In separate articles today talking about MGM, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter discussed new projects on the studio’s plate.
The former says that, in addition to upcoming DVD releases Stargate: Continuum and Stargate: The Ark of Truth, MGM is developing a third series, tentatively titled “Stargate: Universe.” No other details were available for the show, which will be added to SCI FI Channel’s line-up of “Stargate SG-1” and “Stargate Atlantis.”
On the feature front, The Hobbit is still in an early (and legally cantankerous stage) but MGM chief operating officer Rick Sands said the split on who does what with it ancillary-wise is being worked out with co-partner New Line. Almost certainly, MGM will be the international TV distributor, and will likely have certain foreign territories in theatrical as well.
The studio is also backing a remake of the 1980s musical Fame with 300 producer Mark Canton and Lakeshore Entertainment. The $25 million redo is slated to hit theaters in summer 2008 and will be based on the Alan Parker film set at the New York Academy of Performing Arts, which starred Irene Cara and Debbie Allen and launched a generation of wannabe performers. A writer and director has been hired for the project. MGM plans to retain many of the musical elements of the original movie that also launched a global television hit and international stage show.
