The strike shook the television industry, and its effect on the big screen hasn't yet run its full course.
Many of this year's films were already in production when the strike happened so they were not affected. The full brunt, however, will hit the summer movie season in 2009. Only seven movies are scheduled to open, and four of those are unlikely to happen.
CAPTAIN AMERICA
Marvel Studios honcho Kevin Feige announced that the adventure starring the Star-spangled Avenger would be forthcoming, that was in June of 2007. No real news since then makes this film is pretty unlikely to happen.
CONAN 3
This series that helped make Schwarzenegger a star has been set to have a third part added since before the Austrian Oak became the Governator. Chances of it actually hitting screens are about the same as hearing "Ah-nuld" properly pronounce California.
THE GREEN HORNET
Seth Rogan, of "Knocked Up" fame, has signed to write and star in the adaptation of this character. But with no director announced, it's unlikely that the film will be completed in time for a 2009 release.
WILL EISNER'S THE SPIRIT
This film will be comic book writer/artist Frank Miller's debut as a director. While he shared credit with Robert Rodriguez on "Sin City," here he will helm the project that was comic book legend Will Eisner's signature piece. The film is expected to open in mid January
Release date: January 16, 2009
SUPERMAN 6
The film seemed on track up until August of 2009, which is the last anyone really spoke of it. This is likely a victim of the strike.
X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE
Fans of the character have heavily anticipated this sequel to the X-franchise, since it was first rumored that Hugh Jackman wished to continue his role after the trilogy was finished. Casting seems interesting to say the least and shooting is already underway.
Release date: May 1, 2009
G.I. JOE
While G.I. Joe got it's start as a toy line, the comic books and cartoon series from the 1980s were huge sellers. In fact, I'll be really surprised if Marvel doesn't put out a book to coincide with the film's release. Dennis Quaid, who has been tapped to play General Hawk, said that he's been bulking up for the role so this movie is most likely a go. I know I'm looking forward to it.
Release date: Aug. 7, 2009.
Shawn Munguia does graphics and layout for the Valley Morning Star. He also maintains a blog about cartoons and comics at http://toontalk.freedomblogging.com/. Munguia can be reached at 956-421-9870 or you can e-mail him at shawnm@valleystar
