: King Arthur, I, Robot, Catwoman, Collateral and Alien vs. Predator. I think we can assume that Spidey 2 and The Village will be fine. And none of the rest of the summer, besides these seven films, NEED to pass the $100 million mark. Empire Magazine now has its sneak previews of the next issue on line. Thanks, Genevieve The Sunday Herald UK: "July 30 ...It’s probably about time that the handsome, sly, frosty English actor Clive Owen took a big lead role, and the Arthur story is due for re-telling, since the last version was John Boorman’s Wagnerian disco-chic epic Excalibur." The History Channel - The Quest for King Arthur - (Was the legend of King Arthur based on history? Were the heroes of the Roundtable real? Did Camelot exist in some forgotten corner of England? The History Channel® embarks on the ambitious project of discovering the true origin of Britain’s ideal king and bringing to light the historic figure buried beneath the romantic fiction.) -- Press release on the show HERE. Click on logo below for the Chivalry Quiz and more....
6/4 - In the NY Times today - A beautiful LARGE special glossy color section on King Arthur. Here is a small scanned portion 6/3 - University of California San Diego: "King Arthur- In this updated retelling of the King Arthur tales, the legend of King Arthur is (supposedly) more historically accurate, placing the story within its historical context amid feudal wars and the collapse of the Roman Empire. Clive Owen is the manly Arthur and Kiera Knightly is the clever, warrior-princess Guinevere, who remakes the image of the frilly damsel in distress. Heart-stopping action, smart writing and attention to historical detail should make this film awesome. July 9" 6/1 - The Houston Chronicle: "...Also, I'm thinking of devoting my life to Clive Owen just based on the King Arthur trailer." 5/31 - The Independent UK: Arthur's magic turns special effects into £1.4bn industry KN Message Board: July's Empire mag has a 4-page preview of KA from the set and editing suite, and CO on the cover. Interviews with Jerry and Antoine. From Empire on line: "It may be England's only shot at glory this summer but Clive Owen's reign as King Arthur should be glorious indeed. A gritty re-interpretation of the Arthurian legend, Antoine Fuqua's tale ditches Merlin and the Lady of the Lake for bload-soaked battles, historical realism and a Guinevere who'd cut your arm off as soon as look at you. Empire pulls up a chair at the round table and immerses ourselves in the daddy of British folklore." - Thanks Paul Tucson Weekly: "...King Arthur follows a similar, let's-get-realistic impulse: It tells its classic story--in this case, the Knights of the Round Table--while withholding its most fanciful elements, such as Merlin's magic. As long as Keira Knightley's fightin' Guinevere is around, who cares? The film also stars Clive Owen as Arthur and is directed by Antoine Fuqua, the force behind the sharp Training Day." 5/27 - From Lynn: I made a couple of video clips of Ioan on the Taurus Stunt Awards show which occured over the weekend. It was shown on the Spike channel tonight. I grabbed a bit of Clive's brief comments about stunts used in KA. From Movie City News: On The Americal Idol championship show 5/26, commercials -- "The standouts, in terms of being spots that should have awareness impact were King Arthur, which pretty much unveils the campaign and the Pirates-esque line from Keira Knightley" From June: "This info. was just posted by "Calamity" over on our site. There is going to be a special over on the History Channel on Sunday, June 20th at 9pm/8C called "Quest for King Arthur". Looks interesting. The ad was found in "The Smithsonian" magazine. It says: "slay the myth"!!" From Karola over on the Hugh Dancy site - New pictures at KeiraKnightly.com (Note: Some of the pictures contain BIG spoilers, so be aware) About.com - Scifi Movies: Bruckheimer does King Arthur one more time From Murph - 5/20 - Saw an ad for KA on NBC's Law and Order last night - Yeah! Film Force comments on the new KA Trailer Related -- The Scottish Daily Record: THE SCREEN GODDESSES TO DIE FOR Links to all the versions of the new trailer thanks to Touchstone Pictures New official site with oodles of goodies...Thanks, June, Paul French web site with new pictures. Thanks, June Dave Poland's Hot Button on the studios' summer films: "...There is a pretty good swing between the highs and the lows of Disney's summer efforts. But the studio has managed to be consistent enough to expect the four films in the Kids and the Uniques categories to deliver at least $400 million between them. The wild card for Disney's summer is King Arthur. There seems little chance that Disney can begin to match last summer's massive success, but King Arthur is the film that will likely determine just how close they get." Music from the Movies: Hollywood Records to release 'King Arthur' Access Hollywood poll on best summer movies. KA needs your vote (Scroll) - Thanks, Joanne Gamespot:
"Having already conquered film and television,
über producer Jerry The NY Times 5/10: At the Movies, at Least, Good Vanquishes Evil, By SHARON WAXMAN -- "...July brings "King Arthur," a Jerry Bruckheimer production that is a bloody retelling of the story of the knights of the Round Table. In this rendition they are fighting for the freedom to return to their homes abroad. "The knights," said Mr. Bruckheimer, one of the most successful producers in Hollywood, "are like Special Forces, wherever they are now, fighting for another country. It's heroism, camaraderie, brotherhood. They are fighting for what they believe in, for the moral high ground — all the kinds of themes I love." (Free registration required to read whole article - It is highly recommended you do so) Thanks to Alice at ioanonline forum, the ad in today's NY Times (also in the LA Times) The Guardian on summer's expensive films: "...As is producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Gladiator writer David Franzoni's reinvention of the mythic King Arthur (Clive Owen) as a Roman general fighting battles in 5th century Britain, which falls in the $100m range." 5/9/ - The London Times: Opens July 30 - Touchstone/Disney; directed by Antoine Fuqua Starring Clive Owen, Stephen Dillane, Keira Knightley, Ioan Gruffudd: British-themed if not British-financed, this take on the Arthurian legend (penned by the writer of Gladiator) is shorn of Camelot, ladies in lakes and the knights who say ni. Set in the historically more plausible Dark Ages, it’s Celts v Saxons here — sword and sandals, if you will, but with mud all over them. Knightley, as Guinevere, edges closer to the Hollywood A list; Ray Winstone even pops up. However, after years of independent films and Bond speculation, it is Owen (as Arthur) who gets the overdue star-making turn. Two words of warning: Jerry Bruckheimer. The film’s über-producer is not best known for his tender historical hand. Two more words: Pearl Harbor. Thanks, Gill 5/9 - The NY Times (Free registration required) Keira Knightley: Acting Without the Acting Out The NY Times - July 7: "Producer Jerry Bruckheimer presents this gritty retelling of the legend of King Arthur starring Clive Owen in the title role. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film is void of the magical realism of such Arthurian films as Excalibur, instead attempting to place the story into a historical context. Set in the fifth century, the story follows Arthur as he rises up to bring Britain out of anarchy after the fall of the Roman Empire. Creating the Round Table, King Arthur attempts to bring together the feuding knights of the region. Stephen Dillane, Keira Knightley, and Stellan Skarsgård also star. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide" The Orlando Sentinel: (Scroll) "...Until now, in the public mind, the definitive cinematic Arthur was played by Richard Harris in the big-budget 1967 adaptation of the Lerner and Loewe Broadway musical, Camelot. But a new Jerry Bruckheimer version of the story, called simply King Arthur and starring Clive Owen, is coming our way in July" New magazine scans thanks to Karola at Hugh Dancy on line Thanks to Keiraweb, first studio-released photo of Guinevere. Can't wait for Clive's! Some new (and old) images for King Arthur at Coming Soon. Thanks Paul Dave Poland at Movie City News on the summer films: He puts King Arthur in the 100 million gross area. "The biggest mystery of the summer... and not yet trying to get attention. Could easily move way up or way down." Ioanonline has an excellent gallery of images from King Arthur Thanks, June From candybutton: "I saw the 'King Arthur' trailer today at the theater. Sure looks different than watching it on my computer. It's attached to 'The Alamo' movie. Just thought I'd give everybody a 'heads up.' " Channel 4 Film on KA: "...Clive Owen (in his first major leading role) undoubtedly has the presence to carry such an epic production. Bruckheimer and Fuqua offered him the part without screen-testing him and if the film works he could find himself propelled into the big league." 4/10/04 - Zap2It: 'Ella's' Fella Suits up for 'King Arthur' - Thanks, Paul at Keira Web Thomas Mallory's Le Morte d' Arthur will be reissued in June to tie in with the film. (The new edition will include tie-in movie art) (You can pre-order this edition from Amazon) Screening Date for King Arthur: July 1, 2004 - City: Atlanta, GA - Charlotte, NC - Nashville, TN* Page from Glascow Steel on the nail heads used in the film Random House: "John Matthews is widely regarded as one of the world's leading experts on the Arthurian tradition. He regularly lectures on King Arthur and has written over twenty books on the subject. He is currently working as a historical advisor on the Touchstone Pictures film, King Arthur." 3/31/04 - SciFi Wire: Arthur Reinvents Knight - Dancy on Arthur. Thanks Karola 3/26/04 - OK! Magazine Interview, March 30th 2004 with Keira K. On line HERE. Thanks, Paul 3/22/04 - The SMH, in a story about parody and passion: "...Next month the Noble Knights genre will return in a movie called King Arthur, with Guinevere played in full solemnity by Keira Knightley. In its innocence, it hopes to transcend Monty Python and the Holy Grail." King Arthur page at movieextras.ie Teen Vogue for April has a story on Hugh Dancy - King Arthur mentioned. Thanks to Karola at hughdancyonline. 3/14/04 -- "The Keira quotes you mention on your KA page are from the April issue of Vanity Fair which features an interview with Keira (talking about KA) and a new photo shoot (she's also on the cover). All were conducted in Dublin in October while she was still there filming KA. You can read the full interview by clicking on the full-size pics on my site, in the Latest Photos section. Paul Fisher [Keira Web]" 3/10/04 - From Z Review: "Keira Knightley has been talking about the changes training for King Arthur made on her body, and I guess she will no longer be known as the lanky tomboy beanpole anymore "I've seen pictures of myself - I'm big. You can see proper muscles.It freaked me out because it didn't feel like me anymore - the shape was completely different." 3/1/04 - Film Jerk previews - Other titles to watch: King Arthur: Producer Jerry Bruckheimer hopes to duplicate the success of "Pirates of the Caribbean" with this retelling of the Arthurian legend. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Clive Owen and Keira Knightley, film there are potentials nods for Cinematography, Art Direction, Costume Design, Sound Mixing and Visual Effects. 2/27/04 - One new publicity picture from King Arthur at Z Review 2/25/04 - From Marg: "Film 2004 previewed yet more scenes from King Arthur on Tuesday.This programme will be repeated Saturday 28th Feb at 12:45 lunch time here in Britain. I have also seen mini lobby posters up in cinemas already. Projected date for showings in the U.K. is July 20th." More snaps from trailer added to the image page From Tagline, a movie weblog -- One man's opinion on EW's issue for summer movies: "...And finally - at least, this is all I can take - we come to King Arthur and Alexander, both nestling on page 44 and both looking shite. Clive Owen is standing around [scroll] like a wet dishrag, just wishing he could look an inch of Nigel Terry [ed note: !] (Lion in Winter, Caravaggio), and sporting what looks like a wet look tousled perm." The King Arthur Picture Gallery at Ioanonline Liz Smith in Newsday on upcoming films: "Last, but hardly least, Jerry Bruckheimer's fresh take on the enduring legend of Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere, titled, "King Arthur." Epic with a capital E from the looks of it. Clive Owen, Stephen Dillane and Keira Knightley are the three main protagonists, none especially well-known in the United States, though Knightley caused a stir with "Pirates of the Carribbean." And she appears lovely and fierce here. No wilting medieval maiden; the visuals of her in battle, with bow and arrow, etc., are empowering and sexy." The U-Daily News: Get ready for a rougher, grittier 'King Arthur' - Thanks, Paul from The Knightley site and Cindy Swordmaster Mark Ryan's page on King Arthur (from his official site) From Mark Kraft, an interview with Mark Ryan, sword master and fight director for King Arthur: "Interviewer: The movie stars Clive Owen as King Arthur -- he was in "Gosford Park" and "The Bourne Identity". He's a very good actor from what I have seen of him, but he's never had a major leading role. Do you think he did well as Arthur? - Mark Ryan: Yeah, I do. He brought a different sort of intensity to it. He's a very internal actor, he comes from inside out. And what he brought to it was this kind of brooding intensity." **** 2/10/04 - The official web site is now on line. Official poster HERE Treasures
of a Saxon King of Essex - A recent discovery at Southend-on-Sea: Empire on line poll: "It's a brand new year with a brand new slate of films. Which do you think will rule 2004 now that The Lord of the Rings is behind us?" Thanks, June There is a King Arthur page at Jerry Bruckheimer's web site. Thanks, Paul From Paul Fisher: "Most of the King Arthur trailer was on the BBC's movie show Film2004 last night (playing out with the closing credits). It will be repeated on BBC2 this Saturday 31st at 1.05pm. You may also like to link to the holding page of my Knightly web site which has four promo clips from KA in mpeg format, which I made from British TV. UK release is scheduled for July 30th." Pictures of Lancelot/Gruffudd at Z Review King Arthur: 'Wide' release: July 7, 2004 Australia: August 5, 2004 Japan: July 2004 (possibly the 7th, as part of the wide release) (Thanks, Ioanonline) The Hollywood Reporter - 2004 films: King Arthur." Directed by Antoine Fuqua ("Training Day") and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer ("Pirates of the Caribbean"), "Arthur" stars Clive Owen, Keira Knightley and Stellan Skarsgard. The Touchstone and Jerry Bruckheimer Films action adventure drama's story revolves around the by now brand name English king who emerges to unite the British Isles after they've been thrown into a state of loose anarchy in the wake of the collapse of the Roman Empire. Arthur's concept, of course, is a Round Table of united knights. "Arthur's" July 7 launch puts it in the marketplace at about the same time that Bruckheimer's "Pirates" set sail last year. With "Pirates" having grossed over $305 million domestically, expectations are understandably high that "Arthur" could wind up grossing a king's ransom, too. King Arthur mentioned in Variety 1/18. Thanks, Bea Thanks to June at ioanonline, the image from EW Magazine HERE 1/16/04 - EW Magazine: King Arthur - "Lancelot,
Merlin, and the gang are all here, but don't expect this adaptation
from director Antoine Fuqua to resemble the cartoonish versions of
olde. "This is where the myth came from," says producer
Jerry Bruckheimer. "It takes place in the fifth century. It's
primitive." So look for lots of damp gray combat as the Knights
of the Round Table try to rescue an aristocratic Roman family against
the backdrop of the Saxon invasion of Britain. "They're
basically given the mission from hell," says the king himself,
Clive Owen. Also on board: Ioan Gruffudd (Lancelot) and The
Hours' Stephen Dillane, whose Merlin is less magic than maverick,
leading a rebel gang that menaces the knights. And what would Lancelot
be without his Guinevere? Especially when she's Pirates of the Caribbean's
Keira Knightley, who reunited with Bruckheimer to play another blue-blooded
heroine not afraid to do some dirty work. "She's fearless," says
the producer. "I mean, in this one battle scene, my God, she
scares you!" Beats wearing that pesky corset. (July7) [ed
note - If anyone has a scanner, there is a picture with the story]
Thanks, Diamonds 1/8/04 - AICN has some new shots from King Arthur. In this King Arthur, Clive gets the girl! - Ioan Gruffudd "gutted" over lack of love scenes in new film -- An interview with Ioan Gruffudd on BBC Radio Cymru. Thanks, Gill Here is the Welsh page for BBC Cynru (anyone for a translation?) The NJ Star- Ledger: Coming Attractions - "Clive Owen riding out as a knight to remember in the heroic "King Arthur" (July)" 1/3/04 - Canada.com: Reeling in the new year -- IF IT'S ANCIENT HISTORY, THE RIGHTS TO THE STORY ARE FREE Four years after Gladiator, the big budget swords-and-sandals epic is back in a big way with Colin Farrell playing Alexander the Great and Brad Pitt as Achilles in Troy. In a slightly more recent story, Clive Owen is crowned King Arthur. The Malaysian Star: Expected to be a more realistic portrayal of the legend, King Arthur will focus on the history and politics of the period during which Arthur ruled, circa 450 AD when the Roman Empire collapsed and territorial battles followed. Gosford Park’s Clive Owen plays Arthur while Keira Knightley gets upgraded from queen's decoy (in Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace) to Queen Guinevere. Sure Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table will be there but forget about all that mystical mumbo-jumbo usually focused on in past King Arthur films. This one promises to be “an immortal story of love, honour, brotherhood, treachery and death associated with the legend of King Arthur.” Let’s just hope it’s not another First Knight. 1/1/04 - The Chicago Sun Times: Ready for their closeups -- "...Lest we forget, Clive Owen finally gets to rule in "King Arthur." He has also been tapped by Mike Nichols to star in "The Closer."" Harry at AICN on movies he is looking forward to in 2004: KING ARTHUR: Trailer for this makes FIRST KNIGHT and DRAGONHEART seem ok. Several formats for the teaser trailer and some on the set videos at Movie Box. Thanks, Karola 12/24 - Trailer discussed at an Ain't It Cool Forum Empire on line on the KA trailer. 12/23/03 - The King Arthur Trailer is on line. Thanks, veebs 12/20/03 - From FilmForce: "December 19, 2003 - IGN FilmForce has learned from reliable sources that there is a distinct possibility that the first trailer for Touchstone Pictures' King Arthur will debut sometime in January." Thanks, June at ioanonline.com and Cindy Hollywood Stock Exchange Page for King Arthur
Channel 4 UK on Keira Knightley: She notes, "It was me and my pirate boys on Pirates of the Caribbean and now it's me and my boys in King Arthur... only they're wearing leather this time, so it's absolutely divine! It's eye candy for me, so it's just lovely" From Cindy -- King Arthur release date has been brought forward to July 7, 2004. Per Greg's Yahoo Movies 11/15/03 -- Show Biz Ireland - Bruckheimer Wraps up King Arthur... The Chicago Sun Times - Article on Keira K - King Arthur mentioned. Thanks, June at ioanonline HIC JACET ARTHURUS REX QUONDAM REXQUE FUTURUS 11/3/03 - Thanks to "eight," -- "The Saxons - Fierce Warriors" 11/2/03: The Philadelphia Inquirer -- "...What with all the medieval-ish swordplay and sorcery of a wee little trilogy called The Lord of the Rings, it's no surprise that competing studios are looking to replicate that magic with like-minded projects. Which explains why director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) has been calling the shots over in Ireland on King Arthur, an epic retelling of the Camelot yarn starring Clive Owen (Arthur), Stephen Dillane (Merlin) and Keira Knightley (Guinevere, of course). Look for a holiday 2004 opening." 10/30/03 -- From Chris, who is working on the film: "Yeah, the movie is in the last stages of filming now i think, I will be back over to Ireland on the 4th for a few days then off to London Pinewood for a few more to finish off the indoor CGI stuff. Then its goodbye King Arthur for me." The Philadelphia Inquirer on Jerry Bruckheimer. Brief Arthur mention Thanks to Paul, a note to him from the BBC UK show 2003 that was to show a Bruckheimer/Arthur segment and then did not (See the item below): "Thanks for getting in touch with the show. You're quite right, we did trail an item on Producers a couple of weeks ago, but then other material came in and there wasn't room for it. We hope to be able to include it in the programme going out on Tuesday 4th November. Hope you'll be able to catch it then." A report from an historical advisor on King Arthur. Thanks, Karola This notice has appeared on the Empire Movies King Arthur pages -"View our KING ARTHUR Photo Gallery (**At the request of Disney, these pics have been removed**) MCN: Has most of the gallery from Empire Movies broken down into categories. 10/19/03 -- The Chicago Sun-Times: The man who will be Arthur Film Force on the Empire Movies images From Empire Movies.com - Some wonderful pictures from the film... Thanks to Lynn at The Ioan Gruffudd site 10/15/03 -- Film Force Interview with Bruckheimer -- Q: Anything in the pipeline that will blow us away? BRUCKHEIMER: Well, you know, I don't think you'll be fooled by King Arthur. You might be fooled by our approach to King Arthur because we're telling it from where the legend sprang from: That Arthur was really Roman. We've hired all these historians – again, and I love the process and truth – that say that Rome occupied the world and his name was Artorius and he keeps coming up in a lot of the writings of the early Monks; because, it was the Dark Ages, it was fifth century rather than the twelfth or thirteenth century which all the Middle Ages movies have come from. So this is a much different rendition of King Arthur. From USaimo BinHarris: "Some of the die hard Movie extras made their own fight scene." All in fun. (Zip file. Real Player. Quite large when unzipped) Thanks to Z Review, a link to the concept artist for King Arthur, Guy Hendrix Dyas. From Paul at the Clive Forum: "Film 2003 on BBC1 this Tuesday follows Jerry Bruckheimer on the set of KA, so we might find out more then [About the shooting schedule]. (At least I think it's KA - it was teeming with rain in the clip it showed last week, so I assume it was Ireland )." Related: The "Horatio Hornblower" movies are on the A&E network, starring Ioan Gruffudd. The days, and times are as follows: 10/16 "Horation Hornblower: The Mutiny" 8:00 am and 2:00 pm EST -- 10/17 "Horatio Hornblower: Retribution" 8:00 am and 2:00 pm EST (These are repeats. The new Hornblowers air December 2nd and 3rd. Thanks, June) The UK Times on line - In a story about Ray Winstone: "He has recently completed the medieval epic Arthur in Ireland with the top action producer Jerry Bruckheimer, alongside Clive Owen and Keira Knightley..." From the PBS Masterpiece Theater newsletter (Scroll): It's confirmed! DOCTOR ZHIVAGO's Lara, KEIRA KNIGHTLEY, is indeed the hottest thing since sliced bread. She has a number of major films coming up, including Love Actually (with Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant), King Arthur (with Clive Owen, Stephen Dillane, Ioan Gruffudd and Hugh Dancy) and Tulip Fever (with Jude Law and Jim Broadbent). 10/2/03 - See this important notice at the Extras' Forum: Help Save Ireland's Film Industry From Tammy: "I received an email from Sean Gilder (Jols) yesterday. He indicated that filming will now be extended to mid-November. Cheers" (www.seangilder.com) See some new set info HERE at the Murphsplace forum (Scroll) Thanks to Natasha, there is a new forum thread featuring the creative efforts of the extras as they wait to be called to action. Check it out. And the extras' reports thread is always updated. 9/11/2003 -- The UK Sun: Knightley of Round Table AICN on the Hugh Dancy/Batman possibility: "...Lastly - apparently Hugh Dancy, who is currently playing Galahad off in the UK in Bruckheimer's KING ARTHUR. He's 28 years old or so... 5'11" and is basically unknown to me - though is better known in the UK for his work there. His picture on IMDB is rather unfortunate." Hollywood Reporter on line - in a story on possible batman candidates: "...Meanwhile, sources say Hugh Dancy, currently shooting the Walt Disney Co.'s "King Arthur," may test if his schedule permits and he is able to shave the beard his "Arthur" character, Galahad, is sporting." Thanks, June Ireland on Sunday: "Devoted almost an entire page to how a lot of the costumes have been re-used, some from as long ago as 'Ben Hur' in the 50's and right through to Gladiator. On a rumour page there was a small bit about how Antoine has gotten a punch bag installed outside his caravan to relieve the stress from filming." (Thanks, Conor) CNS News: "Amazing what a little bit of fame does to struggling actors. Keira Knightley, the sexy Brit whose stock has shot up following her roles in Pirates Of The Caribbean and Bend It Like Beckham, is less than excited at the prospect of landing the major female role in the next Bond movie. Keira was put in the frame when Bond producers visited the set of King Arthur to talk to her co-star Clive Owen, who is being touted as the next Bond when Pierce Brosnan hangs up his tuxedo. A source on the set says Keira has come over all diva like - bear in mind this was after Stephen Spielberg personally sought her out for her next role, in Jurassic Park 4. 'She did have talks with the Bond guys,' says the source, 'but afterwards she pooh-poohed the idea. She said no ways was she going to play some bikini-clad Bond bimbo...' " Show Biz Ireland: King Arthur stars at Lillies Party ... A Gruffudd fan sent a video of the King Arthur/Keira Knightley portion of the E! news show. It is available to view in Windows Media Player at the Ion Gruffudd news page Nice Clive bit. (Thanks, Lynn) A collage of snaps from the E! News show thanks to June (Ion Gruffudd web site) 8/22/03 -From Jo: "Hey, just wanted to let you know that my friend spotted an interview with Kiera on an E! news show today, and said there was a bit with Clive as well. Repeated at 11 AM Central, 12 Noon EDT today, Friday" (From The E! Web Page: THURSDAY 8/21 • We're on location in Ireland with Keira Knightley on the set of her new film King Arthur) ***8/19/03 - New set images at Z Review - All of Clive - some Ray Winstone, Fuqua... !!! 8/17/03 -- From Conor: "I am not in a position to scan it at the moment, but in today's 'Ireland on Sunday' there's an entire page about the financial troubles of King Arthur. Apparently it's spiralling out of budget, there have been crisis meetings and the film was almost pulled (but is now going ahead as planned). Also, many extras who have been hired will not be used." [ed note: If someone can give us a transcript of the article, it would be appreciated] New page of images and text from from "Arthur and the Anglo Saxon Wars" by David Nicolle PhD. MegaStar: "Keira's on to a Guin-ner" -- "...The British beauty plays the adulterous ancient queen, alongside Clive Owen, in Ireland. Working once more with Pirates and Bad Boys II producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the film is said to be a 'faithful' version of the legend. It adheres to the dark, brooding and bloody style of Gladiator, and is expected to receive an R-rating" Show
Biz Ireland: Clive at the Ireland Irish Film and Television Awards Launched More on the IFTN Awards from ShowBiz ireland IOL: "Teenage actress Keira Knightley took a break from filming producer Jerry Bruckheimer's King Arthur in Ireland to fly to New York for a for a two-day modelling assignment." 7/31/03 - A real treat - Extra Mike's experiences on King Arthur. (Some minor spoilers) Today in Literature: William Caxton, the printer of Malory's Morte de Arthur 7/30/03 - A reader rants to Stax at Film Force about King Arthur (Scroll down) From a guest at the extras' section: "Clive Owen is clean shaven in the scenes I have seen him in. Maybe he will have a beard in later scenes." From an interview with Keira K at IMdb news features: Who are you playing in Arthur? -- "Guinevere, but a warrior version of her, and I get to fight. It's going to be really interesting as it's making a reality out of the myth. There's this theory that Arthur was in fact this Roman general, Arterius Rex, and this is going along that path. It's the fall of the Roman empire in Britain, with the Picts trying to take charge again. And I've been having a great time doing tons of research into the period. I love doing all that period stuff. I don't actually care what period it is as long as the part's good, but I do love getting dressed up." Malory: How Arthur wed Guineviere A bit of news on Guinevere and Arthur. Scroll down to Franks' 7/29 post .There is also a new poll at the Owen forum. In the USA on The Learning Channel August 5, 7 and 10 - The Real King Arthur (Interactivity, gallery, quiz and more) Music from the Movies -- "ZIMMER TO SCORE 'KING ARTHUR' FOR JERRY BRUCKHEIMER; Not very surprisingly, Hans Zimmer has been hired to compose the music for Jerry Bruckheimer's big budget production of King Arthur, directed by Tears of the Sun helmer Antoine Fuqua and starring Clive Owen as the king. The film is currently in production and is slated for premiere in December 2004. Remaining projects this year are Ridley Scott's Matchstick Men, opening on September 12, and Edward Zwick's The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise, opening in the US on December 5." Don't forget to visit the extras' section at the Owen forum. Interesting reports coming in. Jerry Bruckheimer reports that the film is based on Malory's "Le Morte de Arthur." Here is an excerpt and link to the whole poem. And a page on "how true love is likened to summer." By Malory From "Irishcure" at the forum board: "The main fighting will be done by members of various Re-enactment groups from Ireland, England and France. They will be getting all the front line & close ups in the movie. I know this because I was supposed to be there myself but could not get the 3 months off work to do the filmwork." 7/22/03 -- About.com: Jerry Bruckheimer Does Arthur One More Time. Thanks, Alice 7/19 - Irish Film News: "The following projects are currently in production: - King Arthur, a co-production between World 2000 and Disney, started production and is scheduled to shoot until November this year. This project has a total budget of €90 million and is the largest budget film ever to be shot in Ireland." Check out the "extras" spot from the Arthur set at the Murphsplace forum Natasha, one of the extras on King Arthur will be posting reports on the Network 54 board. I am hoping she will move over to the new forum here. It is easier to put everything under one thread there. Older story (May 2003) the Kildare Nationalist: King Arthur holds court at the Moat as budding knights come to Naas From Ardmore Studio News: "There are now five sound stages and facilities which have been developed or expanded include offices, art department, wardrobe, workshops, props, dressing rooms and car parking. The upcoming Jerry Bruckheimer production of King Arthur is the first time we have an Art Department where all of the traditional drawing boards have been replaced by computers. To facilitate this we have provided broadband and computer networking." The Munster Express: "All the best to popular ex-postman Geno Kavanagh, Tramore who was recently selected from several thousand applicants to appear as an extra in the forthcoming blockbuster movie King Arthur. The epic is currently being filmed in County Wicklow and Geno is off to boot camp to learn the ancient art of sword fighting. As the saying goes for all budding thespians "break a leg" Geno and we look forward to seeing you on the big screen anon as you swop the postbag for a broadsword." 7/11/03 The NY Times - "At The Movies:" Keira Knightley -- In the film she is shooting in Dublin, "King Arthur," she is a Guinevere with a difference. The new film, directed by Antoine Fuqua ("Training Day") takes a more historical approach to the Arthurian myths than most Camelot movies. "There's a theory that the actual King Arthur was a Roman general named Arturius Rex at around the fall of the Roman Empire," Ms. Knightley said. "It's set at a time when the Picts in England are in an uprising against the Romans. And Guinevere is a Pict, and being a Pictish woman, she will be fighting with all the men. Guinevere gets swords, axes, knives, bows and arrows and a horse." 7/9/03 - Film Force: Behold King Arthur 7/9/03 - CHUD's take on King Arthur 7/8/03 - Z Review - First pictures of the Arthur cast in action - Thanks, Cindy 7/8/03 - SciFi.com: Arthur gets Real. Thanks, Cindy The LA Times 7/6/03 -- Keira Knightley "...She is currently undergoing extensive physical training for her role as Guinevere in "King Arthur," including boxing, horseback riding and archery, as well as sword, knife and ax fighting." From Z Review -- "Tuesday 1st July 2003: King Arthur Update: Kiera Knightley has been talking about training for her upcoming role in King Arthur. I'm actually going to knight boot camp," she revealed. "You know, get up at 6am, ride horses and run around a field a couple of times. Just me and my boys, which is nice... I'm doing archery, horse riding, sword fighting and a bit of boxing. I'm rock 'ard!" 6/23/03 - Irish Film News: 'King Arthur' Starts Principal Photography. Movie Express: Older Interview with Slawomir Idziak, cinematographer for King Arthur. Here is his filmography at Movies.com 6/20/03 - Screen Daily: Ireland gears up for renewed production activity - "Arthur, which has a budget of $85m, is the biggest production ever to come to Ireland, dwarfing the substantial $30m Laws of Attraction." 6/20/03 - Irish Film and TV: "So far, so successful. Movie Extras currently has several thousand members, as well as over one hundred production companies using the service on a regular basis (including commercials production companies, broadcasters, advertising agencies, casting directors and tv and films production companies). Most recently, Movie Extras was working with the ‘King Arthur' team in casting of one thousand extras for the shoot in the summer. Casting took place in Ballymore Eustace, The Factory, Naas and Ardmore Studios." 6/12/03 - Schweiger, Skarsgard in 'Arthur' Court 6/12/03 - Screen Daily: "Denmark's most popular star Mads Mikkelsen and Swedish veteran Stellan Skarsgaard have joined the cast of Antoine Fuqua's upcoming epic King Arthur which is being produced by Jerry Bruckheimer for Disney." More HERE Empire on line -- "First Knight: Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd has been dubbed first sword of the kingdom in Antoine Fuqua and Jerry Bruckheimer's upcoming King Arthur, having been cast to fill the role of dashing Sir Lancelot. Joining Clive Owen's Arthur and Keira Knightley's Guinevere, Gruffudd will romance the latter from the former in the adaptation, which dumps the Merlin magical nonsense in favour of a more tactical, historical story about Britain after the fall of Rome. Could be interesting. Of course it could also be so dull that cinemagoers eat the seat coverings for entertainment - only time will tell." 6/6/03 - From
coming soon.com -- Variety reports the following: Ioan Gruffudd
has been set to play Lancelot in "King Arthur." Gruffudd,
best known for playing the title role in the TV series "Horatio
Hornblower," will star alongside Clive Owen, who
plays King Arthur, and Keira Knightley ("Bend it Like Beckham"),
who plays Guinevere. Stephan Dillane also stars. Antoine Fuqua is
directing and Jerry Bruckheimer is producing. Scripted by David Franzoni
and John Lee Hancock, "Arthur" eliminates the fantasy from
the well-known tale and instead concentrates on the history 6/3/03 - First images from the King Arthur set -- at showbizireland.com. Thanks, Kate John From Greg's Previews -- Release Date: December 25th, 2004 (wide) 5/30/03 - Report from a hopeful extra for King Arthur at AICN Story on the casting from the Irish Independent 21/05/2003 - - RTE interactive: "King Arthur descends on Co Kildare: Ballymore Eustace has become home to the Knights of the Round Table in the latest Hollywood epic to be filmed in Ireland. 'King Arthur' is the next blockbuster to descend on the Co Kildare town, where some of the battle scenes from Braveheart were also filmed. A replica of Hadrian's Wall and a Roman fortress are some of the new scenery in Ballymore Eustace, and the town will play host to some extravagant battle scenes this summer." Thanks, Alice 5/16/03 - Susan Wloszczyna, USA Today: "...Arthur was a Roman sent to Britain to protect and occupy the country." And the Knights of the Round Table? "Russians who were great horsemen." 5/14/03 - From a Swedish site: Stellan Skarsgård cast in Arthur "Stellan Skarsgård, 51, has got a new big Hollywood-lead. " King Arthur" will be one of next year's biggest adventure films. - I play a Saxon knight and army leader." Thanks to Nastia More casting news at Film Force. IGN FilmForce has learned that Swedish thesp Stellan Skarsgard (Exorcist: The Beginning, Deep Blue Sea) is in talks for the role of "Cedric"; Joel Edgerton ("Owen Lars" in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones) for "Gawain"; Ken Stott (Plunkett & Macleane, "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead") as "Marius Honorius"; Ray Stevenson (Dalziel and Pascoe: Truth and Consequences) for "Dagonet"; Sean Gilder ("Styles" in A&E's Horatio Hornblower films) for "Jols"; Pat Kinevane (The General) as "Horton"; Valeria Cavalli (Double Team, Everybody's Fine) as "Fulcinia"; and Ivano Marescotti (The Talented Mr. Ripley, "Pontius Pilate" in Mel Gibson's The Passion) as "Bishop Germanius." Thanks, Marcy
5/14/03 - The Hollywood Reporter: Knightley Crowned 'Arthur' Queen From Susan in Ireland : "I've heard that they're looking for members of the FCA (our reserve forces) to be involved in the film. These guys were used in Mel Gibson's Braveheart too and Saving Private Ryan so they're great for crowd/battle scenes etc." Film Force: 5/9/03 - Keira Knightley to play Guinevere in King Arthur. Thanks, Marcy 5/2/03 -- At Ain't It Cool News, a guy went to be an extra in King Arthur. (This sounds better and better!) More on Ballymore Eustis, where a major battle will be filmed - The Neighbourhood of Dublin (See Chapter 37) 4/21/03 - New Press on the film thanks to Chris T & others 4/10/03 - Show Biz Ireland: Bruckheimer Back Scouting for Arthur... Thanks, Alice Information on casting from Film Force 4/1/03 4/2/03 - Empire On Line: "Knight Fever -- Now that the lead roles of King Arthur (Clive Owen) and Merlin (Stephen Dillane) are in place, director Antoine Fuqua is working fast to fill in the gaps for his Arthurian project. The latest round of roles that are rumoured to have been cast are some of Arthur's Knights of the Round Table. According to IGN Filmforce, British actors Ray Winstone, Hugh Dancy and Charlie Creed-Miles have all been offered parts in the Bruckheimer production. With filming due to start in Ireland this Spring, all that remains is for the legendary lovers, Lancelot and Guinevere to be found." Thanks, Alice 3/31/03 - An Article from The People. Thanks, Chris T Clive Owen Confirmed as King Arthur -- Thursday, March 6, 2003. Thanks, Bea F and Karen Disney has crowned Clive Owen as King Arthur and is in talks with fellow British actor Stephen Dillane to take on the role of Merlin in the studio's Jerry Bruckheimer-produced take on the medieval legend. The Hollywood Reporter says the project, being eyed for a spring start with Training Day helmer Antoine Fuqua set to direct, is described as a demystified take on the tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and promises a more realistic portrayal of Arthur than has ever been presented onscreen. The film will focus on the history and politics of the period during which Arthur ruled -- when the Roman empire collapsed and skirmishes over power broke out in outlying countries -- as opposed to the mystical elements of the tale on which past Arthur films have focused. Greg's Previews - Knights of the Round Table Empire On Line : King Arthur Cast? Film Force: Clive to play King Arthur??? |
Bruckheimer
is taking another stab at the game game. Today, Jerry Bruckheimer Films
and Buena Vista Games announced plans to create a cross-console action
title based on their upcoming medieval actioner, King Arthur."
- 
Premiere
of Pirates of the Caribbean 8/5/03. Thanks, Alice
and
politics in the reign of the king after the Roman empire collapsed
and power skirmishes broke out in 450 A.D. Thanks
to Cindy
5/14/03
- More on Knightley from UK Mega-Star - 
