HBO's Rome to Make Movie Comeback as Bona Dea
Exciting news for fans of HBO's Rome series: it looks like a film is currently in development, with script writer Bruno Heller penning the project. The film, whose working title is Bona Dea, is due to start filming in Summer 2010 and is scheduled for release in 2011.
For those of you who remember Vorenus, played by Kevin McKidd, on his deathbed at the end of the last series, the good news is that the stalwart centurion is already being written into the script for the new film. In an interview given to Associated Press, now on youtube, McKidd explains that his character may not actually have passed away, but is actually hiding in Germania, far from the empire and from Octavian, who has come to power following the battle of Actium.
In an interview with movieweb, Ray Stevenson, who plays Pullo, confirmed: “It is no longer a smoke and mirrors rumour. The script is in full development.” He adds that Rome's writer and creator, Bruno Heller, is not likely to lose his two central characters: “That guy has a soft spot for Pullo and Vorenus. I don't think he will let the ball drop. I don't think he will disappoint. He never pulled his punches with the hard drama or the social status, or the action sequences. He put full honesty into the characters.”
Of course a film isn't quite the same as a third series - one sitting and it's all over - but this is definitely one to look forward to.
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Yes!!!
(hands in the air!)
I am a total Rome geek.
It's a shame Mark Antony will no longer be in the film.
Hope this works out. It'll be interesting to see what storyline the film will encompass… Also, transition from small to large screen can often be problematical: fingers crossed!
The return of Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo are confirmed (I understand that there will be an explanation for Vorenus's comeback, ie, he wasn't really dead in the last scene of series 2 - rather than the film being a 'prequel' as some have suggested). I don't think they'll be able to pull any such trick with Mark Anthony's character though - he undeniably died after the battle of Actium, and I don't think even the best scriptwriters could get around that...
It WILL be very interesting to see how the series makes the transition to big screen... It worked *quite* well for Sex and the City, but the film version left me feeling like I'd just eaten cake for dinner, too quickly... with all the loose ends tying together a little too neatly and too quickly in time for the final credits, in a way that doesn't happen in a tv series, where there is time to develop tension, character, mood, quiet moments and detail over time. I hope the film version of Rome won't become a potted, neat, sanitised version of its former self, but I fear it might. However, if a third series isn't an option, then I'm looking forward to seeing what Heller will come up with...
*grmbls at Bija* Could you next time put a spoiler alert? I did not get past season I, somewhere halfway yet, and now... he's dead?!!! *cries*
Sorry Ann, I thought most people knew that Mark Antony met a sticky end ;-) As for Vorenus... it seems that nobody is dead in the world of Hollywood scriptwriters!
Bona Dea, indeed! Come keep track of all things Rome Movie here:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=97645771496&ref=ts
Nomad
Some stories and their characers are so dear to us that we imagine different, more suitable endings. I refused to let myself believe that Vorenus actually died. What helped is that we did not actually see his death thus leaving one room to imagine he survived, took some treasure out of Egypt, and settled where he could live in peace and anonymity. After all, he did - and only out of his sense of commitment, loyalty and Roman honour, stay with Mark Antony to the end. Young Caesar could have understood that given his knowledge of the man but a faked death made it easier on everyone. Caesar's favvourable comment on Vorenus at the end and the fact that he did not question his death any further also lent credence that, true or not, he was willing to let it pass. Vorenus had done enough; it was time to get out.
Bija,
These are two fine actors who carried the series. Totally immersed in the entire series and miss it VERY much. A return in any form of these characters will be great. Am 62 and have seen many fine films in my day but, guess can now be classified as a Rome junkie. Shame Heller did not, I guess ??, realize what a hit this would become.
Thanks for your blog and updates.... I scour the net for news of any upcoming release(s).
Just an ol Texan
Fred
I loved the series, being a fan of ancient history & historical fiction. The series took many liberties, but kept the spirit of the times real, and had enough anachronistic humor to remind us it's not a documentary. I had expected Vorenus to recover and take his family to Judah for a while, & Pullo to go along to keep Cesarion in hiding if necessary. That way they could keep the Jewish assassin, a great character, in the series.
Worst thing, in mean while... we must suffer 'Spartacus Blood and Sand' ... :/
I'm thrilled beyond words. Not only did my family faithfully watch the HBO series for two years, but we bought the dvd's of both seasons to enjoy it again with the "special features" section and historical anecdotes. As a former Latin teacher and aficionada of Roman (& Greek) history, I love to "stay connected." We can't wait to see Kevin McKidd and Ray Stevenson grace the big screen. Vorenus and Pullo are the best roles each of them has ever played. Kudos and gratitude to the genius (or Dea Bona) for resuscitating them.
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