Saturday, April 2, 2005:

KING KONG SEQUEL:
Peter Jackson announced in his regular production diaries at KongIsKing.net that a sequel to King Kong is already well underway with all of the cast from the first film returning. According to Jackson, they've had to keep the sequel a secret, but the plans quickly came together while shooting the movie when some money that Universal was going to use for a third Riddick movie became available. (Essentially, Vin's loss is our gain!) The sequel will shoot back-to-back with production of the first movie, which just finished principal photography, with Jack Black, Naomi Watts, and Adrien Brody all returning. Andy Serkis will once again be performing the motion capture to be used to create King Kong's kin. Over at http://img-nex.kongisking.net/kong/movies/you can hear Peter Jackson and the cast talk about the sequel, as well as see some early footage and hear the ideas behind the sequel. Of course, this could be one of the most elaborate April Fools' pranks ever played, but surely, Peter Jackson wouldn't do something like that to all his fans, would he? Either way, King Kong is opening on December 14.

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LIFE OF PI:
Director Alfonso Cuarón (Harry Potter & and the Prisoner of Azkaban) is in talks to bring Yann Martel's bestseller 'Life of Pi' to the big screen. When director M Night Shyamalan chose to make "Lady in the Water" his next film for Warner Bros., Cuarón's agent contacted Fox 2000 Pictures to offer the director's services for "Pi". Cuaron is currently casting "Children of Men" at Universal. Martel won the Booker Prize for the novel which follows precocious son of a zookeeper who is raised in Pondicherry, India, where he tries on various faiths for size, attracting "religions the way a dog attracts fleas." Planning a move to Canada, his father packs up the family and their menagerie and they hitch a ride on an enormous freighter. After a harrowing shipwreck, Pi finds himself adrift in the Pacific Ocean, trapped on a 26-foot lifeboat with a wounded zebra, a spotted hyena, a seasick orangutan, and a 450-pound Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.

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FANTASTIC FOUR:
Over at http://www.apple.com/trailers/, you'll find a new trailer for the FANTASTIC FOUR movie. The movie opens on July 8.

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TV RATINGS:
WEDNESDAY:
LOST packed 'em in again for ABC on Wednesday, but it was slower going for the 10 p.m. debut of EYES. Fox won the night overall in the key adults 18-49 demographic on the strength of 9 p.m.'s AMERICAN IDOL, which brought in 24.9 million viewers and a 10.6 rating/26 share in the demo, according to Nielsen Media Research. The network's new 9:30 p.m. comedy "Life on a Stick" (9.5 million, 4.4/11) had little luck in capitalizing on its lead-in. "Stick" slipped behind ABC's 9 p.m. drama "Alias" (10.8 million, 4.4/11) and NBC's "The West Wing" (9.9 million, 3.0/7) in total viewers. CBS' "The King of Queens" (9 million, 2.8/7) was pounded by "Idol" at 9 p.m., but the eye network's fortunes perked up some at 9:30 p.m. with "Yes, Dear" (9.7 million, 3.5/9).

THURSDAY:
Thursday belonged to CBS this week. The only show that came close to competing with the eye network's powerhouse lineup was NBC's 9 p.m. edition of "The Apprentice," which brought in 13.8 million viewers and 6.0 rating/15 share in the adults 18-49 demographic, according to preliminary estimates from Nielsen Media Research. CBS' opened the night far atop the pack with "Survivor: Palau" (21.1 million, 7.7/21). ABC's fledgling comedy "Jake in Progress" (5.7 million, 1.7/5) had an uphill climb with back-to-back episodes at 8 p.m. (5.7 million, 1.7/5) and 8:30 p.m. (5.8 million, 2.1/6), even against repeats of NBC's "Joey" (7.4 million, 2.9/8) and "Will & Grace" (7.1 million, 3.1/8).

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X-MEN 3:
In a recent interview, Marvel CEO Avi Arad, the studio is quite pleased with the new director Matthew Vaughn taking over Bryan Singer's reigns. “We are incredibly excited about Matthew,” said Avi. “We love his sensibilities. I thought 'Layer Cake' was incredibly stylish, with a lot of characters. In some ways he had stylistically the look of 'X-Men,' it was very crisp.” Regarding fitting everyone's stories into this film with the Dark Phoenix story, Arad said, “It should never be this one story. The main characters are more important than Jean Grey. This is a bigger story. Everybody’s expecting Dark Phoenix, but Dark Phoenix would never be the main show. She’ll be one of the characters, that’s it. There are a lot of stories to tell.” "It’s a very intelligent movie. I think it’s contextually going to be the best. We are so excited.”

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TOP SCIENCE FICTION NEWS STORIES:
To catch up on the latest news from around the world of science fiction, go to News Page. You'll find the highlights from your favorite shows -- and more.

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Stephen Austin Photo Album

Speaking of Peter, he and his fans had so much fun in the Caribbean that he is inviting everyone back to join him in the Western Caribbean on Jan. 15-22, 2006!!

If you are looking for a GREAT Vacation, or if you are interested in meeting like -minded men and women, learning in an educational environment, join us for this for this spectacular opportunity to sail with Peter.

Our special program on board offers something for everyone. We have arranged for you to enjoy three Exclusive seminars with Peter and a private cocktail party plus other surprises. There will be plenty of time to relax, reflect, and recharge.

For more information call 800 695 5253 or e-mail Susan@CruiseEvents.net or go to: http://www.cruiseevents.net/peterwoodward/index.htm

IN MEMORY OF

Richard Biggs, the wonderful Dr. Stephen Franklin on Babylon 5, died last year on May 22 of an brain anyerism. There are many efforts underway to help with his two small children. Be sure to go to the Richard Biggs Memorial Page for more information.



Tim Choate, who so marvelously brought Zathras to Babylon 5, was killed when he was struck by a car while going to a play rehearsal on his motorcycle. A memorial fund has been set up for Tim's son Flynn. The address for the memorial fund is:

The Tim Choate Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 861355
Los Angeles, CA 90086

Christopher Franke - April 6
Maggie Egan - April 11
Tony Dow - April 13
Warren Takeuchi - April 19
Peter Jurasik - April 25

Have I missed anyone? If you know the birthday of someone connected with Babylon 5, pass the information along. We want to include everyone in our Happy Birthday Wishes.

THE WEST WING: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON COMES TO DVD ON APRIL 5, 2005

The Emmy-Award Winning Fourth Season will be Available on a
Six-disc Collector's Set Loaded with Never-Before-Seen Special Features Including Deleted Scenes, Special
Featurettes, Episode Commentary and More

Follow President Josiah Bartlet from re-election into his second term when Warner Home Video (WHV) releases The West Wing: The Complete Fourth Season on DVD on April 5, 2005. The six-disc collector's set includes all 22 episodes of the series' fourth season, which garnered 15 Emmy nominations and two wins for Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. The DVD set will be available for $59.98 SRP.

Visit The West Wing page for more information on this new release.

WONDER WOMAN: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON

June 7 has been set for the release by Warner Home Video of WONDER WOMAN: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON and LOIS & CLARK: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON.
Lynda Carter returns as Wonder Woman for all 24 episodes of the third and final season of the series. Teamed with government agent Steve Trevor (Lyle Waggoner) and using the alias of Diana Prince, Wonder Woman whips out her bracelets and lariat to battle evil. Her foes include a time traveler from the year 2155, a brain with no body, a dating service that's serving up death, hungry ants and a sculptor whose statues come to life and become his partners in crime. Wonder Woman saved the best adventures for last!"

The Lois & Clark collection brings you Dean Cain and Terry Hatcher in this action-packed Superman update. Originally aired in the 90's on ABC, this humorously romantic action/adventure hour-long series puts a modern twist on the time-honored, legendary superhero, bringing to life the comic book characters Clark Kent; his superhuman alter-ego, Superman; and Lois Lane, fiction's first lady of the press, in the most unrequited romance of all time."

Season Two (21 episodes following a feature-length season premiere) introduces Wonder Woman to a new America of nuclear power and computers. Teamed with Steve Trevor, son of the dashing major she worked with during World War II, she takes the name Diana Prince - and takes on all kinds of danger from terrorists, mad geniuses, crooks and even a diabolical rock star while working for America's Inter-Agency Defense Command. Wonder Woman, we're proud you're on our side!

Be sure to enjoy the clips provided by Warner Bros. on the Wonder Woman page.

EXORCIST: THE BEGINNING
DEBUTS ON DVD & VHS MARCH 1, 2005
FROM WARNER HOME VIDEO

SYNOPSIS:
The place: Africa. The year: 1949. Father Merrin (Stellan Skarsgård), his faith shattered by World War II, journeys to Kenya to join an archaeological dig that has uncovered a Byzantine church mysteriously untouched by the ravages of time. But an even greater mystery awaits: an ancient and horrific evil is now awakened…and a soul-shattering death spree begins. Can Merrin summon the faith and courage to defeat humanity's oldest and most powerful foe?

DVD ELEMENTS

The DVD release of Exorcist: The Beginning will include these bonus features:
· Director Commentary with Renny Harlin
· Behind-the-scenes featurette.
· Theatrical trailer.

Check out all the information at The Exorcist.

Visit to the Review Page for a review of the DVD sets.

Expose Special #28: CHARMED: A look at seven seasons and 150 episodes of this hit fantasy show. Holly Marie Combs talks to us about juggles parenting, animal husbandry and starring as the eldest of the Halliwell sisters – but she still finds time to join in the 150th episode celebrations! Executive producer E Duke Vincent shares his thoughts on overseeing seven seasons of Charmed, and reaching the milestone of 150 episodes; Directors Jon Paré and Jim Conway chat about their experiences on the series, taking in Valkyries, Wendigos and mermaids – and reveal which episodes caused the most trouble! And much more.

Cult Times Special #33: THE SIMPSONS are honored for their 16 years on the tube. Also in this issue, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA's stunning Cylon Number Six, better known as Tricia Helfer, drops by to look back over the first season of the critically acclaimed re-imagining of the classic show and looks forward to Season Two and ANDROMEDA's Steve Bacic reveals the changes in his character for the fifth and final season, which sees Telemachus Rhade trapped in the Seefra system and turning to drink.

Starburst #332: WAR OF THE WORLDS: The magazine visits the set of this Spielberg/Cruise endeavor to see what is waiting for us when the movie makes its premiere. Also inside find CARNIVALE's Clancy Brown talking about his role as the enigmatic Brother Justin Crowe in the HBO drama, and explains that his character isn’t just a run-of the-mill black and white villain and SMALLVILLE's actor John Glover talks about the recent transformation of Lionel Luthor from conniving and manipulative billionaire to mediator and father with a conscience.

TV Zone #187: The magazine goes behind the scenes on the BBC’s revival of Doctor Who, chatting to creative supremo Russell T Davies, the writers and crew bringing the series to our screens! Also in this issue, 24's star Kiefer Sutherland talks to us about exploring troubled government agent Jack Bauer’s dark side, and the new challenges facing him in Season Four of the hit action series.

Expose #93: CHARMED: Star Alyssa Milano discusses her role as Phoebe Halliwell, taking in seven years of punning episode titles, her ever-changing haircuts and stepping up to co-produce the hit Fantasy show. LOST AND ALIAS creator JJ Abrams talks to us about developing the intricately-plotted tale of castaways.

Starburst Special #68: DOCTOR WHO: To celebrate the return of DOCTOR WHO to TV, you will find an exclusive story-by-story guide to the adventures of the Time-traveller, starting with the original Doctor, William Hartnell, back in 1963. Plus a look forward to the adventures of the newest incarnation, played by screen star Christopher Eccleston.

Date: 3/27/2005 9:58:19 PM
Babylon 5 Moderated Newsgroup

I'd mentioned a while back that I would remind folks when the stores would begin taking orders for Dream Police...so this is it.

Dream Police will appear as a one-shot on June 22nd, but Marvel has a tendency to print to orders, so if you don't order it up front, it may not be available. Apparently interest is high, so I have a sneaking suspicion this one may disappear fast.

Basically, the premise of Dream Police -- which has been in the works for a long time now, and finally seeing print -- is that we all enter the dreamscape when we fall asleep, and the denizens of said dreamscape all play their roles...but when someone doesn't do their job, or a crime against dreamers is committed, the Dream Police come in.

The thing is...the Dream Police are plain clothes detectives and beat cops who walk, talk and behave like characters out of the Maltese Falcon, or Dragnet, or Adam 12, that very literal, staccato, clipped back-and-forth style of dialogue.

So what you've got is a very funny, weird, surreal book that puts these very noir characters up against the dreamscape...and I'm just pleased as punch with the result.

Hence, this recommendation. There's no long arc to sign onto, just the one issue, but it's just a hoot and a half to read. It's fromm Marvel under the Icon imprint, and I commend it highly to all B5 folks.

NEW BOOKS FOR JUNE:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #521
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Pencils & Cover by MIKE DEODATO

"MOVING UP" Spidey just can't seem to catch a break these days. He's got a great new pad and a cool new clique ­ so what's the big problem? Oh, not much-- just a nefarious worldwide organization with an ingenious plan to conquer the world! Hail HYDRA! Part 3 (of 6).

FANTASTIC FOUR #528
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Pencils and Cover by MIKE MCKONE

"Random Factors" As Ben revels in his newfound wealth and status, an act of sabotage may well jeopardize Reed's secret project--and a visit from state officials has dire ramifications for Sue and the rest of the Richards clan.

SUPREME POWER #17
Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Pencils & Cover by GARY FRANK

"The Deconstruction of Mark Milton" concludes: There's love in the air for Doctor Spectrum and a certain amphibious creature...and a storm on the horizon for Hyperion. Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad.

MAY TITLES:

AMAZING SPIDERMAN
Written by J. Michael Straczynski, art and cover by Mike Deodato.

In this tale for the ages, written by Stupendous J. Michael Straczynski and penciled by Magnificent Mike Deodato, Peter and the family are forced to deal with the radical changes in their lives. Straight from the pages of the New Avengers. Part 2 of 5.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on May 25.

STRANGE #6
Written by J. Michael Straczynski and Samm Barnes, art and cover Brandon Peterson.

On their journey to discover Blackthroat, Marco and Director Joel Cameron's crew end up on a dark island in the heart of the Bermuda Triangle. Plotting to fuel Marco's thirst for revenge, Cameron hatches a trap with Jeanine's life in the balance. As the small crew turns on one another they soon learn that this island is not as deserted as it seems; it is home to an ancient clan of vampires whose dark secret has ramifications for all of humanity.

32 pages, $3.50, in stores on May 18.

FANTASTIC FOUR #527
Written by J. Michael Straczynski, art and cover by Mike McKone.

"Distant Music." A new arc begins here. Just in time for movie season, new ongoing creative team J. Michael Straczynski and Mike McKone unite their talents to chart a new course for the world's greatest comic magazine! First up: an intriguing offer for a conflicted Reed, and a windfall for Ben.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on May 25.

AMAZING SPIDERMAN #517
Amazing Spider-Man #517 will arrive in stores on Feb. 23 from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by J. Michael Straczynski, with art by Mike Deodato Jr. and Mark Brooks, with a cover by Gary Frank.

Here's how Marvel describes the book:
"'Skin Deep,' part 3 of 4. When a former classmate of Peter Parker's is caught in a horrific experiment, he blames Peter for the resulting transformation... But is Peter to blame? And how will Peter react when someone targets his personal life instead of Spider-Man¹s life, for a change?"

Amazing Spider-Man #517 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25

JMS COMIC BOOKS: For a listing of current comic books written by J. Michael Straczynski, go to COMIC BOOK page. There is a brief synopsis of the book and a date when publication is expected.

STARGATE ATLANTIS:
04/08/2005 09:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS RISING - PT 1
04/08/2005 12:00 AM STARGATE ATLANTIS RISING - PT 1
04/15/2005 09:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS RISING - PT 2
04/15/2005 12:00 AM STARGATE ATLANTIS RISING - PT 2
04/22/2005 09:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS HIDE AND SEEK
04/22/2005 12:00 AM STARGATE ATLANTIS HIDE AND SEEK
04/29/2005 09:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS SUSPICION
04/29/2005 12:00 AM STARGATE ATLANTIS SUSPICION

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA:
04/04/2005 11:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA KOBOL'S LAST GLEAMING - PT 2
04/08/2005 10:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA 33
04/08/2005 01:00 AM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA 33
04/15/2005 10:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA WATER
04/15/2005 01:00 AM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA WATER

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