The only person to dare give the scoop on the film world of Jerry Bruckheimer is GORGO, who stomped through London and basically just kicked London's buildings into rubble. Pretty cool beastie, and as you can see by the following report on the world of Jerry Bruckheimer. Here we go, his development slate seems fairly massive!!!
Just wanted to correct you (and maybe pass along a little info) on the Bad Boys 2 info you have on your 1998 list. First, Michael Bay will not direct this. Tom Dey (a newcomer) was set to direct the last I heard. Michael Bay had first crack at it according to Bruckheimer, but decided to pass (about a month before The Rock hit big) because he was exhausted from making The Rock.
Needless to say, The Rock hit big, Bay got his own production deal with Disney, etc, etc. He and Bruckheimer remain close, obviously . . . I am going crazy waiting for Amageddon.
So what is the deal with this film? Well, about 6 months ago, I heard "officially" it was dead. Correspondingly, a few months after that, the film was removed from the "In Development" part of the Hollywoodreporter's Films In Production section. The reasons were as follows. One, Bruckheimer has "more challenging, and interesting projects in the pipeline". Two, Will Smith has "many offers for many different projects at this time." Three, Columbia Pictures would not insure Martin Lawrence during filming. That is fact, and was for about 6 months.
As always, there's more (and Harry, this falls in the 100% completely unsubstantiated rumor section). [HARRY NOTE: Remember the statement 100% completely unsubstantiated rumor section from here on] From the smoldering ashes of this dead project, a flame remains burning. I've heard now that they ARE trying to get this project up and going and that they are going to knock it out quickly at some point in 1998. Bruckheimer has nothing "ready to go" after Enemy finishes early in 1998. They are talking that they may go ahead without Martin Lawrence (a big mistake in my opinion). Is this Will's project after Wild, Wild, West? Don't know. To sort of knock down this rumor, I have to tell you that I was told that Will Smith was doing Enemy of the State to fulfill his contract for Bad Boys 2 with Bruckheimer.
So, unless you hear differently from a good source, I'd say this project is officially down and out, but don't cross it off Bruckheimer's slate completely. As you know, things can change in a hurry.
[HARRY NOTE: Now we go back to possibly reliable information]
Unless you didn't know, Bruckheimer is also set to do:
Rock 2 (have no idea when, but he is resisting Disney on this one)
Balance of Power (Clear and Present Danger combined with Crimson Tide)
Rogue Warrior (from the Dick Marcinko novel, actually an autobio)
The Muse of the Coyote Ugly Saloon (I won't go there)
Ford Heights Four (tentative title)
A movie about the life of Veronica Guerin (involves Irish crime syndicate)
A movie about three guys who cheat Casinos with their gambling system.
A movie about the true stories of an FBI agent who turned evidence on some of his cohorts.
[HARRY NOTE: GORGO then left. I would reallllly appreciate any further information on those above Jerry projects. As we know, Jerry's flicks usually get us testosterone film junkies hopping in our chairs like Jack Nicholson in a dentist waiting room, so believe you me, I'm interested. Also GORGO returned with the following info about one last project...]
Forgot Apaches on the Jerry Bruckheimer development slate. This is based off the recent novel. Last I heard, Bruce Wllis would do it to finish off his contract for that Disney movie he walked off of (forgot the name). Armageddon and Apaches would relieve him of his contract with Disney.
