COMMENT | Fan favourite Joe Johnston in in talks to direct upcoming alien invasion movie 'Extinction' for production house Good Universe.
Little is known about the Spenser Cohen scripted movie, whichThe Hollywood Reporter tell us is about "a man trying to save his family" during an alien invasion.
Sounds a bit been-there, done-that from that very brief synopsis - but I should hope there'll be a bit more to it than yet another 'War of the Worlds' or 'Signs'-type sci-fi horror.
[Max Martini hints at Pacific Rim prequel]
Still, even if 'Extinction' sounds potentially formulaic, Johnston has hopefully earned enough goodwill with fans over the years for us to forgive him.
Johnston started out as part of George Lucas' team, working in the FX and arts department of the original 'Star Wars' trilogy (and the two 'Ewoks' TV movies), the first two 'Indiana Jones' movies and - ahem - 'Howard the Duck.'
He's since directed a bunch of well-loved fantasy adventure movies, including 'Honey I Shrunk the Kids,' 'The Rocketeer,' 'Jumanji,' 'Jurassic Park III' and 'Captain America: the First Avenger.'
From the premise, it seems feasible that 'Extinction' might venture into horror territory. Alas, Johnston doesn't have the greatest track record here, having directed the 2010 remake of 'The Wolf Man.' To be fair, though, he took that job on at very short notice, and the film's behind the scenes troubles are legendary.
[Universal's classic movie monsters to meet again?]
Johnston has always been great at bringing a very old-fashioned pulpy sensibility to his movies, which made him the ideal choice for Marvel's 1940s-set 'Captain America.' Balancing this out with his FX and production design experience, Johnston always crafts movies that look great.
Let's hope there's something special in 'Extinction' (some great creatures maybe - the director is well versed in those) that will make it stand apart from other similarly-themed sci-fi movies. With Johnston at the helm it will surely be nothing less than entertaining.
Like the sound of 'Extinction?' Like Joe Johnston's movies? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
