Does the mixture of familiar names and sequels give you the confidence to back something original likePacific Rim?
Yes, it does, certainly.
Can you elaborate on that, and maybe talk about what your plans are for the future?
Well, we havent parted with Warner.
Were still talking with them, as we are talking with others.
Were still talking, but theres nothing definitive yet.
So Legendarys approach to some of its films original ideas with talented directors that isnt necessarily going to change?
It isnt to say that all of our projects are based on an original idea asPacific Rimwas.
Were developing aWarcraftmovie based on Blizzards franchise.
Were developing aMass Effectmovie, based on the EA-BioWare franchise.
Were working on aHot Wheelsfilm with Mattel.
Were looking for directors on that right now.
It really runs the gamut.
Am I right in thinking the perspective ofGodzillas going to be quite different fromPacific Rim,as well?
More street-level, perhaps?
I will say this.
We clearly wouldnt be making both movies if one were in any way duplicative of the other.
So you’ve got the option to rest assured that they each stand fully on their own.
Theres a certain tonal approach that may be different.
But, you know, we love both movies, and thats why were making both movies.
You talked about matching franchises and sequels with original properties.
How difficult is it to strike that balance when there are investors involved?
The biggest gamble is betting on something thats derivative and quote-unquote a sure thing.
Right now, comic book adaptations are big, but they may not necessarily always be.
Do you have discussions about what might come next?
We make movies that we want to see, so in certain ways, we are our own consumer.
We work very closely with our creative partners, especially when weve optioned their pre-existing property.
You have a circle of globally-known filmmakers now: youve got Christopher Nolan, youve got Zack Snyder.
But how do you go about expanding that circle, and choosing new talent?
Again, its about organic evolution.
Weve taken our time.
Duncan Jones, its his next movie.
We sawMonsterswith Gareth, and we wanted to work with him.
Were determined to somehow work with Rian Johnson, as soon as is humanly possible.
Weve just hired a filmmaker named Nick Matthew onto a project calledSpectralthat were in pre-production on.
We believe he has a huge future in front of him.
Ill tell you this: it all boils down to trust.
They run their own businesses.
When it comes to marketing movies, the summer seasons become very associated with sequels and big properties.
How do you approach marketing a movie likePacific Rimat this time of year?
Well, you do need to stand out, of course.
Were very fortunate that our partners at Warner are such incredible marketers.
Jon Jashni, thank you very much.
Pacific Rimis out in UK cinemas now.
