Filed under: Coming Up Next

Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' Meets Aliens, Zombies, Elton John and Natalie Portman?

Okay, the joke is already old and it hasn't even been told

Last week I reported on news of a parody novel titled "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" by Seth Grahame-Smith that apparently a lot of Hollywood studios are looking to pick up for a film adaptation. Then, earlier today "Production Weekly" announced the following via thier Twitter feed of all places:

Natalie Portman attached to Seth Grahame-Smith's novel Pride and Prejudice & Zombies, Jane Austen's novel with bone crunching zombie action

Shortly after that Shock Til You Drop proved why Internet rumors are often worthless citing a source close to the project saying, "Premature. No offers or handshakes of any kind yet – other people circling." So, things appear to be happening and perhaps Portman is one of those circling, but nothing official yet.

Next, Variety reports an entirely different adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel is also underway from Elton John's Rocket Pictures titled Pride and Predator with Will Clark set to direct. Apparently in this version an alien crash lands and begins to butcher the mannered protagonists, who suddenly have more than marriage and inheritance to worry about. Shooting on that one is set to begin in London later this year.

The trailer for Clark's award-winning short "The Amazing Trousers" is featured below for a brief taste of his work.

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Post #1
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I'm so tired of all this pride and prejudice spin off nonsense. Who ever thought this was a good idea?

- Tim
( February 17th, 2009 | 10:15 am )
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Post #2
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While looking up the book on Barnes and Noble's website. It stated that SETH GRAHAME-SMITH once took a class in English literature. Once took?! Does that mean he only took one (1) class in classic English literature? That does NOT qualify anyone to write a book on P&P or any other book to make it their own. Just sick! Some of the "spin-off" of P&P or other books are annoying, but there is one author who does it better than others. I like her "twenty years later" thought of what happened to Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. But to each of his or her own.

- Erika
( February 17th, 2009 | 1:14 pm )
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Post #3
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I thought the first spinoff with zombies had massive potential. It could've been a dark, quirky comedy/action horror while offering social commentary on the zombiefication of girls/young women in today's chick flick world without getting too heavy-handed or preachy about it. They could've created an Elizabeth Bennet for the 21st century. A highly intelligent version of Buffy Summers. Instead, I'm guessing we'll only get mindless slapstick and if this second spin-off with aliens is not a rumor and manages to happen, then I'll bet both of them will cancel each other and fall hard on their faces only to disappear into complete obscurity two weeks after their respective releases.

- Vik
( February 18th, 2009 | 5:29 am )
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Post #4
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There was a spin-off before this? I'm sorry I'm a bit confused. It must be the zombies. ;)
I agree Vik, if they do follow through it should be a modernized woman for the 21st century…a step above Buffy Summers. Funny when I was reading the synopsis of the book, I kept on seeing a "Buffy" character coming to my mind. Once this movie (if ever) comes out in the theaters, it will definitely fall flat on its face with no recovery.

- Erika
( February 18th, 2009 | 11:27 am )
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Post #5
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I don't blame you for getting confused, Erika. Almost everybody will if both of these movies(one has zombies, the other has aliens) come out. No, there haven't been any spin-offs before these two, atleast not of a horror/fantasy/sci-fi type that I've heard of. Actually I was referring to the book with the zombies and its movie adaptation. Back when I had first about it, I thought it was a brilliant idea and a lot could be done with it. Of course, back then I thought this Grahame-Smith person knew what he was doing. But the more details I heard about the story, like Darcy teaching the sisters to fight ninja-style, the less enthusiastic I became. Now I don't think this was ever meant to be smart. The end result will probably be in the same vein as the awful Buffy movie rather than the awesome Buffy tv show. I may be wrong and the book may turn out to be great. We'll see.

- Vik
( February 18th, 2009 | 1:41 pm )
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Post #6
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Hey Vik, I never read this book and the thought of Lydia (the youngest) learning Ninja…Darcy teaching…come on! Maybe Wickum or Mr.Collins but not our Darcy! ;) From what you have mentioned, you did read this book correct? "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies"? I rmember the Buffy movie… I am not that young ;), but yes, nothing can compare to what we know and have seen of BTVS TV show and the Buffy movie…which became a comical fluke…a semi-cult film?! shrug.

Just have to wait and see what will happen!

- Erika
( February 18th, 2009 | 11:08 pm )
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