'Alexander the Great' - News Articles

News Articles

This page features a comprehensive archive of movie news articles spanning back to July 2002.

For easy reference, this section lists the title of each news article, plus the original publication source and a summary of what the article is about. All items are listed in date order, with the most recent articles at the top of the page. When you click on a title, you will be taken to a separate page to read the article. All pages give full accreditation to original sources, but please note that external links could become inactive at any time.

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Please check my News Archives section for 2004 articles and information.

16 November 2003 - Will Japan distrib deal stiff Dino's 'Alex'?
Variety reports that production of ATG may be delayed for two or more years, and that Luhrmann may take on another assignment beforehand.

November 2003 - Alexander the Greats
Empire UK and, a month later, Empire Australia report the same article featuring a general production update of both films, plus two short interviews with Baz Luhrmann and Oliver Stone about their individual projects.

21 October 2003 - Alexander the wait
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that filming of ATG is not due to begin until around April 2004.

9 October 2003 - Broken Hill possible site for Luhrmann movie
ABC News Online reports that Bazmark Productions have returned to Broken Hill for "another look" in regards to location scouting for ATG.

1 September 2003 - Movie Mogul De Laurentiis Awarded Golden Lion
Reuters reports that Dino De Laurentiis has been awarded a Golden Lion award for lifetime achievement, and features references to ATG.

1 September 2003 - Young Alexanders in the making
The Herald Sun details how four boys from Melbourne have joined thousands in applying for the role of the young Alexander in Luhrmann's film.

26 August 2003 - Stone says new film will be challenge of his life
Ananova.com reports quotes from Stone about his Alexander, and he again makes comments about Luhrmann and his ATG.

25 August 2003 - Censored director's warning for Britain
The Guardian features an article about Stone's views of the media, and he makes comments about Luhrmann and his ATG.

24 August 2003 - Luhrmann gives Hare 'Great' gig
Variety reports that British playwright David Hare has been hired by Luhrmann to write the script for Alexander the Great.

23 August 2003 - Oliver Stone - "Comandante" Press Conference
The Z Review reports Stone's answers to questions at a press conference held during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and he makes comments about Luhrmann and his ATG.

Around 11 August 2003 - An Epic Battle
Entertainment Weekly features an interview with Luhrmann about his plans for ATG.

11 August 2003 - Carr's plea to PM: let Baz have his army
The Sun-Herald reports how the state government of New South Wales is in ongoing negotiations with the federal government about approving Luhrmann's request for troops for the filming of ATG.

29 July 2003 - Wanted: Pint-Sized Potentate
Empire Online reports details of Luhrmann's interview with the BBC and his quest to find his young Alexander.

28 July 2003 - Luhrmann searches for young Alexander the Great
BBC Radio 1 summarises the BBC News article below.

28 July 2003 - Search for a star
BBC News holds a television interview with Luhrmann and reports a detailed article announcing a worldwide search for the film's young Alexander. Includes link to the very informative video interview with Luhrmann.

20 July 2003 - Inside moves: Four Guevara pix? Che sera!
Variety article briefly mentions ATG and quotes Luhrmann describing his ideal young Alexander.

15 July 2003 - Govt asked to back Broken Hill movie
ABC Online reports the Australian Defence Minister has only been spoken to about the "prospect" of providing troops for a possible Australian ATG shoot, and a decision has still not been made.

29 June 2003 - Epic off to a 'Great' start and Intermedia deep into 'Alexander'
Variety.com reports that Luhrmann and De Laurentiis met with the Australian press and it was implied that Mel Gibson is set to star as Alexander's father. Also features an article about Stone's film with some references to Luhrmann's production.

28 June 2003 - We need real troops, says film director
The Advertiser further reports about Luhrmann's need for troops for filming of ATG in Australia.

28 June 2003 - Baz needs Diggers to film here
The Courier Mail reveals that a spokesman for the Australian Prime Minister has said the Government wants to see the film made in Australia and is seriously considering the request for troops.

28 June 2003 - Soldier bid for film epic
The Herald Sun reveals that if Luhrmann is able to get the troops he needs for filming in Australia, it's a done deal but, if not, he will have to move overseas.

28 June 2003 - PM's next troop deployment may be to Baz's film set
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Luhrmann and De Laurentiis have met with the Australian Prime Minister seeking 500 troops and 300 horses for the filming of ATG.

27 June 2003 - Broken Hill film scouting considered a success
Abc.net.au reports that Broken Hill's project co-ordinator says the Broken Hill scouting was considered a success with Luhrmann having some interesting ideas for the area.

27 June 2003 - Movie greats eye SA for major hit
The Australian features direct quotes from Luhrmann stating that Broken Hill could be their number one location for filming ATG.

26 June 2003 - Epic comes to Broken Hill
The Daily Telegraph reports about the Broken Hill scouting and that Luhrmann and his location manager Phillip Roope visited Broken Hill in March to begin the series of location surveys.

26 June 2003 - Epic may come to outback
The Herald Sun features direct quotes from Luhrmann that reveal that filming of ATG in Broken Hill is fast becoming a high probability.

26 June 2003 - A great spot for Alexander
The Age reports that Broken Hill project coordinator Andrew Plumer yesterday gave the Alexander the Great group a tour of the area, but a decision is yet to be made.

25 June 2003 - Outback town dusts up for Hollywood
Yahoo.com further reports about the prospect of ATG being filmed in Broken Hill.

25 June 2003 - A dose of glamour downunder
The Age reports about the possibility of Broken Hill as a location for ATG with statements from the Deputy Mayor.

25 June 2003 - Alexander the Great eyes Broken Hill
The Advertiser reports that Luhrmann and De Laurentiis will be meeting with representatives of Broken Hill regarding the prospect of filming ATG in the district.

4 June 2003 - Will it be SA's Alexander the Great?
The Advertiser reports about the possibility of some of ATG being filmed in South Australia.

June 2003 - Alexander the Great
Entertainment magazine features a snippet of basic production information with quotes about Luhrmann by Nicole Kidman.

28 May 2003 - Baz sets record straight
Entertainment News.com.au (from The Australian) reports direct quotes from Luhrmann setting the record straight about rumours surrounding the film.

28 May 2003 - Luhrmann pitches to shoot Alexander in outback
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Luhrmann plans to take De Laurentiis on an outback tour next month in an effort to bring ATG to Australia, and includes lots of direct quotes from Luhrmann about his hopes for the film.

23 May 2003 - Terror threats force shift of Luhrmann's epic to Australia
AAP reports about ATG's move to Australia and that this is huge news for Australia's film industry.

21 May 2003 - 'Alexander' terror driven
Variety.com reports that following a wave of suicide attacks in Casablanca, Dino De Laurentiis plans to move the production of ATG to Australia.

13 May 2003 - Young Hannibal Lecter joins Dino-sized slate
Screendaily.com reports that De Laurentiis will arrive at the Cannes Festival on 19 May to sell major territories for ATG, and includes quotes from De Laurentiis about the importance of preparation.

8 May 2003 - Baz drops Aussie shoot
News.com.au reports on the same day as the article below that the Morocco shoot is back on, as the insurance situation seems to have changed.

8 May 2003 - Baz homeward bound
News.com.au reports that Luhrmann plans to shoot ATG in Australia because he can't get insurance on the principal actors in Morocco or Jordan.

7 May 2003 - Baz Luhrmann will make his 'Alexander the Great' - later
The Los Angeles Times reveals that Luhrmann will begin working on ATG's digital effects in November and plans to begin rehearsals with DiCaprio and Kidman in January, and outlines why the film has been delayed.

6 May 2003 - 'Great' race takes a twist
Variety.com reports that ATG will now not be released until at least late 2005, with principal photography beginning in April 2004 for six months. It features quotes from De Laurentiis, DiCaprio, Kidman and from the chief of Stone's production company, Intermedia.

4 May 2003 - Anthony to Alexander
Variety.com reports that Anthony Hopkins is in talks to play Ptlomeny in Stone's Alexander, and that while Stone will be filming in Morocco, the production of Luhrmann's ATG has now been moved to Australia.

1 May 2003 - Stone's Alexander the Great Project Continues to Outpace Competitor
FilmJerk.com speculates that Stone's Alexander is moving faster than Luhrmann's, and mentions a potential problem for Luhrmann in that the major studio financing his project, Universal, is up for sale.

21 April 2003 - Which the director will get the flick?
The Daily Telegraph reports on the speculation surrounding both Luhrmann's and Stone's productions of ATG.

14 April 2003 - Titanic Tussle
New York Post.com details several of Leonardo DiCaprio's upcoming film projects and the competition these movies face from similar productions, including ATG.

12 March 2003 - Stone set to direct Alexander the Great
- Ireland Online reports that Luhrmann is set to begin filming ATG in November, with Stone intending to begin shooting this summer.

6 February 2003 - A good fella gets personal
- The Sydney Morning Herald publishes an article about Martin Scorsese's work on Gangs of New York, and the director is quoted as saying he admires Luhrmann's work and creative energy.

20 January 2003 (approx.) - Baz and Nic's Next Big Thing
- Woman's Day magazine reveals movie information from an 'Alexander the Great insider', including revelations about the relationships that Luhrmann intends to portray between Olympia, Alexander and his lover, Hephaestion.

8 January 2003 - Leo DiCaprio, Colin Farrell — Same Role, Different Movies
- MTV.com reports that both Leonardo DiCaprio and Nicole Kidman have not yet officially signed on for Alexander the Great, disputing information provided by previously published articles. [Please note: The owner of this site does not believe this was an accurate article]

6 January 2003 - Leo's back for Gangs of New York
- The Irish Examiner reports how DiCaprio is trying to get his career back on track with historical roles, and includes a quote from DiCaprio that indicates that filming of ATG might be pushed back to 2004.

2 January 2003 - Clash of the titans
- The Telegraph (re-printed in The Sydney Morning Herald) gives an informative insight into the "battle" that Hollywood is facing this year as studios set about producing a variety of sword-and-sandal epics, including information about Luhrmann's and Stone's Alexander films.

1 January 2003 - Luhrmann recruits Kidman for film on bisecual action hero and Kidman takes maternal interest in Luhrmann epic
- The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age report identical articles confirming the involvement of Nicole Kidman in Luhrmann's ATG. She is set to play Alexander's mother, Olympias.

30 December 2002 - Kings of Hollywood in Epic Battle to Film Alexander
- The Guardian publishes a detailed article explaining the fascination and controversy surrounding the historical figure of Alexander the Great. It details information about a possible four adaptations, but concentrates on Luhrmann's and Stone's films. It also includes information about the difficulty of making an Alexander film.

1 December 2002 - Morocco's Prince Moulay Rachid Receives US Outstanding Film Producers, Directors
- Arabic News.com reports that Morocco's Prince Moulay Rachid, younger brother of King Mohammed VI, met with Baz Luhrmann and Dino De Laurentiis in Paris this week to discuss the construction of their studio facility. It also announces plans for Baz and Dino's next movie, The Last Legion.

20 December 2002 - Leonardo DiCaprio, Oliver Stone Conquer 'Alexander the Great' Race
- Zap2It.com (quoting Variety) announces that the tentative title for Stone's version of movie is Comandante, and that he is scouting for locations, with Farrell clearing his schedule in order to allow shooting to begin on time. [Please note: Comandante was actually the name of a separate production]

20 December 2002 - If Alexander is So Great, Why Not Two Giant Epics?
- WOKR-TV (quoting Hollywood Star News) reports that Stone's version of Alexander seems to be winning the race, and compares the two productions.

20 December 2002 - Oliver Twist and Farrell and DiCaprio set for battle of the Alexanders
- Entertainment Weekly (quoting Variety) reports that Oliver Stone's version of Alexander is set to be backed by Warner Brothers for a start date of June 2003. Ananova (quoting Variety) adds that Colin Farrell has definitely signed on to Stone's film.

19 December 2002 - Spielberg says Luhrmann has 'camera eye'
- The Age (quoting AAP, and also later featured in the SMH), reports that Steven Spielberg has given Luhrmann the "ultimate compliment" by saying that Luhrmann "reminds him of himself." He then goes on to say he would like to shoot a film in Australia.

18 December 2002 - Baz's great epic rolls on with help of kings
- The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Baz Luhrmann does intend to work with 20th Century Fox again on future films, and there has been no rift between them. More Alexander production details are also revealed.

14 December 2002 - Nicole Kidman May Join "Alexander The Great"
- Hollywood Star News (quoted in WOKR-TV) sums up the events of the past couple of days, with the addition of some insightful quotes from Luhrmann regarding the proposed story of ATG.

13 December 2002 - Fresh plalanx for 'Alexander the Great'
- Reuters reveals that 20th Century Fox has withdrawn from Baz's ATG, and DreamWorks has stepped in to replace them. It is further revealed that DreamWorks founder Steven Spielberg could now play an "instrumental role" in the production, and Nicole Kidman is interested in playing Olympias.

13 December 2002 - Kidman Eyes Role in 'Alexander the Great' Epic, Fox Pulls Funding
- Zap2it.com reports that 20th Century Fox has pulled out of Luhrmann's ATG, and that DreamWorks has stepped in to replace them. It is also revealed that Nicole Kidman is considering playing Alexander's mother, and Scorsese has signed on as a co-producer.

13 December 2002 - Gangs All Here
- Entertainment Weekly reports that 20th Century Fox has pulled out of Luhrmann's ATG, and that DreamWorks has stepped in to replace them. Kidman's potential involvement is also revealed.

11 December 2002 - Now Baz wants to take on Vegas with Moulin Rouge
- In this Sydney Morning Herald article mainly about Luhrmann's stage productions, it is revealed that he is leaving for Morocco on 13 December to start pre-production on ATG.

10 December 2002 - Interview: Leonardo DiCaprio
- In this Moviehole article discussing his films, Gangs of New York and Catch Me If You Can, Leonardo DiCaprio confirms that it "looks like" he will star in Baz's ATG.

7 December 2002 - Baz will wait for Leo DiCaprio
- Rediff.com reveals that Baz Luhrmann wants to bury rumours that Leonardo DiCaprio will not be able to play Alexander, and that he's willing to wait for him. Baz also discusses his fascination with Alexander.

3 December 2002 - Luhrmann hints at filming with DiCaprio down under
- The Sydney Morning Herald announces that Baz may plan to make some of ATG in Sydney Australia, and he is particularly keen in working again at Fox Studios. It also announces Catherine Martin's involvement, and the interest about the project that has already surfaced in the US.

25 November 2002 - Shooting of Alexander the Great to Create 20,000 Seasonal Jobs
- Arabic News.com reports that the production of ATG in Morocco will create 20,000 seasonal jobs. It also reveals that ATG is set to become the second biggest production of all time with 5000 extras and a budget of US$150 million.

3 November 2002 - Interview with Baz Luhrmann
- Ain't It Cool News interviews Luhrmann about his latest projects, and includes a couple of questions about ATG.

November 2002 - Baz Luhrmann's diary excepts
- Variety publishes sections of the diary Baz Luhrmann kept while making La Bohème, with some entries featuring an insightful glimpse at Luhrmann's early conception of ATG.

20 September 2002 - Leo to Play Bisexual Emperor?
- TV Guide reveals that the character of Alexander will be bisexual, and includes backing quotes from Tally.

18 September 2002 - DiCaprio Confirmed for Alexander the Great
- The Toronto Sun (quoted in Coming Soon!) announces that Leonardo DiCaprio has been cast as Alexander, and Martin Scorsese has been listed as a co-producer, with quotes from De Laurentiis and Tally.

17 August 2002 - Alexander the Great epic to be shot at Morocco studio
- Arabic News.com announces that three studios are set to be built in Morocco for the production of ATG, and these will be a partnership between De Laurentiis and Bazmark Films. The studios will be headquartered in Ouarzazate, Morocco, and will take about four months to build.

15 August 2002 - Leo, Luhrmann and "Alexander"
- E! Online reports that Leonardo DiCaprio is now in negotiations to play Baz's Alexander. Scorsese's version of Alexander looks like it will be dropped, leaving DiCaprio to play the role in Luhrmann's version instead. King Muhammed VI has pledged 5,000 soldiers and 1,000 horses to recreate sweeping battle scenes.

25 July 2002 - Alexander the Great
- TNMC reports about the film and includes Variety magazine quotes from the backing studios, Universal and Fox, supporting the movie, as well as quotes from Baz Luhrmann about his vision for his film.

24 July 2002 - Luhrmann & De Laurentiis Winning the Alexander Race
- Variety (quoted by Coming Soon!) reports that Baz Luhrmann and producer Dino De Laurentiis believe they will "win the race" to make a film of Alexander the Great, with the intention of starting in January 2003. Universal and 20th Century Fox are backing Luhrmann's project, as well as Muhammed VI, the King of Morocco. The King will contribute 1500 extras and also build a studio for the production. Film budget is expected to exceed US$140 million, and Luhrmann has not yet cast Alexander.

23 July 2002 - Alexander the Great Next for Baz Luhrmann?
- Coming Soon! reports that Baz Luhrmann is in negotiations to direct ATG for Universal Pictures, and 20th Century Fox is in conversations to co-produce.

No date, early/mid 2002 - Exclusive Ted Tally Interview
- About .com interview with screenwriter Ted Tally who penned the screenplay for ATG. This interview mainly deals with his other works, which gives us an insight into how he thinks as a writer. At the very end of Part 2, he is asked a couple of questions about ATG.

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