MovieChat Forums > Eddie the Eagle (2016) Discussion > FOX will release EDDIE THE EAGLE

FOX will release EDDIE THE EAGLE

posted 10 years ago by baj-1
12 replies | jump to latest

http://www.thewrap.com/jon-hamm-hugh-jackman-movies-get-release-dates- from-fox/

20th Century Fox has picked up the Hugh Jackman-Taron Egerton skiing movie “Eddie the Eagle” and announced it will release the film on April 29, 2016. The inspirational sports movie has that weekend to itself for the moment.

Great news! It has picked up a distribution deal fast and with one of the major studios!

Of course Jackman has been a known hitmaker for FOX. Vaughn directed XMEN:First Class and was involved as writer for Days of Future Past...and his latest directorial triumph was Kinsman. Egerton was the surprise hit in Kingsman.

Fox must have very good expectations for this movie -- as the chosen release date is practically the start of the summer blockbuster season!

[–] bueti-susan 10 years ago

As I just said ... ;)

[–] baj-1 10 years ago

Oops, sorry - I missed your post . I checked before I posted but I guess it took too long to put up my post 

But this is great for the movie! When I saw the official Fox twitter account posting a tweet on Hugh/Taron at the site, I had hoped that they were already talking about a distribution deal. Not only have they agreed to distribute the movie but Fox has also given it a great release date ( right at the start of the summer blockbuster season!

I guess this movie will have strong potential for a wide appeal - -it is a sports comedy/drama -- so expect the male demos to be attracted to this movie, plus the presence of Wolverine will also have great appeal for the action movie fans.

And I am sure the female fan base will not mind Hugh and Taron in a movie together!

Also, while the Winter Olympics does not have the same cachet as the Summer Olympics but early publicity for the summer games ( summer of 2016, in Rio de Janeiro) may redound well on EDDIE THE EAGLE ( whose storyline is rooted in the Calgary Olympics of 1988).

[–] bueti-susan 10 years ago

No problem. I think they are trying to frame it as an inspirational underdog story, rather than a winter sports story. These description from the Deadline article certainly sounds promising.

The film’s portrayal of Edwards’ never-say-die approach to the sport, celebrates the human spirit and resilience in the face of extraordinary odds and challenges.

Also, Matthew Vaughn's characterization of it as a cross between "Breaking Away" and "Slap Shot" is very intriguing. "Breaking Away" was another underdog story, a "light" but brilliant film that earned 5 Oscar nominations (including for Best Picture) and won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Meanwhile, it's harder for me to figure out what aspects of "Slap Shot" might be introduced. It was an R-rated movie with a lot of salty language, but hilarious. Both of these movies are long-time favorites of mine. Paul Newman played a veteran player-coach of a minor league hockey team, teaching the younger players the ropes while trying to save the franchise. Maybe Hugh's character will be a similar type of character. Perhaps without the saltiness. :)

[–] baj-1 10 years ago

Yes, the focus seems to be the human drama about the story of Michael Edwards (aka Eddie the Eagle). They have probably put in the fictional coach story ( a once golden boy skier but now a burnout, seeking redemption through the inspiration from Edwards) to give us a more interesting two-hander story! But there is also mention that this likewise has comedic elements to the story - so it could be a wide- appealing storyline and characterizations.

I wonder why Matthew Vaughn did not choose to direct and/or write ( or do any polishing of the script) for this film? In that podcast, he did say he suggested to Dexter Fletcher that he sees the movie as a cross between Break Away and Slap Shot...and that he says he aims to be around for the entire filming ( at least in the mountain filming) and that he may even write during that time about a possible sequel to Kingsman.

It is likely that his name, in combination with Hugh Jackman of course, were the magic words for FOX.

[–] bueti-susan 10 years ago

Vaughn was involved earlier on and, per this article from December

http://news.yahoo.com/eddie-eagle-edwards-movie-works-080000062.html

he was expected to be named as the director. It's not clear to me if they just decided the up-and-coming (as a director, at least) Fletcher was ready for this opportunity or if Vaughn had other projects to prepare for.

I expect Fox was interested as soon as Vaughn was involved.

[–] baj-1 10 years ago

LOL- Vaughn has a history of walking away from FOX projects. He was supposed to direct XMEN 3 but left the project and Brett Ratner was asked to direct it, seeing that a release date has already been set.

For XMEN:Days of Future Past, he was initially announced as its first director, but again he left the project...and Bryan Singer returned to the FOX fold to direct it. Ironically, when Bryan Singer was being sought to direct XMEN3, he put his other project (Superman Returns?) ahead and earned the ire of Fox. There was such a brouhaha then -- but all was forgiven when he took over from Vaughn for Days of Future Past . Vaughn did help put together the storyline for DOFP, although before that, he did direct FIRST CLASS ( with that famous Jackman cameo).

Re EDDIE THE EAGLE - I wonder if it was Vaughn who approached Hugh ( through Patrick Whitesell) for the role. Or did Fox itself suggest him? I have a feeling that Vaughn must have been negotiating for a distribution deal much earlier.

It must be interesting to know all that happens behind the scenes 

[–] bueti-susan 10 years ago

Vaughn "walked away" from Days of Future Past onto another Fox project, Kingsman, which is doing quite well, so I don't think there is a bad relationship there.

Did you listen to that podcast that was referenced earlier? His description of how that happened was quite interesting, especially if you like the behind the scenes intrigue. Vaughn explained that he had delivered a first treatment for DoFP (about 12 pages), and was only then surprised to learn that Bryan Singer still had first right of refusal to direct the film. While he said Singer was a "gentleman" and immediately stepped aside, I believe it miffed Vaughn a little bit to learn this at that late point in time. Singer was still contractually obligated to Warner Brothers at to complete Jack the Giant Slayer, but when the possibility of doing Kingsman came along, Vaughn was drawn to it. He tried to convince Fox to defer the filming of DoFP until after Kingsman, but they needed it sooner, and Singer was available earlier, so that's what happened.

Oh, and there is the part about Eddie the Eagle, too, to keep on topic for this board. ;)

The podcast.
http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=43395

[–] baj-1 10 years ago

I listened for a few minutes...but then decided to skip to where he was going to start talking about EDDIE THE EAGLE. I wasn't that keen to listen to listen to the rest -- not exactly interested in what Vaughn had to say on other stuff. Actually, Empire transcribed the key points of that podcast and I only went to read the Eddie stuff again, to make sure I heard everything right.

Not sure whether the return of Singer had happened after Rothman left Fox and Gianopulos became sole head. Maybe it was with Rothman with whom Singer had the original diagreements about XMEN3?

But I guess in the film business, there are no permanent enemies 

[–] bueti-susan 10 years ago

Yes, I also skipped through intending just to listen to the "Eddie" part, but I caught the tail-end of the DoFP discussion which came just before, so I rewound and listened to that as well. I do prefer to go straight to the source for info rather than transcripts or somebody else's spin on them.

Indeed, if money is to be made, personal disagreements will often take a back seat.

At any rate, Fox's involvement in this project certainly bodes well. I hope that they are able to convey the underdog spirit of Eddie's story in a fun and inspiring way.

[–] baj-1 10 years ago

This is the FOX retweet that set me thinking...and hoping 

20th Century Fox retweeted

Hugh Jackman @RealHughJackman
· Mar 9
Day #1 on the set of #EddieTheEagle, with my mate Taron Egerton.
https://instagram.com/p/0AzMFXihLE/

[–] baj-1 10 years ago

BoxOfficeMojo has not listed Eddie the Eagle as yet -- but based on the previous and succeeding week listings, it will be released between the release of THE HUNTSMAN of Universal Studios ( presumably the sequel to Snow White and the Huntsman?) for the prior week and CAPTAIN AMERICA : Civil War of Buena Vista/Disney Studios for the succeeding week.

LOL - it has to traipse between a fairy tale and a superhero tale 

Hope audiences find the appeal of a real-life sports drama/comedy more to their general taste 

[–] baj-1 10 years ago

The film will be distributed in the UK by Lionsgate, with Fox handling all other international releases.

Lionsgate takes 'Eddie the Eagle' for UK

16 March, 2015 | By Andreas Wiseman

<i>UK deal struck with Matthew Vaughn’s Marv Films.</I>

Lionsgate UK has struck a deal with Matthew Vaughn’s Marv Films for rights to Eddie the Eagle, the biopic of British ski jumper Michael Edwards.

Hugh Jackman and Taron Egerton star in the biopic directed by Dexter Fletcher, which has just started production in the Alps and moves to the UK next month.

Lionsgate plans to release the film in the UK in Spring 2016. It will be distributed by 20th Century Fox in all other territories worldwide.

Edwards won the hearts of many sports fans by making a catastrophic showing at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.

Kingsman: The Secret Service star Egerton plays Eddie the Eagle and Hugh Jackman plays a ski jumping expert from Lake Placid who helps him train for the Olympics.

Vaughn, Adam Bohling, David Reid, Rupert Maconick and Valerie Van Galder are producing the film from a screenplay by Sean Macaulay.

Lionsgate UK CEO Zygi Kamasa said: “When you combine Eddie The Eagle, Hugh Jackman, Taron Egerton, Matthew Vaughn and Dexter Fletcher making one of the biggest British movies for many years you’ve got something that’s unmissable.

“I’m the first one in line to pay to see that film and I don’t think there isn’t an adult in the UK who won’t want to join me. Charming, funny and emotional - audiences are going to love this.”

Matthew Vaughn added: “Eddie the Eagle is the feel good inspirational movie the world needs now more than ever. The enthusiasm from Lionsgate, and in particular Zygi Kamasa, is so gratifying to everyone involved in the making of the film. We are delighted they are our partners.”

It is going to be a refreshing change in a season that is usually filled with superhero tales, fairy tales, action movies, and comedies with sophomoric themes.