In an effort to prove their belief that originality is overrated, film makers around the world are all racing to the banner of Beowulf. There are three versions currently under development, all of them due out sometime in the next two years.
The first to be released will be Beowulf & Grendel a live action version of the story starring Gerard Butler and a bunch of people with really cool Norse names like Gunnar Eyjólfsson, Bryjar Ágústsson, Helgi Björnsson, Helgi Björnsson, Steinunn Ólína Þorsteinsdóttir. Butler plays Beowulf with Stellan Skarsgård as King Hrothgar and Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson as Grendel. The movie debuts at the Toronto International Film Festival next month and we have pics below from the set. For more images sail over to Ropes of Silicon.
The second take is the much talked about Robert Zemeckis 3D adventure starring a cast of people whose name pronunciations won't give you a headached. They include Glover Crispin, Angelina Jolie, Ray Winstone and Anthony Hopkins. It's scheduled for release in 2007. You can find a some more info here at CinemaBlend.
Last, and probably least (in terms of quality anyway) is a noble effort to use the story of a horrendous, flesh rending creature to help cure cancer. A group of people and sponsors from around the world are coming together to make Beowulf: Prince of Geats, a project for which the entire cast and crew are volunteering their time and services, and all project expenses are being donated by businesses like Office Depot, Comfort Suites Hotels and other costume, weaponry and services companies.
The objective is to raise $1 million dollars for the American Cancer Society. I don't expect to see it as a major theatrical release or on the nomication list for any Oscars, but it's certainly an interesting way to raise money. Heck, if every major motion picture that turned a massive profit donated just $1 million dollars to a charity...yeah right. For more information on the project you can check out their official web site.
Thanks to Anthony for the links!
