"A-Team" Pre-Release Discussion(Spoilers)

[The Clown Prince]

This comes from IGN...

"Back in August 2000, Top Cow Productions inked a deal with 20th Century Fox to adapt the beloved '80s action/comedy series The A-Team for the big screen.

At the time, Top Cow president of production Spike Seldin told Variety, "The A-Team will be a live-action feature. It will be totally re-imagined, with a contemporary feel. It will likely have substantially younger characters than its forerunner."

The film was originally set for a 2001 release, but since the early announcement there hasn't been a single bit of news to report. We haven't heard a peep out of the production and just assumed that it was churning endlessly in development hell.

Well, Comics2Film recently touched base with Top Cow's Seldin and it turns out, The A-Team is very much alive. When asked what fans can expect from the movie version of the classic series, Seldin said, "The A-Team is our biggest thing. It's going to be an updated version, action/comedy with big-time stars."

Seldlin says the film will follow in the footsteps of other classic television shows that have recently been made into blockbuster motion pictures. "It'll be a big-budget movie," he says. "A lot like what they did with Mission: Impossible and Charlie's Angels, we're going to do with The A-Team."

The Fox-based film is being produced by Seldin and the original series' producer Stephen J. Cannell. We pity the fools that don't give Mr. T a cameo."

Now I wouldn't even begin to know who to cast in this movie, but I do KNOW who to cast in Mr. T's place... Michael Clarke Duncan! There is no one else in Hollywood that even comes close to taking this part. Just like if they were to make a G.I. Joe movie using the characters from the 80's, he would fit the part perfectly for the character of Road Block.

The Clown Prince

[Mr. Obsession]

Originally posted by The ClownPrince
This comes from IGN...

"Back in August 2000, Top Cow Productions inked a deal with 20th Century Fox to adapt the beloved '80s action/comedy series The A-Team for the big screen.

At the time, Top Cow president of production Spike Seldin told Variety, "The A-Team will be a live-action feature. It will be totally re-imagined, with a contemporary feel. It will likely have substantially younger characters than its forerunner."

The film was originally set for a 2001 release, but since the early announcement there hasn't been a single bit of news to report. We haven't heard a peep out of the production and just assumed that it was churning endlessly in development hell.

Well, Comics2Film recently touched base with Top Cow's Seldin and it turns out, The A-Team is very much alive. When asked what fans can expect from the movie version of the classic series, Seldin said, "The A-Team is our biggest thing. It's going to be an updated version, action/comedy with big-time stars."

Big time stars? A part of me want's to say "NOOO!" but another part of me knows this sometimes works. Here's to hoping that whoever they cast are fans of the show.


Seldlin says the film will follow in the footsteps of other classic television shows that have recently been made into blockbuster motion pictures. "It'll be a big-budget movie," he says. "A lot like what they did with Mission: Impossible and Charlie's Angels, we're going to do with The A-Team."

NOOO!! *sob*

Why is it that I suddenly hear a loud sucking noise? :(


The Fox-based film is being produced by Seldin and the original series' producer Stephen J. Cannell. We pity the fools that don't give Mr. T a cameo."

Darn toot'n. :) I hope the other original cast members get cameos too.


Now I wouldn't even begin to know who to cast in this movie, but I do KNOW who to cast in Mr. T's place... Michael Clarke Duncan! There is no one else in Hollywood that even comes close to taking this part. Just like if they were to make a G.I. Joe movie using the characters from the 80's, he would fit the part perfectly for the character of Road Block.

Uhh, could you refresh my memory and tell be some of the things Michael C Duncan has done?


Personally I'd rather see the show remade as a new show. But as long as the movie is good and faithful to the original show then I'll be happy.

[The Clown Prince]

Uhh, could you refresh my memory and tell be some of the things Michael C Duncan has done?

Well, he was in The Green Mile , he was Bear in Armageddon , Bruce Willis' partner in The Whole Nine Yards, General Thade's second in command in Planet of the Apes , he was the voice of that shaggy sheep dog in the not so good Cats and Dogs, and he'll be co-starring along side Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the April 19th release of The Scorpion King.

So I'm a movie freak... :)

The Clown Prince

[The Mad Hatter]

He is a big, BIG man, and I'm not talking obese here. He makes the Rock look like Pee Wee Herman. The guy's an imposing presence, but he's a pretty good actor, too.

[Mr. Obsession]

Thanks. :) And you're right he would be a very good pick.

[Calico]

About Michael Clarke Duncan:


Originally posted by The ClownPrince


Well, he was in The Green Mile , he was Bear in Armageddon , Bruce Willis' partner in The Whole Nine Yards, General Thade's second in command in Planet of the Apes , he was the voice of that shaggy sheep dog in the not so good Cats and Dogs, and he'll be co-starring along side Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the April 19th release of The Scorpion King.

So I'm a movie freak... :)

The Clown Prince

Wasn't Ving Rhames Bear in Armageddon? Either way he'd make a good choice too.

How about:

Bruce Willis as Hannibal?
Jim Carrey as Murdoch?
Bruce Campbell as Face?

(ducks in anticipation of backlash)

[Calhoun07]

Originally posted by Calico
About Michael Clarke Duncan:



Wasn't Ving Rhames Bear in Armageddon? Either way he'd make a good choice too.

How about:

Bruce Willis as Hannibal?
Jim Carrey as Murdoch?
Bruce Campbell as Face?

(ducks in anticipation of backlash)

That would be a pretty good cast, but can you imagine the budget they would need to pay those actors what they would likely ask for?

[Old Guy]

Word on the street is that Liam Neeson is in talks to play Hannibal while Bradley Cooper (the dude from Hangover) is in talks to play Faceman. Joe Carnahan is directing. Ridley and Tony Scott are producing.

[Tapout]

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson to play B. A. Baracus (http://mmajunkie.com/news/15973/ufcs-quinton-jackson-to-play-b-a-baracus-in-the-a-team-movie-remake.mma).

I'm now officially excited for this movie.

[Michael24]

I still think Bruce Willis is the ideal Hannibal, but I can live with Liam Neeson. Bradley Cooper (I've still yet to see The Hangover) looks like he'll make a great Faceman. I've never heard of this "Rampage" Jackson before, but just from that picture I'd say he at least looks the part.

The last one remaining is Murdoch, and I can easily see that casting choice either making or breaking the film. My personal pick, off the top of my head, would be Steve Zahn. He's funny and a good actor, plus he can be goofy without (IMO) wanting to strangle the living daylights out of him, unlike, say, Seann William Scott.

My only other concern is that Steven J. Cannell has said the movie will be much more serious because he feels these days you can't get away with something like how the show was done. Dude, Steven, this is The A-Team. The show was made as a spoof of the action genre. I don't want this movie all "dark and serious" and grounded in reality. I don't know why it seems so many people nowadays seem afraid to make movies that are light-hearted and fun. It's like it's suddenly become a bad thing to do or something. (So I guess we won't be seeing Neeson in the Aquamaniac costume. :p) In any event, I hope they can strike a good balance between staying fun and entertaining and this "seriousness" they are talking about.

Oh yeah, and they better keep the classic Mike Post theme. It ain't The A-Team without that theme.

[Robin2099]

Ok, Quinton Jackson as BA is about as perfect casting wise as you can get. He basically just has to be himself. The cast is really getting me excited for this movie.

[Brekkie]

Here is another article (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/film/2607322/UFC-fighter-Quintin-Rampage-Jackson-to-play-BA-Baracus-in-A-Team-movie.html)on Quinton's role.

I also heard that Chris Pine is interested in playing Murdock which would be excellent. It would not be a stretch for him since he has played his share of oddballs before. Remember, he was one of the Tremor Brothers.


(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StlwB1FW3Pw)

[Zorak Masaki]

Lets hope they dont make it too serious. The campiness was what made it so endearing in the first place. Im not saying they should still be lousy shots, but stuff like hannibal's goofy costumes or BA's fear of flight should still be included.

[Funkatron]

Trailer has leaked and from what I've seen, it loks like a mindless actionfest..

I'm watching the first day

[Old Guy]

The trailer has a Charlie's Angels vibe to it.

[Funkatron]

Official Trailer is up: http://video.hitfix.com/services/player/bcpid1861161894?bctid=61041361001

[Michael24]

Oh, man!! I'm gone for three days and I come home to find this trailer. And I loved it! Okay, the final scene at the very end looks very over-the-top, but other than that, it looks like exactly the kind of movie I want out of The A-Team. The actors look great in their parts, I love that they kept the classic van, and all the references to the show -- the theme music, the narration, Hannibal's "I love it when a plan comes together" -- make me so excited for this. :D

This easily looks like it could be the first TV adaptation since The Fugitive that I'm really satisfied with.

[Wonderwall]

I liked the trailer except for the obvious CGI sky part at the end. I think Rampage will fit the BA Baracus role well, better than his fake mohawk fits him at least:p

[Undrave]

Looks pretty neat.

[Michael24]

I liked the trailer except for the obvious CGI sky part at the end.
I've seen enough teaser trailers to know that the final results of certain effects-heavy scenes will ultimately look better, because post-production is still going on as the teasers are released. I hadn't even heard that filming had wrapped, but there's still five months to go to get everything finished. :)

And the teaser gives me hope that they'll also be using the original Mike Post/Peter Carpenter theme music. If they are, I really can't wait to hear Alan Silvestri's take on it.

"I love it when a plan comes together." Made me so happy to hear that. :D

[ShadowGUN]

"I love it when a plan come together.":D

That was sweet looking trailer. Can't wait to see more.

[suss2it]

Wow, that tank had a parachute... can't wait til this comes out!

[Knight]

It looks ok. I think they could have found a better BA than Rampage though. I think Michael Jai White would have been better if they could have cast him.

[Old Guy]

Rampage does look kinda silly, but I'll wait to see his performance before judging.

[Michael24]

It looks ok. I think they could have found a better BA than Rampage though. I think Michael Jai White would have been better if they could have cast him.
I never thought of White, but Rampage seems like he's better-built to play B.A. and like how he looks in the part. I like White, but he might have tried to turn B.A. into a martial artist. Personally, I'm just thankful that neither Ice Cube nor Ice-T were cast, as both had stated in interviews they were wanting the role.

[Undrave]

Wow, that tank had a parachute... can't wait til this comes out!

Tanks iwth parachutes aren't that unusual.

You don't normally RIDE in them though.

[Michael24]

Tanks iwth parachutes aren't that unusual.

You don't normally RIDE in them though.
But when you're The A-Team, you travel in style. :D

[Young Justice]

I'm looking forward to see it too. The tone feels right to me. It's comic but it's not a satire like it was Charlie's Angels.

It's a shame that Hannibal is not Bruce Willis. I think he was more suited to this role than Liam Neeson. But I think the latter will be great in this role as well.

I wonder if anyone will die in the movie or they will just be catapulted away by big explosions and the gun shots will cross the scenes without hitting anyone. I've always thought A-Team and G.I. Joe had something in common.

The rest of the case looked OK to me. I've always pictured Michael Clarke Duncan as B.A. but who didn't?

[EinBebop]

I was actually unimpressed with the trailer... EXCEPT for the tank scene. That's an automatic rental right there, I just hope it's not the only good part.

[Michael24]

I'm looking forward to see it too. The tone feels right to me. It's comic but it's not a satire like it was Charlie's Angels.
I agree. When rumors of the movie first started several years ago and Stephen J. Cannell was talking about it having a much more serious and darker tone, I was worried. But it looks good from this trailer. Action-packed with a visually-darker style, but not entirely devoid of the humor and "over-the-top"ness that the show was known for. Looks like they found a nice balance to attract newcomers while not ticking off old-time fans.

I also noticed that at the end of the trailer, as Murdock is talking into his headset, you can see B.A. in the seat behind him, looking very much unconscious just like he always had to be in the series in order to get him on a plane. It looks like they'll be keeping a lot of elements from the show, which makes me happy.


It's a shame that Hannibal is not Bruce Willis. I think he was more suited to this role than Liam Neeson. But I think the latter will be great in this role as well.
The Bruce Willis rumor always excited me, but after seeing Liam Neeson in the part, I think they made a great choice. Some shots of him, particularly sitting in the helicopter with the blue shirt and shoulder holster, really invoked the image of George Peppard for me.


The rest of the case looked OK to me. I've always pictured Michael Clarke Duncan as B.A. but who didn't?
B.A. was muscular, but he wasn't that big of a guy. LOL!! Jackson looks just about right to me.

After filming a cameo back in October, the original Murdock, Dwight Schultz, said that Sharlto Copley is "brilliant beyond words" and that if he's given a chance to play Murdock like he saw in Copley's screen test, Murdock would be better than ever. :)

[Knight]

I never thought of White, but Rampage seems like he's better-built to play B.A. and like how he looks in the part. I like White, but he might have tried to turn B.A. into a martial artist. Personally, I'm just thankful that neither Ice Cube nor Ice-T were cast, as both had stated in interviews they were wanting the role.
White has played in movies were he wasnt a martial artist. "Why Did I Get Married, The Dark Knight and Tyson. Although he's played one more times than not and im glad that Ice Cube and Ice T didnt get the role either.

[Wonderwall]

Which is kind of funny considering Rampage Jackson is in Mixed Martial Arts;)

[Tapout]

Which is kind of funny considering Rampage Jackson is in Mixed Martial Arts;)
I think he meant more in a traditional karate way. Rampage is a boxer/wrestler. I can see B.A. knocking out people or slamming them into the ground. Spinning back kicks not so much. ;)

[Michael24]

I think he meant more in a traditional karate way. Rampage is a boxer/wrestler. I can see B.A. knocking out people or slamming them into the ground. Spinning back kicks not so much. ;)
Yeah, that's what I meant. I definitely want to see B.A. kicking butt, but not with high-flying martial arts moves. I read that Jackson was a former UFC fighter, but since all those fighting sports bore me, I didn't know it was the same as MMA and thought the UFC guys were boxer/wrestler types.