Robert Rodriguez is Curious About “Jetsons” and “Lost”

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on May 10, 2007

On Tuesday, Latino Review posted a scoop that Robert Rodriguez would be heading over to Warner Bros. to direct a live-action feature adaptation of “The Jetsons” to follow up the “Grindhouse” debacle (despite the fact that his half of “Grindhouse” was fantastic!) They also scooped that the story-line would hold closely to the popular TV show and include George Jetson, his wife Jane, daughter Judy, son Elroy and their dog, Astro. Then later on Tuesday, Head-Geek Harry Knowles phoned his friend Robert Rodriguez to inquire about the scoop and the future of a “Jetsons” flick. Here is what Harry divulged over at AICN:

“Well, I had to call Robert today anyway, so I rang him to get the lowdown on this. He’s only just returned from far off sandy countries, where he was meeting on mysterious things. But he tells me that Warners brought him a whole host of things to take a look at, and the one he was curious about was THE JETSONS, he has not signed to make it his next film, but he is curious about the project, and depending on how the script comes along, he may or may not make the film. But no ink is apparently anywhere near being put into the pen that would eventually be placed into his hand, for the contract that has yet to be set into the motion of negotiation, that would result into an agreement that this pen, which does not exist, would be signing.”

So it appears, at least for now, that a “Jetsons” film is in limbo, but it is good to see someone like Rodriguez with interest in the project. As you may remember, Rodriguez has littered his filmography with a few decent kids flicks, including 3 installments of “Spy Kids”, in between some hardcore fan favorites like “Sin City”, “Desperado” and “From Dusk Till Dawn.”

In other speculation, Hollywood Reporter reported yesterday that Rodriguez is in talks with Universal to direct an adaptation of the hit 1970s show “Land of the Lost” which is set to star Will Ferrell. Hmm… Which would we rather see first? “Land of the Lost” or “The Jetsons”? I would have to say that despite my affection for “Lost”, I would much rather see Rodriguez take on the more awesome scope of a “Jetsons” adaptation. There just seems to be more there with which to work. No one wants to see Robert Rodriguez as Steven Spielberg trying to re-create “Jurrasic Park”, do they?

Either way, both studios may have a small hiccup when it comes to the DGA, as Rodriguez is no longer a member thanks to the situation surrounding Frank Miller’s directorial credit on “Sin City”. Of course, Rodriguez can declare himself under “financial core” and direct either film without having to be a full member of the DGA. Gotta love those loopholes. As for all you “Jetsons” fans out there, here is a fun quote for ya:

Co-Worker: Did you hear Mr. Spacely’s latest plan?
George Jetson: Yeah, the slave driver. Imagine putting your back on a four day week. What does he think this is? The 20th century?

Sources: Latino Review / AICN / Hollywood Reporter

Tags: Robert Rodriguez, Will Ferrell, The Jetsons, Land of the Lost, Rumors

Read more articles by Neil Miller