Let everybody eat cake

"Seven teenagers take a trip to Hell. And seven come back. To Hell."

So, I few weeks ago I complained about how filmmakers were remaking ‘Red Dawn’ when there still wasn’t a Tomorrow film. I asked how long I was going to have to wait for this film, and it turns out–not long at all.

Sources: Slashfilm, Reuters

Stuart Beattie (writer of Collateral, 30 Days of Night, co-writer of Australia) is going to write and direct an adaptation of John Marsden’s ‘Tomorrow, When the War Began’. Not only that, but he has plans to turn the next two books into films as well, and if they are successful, spin off the franchise into a tv series. Apparently, production begins in September (so soon!). Though this film will be Beattie’s first time directing, his writing credits are extremely varied and fill me with hope that this could be the adaptation I’ve been waiting for.

Beattie says the film will be the first Australian action film since ‘Mad Max’ and addresses the film’s similarities with ‘Red Dawn’ by using a very comforting comparison:

“Do you remember when The Full Monty and Striptease were coming out together? They came out within months as the exact same premise — the parent strips for money so they can see their kid. But completely different. One was all flash and rockin’ body, and the other was completely the opposite, of total insecurity about getting up onstage. We’re more like the Full Monty version.”

This journo makes a far less comforting comparison, but thankfully, she has no connection to the film at all.

So, I am very excited about this film. I also love Beattie’s idea for a trilogy, then a tv show. I never thought all seven books would be made into films, I will be happy with just the first one being made, but a trilogy would be great! I think John Marsden himself had planned to end the series with the third book, but popular demand led the series to continue. Anyway, ’The Third Day, The Frost’ (I wonder if they’ll keep the name) has the perfect ending for a film series. 

Now, I’m hanging out for a cast list. I assume most will be complete unknowns, but I’m sure a few familiar names will crop up. I wonder how Chris Hemsworth feels about this film.

Also, where are they filming? In the locations John Marsden has stated inspired him? I hope Hell isn’t just a soundstage.