Old Television Shows Jump To The Big Screen

Turning a classic television series into a popular film is no easy task. For every successful attempt like "The Fugitive" there are at lesat ten train wrecks like "The Wild, Wild, West." Even so, Hollywood can't resist the temptation to find that next big merchandising franchise.

Two popular television series from the 70s, "The Incrediblele Hulk" and "Charlie's Angels," are headed for the big screen. I was privilegeded to see presentations on both of these films at the recently completed ComiCon, held earlier this month in San Diego.

For the uninitiated, ComiCon is the world's largest gathering of comic book, film and television lovers in the country. An estimated 60,000 people flocked to the San Diego Convention Center to see movie, television and comic book previews, attend panel discussions, buy merchandise and generally just have a good time.

Director Ang Lee ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon") presented fans in a jam packed ballroom with an exclusive advance preview of "The Incredible Hulk."

Thanks to the enormous popularity of "Spider-Man," there is incredible pressure on Lee to deliver a money-making film for the studio.

During his presentation Lee made it clear that he has a definite vision for his adaptation. He is taking great care with the set design, script, lighting and direction of this film.

Contrary to Internet rumors, Lee reported that there is no She-Hulk in this film. Nor is there a Hulk dog. The Hulk will be done almost entirely via computer generated graphics and he will be green.

Television's "Incredible Hulk," Lou Ferrigno, will have a cameo in the film. Veteran actor Sam Elliott plays a military general and father to the character played by Jennifer Connelly ("A Beautiful Mind.") Nick Nolte plays the father of Bruce Banner. According to Lee, Nolte does some of his best work in this film. Eric Bana plays the ill-fated Dr. Bruce Banner.

The film is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2003.

Good morning, angels: Lucy LIu co-stars in the second film adapation of "Charlie's Angels" and was also on hand at ComiCon. Bill Murray ("Saturday Night Live") played Bosley in the first film. He is not in the sequel.

Contrary to Internet rumors, Liu told the audience that she did not have Bill Murray fired. As Liu told the crowd, "I don't have that kind of power." Liu also denied reports that she punched Murray during filming of the first film. "I would have remembered if I had," she said.

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