Babylon 5

[Brian in Mesa]

Babylon 5 Movie Starts Filming in April
Source: Production Weekly
December 8, 2004

Steven Beck will direct a big screen adaptation of the popular sci-fi TV series Babylon 5. The movie, titled The Memory of Shadows, is intended for theatrical release and was written by series creator J. Michael Straczynski. Production Weekly reports that the project starts filming this April in the UK.

In "Shadows," the technology of the ancient and extinct Shadow race is being unleashed upon the galaxy by an unknown force, and Earthforce intelligence officer Diane Baker, whose brother was recently killed in a mysterious explosion, it out to find out who is behind the intergalactic conspiracy.

Joining her is Galen, a techno-mage who has been charged with keeping the technology out of the hands of those who would abuse it.

 

[Brian in Mesa]

...not so fast...


Babylon 5 Movie Has Dead Ended
Source: J. Michael Straczynski
February 26, 2005

In December, there were reports that Steven Beck was going to direct a big screen adaptation of the popular sci-fi TV series Babylon 5 starting in April. The movie, titled The Memory of Shadows, was intended for theatrical release and was written by series creator J. Michael Straczynski.

Now, Straczynski has revealed in this post that the project won't be happening. Here's a clip:

In the end, however, the deal could [not] be put together, and it did not look as if that was going to change at any point in the foreseeable future. So the option has reverted, and to all intents and purposes, the project has dead ended. Nor do I think this particular incarnation will arise again at any point in the future, though prognostication has always been a tricky art, especially if you have to do it without the benefit of hindsight.

 

[Brian in Mesa]

The latest news:

Babylon 5: The Lost Tales Coming to DVD
Source: Warner Home Video
November 13, 2006

Warner Home Video (WHV) and Warner Bros. Television (WBTV) have announced the start of production of Babylon 5: The Lost Tales, a made-for-video movie that will be targeted towards the "Babylon 5" loyal audience and science-fiction fans in general. The announcement was jointly made by Jeff Brown, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Non-theatrical Franchise, Warner Home Video and Gregg Maday, Senior Vice President, Movies and Miniseries, WBTV.

WHV will be the home entertainment distributor for this made-for-DVD release which will include two new "Babylon 5" stories collectively entitled "Voices of the Dark" in one film plus exclusive behind the scenes content. The stories will be written and directed by executive producer and original "Babylon 5" creator J. Michael Straczynski. Executive producer Doug Netter also returns in that role. Actors from the original series that have signed on to participate in the project include Bruce Boxleitner (President John Sheridan), Tracy Scoggins (Captain Elizabeth Lochley) and Peter Woodward (Galen).

"Babylon 5" is a top selling franchise on DVD to date with over $44 million in consumer sales. Launched in February 1993, the award winning series was a top rated show on television with more than 13.7 million viewers in its debut season. After its original planned five-year run – introducing the concept of a five year arc before other TV series began to use multi-season arcs -- the show went on to enjoy 9 successful years in syndication and cable on the SCI FI Channel and TNT. It also spurred the creation of five feature length movies based on the series including "The Gathering," "In the Beginning," "Thirdspace," "River of Souls" and "A Call to Arms," as well as the limited series "Crusade."

"We are very excited to be releasing this new made-for-video release filled with original content for 'Babylon 5,' one of the most successful science fiction series of all time," said Jeff Brown. "This popular TV show which has been off the air for a few years continues to have a strong loyal fan base that is hungry for more content. This is the first time we're utilizing one of our popular TV franchises as a made-for-video title, and we have a strong commitment to the growth of this sector."

"It's great to be reunited with Joe and Doug once again," commented Maday. "I have always been very proud to be associated with their wonderful work on 'Babylon 5' and I'm confident the 'Lost Tales' will add to the legacy of this very special franchise."

On an immense space station built by the Earth Alliance in the 2250s, the crew of Babylon 5 are charged with maintaining the peace among the various alien races by providing a sanctuary where grievances and negotiations can be worked out among duly appointed ambassadors. Aside from its diplomatic function, Babylon 5 also serves as a military post for Earth and a port of call for travelers, traders, businessmen, criminals, and Rangers. The story of "The Lost Tales" picks up several years after the events of its original story, and follows several of its major characters in new adventures set against the backdrop of the Babylon 5 universe.

 

[Ryanwb]

So is this your post in this thread for 2006?

(1 post per year)

 

[Brian in Mesa]

So is this your post in this thread for 2006?

(1 post per year)

Next update will be March 2007 or so.