ElfQuest Movie On The Way From the director of... Dodgeball? Source: Hollywood Reporter
It’s been four long years since Rawson Marshall Thurber burst onto the scene with his debut feature film, the minor comedy classic, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.
Four long years in which Thurber hasn’t, if we’re being honest, capitalised on the heat generated by the Vince Vaughn-Ben Stiller comedy. Since then, he’s appeared in The Nines, and wrote and directed an adaptation of Michael Chabon’s novel, The Mysteries Of Pittsburgh, which is still awaiting release in the States.
But now, in the grand tradition of news stories that start by saying someone’s been away for ages, he’s back back back – but with a project that’s taken us by surprise.
Yes, Rawson Thurber – like a careless roadie, it would seem that he’s dropped the Marshall – is set to write, produce and direct an adaptation of the comic book, Elfquest.
If he succeeds in his Elfquest quest, Thurber will have solved a problem that’s been dogging some of the finest minds in Hollywood for ages: how to adapt the comic to the big screen. Although it’s not entirely clear how Thurber will do this: the format is currently undetermined, which might indicate that this movie could yet go down the animation route.
But a quick brush-up on Elfquest, first: created by Wendy and Richard Pini, it’s one of the few comics – possibly the only one – to have been published by both DC and Marvel during its history. It concerns a group of elves called the Wolfriders and, you might not be surprised to hear, a quest – in this case, an attempt to link surviving tribes of elves on an Earth-like planet with two moons while they’re dogged at every step by trolls and beasties and whatnot.
We wish Thurber well – Dodgeball is a huge Empire favourite, and it’s good to see him moving into another genre, and another financial ballpark. No doubting the man’s ambition. However, many of the attempts to fill the Lord of the Rings’ shoes have fallen by the wayside – will Elfquest suffer the same fate? Readers, you know what to do.
Wow! It's about time! I read ElfQuest when it was in novel format and it was the first fantasy book of substance I ever read that wasn't a "choose your own adventure" ;) I've been hooked ever since and I can't wait to see it on the big screen. I hope Thurber can make it happen ... Read More
Elfquest is probably my favourite comic book. It perfectly combines sensitivity and violence and the Wendy's drawing style is simply one of the best around. Bring on the movie for Pete's sake! ... Read More
Why on Earth has it taken so long for this to happen? This series rocks and has all the elements for success. It's got the sex and violence but in just the right doses. What really makes it great are the strong, individual characters and storylines that put those characters through the ringer for our reading - and now viewing - pleasure. Congrats to everyone involved! ... Read More
I can't wait for the movie!! I have been a fan of the Elfquest comics since I was 5 years old. If you don't know anything about Elfquest, you should check out their website at www.elfquest.com You have made my year!!!! ... Read More
I love dodgeball it is one of the best gross/genuinely funny films ever and its awesome to see a director tackle a new gnere when he comes back and not re hash himself so good luck
PS i dont think it'll be as good as rings nothing will but it could be pretty good i think ... Read More
that might be the best one-liner I've read in any empireonline news story
Sublime work Mr Hewitt
I was a huge ElfQuest fan for a while - there was a real hippie theme going on - plaits and flares and grooviness - but I think they'll struggle to recreate the three fingered elves in a live action format - I hope they go with the animation route
I'll be very surprised if there's more than a passing similarity to the comics ... Read More
