Director Lee Tamahori told SCI FI Wire that he will helm Nicolas Cage in Next, the latest Hollywood adaptation of a work by SF writer Philip K. Dick. Tamahori (Die Another Day) said in an interview that the movie is set to begin production this summer for an as-yet-to-be-determined 2006 release date for Revolution Studios.
Tamahori said that he and Cage, who will also produce, are still defining their approach to the film. "I know that sounds elusive, but this is a very tricky project," he said. "This movie is about time shifting, and time shifting in movies has always been tricky. Nick Cage and I are both looking for a new approach. We're looking for something that is visually arresting as well as physically fascinating and believable. The technique can wear itself out and become boring very fast. We don't want to turn this into a science-fiction movie without the science fiction."
Next is based on Dick's short story "The Golden Man," about a man with the ability to see short distances into the future. As the story unfolds, he uses his gift to outsmart a secret government organization bent on his capture, as well as to win the love of a woman and to prevent a terrorist attack. The screenplay is credited to Gary Goldman and Jason Koomick.
Plot Outline: A man who can see into his own future has to avoid capture by a government organization and win the love of a woman who will be the mother of his child.
Production Notes/Status:
Status: Announced
Comments: Looking to start production during the second half of 2005
Hollywood Reporter Haynes/Geadelmann Orbits with Cage's Saturn October 15, 2003 • By Chris Gardner Nicolas Cage and his Saturn Films have teamed with the recently launched production outfit Haynes/Geadelmann Pictures to collaborate on a series of projects, including a deal to partner on a feature film based on the life of boxer-turned-prison coach Billy Roth, with Cage starring as the former prizefighter.
The CAA-packaged project will be produced by Saturn and Haynes/Geadelmann, which is headed by filmmakers John Darling Haynes and Eric A. Geadelmann. The budding relationship between the two companies grew out of a project called "The Dance — The Billy Roth Story," a documentary on the festival circuit that Haynes directed and produced along with Geadelmann. Cage and Saturn president Norm Golightly were executive producers.
The docu chronicles the life of Louisiana native Billy "The Kid" Roth, a former champion fighter who has volunteered for more than 44 years in Louisiana prisons, serving as a surrogate father to hundreds of inmates whom he taught to box.
Out of that project, the two companies partnered to produce the feature starring Cage as well as a related television series. "Billy Roth's story truly spoke to my heart; despite the darkness and intense despair, an unlikely and flawed character is able to find and provide hope to others," Cage said in a statement.
Added Golightly: "We are incredibly enthusiastic about our new relationship with Eric and John. They are truly passionate filmmakers, and we hope that our collaboration with them on 'The Dance' will be the first of many." Said Geadelmann: "It is a tremendous privilege to be working with Nicolas Cage, such a multitalented actor, director and producer. We look forward to working with him and Norm on 'The Dance' and other meaningful projects."
Saturn most recently produced Cage's directorial debut, "Sonny," starring James Franco, and Universal Pictures' "The Life of David Gale."
Haynes and Geadelmann launched their production outfit in fall 2002. The company has offices in Nashville and Los Angeles..
