Although not many of us remember Batman & Robin as being one of the better entries in the film franchise, a bright spot, in my view, was that of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mr. Freeze. Okay, I admit he wouldn’t have been on my shortlist to portray the character, but the ice puns that populated his goofy dialogue were about the only things in that movie capable of making me smile.
As it so happens, the entry that put the Batman line of films on ice for eight years is now celebrating its 20th anniversary and, not surprisingly, various interesting factoids are coming to light. In addition to recently learning that Joel Schumacher dreamed of directing a flick centered on Arkham Asylum, Arnie’s paycheck has also now been spoken of publicly, and from the sounds of it, he made a killing.
Knowing what a huge star Schwarzenegger was at the time of production, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that he was paid handsomely. Unfortunately, they didn’t pay him in diamonds that could power his mechanical suit, but he did make off with a cool $25 million. In other words, $1 million per day on set.
Producer Peter MacGregor-Scott certainly wasn’t shy when discussing the matter with The Hollywood Reporter:
“The cast ate the money up. It’s tough when you wake up in the morning and just spent $25 million! Oh dear. But he was great.”
Another interesting tidbit to surface is that of rewrites occurring, effectively changing Mr. Freeze from being a thespian’s dream to someone with a penchant for puns. At least, that’s according to storyboard artist Tim Burgard:
“All the dialogue was for Mr. Freeze, you could tell it was meant for somebody who would deliver it in a Shakespearean fashion. It was hysterical; in my head, I was reading Freeze’s dialogue as Schwarzenegger.”
For much more on Batman & Robin, be sure to check out our extensive retrospective.
As it so happens, the entry that put the Batman line of films on ice for eight years is now celebrating its 20th anniversary and, not surprisingly, various interesting factoids are coming to light. In addition to recently learning that Joel Schumacher dreamed of directing a flick centered on Arkham Asylum, Arnie’s paycheck has also now been spoken of publicly, and from the sounds of it, he made a killing.
Knowing what a huge star Schwarzenegger was at the time of production, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that he was paid handsomely. Unfortunately, they didn’t pay him in diamonds that could power his mechanical suit, but he did make off with a cool $25 million. In other words, $1 million per day on set.
Producer Peter MacGregor-Scott certainly wasn’t shy when discussing the matter with The Hollywood Reporter:
“The cast ate the money up. It’s tough when you wake up in the morning and just spent $25 million! Oh dear. But he was great.”
Another interesting tidbit to surface is that of rewrites occurring, effectively changing Mr. Freeze from being a thespian’s dream to someone with a penchant for puns. At least, that’s according to storyboard artist Tim Burgard:
“All the dialogue was for Mr. Freeze, you could tell it was meant for somebody who would deliver it in a Shakespearean fashion. It was hysterical; in my head, I was reading Freeze’s dialogue as Schwarzenegger.”
For much more on Batman & Robin, be sure to check out our extensive retrospective.
- 6/21/2017
- by Eric Joseph
- We Got This Covered
It’s a bird… It’s a plane… It’s the European debut of The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened? Director Jon Schnepp is to attend May’s McM London Comic Con to screen his much-anticipated Superman movie documentary, meet fans and sign autographs.
The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened? delves into one of Hollywood’s most enthralling ‘what might have been’ stories. In 1996, Warner Brothers engaged Kevin Smith to write the screenplay of Superman Lives. Director Tim Burton assembled an elite group of artists to work on the movie, including Nicolas Cage as Superman. But Warner Brothers scrapped the project shortly before principal photography began.
Written and directed by Jon Schnepp (Metalocalypse), The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened? gives us an enthralling inside look into what would have been the most original, unexpected and cosmic Superman movie ever made. The film features interviews with director Tim Burton...
The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened? delves into one of Hollywood’s most enthralling ‘what might have been’ stories. In 1996, Warner Brothers engaged Kevin Smith to write the screenplay of Superman Lives. Director Tim Burton assembled an elite group of artists to work on the movie, including Nicolas Cage as Superman. But Warner Brothers scrapped the project shortly before principal photography began.
Written and directed by Jon Schnepp (Metalocalypse), The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened? gives us an enthralling inside look into what would have been the most original, unexpected and cosmic Superman movie ever made. The film features interviews with director Tim Burton...
- 4/29/2015
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
The greatest movies never made is up for debate. Depending on your cinematic oeuvre, you might be more inclined to champion Vincent Ward’s ‘wooden planet’ concept for Alien 3. Or Joss Whedon’s Wonder Woman. For some fans, there’s only one unmade movie to contest. A movie that over the years has accrued such mystery and intrigue that the story of its unmaking has now been turned into a documentary: The Death Of Superman Lives: What Happened?
In case the spoiler-ridden title didn’t clue you in, the Jon Schnepp-directed piece revolves around Tim Burton’s Superman Lives reboot that never saw the light of day. Burton cast Nicolas Cage as the former resident of Krypton and completely rewrote the lore of the iconic character. The somewhat iconoclastic approach to Superman was considered a major departure from Burton’s earlier work on WB’s Batman movies, and...
In case the spoiler-ridden title didn’t clue you in, the Jon Schnepp-directed piece revolves around Tim Burton’s Superman Lives reboot that never saw the light of day. Burton cast Nicolas Cage as the former resident of Krypton and completely rewrote the lore of the iconic character. The somewhat iconoclastic approach to Superman was considered a major departure from Burton’s earlier work on WB’s Batman movies, and...
- 4/20/2015
- by Gem Seddon
- We Got This Covered
Film Skechr has new Batman & Robin article that contains an interview with conceptual illustrator, Tim Burgard. The images include a design for Uma Thurman's eco-terrorist, Poison Ivy, and storyboards with Bane, who was played by professional wrestler Jeep Swenson (died 2 months after the film was released). Here's an excerpt: Maurice Mitchell: You have a design for Poison Ivy that is pretty different from the final film. Was it considered? Tim Burgard: Because the costume department didn't release their costume designs to me for me to do my job I went ahead and did their job first. You can see from my boards that I decided to use Poison Ivy's original comic book costume, which was better than the film version in my opinion. Click here for the full interview. Concept Art & Storyboards by Tim Burgard Visit Film Sketchr For More Images Chills and thrills: will Gotham City be put on ice?...
- 3/19/2014
- ComicBookMovie.com
Concept Art & Storyboards by Tim Burgard Storyboards below are not by Tim Burgard. Click Here To See Dawn Brown's Set Designs Chills and thrills: will Gotham City be put on ice? George Clooney is Batman as the dark knight battles his greatest threat yet: cold-hearted Mr. Freeze (Schwarzenegger) and venomous Poison Ivy (Thurman). Batman has more than Gotham City to protect: the youthful eagerness of crimefighting comrades Robin (O'Donnell) and Batgirl (Silversone) puts them frequently in harm's way. Batman & Robin (1997) was directed by Joel Schumacher, from a script written by Akiva Goldsman. The film starred: Arnold Schwarzenegger as Dr. Victor Fries/Mr. Freeze, George Clooney as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Chris O'Donnell as Dick Grayson/Robin, Uma Thurman as Dr. Pamela Isley/Poison Ivy, Alicia Silverstone as Barbara Wilson/Batgirl, Michael Gough as Alfred Pennyworth, Pat Hingle as Commissioner James Gordon, Elle Macpherson as Julie Madison, Vivica A. Fox as Ms.
- 2/13/2014
- ComicBookMovie.com
In the opening montage of Gavin Hood's 2009 comic book movie, X-Men Origins: Wolverine we briefly see the two brothers, James 'Jimmy' Howlett (Hugh Jackman) and Victor Creed (Liev Schreiber), using their regenerative mutant powers as soldiers during the American Civil War, World War I, World War II, and even the Vietnam War. Originally, the plan was to show Jimmy/Wolverine whipping out his bone claws and treating confederate soldiers as human pincushions. As you can see in the video below, that was toned down for a more mild take. Storyboards by Tim Burgard, via Film Sketchr In 1845 Canada, young James Howlett sees his father killed by groundskeeper Thomas Logan. The trauma activates the boy's mutation: bone claws protrude from James' hands, and he kills Logan. In his dying breath, Logan tells James that he is his real father. James flees with Logan's abused son and James' half-brother Victor Creed...
- 2/6/2014
- ComicBookMovie.com
Alright, we've got three storyboards below that have been animated by James Rothwell, for Kenneth Branagh's Thor. The first two scene below, are of the Destroyer invades the town. Each animatic shows different versions of Thor confronting the Destroyer, as well as different versions of the Warriors Three and Lady Sif battling the Destroyer. The final scene, is when Thor is about to be named, by Odin, the heir to his throne. As this is going on the Frost Giants snuck into Asgard's Weapons Vault and try to steal the Casket of Ancient Winters. Before they can get away the Destroyer comes to life and kills the Frost Giants. The storyboards are very similar to the theatrical version, but there are a few slight differences. Can you spot them? Storyboards: Thomas A. Nelson * Animatics: James Rothwell Storyboards: Thomas A. Nelson, Joel Venti & Timothy Burgard...
- 11/30/2013
- ComicBookMovie.com
Storyboards: Tim Burgard * Animatics: James Rothwell Thanks to a heads up from Film Sketchr Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a revolution; an action-packed epic featuring stunning visual effects and creatures unlike anything ever seen before. At the story's heart is Caesar (Andy Serkis), a chimpanzee who gains human-like intelligence and emotions from an experimental drug. Raised like a child by the drug's creator (James Franco), Caesar ultimately finds himself taken from the humans he loves and imprisoned. Seeking justice, Caesar assembles a simian army and escapes -- putting man and primate on a collision course that could change the planet forever.
- 11/17/2013
- ComicBookMovie.com
Storyboards Created by Tim Burgard Click Here to See More Of Tim Burgard's Fantastic Artwork Tim Burgard began his artistic career in the comic book industry as a penciler, inker, and even a writer. Down the road he would lend his substantial talents to the entertainment industry, creating storyboards for popular films and television programs. Recently Tim has worked on films, such as Rupert Wyatt's Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, Kenneth Branagh's Thor and Louis Leterrier's The Incredible Hulk. X-Men: The Last Stand was directed by Brett Ratner, from a screenplay written by Simon Kinberg and Zak Penn. The cast included: Hugh Jackman as Logan / Wolverine, Halle Berry as Ororo Munroe / Storm, Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Xavier, Anna Paquin as Marie / Rogue, Kelsey Grammer as Dr. Henry "Hank" McCoy / Beast, James Marsden as Scott Summers / Cyclops, Shawn Ashmore as Bobby Drake / Iceman, and...
- 3/9/2013
- ComicBookMovie.com
Here is an unusual way that they could've increased Cyclops' paltry screentime, while increasing the depth of his character. I think this makes him appear human with human needs. As you saw in the previous films he wasn't given the opportunity to show emotional range. Outside of one instance when he got to play the jealous boyfriend, Scott, spends most of his duty playing a good soldier, with more of a robotic seriousness. Storyboards Created by Tim Burgard Click Here to See More Of Tim Burgard's Fantastic Artwork Tim Burgard began his artistic career in the comic book industry as a penciler, inker, and even a writer. Down the road he would lend his substantial talents to the entertainment industry, creating storyboards for popular films and television programs. Recently Tim has worked on films, such as Rupert Wyatt's Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, Kenneth Branagh's...
- 3/3/2013
- ComicBookMovie.com
Tim Burgard began his artistic career in the comic book industry as a penciler, inker, and even a writer. Down the road he would lend his substantial talents to the entertainment industry, creating storyboards for popular films and television programs. Recently Tim has worked on films, such as Rupert Wyatt's Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, Kenneth Branagh's Thor and Louis Leterrier's The Incredible Hulk, just to name a few. Below, you'll find a small sample of the storyboards he created for Brett Ratner's X-Men: The Last Stand. These particular storyboards feature a deleted Danger Room scene involving Shawn Ashmore's Bobby Drake/Iceman, and Ellen Page's Kitty Pryde. There are also two conclusions to this scene. In the first version the scene basically ends after the pair go through a wall together, while the second version is much more grim. Check it out!
- 3/3/2013
- ComicBookMovie.com
Here's a great piece of concept art for Superman Lives featuring Superman battling a giant spider. This was actually part of the storyline for the script that Kevin Smith wrote for Warner Bros. back in 1997. Smith was famously asked by producer Jon Peters to add a giant spider to the script, because apparently Peters had a thing for spiders. Smith wanted the job so he incorporated the ridiculous spider idea.
Peter's wanted it the film to be along the sames line as the Death of Superman comic in which Brainiac comes to Earth, and teams up with Lex Luthor to block out the sun. Doomsday is then unleashed to wreak havoc, and since the sun is blocked Superman becomes weaker, and Doomsday kills him. Basically Smith made Brainiac the spider.
When Tim Burton came on board to work on the movie, the script was reworked. All the concept art you...
Peter's wanted it the film to be along the sames line as the Death of Superman comic in which Brainiac comes to Earth, and teams up with Lex Luthor to block out the sun. Doomsday is then unleashed to wreak havoc, and since the sun is blocked Superman becomes weaker, and Doomsday kills him. Basically Smith made Brainiac the spider.
When Tim Burton came on board to work on the movie, the script was reworked. All the concept art you...
- 2/10/2013
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Conceptual illustrator and storyboard artist, Tim Burgard, has worked on films, such as Rupert Wyatt's Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, Kenneth Branagh's Thor and Louis Leterrier's The Incredible Hulk, just to name a few. Below, you'll find Tim's artistic contributions to David E. Kelley's never-aired Wonder Woman television series. The artwork features a flashback sequence to Diana's home, Paradise Island, that shows the Amazonian Princess rescuing Steve Trevor from a plane crash. Another image shows Diana and Steve's blossoming love, and the last image is of the Amazons running. I also came across this piece of concept art that artist, Court Chu, created for the pilot episode. It features the grotesque mutations that the super soldiers went through. Mutant Concept Art Created By Court Chu The Wonder Woman (2011) pilot episode was written by David E. Kelley, and directed by Jeffrey Reiner. The cast included:...
- 2/5/2013
- ComicBookMovie.com
In a world full of CG and unlimited budgets, one man clings tight to his hand-crafted illustrations. As a storyboard artist for 25 years, Tim Burgard has painstakingly sketched the first images of "Thor," "Green Lantern," and now "Rise of the Planet of the Apes."
In 20th Century Fox's Rise of the Planet of the Apes, opening Friday, moviegoers get a prequel to the 1968 film, Planet of the Apes. James Franco and Freida Pinto star as scientists who discover a drug that boosts intelligence in chimps. Andy Serkis plays the brain-boosted primate that leads a revolt against humans.
But before anyone yelled "action" or special effects wizards summoned magic, storyboard artist Tim Burgard, who has worked with directors such as James Cameron and Kenneth Branagh, was drawing scenes. As one of the first people in a production who illustrate what a script might look like, Burgard helps filmmakers graphically organize action sequences and camera angles,...
In 20th Century Fox's Rise of the Planet of the Apes, opening Friday, moviegoers get a prequel to the 1968 film, Planet of the Apes. James Franco and Freida Pinto star as scientists who discover a drug that boosts intelligence in chimps. Andy Serkis plays the brain-boosted primate that leads a revolt against humans.
But before anyone yelled "action" or special effects wizards summoned magic, storyboard artist Tim Burgard, who has worked with directors such as James Cameron and Kenneth Branagh, was drawing scenes. As one of the first people in a production who illustrate what a script might look like, Burgard helps filmmakers graphically organize action sequences and camera angles,...
- 8/4/2011
- by Susan Karlin
- Fast Company
The Saturday schedule for the 2010 Comic-Con at San Diego is now released. As was the case with the Thursday and Friday breakdown reports, I'm focusing on film/TV/DVD related events, screenings and panels.
Read the Thursday, July 22, 2010 schedule.
Read the Friday, July 23, 2010 schedule.
10:00-11:00 Nickelodeon Presents: The SpongeBob SquarePants Secret Formula Revealed!— Ever wonder what delicious ingredients go into making an episode of SpongeBob? The masterminds behind the show -- executive producer Paul Tibbitt (Nightmare Ned), head writer Steven Banks (The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius), creative director Vincent Waller (Ren & Stimpy), supervising storyboard director Tuck Tucker (Hey Arnold!), layout supervisor Kenny Pittenger (CatDog), storyboard director Luke Brookshier (Kim Possible), background painter Andy Clark (Dexter's Laboratory), animation director Andrew Overtoom (Family Guy), and the voice of SpongeBob himself, Tom Kenny -- show you how the kernel of an idea turns into a fully animated episode. Followed...
Read the Thursday, July 22, 2010 schedule.
Read the Friday, July 23, 2010 schedule.
10:00-11:00 Nickelodeon Presents: The SpongeBob SquarePants Secret Formula Revealed!— Ever wonder what delicious ingredients go into making an episode of SpongeBob? The masterminds behind the show -- executive producer Paul Tibbitt (Nightmare Ned), head writer Steven Banks (The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius), creative director Vincent Waller (Ren & Stimpy), supervising storyboard director Tuck Tucker (Hey Arnold!), layout supervisor Kenny Pittenger (CatDog), storyboard director Luke Brookshier (Kim Possible), background painter Andy Clark (Dexter's Laboratory), animation director Andrew Overtoom (Family Guy), and the voice of SpongeBob himself, Tom Kenny -- show you how the kernel of an idea turns into a fully animated episode. Followed...
- 7/11/2010
- by Patrick Sauriol
- Corona's Coming Attractions
Hey Gang! Comic-Con International has unveiled the full schedule for Saturday July 24th! If you thought Thursday and Friday were insanely awesome and crazy, wait until you see what's planned for Saturday! There is a ton of great stuff going on that you're going to want to see! We've got all Marvel film panel with Thor, Captain America and The Avengers. There's also Green Lantern, Cowboys & Aliens, Sucker Punch, Harry Potter, Paul, and a ton of other great stuff! And if you aren't able to make it out to Comic-Con this year don't worry we got your back, and will be covering everything we possibly can. I've highlighted all the events we hope to cover. If you're going to comic-con we will be having a little meet up. The details for that will be revealed soon. Now check out the full schedule below and start planning out your Comic-Con geekdom.
- 7/10/2010
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
Here are the movie and TV highlights
The San Diego Comic-Con has posted the schedule for Saturday, July 24. You can view the full schedule here, but below are the movie and TV events that ComingSoon.net/SuperHeroHype/ShockTillYouDrop.com will be concentrating on.
Saturday, July 24
10:00-11:00 Writing Animated Feature Films— The Writers Guild of America's Animation Writers Caucus once again sponsors a panel on writing for animation. Some of the most successful films of the last decade have been animated. But how different are they to write from live-action features? From television scripts? And what about direct-to-dvd animated features? The writers of some of the top animated features will talk about the process of creating those films, their interactions with the artists and the studios, and how they came to be involved with their project. Panelists tentatively scheduled include Alan Burnett (Green Lantern: First Flight), Darren Lemke (Shrek Forever After...
The San Diego Comic-Con has posted the schedule for Saturday, July 24. You can view the full schedule here, but below are the movie and TV events that ComingSoon.net/SuperHeroHype/ShockTillYouDrop.com will be concentrating on.
Saturday, July 24
10:00-11:00 Writing Animated Feature Films— The Writers Guild of America's Animation Writers Caucus once again sponsors a panel on writing for animation. Some of the most successful films of the last decade have been animated. But how different are they to write from live-action features? From television scripts? And what about direct-to-dvd animated features? The writers of some of the top animated features will talk about the process of creating those films, their interactions with the artists and the studios, and how they came to be involved with their project. Panelists tentatively scheduled include Alan Burnett (Green Lantern: First Flight), Darren Lemke (Shrek Forever After...
- 7/10/2010
- by editor@comingsoon.net (SuperHeroHype)
- Superherohype
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