New interview with Tony Head about "Ripper."
"It's more likely than it has been for some time... It's all about Fox now, whether Fox will give permission but the BBC [is] up for it."
[ edited by Simon on 2007-08-27 09:04 ]
August 26 2007
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geekerjoy34 | August 26, 21:33 CET
That was going to be the entirety of my comment, but I don't interpret the news as "confirmed" except in the post title. The actual quote seems more "almost-almost-confirmed, big critical step accomplished" to me?
Although Fox may have given a nod to “Ripper,” it’s still a long way off coming to fruition as the go ahead for development is still a few steps short from a commitment to the series.
It is fantastic news nonetheless. I look forward to the adventures of Mr. Giles.
Sunfire | August 26, 21:51 CET
Just to be clear, within the article itself, ASH says both that he has to talk to Joss to "find out if he's got it," that it's "all about Fox now, whether Fox will give permission but the BBC [is] up for it..." and that "producers had received a green light" for series development - so it's a little unclear whether Fox has given that nod, and exactly who made that "announcement that they’ve given the go ahead for development..."
I'd love to get excited - very interested in this - but "confirmed" yet not sure about Fox's permission seems a little back-and-forthy, just within one article, and therefore a tad premature.
ET: fix typo
[ edited by QuoterGal on 2007-08-27 04:10 ]
QuoterGal | August 26, 21:58 CET
Since then however, the project went cold and the proposed two-hour backdoor pilot was never produced. However, Head said the project was finally moving ahead and that producers have received a green light for the series to be developed."
Hrrm. Anyway, it sounds like 20th Century Fox has been pretty generous to Joss in the past, particularly--if I recall correctly--in letting him try to sell Firefly to other networks or something like that? So I hope you'll excuse me if I've gotten my hopes ridiculously up.
sumogrip | August 26, 22:01 CET
I am as excited now as I was when Joss talked about it several weeks ago. This article basically reiterates the same news. It's no more confirmed today than it was then.
crossoverman | August 26, 22:05 CET
But still a hopeful sign.
zz9 | August 26, 22:15 CET
cheryl | August 26, 22:27 CET
kballgetlost | August 26, 22:27 CET
maje | August 26, 22:32 CET
Cris | August 26, 22:32 CET
Nebula1400 | August 26, 22:37 CET
I don't really see why Boreanaz would be needed for a cameo if it ever comes through though. Sarah Michelle Gellar on the other hand might be handy now that the season 8 comics have come about, and even more than since we first heard of this series back when Buffy was busy with her own show. (Was it back during season six-ish? Wow)
orangewaxlion | August 26, 22:42 CET
Buffyfantic | August 26, 22:49 CET
Harmalicious | August 26, 22:57 CET
Daburcor | August 26, 23:03 CET
I was wondering the same thing. I know I will be extremely happy if that turns out to be the case, though.
Wolf Ram and Hart | August 26, 23:10 CET
I don't know. In the comics, it seems that the Scoobies haven't really seen each other much in the past year or so. The series (or movie; still confused as to which) could progress without much (or any) appearances by the others.
ETA: Besides, I really don't see SMG or DB making an appearance. Not to be cynical, but they've moved on.
[ edited by deepgirl187 on 2007-08-27 05:12 ]
deepgirl187 | August 26, 23:11 CET
[ edited by Buffyfantic on 2007-08-27 05:26 ]
Buffyfantic | August 26, 23:23 CET
sumogrip | August 26, 23:28 CET
I think SMG and DB have moved on in the same sense that we were forced to move on. There was nothing knew. Moving on was pretty much critical to their careers.
I have little doubt that if the script is great and we all know it will be, they will both be there if Joss wants them.
cheryl | August 26, 23:33 CET
I don't think it did. My suspicion is that the writer, who understood that the idea, years ago, originally was for a series simply assumed that's what the current proposal was as well.
After all, it was just last month at Comic-Con that Joss mentioned it as a 90-minute thing.
Pretty sure this is a writer error.
@theonetruebix | August 26, 23:42 CET
Craig Oxbrow | August 27, 01:14 CET
So I tweaked the headline and added the Tony quotes to reflect where the stage where Ripper is actually at (i.e. it still hasn't been greenlit).
Simon | August 27, 03:03 CET
That was my reaction when I read this. Not only did they get a lot of facts wrong, but the whole article is based on hearsay. Also, I'd bet that the premise of Ripper has changed a bit in the last 5 years or so, since the Buffyverse mythology has changed (no, Giles cannot go back to Sunnydale, because now there is no Sunnydale!). Also, I'm pretty sure Joss was calling it a movie at Comic-Con and not a series.
Oh, and SMG and DB guest starring? Ha! Are there gold and leprechauns at the end of that rainbow?
[ edited by ElectricSpaceGirl on 2007-08-27 10:53 ]
electricspacegirl | August 27, 04:47 CET
And as others have said, the quotes are a bit ambiguous. "whether Fox will give permission" then "they" have given the go ahead - is that the Fox "they" or the BBC "they" or Mutant Enemy "they" ? Colour me confused (but try to stay inside the lines, this T-shirt's clean on ;).
I can't see ASH saying that they might make an appearance if a certain creator hadn't mentioned it in passing. :)
Except ASH doesn't say might he says could. As in, it's not impossible, don't rule it out not, to me, as in, we've approached them about it or even that it's actually a serious consideration at the moment. I could maybe see SMG doing it as a personal favour to ASH but on the other hand I don't really see him asking for it as a personal favour, given her public comments and evident wish to move on it'd be gauche in the extreme to put her on the spot like that and he strikes me as having better manners.
Bearing in mind Joss hasn't written it yet I think planning things like cameos are a ways down the line. Basically, as ASH says, we're way further forward, things are looking very positive but nothing is confirmed. Yet ;).
Saje | August 27, 04:50 CET
To paraphrase the First Slayer: "Death is a career move."
My money's on Robin. I love the way he delivers the line "Hello, Ripper."
And his character has had at least three years to escape from the Initiative's Nevada Section. He must be out by now / then.
If it came to a series, Ethan would make an excellent Big Bad.
[ edited by malcolm on 2007-08-27 12:05 ]
malcolm | August 27, 05:35 CET
daylight | August 27, 06:36 CET
zeitgeist | August 27, 07:05 CET
Ethan's, er, dead.
When is dead ever really dead in the Whedonverse?
Nebula1400 | August 27, 07:51 CET
Trying to hold in my excitement on this for now, but it seems to be getting more and more hopeful. I hope we at least get a pilot episode.
ChromeShark | August 27, 08:23 CET
He didn't die on the show.He was killed in issue 4 of the season 8 comics.
Buffyfantic | August 27, 08:30 CET
Buffyfantic | August 27, 14:30 CET "
Oh, the comics, that's not canon * runs away*
I'll believe in Ripper when it gets greenlit, funded and filmed
So many things spend so long in development hell and never get made
debw | August 27, 08:54 CET
(could've been worse, could've been canon balls [sic]. Badum dum ;-)
Saje | August 27, 08:59 CET
Death isn't necessarily fatal.
However Development Hell invariably is.
One of those 100 years = 1 day places.
[ edited by malcolm on 2007-08-27 15:02 ]
malcolm | August 27, 09:00 CET
debw | August 27, 09:09 CET
Episode 1: "Ooo, Ale!"
Episode 2: "Bartender! I need more Ale!"
etc etc
[ edited by malcolm on 2007-08-27 15:24 ]
malcolm | August 27, 09:17 CET
What do you Brits, think. Does this not sound a lot like a "pilot". Bothe Inspector Lynely, Inspector Lewis and Murphy's Law started as "pilots/TV-movies".
If any "verse" characters will show up I BET it will be Spike. James Masters already has a working relationship with BBC and if he can seek in an appearance between other jobs...well...why not. (Makes me think that the much talked about Spike TV-move could be next...please, please say it is so).
I have to ask though. Would this be a Mutant Enemy UK production, or josh working with BBC's in-house production house, or collaborating with someone like KUDOS (who seem to be MORE then interested in working with US companies)...or....
[ edited by Jonas on 2007-08-27 15:42 ]
Jonas | August 27, 09:40 CET
Episode 1: "We need to make more money. Let's have wrestling on our SciFi outlet."
Episode 2: "All our money-makers are getting sooo two weeks ago. We need something fresh. How about a reality show where kids are abandoned in a deserted town?"
Episode 3: "I need new alligator shoes, and my third wife wants a new Mercedes... Jack up the advertising rates."
quantumac | August 27, 09:44 CET
I don't know. We Brits crave disappointment. Just look at Torchwood.
malcolm | August 27, 09:46 CET
Jonas | August 27, 10:06 CET
Craig Oxbrow | August 27, 10:09 CET
I wish.
@theonetruebix | August 27, 10:14 CET
zeitgeist | August 27, 10:22 CET
MindEclipse | August 27, 10:24 CET
deepgirl187 | August 27, 10:25 CET
Fair to say that Tucker's brother, Andrew has a stronger grasp of sexual tension than the Torchwood script writers.
Can't wait for James Marsters's appearance. Planning to watch from behind the sofa.
malcolm | August 27, 10:44 CET
Episode 1: "Ooo, Ale!"
Episode 2: "Bartender! I need more Ale!"
etc etc
I like it! What would the seasonal arc be? Something to do with ale?
And wouldnt it be "Serving Wench" rather than bartender? The one with the child bearing hips?
Personaly I'm still waiting for the "April The Robot" spin off. Shonda Farr is a hottie.
zz9 | August 27, 11:10 CET
Nebula1400 | August 27, 11:34 CET
IrrationaliTV | August 27, 11:44 CET
@theonetruebix | August 27, 12:33 CET
Simon | August 27, 12:44 CET
MindEclipse | August 27, 12:58 CET
zeitgeist | August 27, 13:11 CET
Ummmm no that was Captain O'Neill from Stargate.
Anyhow moving back to Ripper, I've been thinking about British actors I'd love to see appear on it. So with out further ado.
Some top British actors who should appear in Ripper by Simon aged 33.
1) James Nesbitt as the villain. His dad taught me maths so this is a given.
2) David Thewlis. Most underrated actor ever. Perhaps as Giles' sidekick.
3) Edward Fox as a former Watcher.
4) Peter Vaughan as another former Watcher.
5) Geoffrey Palmer. Playing a sceptic. Geoffrey Palmer should really be in everything.
6) As should Stephen Fry. He was a revelation in V For Vendetta.
Simon | August 27, 13:27 CET
zeitgeist | August 27, 14:24 CET
Caroline, aged 12.
Caroline | August 27, 14:33 CET
Lioness | August 27, 14:35 CET
toast | August 27, 14:35 CET
Caroline | August 27, 14:36 CET
Episode 3: "Succulent Babies"
Episode 4: "Ha Ha! Puny, Villagefolk!"....
Anyhooo...
Presumably we could have Ripper set between S6 Ep 8 and Ep 20, although that feels like a backward step. Better for everyone to move on.
Would be fun to have Giles working at the British Museum, or in Oxford. Essentially, Ripper could work as a modern continuation of Quatermass without the British Rocket Group.
malcolm | August 27, 14:51 CET
(Four years running an RPG series about Watchers in Britain pre-Season Seven will do that...)
Craig Oxbrow | August 27, 14:54 CET
Yes, yes, yes. Ruth from "Spooks" should be in everything, never mind the guy from "Butterflies". She always reminded me of a younger, more attractive version of Connie from the Le Carré books (one of Smiley's "People"). And Keeley Hawes while we're at it. And Matthew MccFadyen. Oh, and Jenny Agutter. Actually, y'know what ? How about we find out MI5 has a section for Paranormal Security (Section X ?) that Ripper heads up and we just cross the entire cast, past, present and deceased over every other episode ? Works for me.
Or what about that English dude from Buffy ? He'd be good in it I reckon.
Saje | August 27, 15:26 CET
Oh wow, yes.
Caroline | August 27, 15:42 CET
Yes, I agree he would be brilliant...and COOL, What is his dad like?
I always thought Colin Salmon would be perfect as a watcher. Maybe Don Gilet as well.
I do not know WHAT he should play but I can easily see Mark Warren in some thing verse related.
Alex Wyndham..WHO some of you might say. he was in Rome and just did a Swedish movie and what I have seen looks very good....well, he looks cool and dense carrying a sword....
:-)
[ edited by Jonas on 2007-08-28 00:49 ]
Jonas | August 27, 16:42 CET
Excellent thought. He blew me away in Jekyll.
6) As should Stephen Fry. He was a revelation in V For Vendetta.
Fry should indeed be in everything. That goes without saying.
Niels van Eekelen | August 27, 17:10 CET
Caroline | August 27, 17:39 CET
Maddyanne | August 27, 17:49 CET
Spike? Yes, he would be an awesome sidekick.
*runs away*
Sunfire | August 27, 17:57 CET
quantumac | August 27, 19:11 CET
I was thinking the exact same thing.
Melisande | August 27, 19:26 CET
Yet somehow it would have to be the ghost of early Wesley. Pre-rogue-demon-slayer-and-getting-his-throat-slit-by-his-best-friend Wesley. That guy was a riot! The post one would compete with Ripper's cool factor.
klevermore | August 27, 19:32 CET
deepgirl187 | August 27, 21:40 CET
mister0 | August 27, 22:27 CET
Oh, and please throw in the late Dame Judith Anderson, for good luck. While we're at it. As long as we're talking...
QuoterGal | August 27, 23:06 CET
Also, Richard Harris as a Commander Caine style legendary Watcher that disappeared years ago on some seemingly impossible mission (though I doubt he'd thank me for throwing him in the "British Actor" category, bit of a liberty, hope he doesn't haunt me ;). And it's impossible to mention him without Richard Burton popping up. I'd say Anthony Hopkins but he's now apparently an American citizen so he forfeits the chance along with his nationality.
And the very happily non-late Emma Thompson too.
Saje | August 28, 01:14 CET
Simon | August 28, 01:14 CET
UnpluggedCrazy | August 28, 06:25 CET
Pumps | August 28, 06:57 CET
So basically what we're saying is...we want the entire adult cast of the Harry Potter movies in this thing.
Ripper: 'arry Potter crossed with House crossed with Izzard. Ciao!
Likely: budget so small Joss will play all the characters. Come on BBC: show us the money.
gossi | August 28, 07:16 CET
And if there's a way to squeeze Big Ted from 'Playschool' in they'd be fools not to. He can really bring that dark 'Ripper' edginess. The things he's seen ...
Saje | August 28, 07:36 CET
gossi | August 28, 07:57 CET
Also, this:
Caroline, aged 12.
Makes me laugh out loud :)
zeitgeist | August 28, 13:44 CET
Mild Mike | August 28, 15:13 CET
Anyhow moving back to Ripper, I've been thinking about British actors I'd love to see appear on it. So with out further ado.
Terrence Stamp is still active, though he's getting a tad ancient. I read he's marvelous in the new Jon Voigt movie September Dawn. Wonder if he'd do television.
Tonya J | August 28, 23:27 CET
(just speculating but I bet he'd do a pilot/one-off drama if the script was right even if he wouldn't necessarily commit to an ongoing series)
And you suggesting Stamp brought Malcolm McDowell to mind (who definitely does TV).
Saje | August 29, 00:58 CET
And yes I am really bored at work and like to put 2 and 2 together to come up with 5.
Simon | August 29, 03:57 CET
UnpluggedCrazy | August 29, 06:31 CET