Hensleigh Discusses "Punisher 2"
Although "The Punisher" didn't exactly prove to be a massive success, it's far from one of the worst Marvel adaptations out there -- but there's a lot of room for improvement. And writer/director Jonathan Hensleigh seems more than intent on getting back out there, sequel-wise.
From Newsarama: "NRAMA: Are you still working on the sequel to The Punisher?
JH: We’ve been planning one. We’ve been working on one for about two years.
NRAMA: What’s the status on that?
JH: I think we’re going to do it. I think there’s a high likelihood that we’re going to do it. There are many issues involved in the sequel. One has been the timing between my schedule and Thomas Jane’s schedule. The major one has been the content of the script and we’ve been wrestling with script issues for two years now. In other words, normal Hollywood stuff. Once those script issues are resolved and I think they’re going to be resolved very quickly, I think we’re going to make another one.
NRAMA: Will it be done in an urban area?
JH: This will be done in an urban area and Jigsaw is the villain."
--
Click here for the rest of the interview, which also covers the newly-released Extended Cut of "The Punisher."
From Newsarama: "NRAMA: Are you still working on the sequel to The Punisher?
JH: We’ve been planning one. We’ve been working on one for about two years.
NRAMA: What’s the status on that?
JH: I think we’re going to do it. I think there’s a high likelihood that we’re going to do it. There are many issues involved in the sequel. One has been the timing between my schedule and Thomas Jane’s schedule. The major one has been the content of the script and we’ve been wrestling with script issues for two years now. In other words, normal Hollywood stuff. Once those script issues are resolved and I think they’re going to be resolved very quickly, I think we’re going to make another one.
NRAMA: Will it be done in an urban area?
JH: This will be done in an urban area and Jigsaw is the villain."
--
Click here for the rest of the interview, which also covers the newly-released Extended Cut of "The Punisher."
Related Items
| Celeb: | Jonathan Hensleigh |
| Thomas Jane | |
| Movie: | The Punisher |
(1-18 of 18 posts) | Reply
on Dec 06 2006 03:59 AM The punisher was cool. I'm in for number 2. (Reply to this) |
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on Dec 06 2006 07:48 AM I only recently found out they made another Punisher a few years back, either the film or the marketing campaign sucked. I originally thought this was a sequal to the terrible Dalph Lundrean version from the early 90's Can anyone tell me which version was actually better, or if a sequal is worth making rather than restarting the series from scratch? (Reply to this) |
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on Dec 06 2006 09:13 AM The Thomas Jane version is much better. It has some really cool fight scenes. The only real problem the movie has is Travolta's bad acting. I'm all for the sequel if it has more violence and better bad guys. (Reply to this) |
on Dec 06 2006 09:21 AM Yea the original Punisher was pretty campy. But that asian chick with the knife-earrings was pretty hot. And she whooped some ass too. (Reply to this) |
on Dec 06 2006 10:08 AM [b]I've been hoping for Punisher 2[/b] I thought the first was alright. It wasn't the best. But it wasn't horrible ya know. I think Hulk and Electra showed what Horrible is. I'm just hoping for a better storyline this time around. (Reply to this) |
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on Dec 06 2006 10:27 AM So why does everybody hate Elektra anyway? Can somebody give me some examples that'll make me say. "Oh yeah, maybe it did suck."? I thought it was kinda cool. Elektra was decent. The villains were tight. You got those dissolving ninjas. You got a big black man who can't even get slowed down by a friggin Mossberg. You got that dude with all kinds of animals coming outta his tattoos. It was dope. (Reply to this) |
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on Dec 06 2006 11:33 AM In reply to this comment (#850469) Ok, I'll try my best... SO Elektra is the world's deadliest assassin, and out of nowhere, she randomly develops this sense of morality and compassion for her next target, after supressing such humanity for her entire career? That's dumb. And dissolving ninjas? You thought that was "cool," or "bitchin"? That showed a real lack of creativity. "Hey, we don't know what to do w/ the enemies when they die, I got an idea, lets just make them explode into a poof of green smoke! GREAT IDEA!" The villians were f*cking lame, and the fact that they were just tossed into the movie w/out any backstory or introduction didn't help the fact. The love story between Elektra and the guy she was supposed to kill wasn't a story at all; there was nothing there, it was flat, and never should have happened in the first place. The acting was pretty bad. Didn't the little girl have a ribbon or bracelet for a weapon or something? A FRICKIN' BRACELET! Not to mention she was an annoying little b!tch. And you know the movie is bad when they need to rely on a kiss between the two hottest stars of the film, even though they're trying to kill each other (I know, I know, the point was that her kiss was poisonous or something, yeah, I'm pretty sure Typhoid Mary couldn't do that in the comics, YOU KNOW they added that JUST so they could have a make out scene w/ her and J. Garner), just to get some kind of response from the audience. There's probably like a hundred other things I could point out for you if I were to watch the film again (I've only seen it once), but I'd probably end up digging my eyes out with a fork or something, so I won't attempt it. You are probably the first person I've come across brave enough to admit liking this film, so I'll give you credit for that, but you should still feel bad for yourself. About the Punisher sequal, though, I was glad to hear that they're going for a Manhattan-esque location for the setting. That was probably the biggest thing that bothered me about the first film, though definitely not the only thing. I think this sequal's got serious potential, can't wait. (Reply to this) |
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on Dec 06 2006 12:09 PM In reply to this comment (#850470) HAHA! I didn't use the word "bitchin"! HAHA! Anyway, thanks for the input. Yeah, I guess you're right. The "love story" was gay. The little girl being the "chosen one" or whatever was kinda gay. The villains not having back stories was ok with me. That would've just been a longer movie for you to hate if they provide back stories for all them villains. The ninjas dissolving, while not "bitchin", was still cool. It just added some sort of supernatural vibe to those scenes, which I was down with. The girl on girl kiss? I could've cared less. Please, I'm twenty something. I'm "gettin some", if you know what I mean. Once again, thanks for your input russian man. You make good points. But I'll still say that I liked it... And I don't feel bad for myself... (Reply to this) |
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on Dec 06 2006 12:23 PM Is the extended cut for The Punisher a lot better than the theatrical version? (Reply to this) |
on Dec 06 2006 03:13 PM In reply to this comment (#850472) They both have the lame dance number with the sidekicks. Talk about a way to sink a movie. I noticed no real difference. (Reply to this) |
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on Dec 06 2006 03:41 PM Regarding Elektra, it's not as bad as people make it out to be. People, especially fanboys, love to jump on the "bad bandwagon" regarding the quality of films, comics, etc. Elektra doesn't just have a sudden change of heart for no reason. She meets a girl that reminds her of herself. They have certain traits in common which only increase when the girl is revealed to be the "chosen one" which was a rank Elektra had as a kid. Elektra can't kill her, since she has sympathy for her. Also, she can't kill the kid's dad, since Elektra's parents will killed as a youth. This sent Elektra down a path which includes being an assassin. She doesn't want this girl to go through what she went through. Sounds like character development to me...something most comic book movies don't have (especially the tepid and uninspired X-Men movies). The romance is lame and forced. It's not terrible, but it's rather unnecessary. No background for the villains? Who cares? Really. They serve their purpose. The main bad guy (the Hand leader's son) is responsible for killing Elektra's dad. His ambition even places him at odds with his father. Elektra has reason to hate him and want to kill him. While not spending as much time on it, this relationship between hero/villain is as strong as say Spider-Man/Green Goblin who have no reason to hate each other so much. At least, GG has no reason to hate Spidey. I do with Bob Sapp lasted a little bit longer in the film, though. I really don't see how someone could hate Elektra and like Punisher. Punisher was deplorable. While Elektra tried to develop the main character, from a rather bland (personality-wise in the comics) character, Punisher tried to "develop" Punisher by making him drink alcohol (doesn't make sense to be "at war" and be drunk at the same time) and giving him stupid neighbors to defend. The "Welcome Back, Frank" was a rather lame comic story, whose only saving grace is the extreme violence. The movie shies away from extreme violence (despite current critics' oversensitivity) for most of the film and is left with the weak and out-of-place neighbor characters to carry the film. The Harry Heck character has a ridiculous yet oddly enjoyable set-up but ends up just being in a lame car chase. Why wasn't this character used in a Mexican stand-off scene. Wouldn't that have made more sense for that character? Travolta is terrible in villain roles, and his scenes are downright hard to watch. I much prefer the more subtle villainy in Elektra than the overacting Travolta stuff anyday. The Russian scene is the highlight of the film, but it's alone in a sea of mediocrity. The Punisher himself just doesn't feel right either. What should be a simple revenge flick with Frank Castle just mowing down the people responsible for his family's murder, instead is a film about Castle sitting around alot and then enacting a Machiavellian plot to get the bad guys to kill each other. This isn't the Punisher. It's the Manipulator. Too often, filmmakers shy away from making their main character too stoic and simple. They feel they have to add unnecessary layers to characters that are interesting for their apparent simplicity. We then get an alcoholic Punisher that hangs out with his neighbors and a Hellboy that now acts like Spider-Man (wisecrackign teenager in love). The Punisher as a whole movie feels chunky and uneven. It's not sure of what it wants to be or how it wants to portray its lead character. Translating Garth Ennis' early Punisher stories is not an easy task. For the sequel, I suggest they try adapting Ennis' MAX Punisher stories. They're more straight-forward, gritty Punisher stories where Castle is a force of nature. (Reply to this) |
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on Dec 06 2006 06:40 PM Maybe Elektra would have been better if she got the twins out? I'm up for a sequel if she gets naked! The Russian in the Punisher was awsome! (Reply to this) |
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on Dec 06 2006 08:22 PM They need to bring the Punisher guy and put him in the DOOM world. Doom sucked because there was a lack of a bad ass and the Punishmer would fit in. And Doom sucked because of a weak story and script etc etc. Thomas Jane really wasnt that good but I don't blame him. The Punisher was just your typical stupid action movie. They really need to go in another direction. Heck have Alex Cox direct or write it (Reply to this) |
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on Dec 06 2006 09:06 PM [b]My problem with Elektra....[/b] My problem with the Elektra movie is that it was just so horribly generic and bland, which was made even worse by the fact that this was a licensed a character, not to mention one that had already been introduced and featured prominently in a really successful movie. This reminds me, why does Daredevil get such a bad rap? I mean, regardless of what you thought about the actual movie itself, it WASN'T a bomb. The way some folks talk about it, you'd think it DIDN'T make 100 million (give or take) and that it was some sort of career killer, when in fact, it was one of Affleck's biggest movies where HE was the star. It was definitely more successful than anything that ex-fiance of his had done, yet SHE'S treated like she's biggest (OK, maybe second or third biggest) star in the universe. ANYWAY, Elektra was an established character in comics and (again, regardless of what your personal thoughts about DD were) she'd had some major screen time in a successful film, so with a pretty hefty amount of material to work from and a lot of the "getting to know you" stuff out of the way, a spin-off that would have appealed to fans of either of her past appearances should have been at least halfway decent, right? ELEKTRA (the movie) threw everything out the window and may as well have just been any other cut-and-paste actioner with a female lead. There wasn't really any reference to her appearance in Daredevil besides mentioning that she had died and just wasn't dead anymore. No flashbacks, no cameos (unless you count that one deleted scene), and even lamer yet, they changed her origin for some odd reason. Her mom HADN'T been killed by Kingpin (which was implied in DD), but was instead wasted by ninjas? Oh, and they couldn't get the same actor from before to play her father? Whatever. This movie took everything that worked before and outright ignored it. What's the point in doing a spin-off/pseudo-sequel if you aren't going to connect yourself in any way to what got you there in the first place? Elektra LOOKED good, like it had decent production values, but it ended up being such a hollow movie, made even worse by the fact that it completely alienated what could have been a built-in audience. I actually had high expectations for it going in (being a fan of the character from the Daredevil movie and comics) but left the theater feeling like I had completely wasted my time, as I could have stayed home and watched any straight-to-video action flick on HBO, and it would have been more interesting. Oh, and to get somewhat back to the original responses to this article (sort of), I thought that the 2004 Punisher was OK. Believe it or not though, the original Lundgren flick had a better story, at least in my opinion. He was already in full "One Man Army" mode, mowing down criminals left and right, and he was caught in the middle of an international gang war. The opening action scene with Punisher picking off guys in a mobster's mansion holds up pretty well when compared to similar stuff from that era. Also, Lundgren HIMSELF wasn't too bad, but most of everything else around him was lacking. I still can't understand why they couldn't have thrown a fifteen dollar t-shirt with the logo on it on the poor guy. I mean, back in about '88 or so when this thing was getting made, the Punisher's popularity was really ramping up, and there was merchandise all over the place. (Reply to this) |
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on Dec 07 2006 04:04 AM In reply to this comment (#850474) I think you made some really good points there regarding The Punisher film ala 2004 (cant comment on Elektra, havent seen it). I'm a massive fan of The Punisher, he's are the only comics I read so I was looking farward to the 2004 movie. After seeing it I kind of forced myself into liking it but after repeat veiwings it doesnt hold up! The biggest issue is that it doesnt capture the character of the Punisher - your point about him being The Manipulator was bang on. The whole point of The Punisher is that he punishes people. Like tieing peoples intestines to trees when they are alive to get information from them. Its not a question of whether what he is doing is right - he never condones his action, he just does it out of hate, fury and vengance. Someone mentioned 'force of nature' and it was dead on. To me thats an intruging concept and the film didnt capture it at all. Also the pacing and tone were completely out! It was too campy and I just dont rate Hensleigh as a director. The flashes of lightning that coinside with Franks rage? Please. If the new film is going to be good it needs to hone in with the consept of Frank Castle - The Punisher, take itself seriously, keep a low, violent tone throughout and get some desent ass kicking action in there. Ideally get a director in who understands and respects the source material. I dont hold out much hope but I can still pray. (Reply to this) |
on Dec 08 2006 06:08 AM [b]OK. HEAR THIS, EVERYONE.[/b] Alright. Hear this, everyone and ESPECIALLY those who like dissing DAREDEVIL, and (Hensleigh's) the PUNISHER: DAREDEVIL was a fantastic, great film--- which with the utmost HONOR told very beautifully the story of Kitchen's blind Superhero! BEN AFFLECK -- to those out there who enjoy to bash him -- is a VERY GOOD actor-- who did a very fine job portraying Matt Murdock. He did such a fine job-- that I feel he was BORN to portray him. I can't imagine anyone else as DAREDEVIL anymore! I think he should return into DD's costume for a sequel. (the ONLY thing which I feel marred the film, was the 'campiness' of the Murdock/Elektra relationship in the beginning of the movie-- but only that). I want to encourage Mr. Johnathan Hensleigh-- please DO MAKE PUNISHER 2. Because I think PUNISHER 1 was a fantastic adaptation. A FANTASTIC ONE! It's language, atmoshphere, look --- every single scene spoke FRANK CASSELL! Thomas Jane did a PERFECT job. 100 percent of it. Jane is the PUNISHER. His voice, his body, that lost look in his eyes (after his awful personal tragedy)... Hensleigh did a perfect, WORTHY adaptation for the PUNISHER! THE PUNISHER riegns as a great adaptation of a MARVEL character-- in the SAME LEVEL with SPIDERMAN!! The ever pessimistic naysayers who can't see this need to get thier heads out of thier asses-- and stop loving thier OWN SARCASM!! These dumb surcastics could not recognise a good comic-book adaptation movie-- if it bit them on thier lofty, proudy ASSES! (Reply to this) |
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on Dec 08 2006 08:06 AM In reply to this comment (#850479) Your're certainly entitles to your opinion, but for me the 2004 Punisher was NOT faithful to the source material. Think about how Frank went about his mission of vengance...setting up fire hydrants to get people parking tickets? The 'freindly' interrogation with an ice lolly??? That is not The Punisher. Its not what he's about. Also, as I've said, the tone and atmoshphere of the film was way off. It was too muddled. And for an action film there was nowhere near enough action. However I do agree with you regarding Tom Jane, he gave a very accurate adaptation of the character. And I dont think the film was awful, there were certainly parts that I really enjoyed, its just that overall it was lacking. Again, thats just my personal take on it, but I'm entitled to my opinion in saying I think it was below par every bit as much as you are for saying the film was a perfect adaptaion. So dont ever say I need to get 'my head out of my ass' kid!!! I did notice you dont seem to back up your points with any facts. The Punisher movie is the same level as the Spiderman movie? How? Every single scene spoke Frank Castle? How? You give your opinions, which you have every right to, but you talk like they're fact. They're not. Neither are mine, but I dont pretend that they are. I also consider myself a big Punisher fan, collecting the comics from way back when, and I also make independant movies too - so I do know a bit about both. Talking down to people the way you did makes you out to be an arrogant fool who only has time for his own views - you would be wise to drop that attitude in life! One thing I will say in Hensleigh's defense is that the film sis not have the $30m budget that was touted. A lot of the money got tied up in bonds and legal issues which halfed the budget to around $15m, so with regards to the action I think they did very well with what they had. This doesnt, however, excuse a bad script and poor tone. "Good buisiness is it, killing? Do you get paid for each one or do you get a group disscount?" Please, that line made my stomache churn, as did many others. Humor is great when handled right and kept in context. The Punisher is suited to very dark humor (which is seen a lot in the MAX titles), not this cornball crap. The source material needs to be taken seriously if the sequal is to work. In my opinon. (Reply to this) |
on Dec 09 2006 12:30 PM Is this the thread where you're supposed to post your essays on Elektra Daredevil, and other comic to film adaptations?....oh I see it is. Seriously this thread is enjoyable. J.P. I don't know if your crazy, or just have an elaborate sense of humor. (Reply to this) |
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