PRISONER & STAR TREK'S KHAN PASS (and other news)

Well we have some news today, but as sure as we can we’ll start with the sad bit, where the inbox brings me news that two classic actors have passed.

Two greats pass.Patrick McGoohan has passed away at the age of 80, a great actor who was renowned for being gentleman and a scholar (he turned down bond as it was too depreciating of women) as well as a talented writer. For his iconic portrayal as number 6, he wrote under his own name and two other pen names for the “Prisoner”. He was married since 1951 to the same woman, until the time of his passing.
Often mistaken by us Brits for being British, (he was officially an Irish American) he turned down the parts of Dumbledore in the Harry Potter franchise as well as Gandalf in LOTR. And although he retired from the movie business in 2002, will oft be remembered as Longshanks in Mel Gibson’s Braveheart.
The second actor to leave us is Kirk’s best on screen nemesis; Ricardo Montalban. Known primarily for two roles, as “Khan” in Star Trek 2, and “Mr Roarke” in Fantasy Island. The actor performed for over 60 years, and was known from his days in variety. He guest starred in some classic 60’s shows like “The Wild Wild West” and “The Man from UNCLE” and he became a household name throughout the world later in his years.
A great character whose last performance was voice work in “Family Guy” demonstrating his true adaptability, as a performer, even at 88 years old.

One of his favourite quotes, has a perfect home on a movie blog.

1. Who is Ricardo Montalbán?
2. Get me Ricardo Montalbán.
3. Get me a Ricardo Montalbán type.
4. Get me a young Ricardo Montalbán.
5. Who is Ricardo Montalbán?

Hopefully the fifth will never apply!

Say it aint so Sam!
It cannot be we cried! Sam Jackson has stated in a couple of different places that he probably won’t be reprising his role as Nick Fury in the projected Avengers movie. Marvel won’t pay out for the guy as it would seem as they are facing some downturn (or is it negative upturn?).

What can we do? For the love of God offer the man a profit share instead, and I’m sure he will be very very happy with the results. I would pay to see the film to know I have directly funded Sam’s on screen shenanigans as the number one comic super spy!

If you love Sam look at this ode below!


Steve McQueen biopic?
Variety and other such magazines are reporting that Steve McQueen’s biopic looks set to get the go-ahead from all that need to release the permissions. The project will look at the icon’s work in Hollywood from the start and onwards. The film is to be influenced by the book, “Portrait of An American Rebel”, and will reflect his love or the more dangerous aspects of life. Initial fan reaction when the project was first discussed pushed the UK’s Daniel Craig towards an audition, whose Chameleon Like qualities may snatch him the part. Difficult casting, but we are sure Hollywood will provide!