I’ve always been a bit perplexed by the concept of internet and fan audio (what’s wrong with text, now?) but The SciFi Podcast Network looks like it could be pretty neat. According to Nathan Butler, Mike Stackpole is one of the forces behind the site, and several fandom audio shows have or will soon be joining.
AFI on George
The American Film Institute’s website has a short page about Lucas, and some photos from the event. They’re also offering a ‘88-page tribute book‘ to anyone who joins.
The tribute itself airs tonight on USA Network.
There’s always a bigger fish
George Lucas is fourth on Forbes magazine’s Celebrity 100 list. He’s beat out for the top spot by Oprah, Tiger Woods, and Mel Gibson.
Steven Spielberg and Johnny Depp also made the top 10.
Hamill to play Joker?
The Internet Movie Database reports that Mark Hamill is in the running to play the Joker in the sequel to “Batman Begins.”
The actor, who played Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi, has become a fan favorite to play Batman’s colorful foe. He joins Crispin Glover and Aussie actor Lachy Hulme on the three-strong internet shortlist.
Hamill became an obvious choice for some Batman fans after voicing The Joker for the Batman cartoon series. A spokesman for top Batman website Darkhorizons.Com points out, “The net basically picked Christian Bale to play Batman, so who knows.” Batman Begins opens across America and Europe this week.
Make Poverty History
Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor have both done promos for Make Poverty History. Neeson narrates and appears in the spot called “Click,” while McGregor is featured in a parody ad for Orange that will be appear in British cinemas.
Both spots and more information about Make Poverty History can be found here.
The worst best friends in Hollywood?
Slate explores the friendship and rivalry of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, and then wonders if they ruined movies. Because, you know, god forbid people actually go see movies for fun.
McGregor to host Youth G8 Summit
Sixteen kids from some of the richest and poorest countries in the world will meet in Scotland on July 3 to hold the first “Youth G8 Summit.” Ewan McGregor and violin prodigy Nicola Benedetti will host the event.
Topics of discussion will include poverty, HIV/AIDS, and education. The youngsters will create a manifesto, which will be presented to world leaders when they arrive in Scotland later in the week for the G8 Summit.
McGregor, from Crieff in Perthshire, said: “Whenever I meet children as Unicef ambassador, I am amazed at their eloquent, articulate and passionate views.
“They really have a unique perspective on the world. Many living in other countries have had direct experience of issues such as poverty, education, HIV and Aids and deserve to have their voices heard.”
Thanks to Ewan News for the head’s up.
More AFI!
More on George Lucas’ AFI Lifetime Achievement Award from USA Today and E! Online. Don’t forget you can see it yourself on June 20th.
The fandom, of course, is going nuts over this tidbit:
Ford was approached by Daniel Logan, 18, who played young Boba Fett in Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Lucas said Logan’s character may be included in his live-action Star Wars TV series, which is in the works.
I remain perplexed, but better Fett than nobody!
Honoring George
Variety has a George Lucas tribute section today, since he’s getting a AFI Lifetime achievement award. (via TFN.)
London or Bust: a review of “Guys and Dolls”
Last weekend, I was lucky enough to catch the new production of “Guys and Dolls” playing at the Piccadilly Theatre. Before I go any further, let me produce my union card for the International Federation of Geeks now and get it out of the way. While I always make the effort to see a show when I am in London, this time I made the journey from Switzerland to England for the sole purpose of seeing Ewan McGregor sing and dance around on stage.
Art? Culture? Support the theatre? Nah. I was in it for the Scotsman.
Now on to the show. It was quite simply marvellous! I didn’t expect it to be so wonderful. I had thought it would be good. Very good, even. I had also thought that Ewan would be the standout. He wasn’t. He was one strong part of a stellar cast. It was so amazing there were points in the play where I forgot Mr McGregor was in it. I admire him for being brave enough to select a project where he was part of a larger whole instead of seeking out a “star vehicle.”
During the “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” number the guy singing the lead (Martyn Ellis) was so amazing that he got a three or four minute wildly enthusiastic ovation. Some people were even standing. This was in the middle of the show! I’d never seen anything like it. The actors had to stand frozen on the stage for the duration waiting for it to be quiet enough to start up again.
But back to Ewan. He was fabulous as Sky Masterson. The only time I made a SW/Ewan connection was when Sky belted out “Luck, be a Lady Tonight” and I heard Obi-Wan up there singing “Luke be a Jedi tonight!” I blame “The Simpsons” for that. The rest of the time I saw and heard Sky. He could sing. He could dance. He was funny, sarcastic, and earnest — a compelling combination.
We asked about the possibility of a cast CD and were told that it is in the works. They hope it will be ready in the next few months. There are also plans underway to sell it via the internet.
I asked at the box office about ticket availability. They said that the show is sold out (except for Weds. matinees) until August. But that they release the front row (18 seats) and standing room space (2X18) at 10 AM the morning of a show (at the theatre box office). The tickets cost £20 and each person can buy a maximum of two. He said people were queuing starting at 5 AM. The theatre is dark on Sundays.
So, in short, London or bust! If there is any way you can get there, do it.