Artisan Pictures and Marvel Studios announced today that Hollywood superstar John Travolta has been cast as the lead villain in the upcoming movie event The Punisher, the feature film production of Marvel Comics’ enormously popular comic book series of the same name. Travolta, who has been hailed for his villainous performances in such box office hits as Pulp Fiction, Broken Arrow and Face/Off, will play Howard Saint, a man involved in the criminal underworld who has managed to conceal his violent beginnings and become a paragon of society until a darker, vengeful side emerges after his son is brutally slain. Artisan Pictures President of Production, Richard Saperstein and Marvel Studios’ CEO Avi Arad made the announcement.
The signing of Travolta comes on the heels of another record-breaking box office performance by films based on Marvel Comics characters. Twentieth Century Fox and Marvel Studios X-2: X-Men United grossed an estimated $85.8 million during the weekend, ranking as the fourth largest opening in film history – Â and marking the sixth consecutive film based on Marvel heroes to debut at #1 at the box office.
Starring Thomas Jane in the title role and being directed by renowned screenwriter Jonathan Hensleigh, The Punisher tells the story of FBI undercover agent, Frank Castle, who until now has beat considerable odds. A former Special Forces operative, he is finally moving out of the field and into a desk job – Â and a normal life with his wife and son. Then Castle’s world is shaken to its core by a nightmare he has longed feared: his family is executed as a repercussion from his final undercover assignment. With unparalleled intensity, ferocious intelligence and fearless actions, Castle seeks to punish the murderers – Â and finds the one thing he least expected: redemption. The film is being produced by Marvel’s Avi Arad (Spider-Man, X-Men, Daredevil, The Hulk) and producer Gale Anne Hurd (The Hulk, Aliens, The Terminator). Principal photography will commence in early July 2003 and the film is scheduled to hit theaters in summer 2004.
A proven megastar with over forty films to his credit, Travolta has starred in some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters and earned critics’ praise for several commanding performances. He has garnered two Academy Award Best Actor nominations — for his memorable performances as a hit man in Pulp Fiction and white suited disco hustler in Saturday Night Fever – Â and received multiple Golden Globe Award accolades including winner in the Best Actor, Musical/Comedy for Get Shorty. Additional credits include roles as a free spirited archangel in Michael and as an ordinary man bestowed surreal powers in Phenomenon. He can next be seen opposite Joaquin Phoenix in the upcoming film Ladder 49 for Buena Vista Pictures.
The Punisher rises out of the ongoing Artisan and Marvel joint venture designed to develop, produce and distribute Marvel character based programming across all media with profits generated from each project shared equally after distribution fees are incurred. The Artisan/Marvel joint venture agreement was negotiated by Artisan Entertainment CEO Amir Malin and Marvel’s Avi Arad.
“This is yet another example of marquee, A-list talent finding intrigue with and attraction to the Marvel Universe,” said Marvel’s Arad. “John has proven through his career that he can inject into the most villainous roles an energy and humanity that registers with audiences – Â helping distinguish these characters’ beyond a traditional hero’s foil.”
Added Artisan’s Saperstein, “John is an incredibly versatile and talented actor who turns in one great performance after another. We couldn’t be more pleased to have him in The Punisher.”
Artisan Entertainment Executive Vice President, Patrick Gunn, who oversees all Marvel projects at Artisan, and Artisan Pictures Executive Vice President of Production Andrew Golov along with Artisan Pictures Director of Development, Rachel Murray are shepherding The Punisher at the studio. Marvel Studios’ Vice President of Production, Ari Arad, will co-produce and Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios’ Executive Vice President, will serve as an executive producer. Artisan’s Legal & Business Affairs department handled negotiations on behalf of the studio. Travolta is represented by the William Morris Agency. Artisan Entertainment Inc. is the leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical, television and home entertainment product. The Company coordinates its business activities through two wholly owned operating divisions, Artisan Pictures and Artisan Home Entertainment. The Artisan Pictures division is responsible for the development, production, marketing and distribution of the Company’s annual slate of theatrical films. The Artisan Home Entertainment division has an extensive library of over 7,000 titles which includes its own properties, as well as a wide spectrum of films from Academy Award – ® winning classics to blockbusters and cult favorites. Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL) is a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 4,700 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel’s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel’s creative team also supports the creation of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel’s comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel’s Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines.
