MovieChat Forums > The Last Unicorn (1982) Discussion > The Live Action Version

The Live Action Version

posted 16 years ago by Haywire_Hakaze
34 replies | jump to latest

I'm sure many of you know there was talk of a live action version for The Last Unicorn. If not, go here and educate yourself: <url>http://www.thelastunicorn.net</url>;

There has been speculation as to if it's EVER going to come out, and I've been wondering that myself. I heard before I went to A-Kon in 2007 about it being in the works, and when I got there I asked Peter Beagle himself (while getting an autograph, I might add.) He sounded a little weary, as if the new movie was a great struggle, and perhaps it was. Is. It's still stuck in development, and who knows how long it's been like that? No wonder he's frustrated.

The problem seems to be funding. No companies want to endorse it. So I suggest contacting corporations like Pepsi Cola, Sony, and the like to see if they will.

I went to <url>http://www.peterbeagle.com</url>; and I'm emailing the Webmaster now. All messages sent to that site get forwarded to Mr. Beagle, so I'm going to ask if there's anyone else he suggests we contact.

The more people involved, the louder our unified voice as a fan-base shall be. Please help me in this effort, and post in this thread as new news comes along. =)

[–] Haywire_Hakaze 16 years ago

Hello again everyone. I got a reply from Connor Cochran already. =) I pasted it down below.

>>I remember asking Peter Beagle at A-Kon in 2007 about The Last
Unicorn
becoming a live-action, and hearing about it being in the works. I see
by
looking at the website, thelastunicorn.net, that it hasn't left
preliminary
development yet. Is this a problem with funding or endorsement?<<

The people who own the live action rights mean well, but they are not
actually capable of getting the movie made. Unfortunately, so far they
have
refused to accept this and make a deal with someone who *could* get it
made,
even though we've sent more than one big Hollywood studio their way in
the
last five years. Somehow things have never clicked -- which is good,
because
if these people ever make their own live-action version it will be
quite
bad. (For one thing, they have completely rewritten Peter's script and
made
all sorts of horrible changes in it.)

>>If so, how can the fans help?<<

There isn't anything the fans can do right now, I'm afraid. Peter and I
have
been trying to unscramble things for three years now. All we can do is
keep
at it and hope for the best. As soon as we make any progress we will
report
that on-line and in Peter's email newsletter, THE RAVEN.

Connor

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: The Last Unicorn (liveaction version)?
Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:46:41 -0800 (PST)
From: (email hidden for my purposes)
To: [email protected]

I remember asking Peter Beagle at A-Kon in 2007 about The Last Unicorn
becoming a live-action, and hearing about it being in the works. I see
by
looking at the website, thelastunicorn.net, that it hasn't left
preliminary
development yet.

Is this a problem with funding or endorsement? If so, how can the fans
help?
I know we'd all be glad to write letters to big name companies for help
on
the matter. (After all, if a company funds something I love, I usually
buy
from it more. It's a great business strategy for them, and I'm sure
they'd
leap for it if they knew of the fan base.)

Please, we at the The Last Unicorn forums on IMDB.com would love to
help get
this movie started.

Thank you for passing this along!

[–] tjevs 16 years ago

Jesus that's immpressive. I remember watching this film as a kid, and I found a copy of the other week so I bought it again on dvd. It's a very charming little film! I love the song at the beginning and end.

If they made a film version of it though it would have to be quite different to the cartoon film. Even though the original is quite dark, If anything I think they'd need to make the film even darker, and change one or two minor details. But I think it would make a great film, and i'm very immpressed at yoru efforts of contacting Peter Beagle.

I love this fantasy stuff, especially with magicians and wizards and dark plots.

*Don't stress. You'll live longer.* =D!

[–] Haywire_Hakaze 16 years ago

tjeva, have you read the book? If not, I'd suggest so. There are many dark elements left out of the animated version for the sake of running time, budget, etc. The animated movie is the bare minimum of the book, though still amazing.

As I've said before, I'm surprised the book remained wholly intact and that the story itself wasn't changed. I definitely credit this to Peter Beagle, since he was there for every twist and turn in development to make sure things were done the way he wanted. (Christopher Lee helped in his own way, too. See the Trivia section. Lol.) Stephen King's first books-turned-movie were manslaughtered because he wasn't monitoring the director and screenwriters, so now he does the same.

As for my efforts-- it's not that hard to get in contact with him, or someone close to him. There's his website, the newsletter "THE RAVEN", and of course MySpace.com. I don't have a MySpace anymore, so I chose the website route.

I also know Samantha Inoue-Harte (the voice of Chobi the Chocobo from Final Fantasy: Unlimited) through A-Kon 2007 and MySpace. Conventions are the best places to make friends. =D

I'm completely in love with the book and the animated movie, and I'm in awe that Connor and Peter are sticking to their guns and hanging in there. It must be a harrowing process. I can't imagine.

[–] tjevs 16 years ago

Wow you know the voice of Chobi??! I've got all the FFU series on DVD, awesome anime, that's pretty dark as well. It's true what you say about King's earier books being slaughtered to the big screen, so i'll see if I can grab a copy of the book for this film.

Lets keep hoping eh?

*Don't stress. You'll live longer.* =D!

[–] Haywire_Hakaze 16 years ago

*blush* =) I don't know her very well, but I did have lunch with her while I was at A-Kon. She's a very sweet woman, and she was determined to keep in contact with everyone at her table.

If you're ever in Dallas when A-Kon rolls around and you decide to go, I'd highgly recommend a banquet ticket. You can sit down, eat, and talk with a guest voice actor/actress while watching AMVs. Pure, unadulterated heaven.

[–] tjevs 16 years ago

Lol, i'll bear it mind dude. I'll keep checking the boards to see if there's any mroe news on the live action film. Sweet.

*Don't stress. You'll live longer.* =D!

[–] Haywire_Hakaze 16 years ago

It's "dudette". ;)

[–] tjevs 16 years ago

Lol, that's even better!

*Don't stress. You'll live longer.* =D!

[–] Kanano 16 years ago

Why would you want a live action version? I've never understood people who act like a live action version is the best thing ever. I didn't exactly cringe when I saw it was in anime, I actually preferred it that way.

Besides, this film had a certain magical charm, like a lot of old movies, movies now try, but they don't capture it very well anymore, and I doubt they will with this one, so I'm probably not even going to watch a live action version unless I'm bored or something.

[–] tjevs 16 years ago

The reason most live action films don't work is because the production gets completely 'hollywoodised'. They forget to stay true to what the original idea/book conveyed, however the author is being very very specific on what he wants, and is not letting the rights to it go over something he's not completely happy with. Obviously it would have to be upated and modernised, but they could still capture the charm an atmosphere of the original.

The live action film would have a lot of potential providing the author stayed true to his original concepts, which from the other poster seems he clearly intends to do that.

I agree with you most Live action films completely destroy the original ideas. However a good example of one not destroying it is the Lord of the Rings trilogy. That had the same format as this has, i.e. Originally a book - made into a feature length animation - made into a live action film.

Now you may have your own opinions on that series but in general I think it's safe to say it stayed true to the original ideas that Tolkien had created, and in turn become a huge success. And the reason for this was because Peter Jackson stayed to the original ideas, consulting with Tolkiens direct family about how they felt and what their Grandfather really wanted to create.

You're right in one sense, it could fall flat on it's face and lose all charm the book and animation create, but with the author involved and clearly sticking to his original ideas, I don't think it will.

*Don't stress. You'll live longer.* =D!

[–] Haywire_Hakaze 16 years ago

Very well-put, tjevs. =)

[–] tjevs 16 years ago

=D! Thanks, I play a lot of computer games as well, so I understand how the adaption to live action film can fall flat on it's face. But there are some exceptions, and the fact that they are taking so long to be able to get this going is actually a good thing. I'd rather wait 10 years for a great film, than 2 years for a mediocre one sold to hollywood.

*Don't stress. You'll live longer.* =D!

[–] lizzierobbo 16 years ago

J'adore this film!!! I discovered it in the attic again the other day, and have watched it almost every day since, and forced others to watch it!! I have to say, I haven't read the book, but the book is something I am in the process of getting hold of. This was my favorite childhood film (probably because I have an obsession with horses!) But after watching it, have realised that it is actually not very 'kiddy' at all, and would translate realy well into a live action film which, in my opinion, would be appealing to both children and adults. As i said, I have never read the book, but if I ever came into any money, or became a big hollywood player, I would put all the money I had into making it a live action film, and I would make it as faithful to Peter Beagle's wishes as he desired, as it really would be a labour of love. Anyway thats all I wanted to say...apart from that one of my favorite quotes of all time is at the very start of the movie, by the hunter, which is as follows: 'Stay where you are, poor beast. This is no world for you. Stay in your forest, and keep your trees green, and your friends protected...and good luck to you, for you are the last' I just wish magic like this really existed.

[–] tjevs 16 years ago

We'll hold you to that ;). Get playing the lottery!!!

*Don't stress. You'll live longer.* =D!

[–] leavemealone-samantha 16 years ago

You don't believe in unicorns?

[–] tjevs 16 years ago

lol course ;)!

*Don't stress. You'll live longer.* =D!

[–] leavemealone-samantha 16 years ago

I believe in unicorns. why wouldn't I?

[–] bomberrulez 16 years ago

the reason most likly that they want a liveaction film, is so that they can have the same story again, but told slighty differently and live-action is easyer to relate to.

i've yet to see the film yet btw, but i will be with my mate tonight

edit:

i've just seen it, its good film

[–] carahammer 16 years ago

I appreciate all the work you did finding out about the status of this movie; the most I do is check the website every few months and go "feh...darn." I was so excited to see Jonathan Rhys-Myers on the cast!

I'd even be happy with a really cheezy, low budget Hallmark movie, if it was true to the book and full of no-name actors and a trained deer dyed white with a horn glued to her head. XD Well...that'd have to be one whipped deer, I guess.

I hope this movie happens someday. Everyone who comes in my apartment is subjected to the animated version, and educated as to the awesomeness of the book. Which I should have never lent out!

I wish they'd make FFVI into a movie...Hahah, the FFU anime? SOIL is my power! You thought that was dark?

[–] junefenwick68 16 years ago

All this talk has now inspired me to find the book and the film. when i was a kid i really enjoyed this film as "at least in my mind at the time" it was quite a dark cartoon. plus alot of the films i liked back then i went onto to read the book (i.e. Never ending story) but this is one book i havent read, but i'm told there are tons more in it then the film so cant wait.

if they remake this into live action, Christopher Lee has to be in it. wouldn't be the same. :P

[–] red_rackham_77 16 years ago

I want a live action version, I hope that it will be succesful but it was told to me that it was never going to happen. Luckily I have the book and the animated film to keep my hopes up.

[–] bomberrulez 16 years ago

i hope they do. But i cant see it being a comerical gain, maybe they'll sombody will make a fan live action one, one day

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] ellesplaces 16 years ago

I know I agree revanjsteele. its frustrating.

[–] bomberrulez 15 years ago

I think how little the board is active makes me think theirs not much intrest... then again it was over 27 years ago this film was made

[–] latinpassion44 15 years ago

I don't think a deer would be the best choice for a Unicorn considering the flashback in the book mentioning her encounter with the deer. I personally believe an Okapi(http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/Okapia_Dublin_front_7-4-2009.jpg) dyed white would be a better choice for the Unicorn (unless someone knows of an Elasmotheriumm that is free, lol : http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/Elasmotherium1.jpg http://www.paleocraft.com/images/elasmotherium-10.jpg ).

[–] bomberrulez 15 years ago

I agree a Okapia would be ideal animal

[–] DavidJHixon 14 years ago

The thing that gets me is that both Angela Lansbury and Christopher Lee agreed to be in the movie if it gets as far as casting (or they did years ago at least). Both of them are getting on in age, and it might not be feasible to have them waiting around much longer. I'm afraid that unless something actually starts soon, they will not be involved in this film.
I hope there is good news soon, but I am not holding my breath.

[–] Mousuke 14 years ago

I hope this does eventually get made, but I'd rather it be made late but done very well than done poorly.

In the meantime, there are other Peter Beagle books which I think would make good films. Personally I would love to see Tamsin as a film, it is full of really wonderful imagery.

[–] lepermessiah-1 14 years ago

Where will they get the unicorn? I'm pretty sure that Unicorns don't exist. I think a horse should be put into a medically induced coma, and then they can surgically attach an antler or something to it's forehead. I'd like to see that. I'd like to see a real, live action Unicorn. I wonder if they would get hit on the side of the highway as often as all of the other furry woodland creatures.

[–] red_rackham_77 14 years ago

I am bumbed that there isn't going to be a live action film, I was really looking forward to it. Have either James Cameron or Peter Jackson direct it or Del Toro.

[–] tammytkspr 14 years ago

Alfonso Cauron could also be a possibility as a director.

PUNK ASS DECEPTICONS

[–] red_rackham_77 14 years ago

Yeah! Why not? He did great with the Harry Potter film.

[–] tammytkspr 14 years ago

^That's what I thought. His Harry Potter film is my favorite film, despite the book being my least favorite. He's amazing at establishing the charm of childhood, while tackling the more adult issues, at the same time. I hate saying this, but he'd also be more of a bargain than some of the other director mentioned.

PUNK ASS DECEPTICONS