Results tagged “Johnny Depp” from Modern Mythology

FILE - In This undated file photo originally provided by Disney, Johnny Depp portrays Captain Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." (AP Photo/Disney, Stephen Vaughn, file)

SANDY COHEN
AP Entertainment Writer

ANAHEIM, California (AP) -- Johnny Depp, Miley Cyrus, John Travolta, Tim Burton, Nicolas Cage and the Muppets are all set to appear in upcoming Disney films, and they came to the Anaheim Convention Center to tell fans in person.

They joined Walt Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook on Friday at the D23 Expo, Disney's answer to Comic-Con, for a presentation on the studio's forthcoming film slate.

Depp was welcomed with raucous applause as he sailed onstage in a pirate ship dressed as Capt. Jack Sparrow. He staggered about and embraced Cook, who announced that "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" would be released in the summer of 2011. Depp will also play Tonto in a big-screen adaptation of "The Lone Ranger," Cook said.

Cyrus performed her hit "The Climb" and discussed her role in "The Last Song" -- a part Cook said was written just for her.

Travolta, along with wife Kelly Preston and daughter Ella Blue, presented their forthcoming flick, "Old Dogs," set for release in November. All three appear in the film, which also stars Robin Williams.

"I always appreciate the audience's love for me," Travolta said in his first public appearance since the death of his son, Jett, in January.

"I hope they love 'Old Dogs' and much as we do, because I've got my baby in it," Travolta continued, referring to his daughter's film debut.

"We'll sign (her) a 25-picture deal," Cook said.

Burton showed footage from his 3-D take on "Alice in Wonderland," which stars Depp as the Mad Hatter and Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen.

"I've always loved the imagery" of the Lewis Carroll story, Burton said, and the opportunity to tell it in 3-D seemed "trippy and great."

Cook announced another Burton-Disney project: The studio will release a feature-length version of Burton's animated short film, "Frankenweenie."

Cage came to unveil the trailer for "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," an adventure film based on "Fantasia" set for release next summer.

"To me, 'Fantasia' is the most beautiful movie ever made," Cage said.

He also agreed on the spot to appear in another "National Treasure" film.

A cast of 24 Muppets performed "Rainbow Connection" aboard an old-fashioned steamboat as Cook announced that a new Muppet movie would be coming "very soon."

"It's called 'The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made,'" he quipped.

The D23 star-power didn't stop there.

Robert Zemeckis offered a behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming 3-D version of "A Christmas Carol," which features Jim Carrey playing eight different parts. Next, Zemeckis will write and direct a 3-D adaptation of the Beatles' 1968 classic animated film "Yellow Submarine," Cook said.

Jerry Bruckheimer presented a preview of "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time," due next year. He will also helm "The Lone Ranger" production, Cook said.

Guillermo del Toro appeared on video from New Zealand to talk about his partnership with Disney on its new brand, Disney Double Dare You, which will release scary animated fare.

"We hope you take the dare," he said.

The first all-things-Disney convention runs through Sunday. The event's name signifies creator Walt Disney's 1923 move to Hollywood.

Actor Johnny Depp makes an appearance at a panel held for his new movie "Alice in Wonderland" at the Comic-Con International 2009 convention held in San Diego Thursday, July 23, 2009.  (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

It was only Thursday but the San Diego Comic-Con rolled out some big cinema personalities.

The mighty "Twilight" triumvirate of Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson appeared before a reportedly enthusiastic (severe understatement) collection of fans. And just to show that skinny upstart, Pattinson a thing or two about getting the cheers, Johnny Depp appeared to represent for "Alice in Wonderland."

OK, maybe it was just so he could appear on behalf of the Disney film due to hit theaters March 2010.

The Associated Press' Sandy Cohen reports on the appearance of Wonderland's Tim Burton ("Edward Scissorhands"), who imagines, sketches and shapes almost every detail of his pictures. The studio provided costumes, set pieces and designs from the highly-anticipated flick to show a crowd of appreciative film and fantasy fans.

I'm hitting the convention today to see what's what -- more from me later.

To see the comprehensive coverage of the "Alice in Wonderland" panel from the Associated Press or view the trailer please read on.


SANDY COHEN
AP Entertainment Writer

Fans step into the world of 'Alice in Wonderland'

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Behind a nondescript storefront on a quiet downtown street lies a passage into the world of "Alice in Wonderland" as seen through Tim Burton's eyes.

Disney's traveling exhibit of props, costumes, sketches and set models from the movie is on display at the 40th annual Comic Con. The pop-culture convention is being held at the San Diego Convention Center through Sunday.

Two misshapen wooden doors lead into the rabbit hole, where a giant Alice (in mural form) overlooks a glass case filled with bottles and boxes. Another case holds one of the 17 dresses Alice wears in Burton's (and costume designer Colleen Atwood's) Wonderland.

A second pair of doors lead to the Mad Hatter's tea party. The table is set with cakes, scones and the original teapot from the movie, due in theaters next year. One of Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter costumes is on display, complete with a wild orange wig and famous hat.

In the corner are two enormous flowers with human faces. Look closely and notice the faces move.

The last room introduces the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter), with her heart-shaped scepter, eyeglasses and executioner's ax. Her heart-shaped throne anchors the room. A miniature model of her court sits beside it, near a display of her jewel-encrusted gown. A painting of the Red Queen with flaming red hair and tiny heart-shaped lips hangs nearby.

The White Queen's gown is also on display, as is the armor Alice wears when she fights "the monstrous Jabberwocky."

Burton came to Comic Con on Thursday to show the trailer for "Alice." The director said the 3-D peek through the looking glass is his most challenging film yet.

"It's the first time we've done a lot of green screen," he said. "It starts to freak you out after a while."

Burton also brought Depp to the panel. Flashbulbs popped and the crowd erupted in cheers. Depp waved, then he and Burton left the stage.

Oren Aviv, president of production for Walt Disney Studios, said Burton sketched the various costumes, characters and settings for years before taking on the project.

"To see this world come to life," Aviv said, "it's amazing."

Some early images of Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen have surfaced on the web from Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland."

Check out Depp above and click here to go to the Huffington Post for shots of the others.

The film is coming to theaters in 2010.

Almost half of those who have taken the poll have said "Yep" to Johnny Depp -- The people have spoken and agreed that he should become the highest paid actor ever.

The 'yes' side of this took a narrow lead early in the morning and and never looked back. Check the chart out and you'll see that about 34 percent actually think Depp is not worth the money. About half that number thinks I'm jealous. Well... my answer to that is heck yeah. I wouldn't mind getting a payday like that. Why should movie stars get all the love?

It looks as if Depp will get his payday of $55.8 million to star in a fourth installment of the hit film series. What the plot will be for this next pirates remains to be seen, but Jack Sparrow is ready to take the helm.

Thanks to everyone for participating in the poll.


Editor's note: The 'Pirates' writer Terry Rossio says this sequel stuff is not true and is only a rumor. Perhaps. But at least we know readers of Modern Mythology would pay Johnny Depp his money.

Can you stand it? I think Disney wants another "Pirates of the Caribbean." Are you out of your minds with excitement? No?

How about if I add that they are willing to pay Johnny Depp $55 Million to play Captain Jack Sparrow again? It would be the most bucks paid to an actor for a single project. I can't say who first reported this piece of news but I can recall standing at a magazine rack somewhere when I read it in a news brief in Entertainment Weekly.

This was a week ago and I am only writing about it now, so you can kick me for being late again. I must have blocked this story out of my head because like many of you I have been engrossed in the current state of Wall Street.

All that money for one guy for THAT sequel? I am among the folk who liked 'Pirates' for what it was -- A theme ride. I watched all three and without revealing anything to the four people left on this planet who have not seen the movies, I figured the story was justly completed and in little need of further exploration.

But when Hollywood is involved with a hit machine like 'Pirates' that makes billions worldwide I guess it can help any company offset the financial market blues. If this story is true then that Johnny is a shrewd negotiator.



Photo By Kevin Winter/Getty Images