Look, this is gonna be really awkward to say, especially on here. Why? Well, if my pitches communicate anything to you guys, I hope it's that I love DC, their characters, and their stories. But to be honest, I'm skipping Justice League. I just really don't care for the direction this DCEU is going, and could honestly care less about seeing films taking place in it. It isn't that I don't love DC. I just think they can be doing so much better. It's part of why I write these, really. Just to show that there's so many unique approaches to take with these characters that the heads of Warner Bros. haven't thought of.
Part of how I'd like to see DC change is for them not to be so hesitant to shift focus away from the core Justice League members and into the stranger, fairly obscure territories that have yet to be explored in a major way outside of the comics. And for some reason, even with the multitude of Superman adaptations we've gotten, from Fleischer, to Alyn, to Reeve, to Reeves, to Routh, to Cavill... wow, that's a lot... we haven't really given much focus to the cosmic side of DC. And you know what? It's about time to change that.
A D A M S T R A N G E
"Space. The final frontier.
This summer, he'll set out to go where no man this pitiful has gone before."
Directed by Stuart Gordon
Written by Stuart Gordon, Dennis Paoli, and Dan Harmon
Based on
Adam Strange by Julius Schwartz and Murphy Anderson
***
Is this too weird, or not weird enough? Well, Adam Strange has always been a character I've wanted to see given the big screen treatment. It isn't in like, a sad fanboy way where I revolve my life around the character or anything. Rather, Strange has the same place in my heart/head/organ of metaphor as Wildcat does. Not that they're great, timeless characters. It's more that I see a lot of potential to build a successful film around them in a way that would make them stand out from the comic book movie crowd and really experiment with their narratives and genre.
Strange, right down to his aesthetic, is the product of an era packed with old-school sci-fi cheese. While going for that old-fashioned sort of swashbuckling serial kind of feel worked for
Captain America: The First Avenger in a way not enough people give it credit for, I really want this to be different, so I've opted against going down that route.
The plot summary might be a bit misguiding as to what my plans here are, but give it a read anyway.
Archaeologist Adam Strange (Jason Sudeikis, Colossal) has just suffered a major blow to his happiness. An ugly divorce leaves him womanless and hated by his kids. In an attempt to distract himself, he joins a big-time expedition with pals Sheira Hall (Alison Brie, GLOW), Kyle "Ace" Morgan (Jake Johnson, Drinking Buddies), and Calvin Carson (Joel McHale, Community). But on the dig, he comes across an ancient alien device called the Zeta Beam that takes him to the planet of Rann. Once there, he gets sucked into a political scheme targetting Rann's troubled heir, Alanna (Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Deuce), being led by the crown's advisor, Kanjar Ro (Jeffrey Combs, Re-Animator). Adam, falling in love with the princess, must suit up as her and Rann's protector, combating Kanjar Ro's forces in an effort to preserve peace... all while an unknown enemy makes a major play for galactic dominance.
So, it's certainly more tropey than usual. But, as you'll learn in the next section... that's all part of my plan!
Director
Stuart Gordon
Oh, Stuart Gordon. How underrated you are, and what a shame that is.
You see, before film, before comic books, and before the Satellite of Love... well, my first love came in the form of the horror genre. I was young, and blind to the concept of objective quality. With that naivety, I was indiscriminatory in my adoration for all things horror. Psychological, slasher, body, gothic, hell, anything. I just loved it. But even after growing out of that phase, I found myself continuing to hold the work of Stuart Gordon in high regard. And that's no accident, because he has an impressive résumé.
As one of the unsung heroes of the B-horror boom, Gordon made a name for himself creating classics for an oft-neglected period of film history. Perhaps most notably, Gordon is the man behind such cult hits as
Re-Animator, which features an iconic performance from Jeffrey Combs as Dr. Herbert West,
From Beyond, which homes some of the most creative creature effects put to the screen during its era, and
Robot Jox, which has very recently been receiving positive critical attention.
What makes Gordon such a great director, and one perfect for this project and the way I wish to see it adapted, is the way he takes inherently-goofy premises, embraces the camp factor, and injects B-horror sensibilities like imaginative effects and darkly comical approaches to storytelling. Gordon could take a dated property like this one and reappropriate it as something more grisly and nasty, while also retaining the heart and humbleness that kept it alive all of these years.
Screenwriter(s)
Stuart Gordon, Dennis Paoli, and Dan Harmon
Dennis Paoli's filmography is very closely tied to Gordon's. Their collaborations include the previously-mentioned Re-Animator and From Beyond, and with the screenplays for both being relatively solid, the former's even being B-movie excellence, having them collaborate would only be natural.
"But hey," I hear you ask. "What about Dan Harmon?"
Well, I'm also positive every user here knows the man. And if not by name, well, maybe you'll be familiar with his work. Harmon is responsible for both creating and producing the cult classic television sitcom Community, which featured the likes of Donald Glover, Joel McHale, Ken Jeong, Alison Brie, and Chevy Chase in its eclectic cast. Most famous, one might argue, is his animated series he co-created with Justin Roiland: Rick and Morty. Debuting on Adult Swim as recently as 2013, the show was a smash hit for the often avant-garde programming block, crossing demographic lines and building one of the largest fandoms in recently, for better or worse.
Harmon took the concept of sci-fi and injected it with a distinct comedic wit that can both critique and pay respect to the genre and the many pieces of work that encompass it. Adding to that the sharp, theatrical dialogue of a Paoli/Gordon script, well, it looks like we've got ourselves a real winner in the writing department.
Misc.
Produced by Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Dan Harmon, and Justin Roiland
Music by Richard Band (Re-Animator)
Cinematography by Robert Richardson (Inglourious Basterds)
Edited by Fred Raskin (Django Unchained)
Production Companies
DC Entertainment
Harmonious Claptrap
Justin Roiland's Solo Vanity Card Productions
Atlas Entertainment
Cruel and Unusual Films
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures
The Cast
Okay, this is another area I'm not gonna really give headers to, because honestly, I'm gonna get carpal tunnel from this. I can't write this much, you know. Believe it or not, it's rather straining. My fingers get all sore and my bones all clenched and uncomfy... it isn't a good time, especially with it being 1:17 AM at the time of writing this sentence. So let's go!
-Jason Sudeikis as Adam Strange-
The main character of the film. World-renowned archaeologist with a thirst for adventure. Snarky and coldly detached from the world to a fault. Self-destructive, yet intelligent and physically capable. Forced to whip himself into shape when he gets himself involved in Rann's politics, and seeks to woo the heiress to the throne, Alanna. Wishes to be heroic, and uses this as his chance to prove to himself his own worth.
Notable Works: Colossal & Saturday Night Live
-Maggie Gyllenhaal as Alanna-
Heiress to the throne of Rann, and love interest of Adam Strange. Similarly troubled, she can see right through Adam's facade and dismisses him, which only drives him more. Due to her issues, she is the subject of manipulation by the crown's advisor Kanjar Ro, who uses her mental state to push his own agenda. Though unwell, she can more than hold her own in both a fight and political affairs.
Notable Works: The Deuce & Frank
-Jeffrey Combs as Kanjar Ro-
Advisor to the royal family of Rann, and the film's main antagonist. Exploits the troubled heiress Alanna to push his own warped agenda onto the throne, planning to brew war with the neighboring planet of Thanagar and slowly take over during the government's refocused and weakened state. Revealed to be a plant by the intergalactic terrorist Yggardis the Living Planet.
Notable Works: Re-Animator & From Beyond
-Barbara Crampton as Yggardis the Living Planet-
An ancient being who seeks to rule the galaxy. Manifests itself as a woman living on a planet of mountains, forests, and ruins. The boss pulling the strings of Kanjar Ro, whose scheme of taking Rann from the throne and weakening both them and Thanagar only exists to make Yggardis' planned conquering easier. Ruthless and classically diabolical. Can use its abilities to bring the planet to life.
Notable Works: From Beyond & You're Next
-Alison Brie as Sheira Hall-
Part of Adam Strange's archaeological crew. A bit of a military brat. Tough and hot-headed. Adept in combat and physical activity, but maintains a girlish charmed reserved for the more wholesome. Joins the Rannian forces in the battle against the traitors loyal to Kanjar Ro's cause, wielding a Thanagarian mace and wearing the planet's traditional armor.
Notable Works: GLOW & BoJack Horseman
-Jake Johnson as Kyle "Ace" Morgan-
Famed pilot and explorer of space for Wayne Enterprises. An old friend of Adam's, and part of his archaeological crew. Hides his self-hatred and pessimism with quick wit and boastfulness. Longs for the old days of his relevance and popularity. Joins the Rannian forces in the battle against the traitors loyal to Kanjar Ro's cause.
Notable Works: Drinking Buddies & New Girl
-Joel McHale as Calvin Carson-
Rookie adventurer who made waves in the headlines for his discovery of an underground society. Often antagonizes the grouchy and envious Ace for his own amusement. A man's man, exuding almost cartoonish machismo. Joins the Rannian forces in the battle against the traitors loyal to Kanjar Ro's cause.
Notable Works: Community & The Soup
-Sophia Lillis as Aleea-
The daughter of Alanna. Introverted and unhappy with her mother's recent behavior. Quickly forms a bond with Adam, who she confides in that her mother's troubles are a result of her father abandoning them for undisclosed reasons. Very much removed from the lifestyle of Rannian royalty.
Notable Works: It & The Garden
-Bill Moseley as Sardath-
King of Rann and inventor of the Zeta Beam. New to his position, as he married the husbandless queen after Rann's former king was revealed to be a Thanagarian loyalist. Quirky and unusual. Overbearing in his support for Adam and Alanna's blossoming relationship, only making Alanna more resistant to the idea.
Notable Works: The Devil's Rejects & The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2
-Gillian Anderson as Bantteir-
The queen of Rann. Though a woman, she acts in a way a king historically would, meaning unrelenting and tactiful. However tough she may be, she is loved by her people. Hesitant to trust the outsider Adam, as Rann's history of letting them into their ranks has proven disastrous.
Notable Works: The X-Files & Hannibal
-Joel Hodgson as Martin Stein-
A seasoned scientist experienced in the construction of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear science. Introverted and soft-spoken, but hiding a dry, cynical wit beneath his quietness. Contacted by Adam Strange to observe the Zeta Beam and construct a suit of armor that can keep him alive in space. Keeps in contact through a communication device in Adam's helmet.
Notable Works: Mystery Science Theater 3000 & Freaks and Geeks
-Ken Foree as Kalmoran-
The king of Thanagar. Extroverted and loud, in the same way a stereotypical fat king of medievel times is. Manipulated into warring with Rann by ways of Kanjar Ro's plan. Has Kanjar Ro's execution broadcast on intergalactic cable by the end of the film after he confesses his crimes against Rann and Thanagar.
Notable Works: Dawn of the Dead & The Devil's Rejects
-Brad Dourif as Alva Xar-
Disgraced former king of Rann and traitor to the throne, as his marriage to Queen Bantteir was simply a plot by the Thanagarians to influence the Rannian government. Sought out by Kanjar Ro for information about the royal family and the Thanagarian leadership to help give his plan validity.
Notable Works: Child's Play & One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
-Marcus Henderson as Vath Sarn-
Brooding Rannian warrior and devoted leader of the planet's royal guard. A member of the Green Lantern Corps selected to represent his people. Pushes vehemently in favor war with the Thanagarians as a result of Kanjar Ro's deception.
Notable Works: Get Out & Whiplash
-Justin Roiland as Isamot Kol-
Leader of the Thanagarian military forces. A member of the Green Lantern Corps selected to represent his people. Comedically dovish, but pressured into leading their wartime forces against the Rannians at the request of King Kalmoran.
Notable Works: Rick and Morty & Adventure Time
-Juliette Lewis as Nora Strange-
Ex-wife of Adam Strange. Verbally vicious, but visibly hurt by the distant Adam. Cuts him off from the kids due to his unreliable nature.
Notable Works: From Dusk till Dawn & Natural Born Killers
Additionally, Richard Madden has a cameo in a mid-credits scene as Orion. Aleea sits with Adam and Alanna, and Adam points out her red hair, wondering which parent it came from, unsure if Alanna had dyed hers, to which Alanna replies "she got it from her father". We see Orion on Earth, landing his Astro-Harness on a Metropolis rooftop, removing his helmet, and making visible his red hair. We cut back to Alanna, adding that he was a "[frick]ing asshole." Brad Pitt has a cameo in a post-credits scene as Maxwell Lord, in which he calls Ace and offers a paid job to fly a group of wealthy adventurers into the Bermuda Triangle, where a case of a missing cruise line was reported.
So, how about it? Was it what you expected from a pitch featuring the titular character? Is there anything you'd change? Anything you'd add? Anything you'd take away? As always, let me know what you're thinking in the comments down below, and give the article a share! It won't hurt ya, you know.
Welp, it's about that time already. Movie sign, y'all! Cheers!