Turn Advertising Off
 
    Archive      DVD News      TV News      Features      Interviews      Deals      Dollars      Announcements      Top Stories

McG Wants Will Smith for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea?

Source:  Latino Review
Latino Review caught up with Terminator Salvation director McG and pressed some questions about his upcoming project 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It turns out he's trying to get Will Smith to play his main character Nemo:

McG talked a bit about his idea and all of a sudden I heard him say, "The character Nemo in this film is more about obsession, he is obsessed and people tend to forget that when you become so obsessed you end up being the villain."

McG continues, "'Man I'm trying to get Will Smith to do it, been trying to get a hold of him. I've been wanting to work with him for a long time already. That guy's great."


The film is an origin story of Nemo as he creates his warship, the Nautilus. The characters come from the Jules Verne novel.

The 1954 original "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" was the first live-action film made by Walt Disney, became the second-highest grossing film that year and won three Oscars.


28 Comments


January 19th, 2009 4:03pm
"For one will smith doesn't look Indian enough and two he's Black..."
Please tell me you weren't trying to make a point with that "opening statement." I about died with laughter. "Smith doesn't look Indian enough..." Now, that's funny. {though I don't think that was your intention}.
  (Delete)
January 18th, 2009 10:07pm
For one will smith doesn't look Indian enough and two he's Black.No offense to black people but this movie should take place way earlier than the 20,000 lgs movie and it took place before the civil war.My point is that It is not likely a black captain would be able to pull it off in those days.Will Smith is one of my favorite actors and is AWSOME in everything he's in,But not this one!I could see Ben Kingsley as a good captain nemo.
  (Delete)
January 18th, 2009 11:12am
I like the idea that they are trying to pursue here. At Will Smith's early career he was good, not great but good. His recent work like I AM LEGEND, HANCOCK, THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS AND SEVEN POUNDS were incredible. I definatley think that Will Smith can pull it off. So I am loooking foward to seeing this movie!
  (Delete)
January 16th, 2009 2:48am
"Hey Chad, I stand by my post 100 percent. Will Smith is in the same boat as Julia Roberts (job one: putting butts in seats). McG said "I've been wanting to work with him and that guy's great" -- what the fuck do you expect him to say -- he is great -- at getting butts in seats and at being Will Smith. Of course he wants him, for the reason I stated, hell so would I if I had a stake in the project and just wanted box office -- it is a biz afterall. But if I wanted a seriously good film (lasting, iconic) I'd have a damn good story and exceptional actors (major chops). There is no way Will would make a great Nemo. I like Will in many roles, but this one is not right for him."

This is all speculation and assuming too much lol. You don't know McG, maybe he secretly has a crush on Fresh Prince when he was younger (sexually or nonsexually) and always wanted to work with him? Since you are now basing everything in this article as assumption and no facts whatsoever, let's see...McG is also a scientist and he has cured cancer but no one knows about it yet. What other stuff can we make up at the top of my head... oh sorry that wasn't in the article? My bad.

Back to the facts.
Will Smith = talented...everything lol.
Julia Roberts = fugly no talent actress.
= Terrible comparison lol

And my main question to you is why do you assume that McG only wants him cause his name is Will Smith? Yeah, I'm sure the studio that makes the picture would want a big name like that, but as a director, I don't think that's what directors think of when they want to cast somebody. Will Smith is big, but not that big. He's been in a few good movies, but nothing has given him the credibility he deserves. He can keep doing Happiness and Seven Pounds type of films, but it won't make him a legend sort of speak. For example, if you take Brad Pitt, he has numerious legendary films like Snatch that Will Smith could never touch. Hell, now everytime I think of Achilles I think of Brad Pitt in Troy. Whether you like that movie or not, Brad Pitt was awesome. Another legendary character. Honestly, I'd like to see Will as a Ghostbuster, I think that would be his legendary character. He needs one. Christian Bale has Batman, Tobey has Spiderman, Hugh Jackman has Wolverine, Johnny Depp has several- Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, and Sweeney Todd. Robert Downey Jr. has Iron Man, Ron Perlman has Hellboy, Elija Wood has Froto, and Oliver Platt-Kiefer Sutherland-Charlie Sheen have The Three Musketeers lol. All these actors are huge because they took on a legendary character from all places, be it books, comics, or old short stories. Not saying Will Smith is right for this, I'm just saying it's not like he's a bad choice.
  (Delete)
January 15th, 2009 5:58pm
I think they could make it work.
But McG hasn't even asked Will Smith, yet...
  (Delete)
January 15th, 2009 11:16am
That could work as well Vamp, despite how much i'd love to see Ben Kingsley in this role, he plays a great indian. Not only did he do a spellbinding performance in Ghandi but he is also playing the bad guy in the new Prince Of Persia film.

If you move the location Zz then it wouldn't be Captain Nemo it'd be more like Captain Smith Of Africa
  (Delete)
January 15th, 2009 10:00am
I like the idea, but isn't Captain Nemo supposed to be Asian? Hmmmm. Why not try and get the guy they got to play Captain Nemo in "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen." He was great as the character, and he couldn't be TOO much older. lolz!
  (Delete)
January 15th, 2009 9:52am
Definitely Will Smith...
And as I said before; simply move the action from India to Africa, and you have a great film...
Hopefully McG gets a hold of Smith.
  (Delete)
January 15th, 2009 2:46am
I get what brunchking is saying but really you can't comment on the production yet because we haven't seen nada.

And yes it is true because people now see Will Smith as a icon of acting, when the name 'Will Smith' or another class-A actor is slammed on a production, then they do rake in more profit or as Brunch put it 'get more butts in sit.'

Would you go see a Captain Nemo film starring Jason Rodriguez
or
A film starring Will Smith as Captain Nemo.

Will Smith's career has recently soared to new heights since The Pursuit Of Happiness & I Am Legend (because he held I Am Legend on his own and still made ir a box office success).
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 11:48pm
Hey Chad, I stand by my post 100 percent. Will Smith is in the same boat as Julia Roberts (job one: putting butts in seats). McG said "I've been wanting to work with him and that guy's great" -- what the fuck do you expect him to say -- he is great -- at getting butts in seats and at being Will Smith. Of course he wants him, for the reason I stated, hell so would I if I had a stake in the project and just wanted box office -- it is a biz afterall. But if I wanted a seriously good film (lasting, iconic) I'd have a damn good story and exceptional actors (major chops). There is no way Will would make a great Nemo. I like Will in many roles, but this one is not right for him.

BTW, I like that tardhatch comment I'll have to remember that one, you scroat! lol
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 8:36pm
brunchking, delete your comment, re-read the article and type your comment. I'll let you have a retry cause apparantly you didn't read it correctly lol. McG said he personally like Will Smith and that is why he wants him to be involved. Where you got "They are worried about drawing crowds based on name and not a good production" is beyond me lol. Who is worried? McG? He is one person. ONE. Not they. And I doubt he is worried since they could have any good actor play the part. It's not like he said or "they" (lol) said "we can't do this movie without Big Willy". Just relax you tardhatch and stop pulling shit out of the article that isn't there. "Oh and they don't want to do the movie cause they want a sea horse instead of a giant squid" lol...you might as well had said that. Pwned. Now that I'm done making fun of you, you can go ahead and delete your comment and repost a "smart" one.
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 7:48pm
What Vis said. i mean it would be weird, although it worked in League. Still, Smith can pull it off. And Kingseley as perfect a fit he is, I dont think hes naval looking, or whatever enough. he looks to delicate for the role.
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 4:02pm
And Schilke, origin stories usually detail the characters 'origin stories'. Therefore, Nemo would be much younger, and age throughout the film.
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 4:00pm
What about Ben Kingsley?

Before people comment on his colour, yes he is part indian and also see Ghandi
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 4:00pm
It's a great novel, and I'd love to see more of Captain Nemo's backstory. In the book,The Mysterious Island, Nemo is an Indian prince, whose family gets murdered and kingdom destroyed. He then dedicates his life to science.

Move the action to Africa. Same story. Different setting.
I see no problem in WIll Smith playing this character.
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 3:07pm
In the words of Will Smith -- Aww, Hell no!

The fact that they are trying this indicates to me that this project will suck. They are worried about drawing crowds based on name and not a good production. Really sad to read this.
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 3:05pm
Gary Oldman would eat this role up too.
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 3:05pm
Are you kidding ? This is a terrible casting idea. Will Smith is "ok" , but just isn't cut out for a role like this. He is too full of himself to take this character seriously. Plus, Nemo should be slightly older. Connery or Harrison Ford perhaps.........too bad Sean retired.
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 12:52pm
Interesting. I could actually see this. I don't think in this day and age I'd be able to take an Indian seriously as a captain of a giant warship anyways
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 12:09pm
Nemo was indian!
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 11:25am
Mcg is really busy, this film will be a cash cow for sure, will smith i am not to sure of but hey the book was good so let's give it a go.
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 11:20am
Wasn't Captain Nemo asian or persian something like that.

I really can't see Smith in this role despite the fact that he is a very versatile actor.
If it's animated then i'd say yeah go for it, but live-action nah.

I also agree with Chad Vital, i've been waiting for someone to update this for ages too ahhh, the old version is still classic though with the collassal squid
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 10:56am
Hell no! Will smith is great in all,but doesn't strike me as the nemo type! Bad Idea McG!If this movie follows nemo as a young man will smith is getting a little to old for the part!that movie is one of my favorites that Walt Disney did and I,ve read the JV book.I just can't see will as Nemo!Maybe the fish but not the famous Captain Nemo
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 10:34am
Yeah I agree about this

Will Smith can play any role. Well. And since it is him I probably watch it.

Although I still am pulling for Fresh Prince Movie
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 7:30am
Will Smith is like crack right now. Seriously, what haven't people been trying to cast him for? Thank God he is such an incredible actor, or it would be really annoying :D
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 7:21am
will smith is the man and ill watch any movie he acts in
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 4:31am
I do not know about Will Smith though.
  (Delete)
January 14th, 2009 4:22am
I've had this idea for like 3 years now saying they should make a new, uptodate version of this. It's about time somebody in Hollywood caught up lol good lord. This has blockbuster/cash cow written all over it.
  (Delete)

User Name:
Password:
 
Don"t have an account?
Get One Now!
LATEST COMMENTED STORIES
MOST ACTIVE IN THE LAST 10 DAYS
MOST COMMENTED STORIES OF ALL TIME
TOP FILM STORIES
EXCLUSIVE: John Cusack & Amanda Peet Battle the Year 2012
Win the Official Pirate Radio Soundtrack
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Brand New Brothers TV Spot!
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: New Women in Trouble Clip
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Watch the Transylmania TV Spot
Bruckheimer & Mechner Talk Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Fall Into This New Collapse Clip!
EXCLUSIVE: Grant Heslov Talks The Men Who Stare at Goats
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Gentlemen Broncos Cast Interviews
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus Are Back in The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day
EXCLUSIVE: VIDEO: Corey Feldman Talks Lost Boys 3: The Thirst
Become a MovieWeb Fan on Facebook!
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Creators Discuss Michael Jackson's This Is It!
Watch the Official Full-Length Avatar Trailer Right Now!!
EXCLUSIVE: Dolph Lundgren Talks Command Performance!
EXCLUSIVE: Dolph Lundgren on The Expendables Sequel & More!
EXCLUSIVE: First Look At The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day!
Win A Unique Prize from Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day
Win Huge Prizes from The Box!
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Ti West Resides in The House of the Devil
EXCLUSIVE: Paranormal Activity's Katie Featherston & Micah Sloat
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Astro Boy Cast & Crew Interview Featurette
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Visit Fezziwig's in Disney's a Christmas Carol
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Saw VI Cast Interview Featurette
CONTEST: Win Huge Prizes from Saw VI!
EXCLUSIVE: Richard Harrah Takes Us Deep Into The Canyon
Win Big Prizes from Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Where the Wild Things Are Cast Featurette
Win Great Prizes from Law Abiding Citizen
EXCLUSIVE: Harold Ramis Talks Ghostbusters 3 and Meatballs
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Peter Jackson Talks The Hobbit!
NEW FEATURE! Create Lists! Build Your DVD Collection and More!
NEW FEATURE! Watch Full-Length Movies and TV Shows!
LATEST FILM NEWS
EXCLUSIVE: Viggo Mortenson Wants to Return for The Hobbit
The actor discusses his desire to return to the role that made him a star.
David Fincher and Se7en Team Set for The Reincarnation of Peter Proud
He is reteaming with Se7en writer Andrew Kevin Walker for the thriller.
Vincent Cassel, Winona Ryder and Barbara Hershey Join Black Swan
They join Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis in the supernatural thriller.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Brand New Brothers TV Spot!
Take a look at this upcoming Jim Sheridan film before it hits theaters.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: New Women in Trouble Clip
Take a look at this upcoming film before it hits theaters.
Ray Winstone Set for Red Snow
Writer/director Stuart St. Paul's serial killer thriller.
CONTEST: Win the Official Pirate Radio Soundtrack
Here's your chance to take home this wonderful two-disc CD set from the new film.
Katherine Fugate to Write What Alice Forgot
Adapting Liane Moriarty's novel about a woman who forgets a decade of her life.
 Click Here! for our complete news archive.
TOP DVD STORIES
LATEST DVD NEWS
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: New G.I. Joe: The Complete Series DVD Clip
Take a look inside this huge 17-disc set before it hits the shelves.
CONTEST: Win a Spread Poster Signed by Ashton Kutcher!
We're also giving away the DVD and an official t-shirt as well.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: New Enlighten Up! Deleted Scene
Take a look at this new yoga documentary before it hits the shelves.
Jennifer's Body Gets Possessed on DVD and Blu-ray on December 29th
We have all the details on this new Megan Fox horror film in both formats.
Smokin' Aces Shoots Up to Blu-ray on January 19, 2010
The original 2007 film will come to BD the same day the sequel hits shelves.
First Look at a Bruno Deleted Scene with Pete Rose
Watch as Sacha Baron Cohen prank the baseball legend from this upcoming DVD.
Coraline Comes Back to DVD and Blu-ray in a New Gift Set on December 8th
We have all the details on these new jam-packed stop-motion releases.
The Final Destination Has a Death Wish on DVD and Blu-ray on January 5th
This 3D film will also come with two pairs of 3D glasses as well.
 Click Here! for our complete news archive.
LATEST TV NEWS
Watch the Pilot Episode of V!
The Visitors arrive and say they come in peace, though some are skeptical of their intentions.
CONTEST: Win Huge Prizes from WWII in HD
Here's your chance to win some great swag from this History Channel mini-series.
Wanda Sykes Gets Psyched for The Wanda Sykes Show
The comedian discusses her brand new late-night talk show on Fox.
The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty Set for A December Premiere
The A&E Network will debut the new series on December 13 and take a look at a TV spot as well.
Willie Garson Discusses White Collar
The actor discusses the latest hit series on the USA Network.
TV DAILY: (11.6): New Episodes of FlashForward, Fringe, The Office and More!
Stop in and catch all of the exciting full-length episodes of the popular shows you recently missed.
TNT Secures The Mentalist Syndication Rights
The network will start airing the hit CBS drama in 2012.
Nurse Jackie and The United States of Tara to Return in March
Showtime's newest series' will both debut on Monday, March 22.
 Click Here! for our complete news archive.