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Transformers Writer to Adapt Matterhorn Ride into Movie

Ehren Kruger (writer of The Ring films and the Scream and Transformer sequels) recently scored a deal with Disney to write the screenplay that was originally based on the Matterhorn ride at Disneyland.

Apparently now it’s going to be a much broader adventure movie. That’s great news, considering any movie based on a concept as limited as an amusement park ride usually turns out poorly (see Eddie Murphy’s The Haunted Mansion) — The Pirates of the Caribbean notwithstanding, of course.

So what’s your take on the deal?

From a writer’s perspective, I think this is great for Ehren. He’s a strong writer I’ve admired since Arlington Road. And though I refuse to recognize the Transformers sequels and I consider them abominations that have ruined my childhood love for the toyline, I know he had to appease many more corporate heads than just director Michael Bay. And I really enjoyed Ehren’s Imposter, even though it didn’t get much play at the box office or with critics.

Check out the full story at http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/transformers-matterhorn-ehren-kruger-brian-beletic-293843.

 

A Book On the Horizon

One of the most important talents a writer must possess, other than writing, is multitasking. Balancing a bunch of spinning plates — researching, reading, watching, interviewing, meeting — is all a part of the profession.

The next plate in my juggling act? A book.

I just had a meeting with one of mixed martial arts’ top coaches. He’s a legendary champion, teacher, and motivator, and now he’s the mentor to some of the biggest fighters in the UFC and other leagues around the world.

At the moment, I can’t say who it is yet, but I will after we’ve solidified the deal. But I can say he wants me to write various projects with him, including a training manual and biography. As a martial artist myself, all  I can say is, in the world of the great “Big” John McCarthy, “Let’s get it on!”

“The Walking Dead” Stumbling?

The Wrap reports that the writers of “The Walking Dead” (the wildly successful and popular zombie-themed drama on AMC) have stated that they don’t know what caused their TV show’s undead outbreak — and they don’t care to explain it.

It that their perogative, or is it lazy writing?

I’m not one to answer that question, but I can say the quality of the Season 2 is far inferior to Season 1, and for one good reason: No Frank Darabont.

The former showrunner was bounced from the network for undisclosed reasons. Some say budget, others say creative differences. But what’s clear is that Darabont would have maintained the quality of the first season into the current one. Just look at this great idea he had that the current writers/producers decided to kill.