George Lucas‘ new fighter pilot film, Red Tails, just can’t seem to get off the ground. Although principal photography wrapped last fall and post-production is/is supposed to be underway for a 2010 release, Lucas has decided that massive reshoots are needed. Massive reshoots he plans to direct himself. [First Showing]
Directed by Anthony Hemingway from a story by Lucas and a screenplay by John Ridley, the film tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American pilots to fly a combat squadron in World War II.
The films stars Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrence Howard, with the likes of Bryan Cranston and Method Man in supporting roles.
The reshoots have led to extensive script rewrites as well, changing characters dynamics and the progression of the narrative itself. Rick McCallum, Lucas’ producer, is currently looking at all of Hemingway’s footage, deciding what to save.
How bad did Hemingway mess up? Is this what you get when you put a feature film into the hands of a writer and director primarily staked in television? There’s no way it’s that simple.
One things for sure, do not expect that 2010 release to hold up. Maybe 2011. Or 2012.
What do you think of this news? Are you still excited for Red Tails?