Mercenaries locate a WWII bunker and a terrifying secret... One they'll have to fight to survive.
• Released on DVD (US) March 11, 2008
• UK theatrical release set for May 16, 2008
• DVD trailer | ecard
TJ Storm Joins PWZ cast. Actor and martial artist T.J. Storm (Conan TV series) has signed on to play Maginty, a black, Irish crime lord. T.J. Storm
09/25/07
Jigsaw and Microchip Negotiate. The Hollywood Reporter reports that Dominic West (The Wire, 300) is in negotiations to play Jigsaw, The Punisher's archenemy; and Wayne Knight (Seinfeld, Jurassic Park) to play Microchip, the Punisher’s armorer and confidant. Hollywood Reporter
09/18/07
More PWZ Cast Members Announced. Director Lexi Alexander has posted on her blog the names of other Punisher: War Zone cast members:
No word yet on who has been cast as Billy Russo/Jigsaw. As reported across the net, Paddy Considine is no longer up for the part as the actor originally wanted for the role has accepted it.
Paddy Considine to play Jigsaw in PWZ? According to a post actor Paddy Considine (Bourne Ultimatum) made on his official fansite's forum, he is considering the offer he's received to play Billy Russo/Jigsaw, the villain in Punisher: War Zone.
09/10/07
Kurt Sutter Talks Punisher: War Zone. There's an exclusive interview with Punisher co-writer Kurt Sutter at Collider.com. In it he states that while the movie will be a dark and violent reboot, it won't discount the previous version and that, "Ray Stevenson is a terrific choice as Frank Castle. He’ll bring a depth and irony to the role that has not yet been explored by any other actor. I also think Lexi Alexander will shoot the hell out of it. From what I’ve been told, much of my draft is still intact and Halloway and Marcum’s rewrite is great. They have become Marvel’s go-to guys." Read Interview
09/02/07
Multimedia Section Updated. Great clips from the "Truth and Consequences" episode of Dalziel and Pascoe (submitted by forum member Redshift) and from the two Catherine Cookson miniseries The Dwelling Place and Tide of Life (submitted by forum member Aemilia Camilla) have been added to the multimedia section.
08/29/07
Punisher Title Change. Lionsgate Films has The Punisher movie listed on its website as "Punisher: War Zone". No revision date or additional info was posted.
08/20/07
Punisher Update. Ray has forwarded some thoughts regarding The Punisher universe and preparing for the role. The comments are mostly in response to fan mail he received, but he gave me permission to post them as well:
Hi Lotis, Thank you so much for all that you are doing. I am totally blown away with all the wonderful messages. I am going to reply via you, apologies and heaps of gratitude to every one who is contributing.
Although I could never call myself or presume to have been a true comic book fan, they are heavily influencing the make up of the picture. MARVEL have been very, very supportive towards me and provided plenty material for my research into the role. The writings of Garth Ennis are definitely where you would find the real genesis of what I believe to be the essence of FRANK CASTLE. And I quote, "You work for the devil, you'd better be prepared to die for him".
Although I am still very much in the embryonic stages of developing and discovering FRANK CASTLE's character; what I can say about my approach so far is that I don't wish for anyone to walk out of the theatre wanting to 'be' FRANK CASTLE - Let me explain, I would be mortified if, for any reason, some kid at high school wanted to reach out and right the wrongs of bullying or rejection or isolation by deciding to "tool up" and take out the bad guys! It is my full intention to have FRANK in such a dark place and do such violence on those beyond redemption that you should feel glad that there is someone who lives in the dark so we may live in the light. (and you cant wait to see what hell he brings to those targeted by him) My training program is the most comprehensive I have ever undertaken and hopefully we will bring all his skills to bear - and then some!
Sorry it is a bit sketchy at this stage but we are driving forward and will stay true to the essence of THE PUNISHER!
Well, that's all I have time for Lotis. As you know my time is so erratic and I so hate letting people down but hopefully they will be happy with my replies. Please feel free to post them or just pass them on, as you see fit. - Ray
(Note: Advanced Dark is one of the referenced recipients.)
08/12/07
Casting Underway for 'Punisher 2'. Got the scoop over weekend regarding the casting of the remaining characters for Punisher: Welcome Back Frank is underway. The remaining lead characters include the main villain Billy Russo/Jigsaw, LBJ/Looney Bin Jim (Jigsaw's brother), Nicky Donatelli (undercover FBI agent serving as Jigsaw's right hand man), his wife Angela Donatelli, FBI agent Luke MacDonald, Det. Martin Soap, and Microchip (The Punisher's armorer). For full description of the characters and to discuss the upcoming movie, visit our forum.
08/09/07
New Working Title for P2. According to Superherohype.com, the new working title for Punisher 2 is The Punisher: Welcome Back Frank.
October start date for 'Punisher'. CNNmoney reports that the Punisher movie will go into production in October, and will be shot on location in Montreal. According to Variety, Nick Santora, Kurt Sutter, Matt Holloway and Art Marcum wrote the script. Gale Anne Hurd and Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige are producing with Avi Arad. Feige is quoted as saying, "Ray was the first name I wrote down after I saw 'Rome,' because he managed to keep the audience caring about him despite being the most violent guy." CNNmoney, Variety
07/21/07
Ray cast as The Punisher. Ray will be taking over the role from Thomas Jane as the next Punisher/Frank Castle in the Lionsgate sequel. Lexi Alexander who directed Green Street Hooligans has been tapped for the film.
The Punisher is a fictional vigilante and anti-hero in the Marvel Comics Universe.
A film adaptation was first made in 1989 which starred Dolph Lundgren and Lou Gossett, Jr. A second adaptation was released in 2004 and starred Thomas Jane for the lead role with John Travolta as the main villain.
Punisher 2 will be filmed in Montreal and will be released in 2008.
07/08/07
Multimedia & Photo Gallery Updates. Clips from Red Cap have been added to the multimedia section, with screen caps added to the photo gallery.
06/26/07
Sony to Distribute 'Outpost'. ContentFilms has announced that Sony Pictures has acquired distribution rights to "Outpost" for the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and New Zealand, in addition to South Africa, Greece and Israel. Variety, Press Release
06/22/07
Multimedia Section Updated. Ray recently appeared as the guest panelist on a UK talk show. Many thanks to redshift for the clips.
06/21/07
Ray as mercenary leader D.C. in 'Outpost'.
The current issue of Exposure Magazine (FujiFilm Motion Picture) features an interview with Outpost cinematographer Gavin Struthers. It states there is "considerable 'buzz' thanks to the internet. This is due in no small part to the transatlantic appeal of the leading man, tough guy British actor Ray Stevenson, who has a considerable messageboard following in the States after the success of two series (seasons) of the epic teleseries Rome". While a specific release date for the film has not been announced, the article reports, "Outpost continues to 'buzz' its way to the big screen later this year".
05/16/07
Marché du Film. Distribution rights for Outpost are to be offered for sale by ContentFilm at this year's Marché du Film in Cannes, which runs from May 16th to 26th.
CBS 2007-2008 Line-up. CBS announced its fall line-up today, revealing which pilots they would commit to series. Babylon Fields was not among the selected programs, though there's talk that it may still yet surface as a mid-season replacement.
04/29/07
Promo Pics: from Life Line have been added to the photo gallery. Ask BBC-America for 'Life Line':Viewer Inquiries
04/12/07
Tell CBS you want Babylon Fields. CBS will decide the fate of Babylon Fields on May 16th. If you're excited about the pilot and are looking forward to seeing it become a series, let CBS know. And please share this info with other fans. There's an email form on the CBS website for viewer comments, the direct link to it is CBS Feedback Form.
04/05/07
LI Herald Interview with Ray during filming of a scene for Babylon, some minor spoilage. Read
04/04/07
LIFE LINE airs in April. The two-part supernatural love story written by Stephen Gallagher and starring Joanne Whalley, Ray Stevenson, and Jemima Rooper will air this month on BBC One. Part one will air on Tuesday, April 24th and part two on Thursday, April 26th.
British Actors in American Roles. Ray was interviewed by The New York Times for an article about the latest trend of casting British actors in lead roles for American television. Read
04/01/07
Babylon Fields Cast Update. Patti D'Arbanville has been cast as Marilyn Viskupic. Complete Babylon Fields updates are available in the "Upcoming Projects" section.
03/20/07
Babylon Fields Cast Update. Kathy Baker (Picket Fences) has joined the cast as mother to Amber Tamblyn's character. Jamey Sheridan (Syriana, Law & Order: Criminal Intent) will play Baker's deceased husband who returns along with the rest of the dead. Also newly cast are Leila Arcieri (Son of the Beach) and Eric Nelsen (The Babysitters).
03/12/07
Outpost, in which army mercenaries battle Nazi zombies, recently completed shooting in the south-west of Scotland and is causing considerable interest in the industry. It has sold to 18 countries overseas even before it finishes editing.
"There is a great buzz about it," said producer Kieran Parker in a recent interview. He's seen Outpost go from a five-page outline to an almost finished film in a year.
Another piece of 'combat horror', the movie tells how the mercenaries go to a former Nazi site to retrieve a machine that can bring dead soldiers back to life "to make an army of the undead".
Producer Kieran Parker, who is based in Glasgow, used Dumfriesshire to double for Eastern Europe.
"Scotland provides a fantastic backdrop," he said. "It's got an amazing variety of locations. We were looking for Eastern Europe and we were looking for forests, all within striking distance of Glasgow."
03/06/07
Babylon Fields. Ray is set for a lead role on CBS' "Babylon Fields," a sardonic, apocalyptic comedic drama in which the dead are resurrected and try to resume their former lives. As a result, lives are regained, families restored and old wounds are reopened. Ray will play the town's chief detective, whose wife is also resurrected. Gerald Cuesta and Michael Atkinson wrote the script and will executive produce with Michael Cuesta. Michael Cuesta is also on board to direct. The series will have a 2007-2008 season debut.
01/26/07
Guestbook Entries: Approval Required. Entries in the guestbook now require approval before they'll appear. Visitors are most welcome to sign the guest book, your entries will be automatically sent to me and I'll add those that are valid.
01/10/07
Interview:There's no place like 'Rome' - USA Today talked to Ray Stevenson and Kevin McKidd about Rome's second season. Read Interview
01/03/07
New photos added to the Gallery (including a sample of Ray's artwork - he's also an accomplished artist).
New clips in the Multimedia section from the "Kiss and Tell" episode of the popular BBC crime drama Murphy's Law in which Ray played a scoundrel.
ROME Seasons 1 & 2: HBO will air season 1 episodes starting Sunday, January 7th (8pm ET) to lead into the season 2 premiere on January 14th. See HBO for times.
New Projects: Be sure to drop by often as more information will be added as it becomes available.
