During a panel in Hall H at Comic-Con on Friday, directors Antoine Fuqua and Roland Emmerich discussed everything from an “arrogant” James Cameron to Fuqua’s upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael and more.
Emmerich didn’t mince his words when asked about how he spent years competing with Cameron to remake the classic 1966 sci-fi film. Fantastic trip lift off the ground.
More from Deadline
“James Cameron was a little too pushy and at some point I just gave up,” said the director. “Because it was like it was your film or my film. And that’s exactly what happened.”
Emmerich said that his opinion on Fantastic trip was only in the “very early stages” when he finally decided to call it quits. “Because I said, ‘My goodness, why is he so presumptuous?'” the filmmaker said. “Look, I have to say, I do my stuff, and if I can’t do my stuff, I’m absolutely not interested. It’s as simple as that. So if somebody else wants to tell me something and has more power over me, I’m out.”
RELATED: Comic-Con 2024 Photos: Best Of Panels, Cosplay & Convention Floor
When asked why he was involved in the MJ biopic for Lionsgate and Universal Pictures International, Fuqua replied matter-of-factly: “I wanted to do it because of Michael. I’m in the early stages of editing the film. We just wrapped on May 30th.”
Fuqua shared that he’s “very excited about it – very, very happy with what we’ve been able to do.” Although he didn’t want to say too much about the film at this point, he added, “Michael was a big part of my life growing up, a big influence. But he was a human being, and that’s what we’re exploring.”
The original won an Oscar for its groundbreaking visual effects. Fantastic trip followed a team of scientists who are shrunk down and injected into a scientist’s body to perform life-saving surgeries from the inside. It was directed by Richard Fleischer from a screenplay by Harry Kleiner and produced by Saul David. The film stars Stephen Boyd and Raquel Welch.
DEADLINE RELATED VIDEO:
During Cameron’s Fantastic trip has not been done yet, the Avatar The filmmaker revealed at a master class in Paris in April that he does intend to make the film. “We have been developing it for several years and we plan to move on with it very soon,” he teased. “Raquel Welch is not available, but we think we can make a pretty good film.”
Fuquas Michael promises audiences a gripping and honest portrayal of the brilliant but complicated man who became known around the world as the King of Pop. The film will explore Jackson’s triumphs and tragedies – from his human side, to his public and private struggles, to the allegations and the 24/7 media microscope that Jackson lived under even at his artistic peak. Pic will also capture Michael’s undeniable creative genius and recreate his most memorable, iconic performances.
Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson leads the ensemble as Michael, with Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier and Juliano Krue Valdi among others appearing in key roles. Fuqua directs from a screenplay by John Logan, with Graham King/GK Films producing. The film is scheduled for release on April 18, 2025.
Fuqua and Emmerich’s appearance at Comic-Con today took place as part of Collider’s “Directors on Directing” panel.
The best of Deadline
Subscribe to the Deadline newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
