Emce Repros of Tarzan, Conan or Isis ?

[torgospizza]

The media company that owns the Lone Ranger would rather the character not have an action figure than admit that the property
is worth less.

If they maintain that attitude, the character's going to be forgotten even faster than what would occur naturally. That's too bad, really.

[starsky]

yeah that's sad.

[Jason73]

If they maintain that attitude, the character's going to be forgotten even faster than what would occur naturally. That's too bad, really.

Yeah, sad indeed. I really love The Lone Ranger, but now kind of wonder if I'm part of the last generation who will remember him.

[kingdom warrior]

If they maintain that attitude, the character's going to be forgotten even faster than what would occur naturally. That's too bad, really.

There is a Lone Ranger movie being planned if that was made right and it did well you could turn a whole new generation onto it.....timing is everything

[starsky]

it's the same thing my friends ran into when trying to make green hornet toys.

[Timothy2251]

There is a Lone Ranger movie being planned if that was made right and it did well you could turn a whole new generation onto it.....timing is everything

Disney's doing it for Christmas 2012. Johnny Depp's playing Tonto, so I'd say Lone Ranger merchandise will likely be available, though whether there'll be 8" figures is unknown (here's hoping, though!).

Conan is getting a new flick later this year, and I'd assume somebody's doing something with Tarzan as the character hits his 100th anniversary in 2012. My guess is the merchandising rights might already be locked up for those guys at this point.

[JediJaida]

It really is too bad about the licensing.

Those are some of the better known figures in literature, except for Isis.

My dad used to listen to the Lone Ranger, back when it was on the radio, during the 30's and 40's. My brothers and sister used to watch Guy Williams version of Zorro, and Tarzan has been around forever.

The one thing I wanted back when I was ten years old, was a Lone Ranger action figure, and I never got him.

[torgospizza]

Disney's doing it for Christmas 2012. Johnny Depp's playing Tonto...

The director says, "We’re not going to do it [straight], everyone knows that story. I don’t want to tell that story." Not good.

[drmego]

Because the Lone Ranger has now become a parody, instead of
one good man fighting to bring justice to the west.

The Green Hornet was goofy, Green Lantern was a screw-up,
I fear Capt. America will be a bumbler too. Hollywood cannot
comprehend heroes that don't trip over their own feet.

[samurainoir]

There was a pretty successful Zorro in Antonio Banderas a while ago. Not really a merchandising bonanza, so no guarantee that the Flatt figures would have been successful if they did come out.

It is shocking how many movies are succumbing to the "just add stoner" genre. It's one thing to send up the action genre with Pineapple Express or do a fantasy parody with Your Highness, but they shouldn't be doing it with existing characters like The Green Hornet. Particularly since Kevin Smith was no longer involved. Although I guess Seth Rogen pretty much is the poster child these days (James Franco's Oscar night notwithstanding)

[Mego-Amigo]

I have gotten to the point that I don't even bother watching such films. Those of us that truely appreciate the classic films and TV shows know that there is a difference in " laughing along with " and " laughing at " your heroes. Paul is right, Hollywood can't grasp that concept. We live in a world where a true hero standing for what is right is laughable. This is why DC and Marvel have to keep revamping thier comic book titles and starting them over again. I was thinking about how DC is starting all thier books over again at #1 and revamping thier characters to make them more " believable and accessible " to today's audience. In the past when I was growing up it was just taken at face value that these were fictional fantasy characters and it was not the real world and we appreciated them for what they were.

[Timothy2251]

The director says, "We’re not going to do it [straight], everyone knows that story. I don’t want to tell that story." Not good.

Saw that too - very disappointed, as a straight, non-campy Lone Ranger can absolutely work for modern audiences. I hope the fans of the franchise let 'em have it at the box office.

[MIB41]

Joe and I met with the licensing people for Conan, Tarzan, Zorro, the
Lone Ranger, and others a few years back. They all want thousands up
front and a guarantee of XXX amount in royalties.

Most of these properties don't have enough sales potential to justify
the cost of entry - which is why you don't see anyone making figures
of them. We have been able to work another way to see some rather
marginal characters be mego-ized, but some license holders refuse to
change with the market conditions.

I'm sure the license holders for Zorro got spoiled from their deals with Disney when those movies were made years ago. That is likely the same issue with the Lone Ranger license now that Disney has Johnny Depp on board for a new film. Conan looks forgettable as a new film, but once again those license holders are likely getting some nice kickbacks from that production. But Tarzan? Exactly what kind of money are they making in saying 'no' to your offers? It's amazing how people can starve themselves by making no money instead of making some money to drive a license. I guess there's pride even in the gutter.

[supes]

The director says, "We’re not going to do it [straight], everyone knows that story. I don’t want to tell that story." Not good.

Yeah what I read is that Tonto is going to be the main character. Time will tell, although I am not expecting much

[torgospizza]

Saw that too - very disappointed, as a straight, non-campy Lone Ranger can absolutely work for modern audiences.

True Grit worked, so why couldn't the Lone Ranger? They shouldn't underestimate the public. Then again, maybe they're overestimating the public's sense of postmodern ethics by having to add a nod and a wink, like "Isn't this quaint?" The mask aside, what's so cute about the Lone Ranger? He's basically saying, I'm taking these lowlifes down, and I'm going to do it without sinking to their level. He won't use Cavnedish's tactics--that's what makes him a hero. Furthermore, he's in a partnership with Tonto. I'm not sure how Depp views their team, but it sounds as if he thinks Reid looks down on Tonto. That's not remotely the case, at all.

Sorry for preaching, but it is Sunday.