Paramount buys Boilerplate

The Hollywood Reporter reports that Paramount has picked up rights to Boilerplate: History’s Mechanical Marvel, a graphic novel-picture book hybrid by Paul Guinan and Anina Bennett which purports to tell the story of the world’s first robot.

In the book Boilerplate fights alongside Teddy Roosevelt, journeys to the South Pole, and works alongside Houdini (apparently in silent films) before disappearing on the battlefields of World War I.

Guinan originally pitched the concept and character via his Boilerplate website 11 years ago when trying to drum up interest in a graphic novel. The site eventually took on a life of its own when some people started believing the robot and its history to be true. The book was published last year by Abrams Image.

J.J. Abrams, Lost co-creator and director/producer of films such as the recent Star Trek reboot is set to produce.

Houdini bust from ArsPraestigium

The amazing new cold cast bronze bust of Houdini created by renowned sculptor Peter Close is now available for purchase at the new ArsPraestigium website.

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The bust depicts Houdini in a straightjacket and measures approximately 12 inches and weighs around 10 pounds. Each limited edition piece is signed by artist Peter Close. It sells for $390 + $35 shipping to North America. All busts are created at the time of order.

Click here for more info and to purchase.

Elfman gives update on 'Houdini' at Comic-Con

I was in the audience yesterday when Danny Elfman told a packed audience at the San Diego Comic-Con that he is still working on his score to a Broadway musical based on the life of Houdini.

However, Elfman said the nature of large Broadway shows like this can be “tumultuous” and he couldn’t say when, or if, the show will see the stage. But he said he is enjoying the work and the collaboration with “some very good people.”

The Elfman Houdini musical was announced back in April 2008 for a Spring 2010 debut, but little news has been available about the status of the project.

This was Elfman’s first appearance at Comic-Con, and he received two standing ovations.