Independence Day Director Roland Emmerich Planning Controversial Remake of Oscar-Winning Epic

Independence Day Director Roland Emmerich Planning Controversial Remake of Oscar-Winning Epic

As a cinephile with decades of film-watching under my belt, I find myself both intrigued and apprehensive about Roland Emmerich’s ambitious plan to remake the iconic Lawrence of Arabia for the small screen. With a career spanning over three decades and a penchant for epic blockbusters like Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, and 2012, Emmerich has certainly left an indelible mark on modern cinema. His collaboration with writer Anthony McCarten on In Arabia seems like a daring move, promising to delve deeper into the complex political landscape and enigmatic characters that made Lawrence of Arabia such a timeless masterpiece.


Acclaimed filmmaker, scriptwriter, and producer, Roland Emmerich, who’s famously known as “The master of disaster”, is currently developing a contentious reimagining of the multiple Academy Award-winning movie, Lawrence of Arabia. This remake aims to reintroduce the classic film back to viewers. Known for directing blockbuster movies such as Independence Day (1996), The Day After Tomorrow (2004), and 2012, Emmerich is collaborating with screenwriter Anthony McCarten, best recognized for Bohemian Rhapsody, to produce a three-season television series tentatively named In Arabia. The upcoming series promises to introduce even more characters than the already grandiose film, offering a captivating pitch. This television show concept is intriguing, as the extended runtime could provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the complex political landscape and mysterious characters portrayed in the story. (Source: The Hollywood Reporter)

In 1962, David Lean directed the epic movie “Lawrence of Arabia,” starring Peter O’Toole. This four-hour masterpiece has been celebrated for its cinematic excellence, receiving ten Oscar nominations and winning seven. The story unfolds during World War I, following a British intelligence officer, T.E. Lawrence (Peter O’Toole), in Cairo and Greater Syria, as he assisted Arab tribes in rebelling against the Ottoman Empire. Admired for its stunning visuals, powerful soundtrack, and captivating narrative, this classic film has left a lasting impact on both filmmakers and audiences alike. Notably, Steven Spielberg, a renowned filmmaker, acknowledged it as his favorite film and championed its restoration project. Now the question arises: can Roland Emmerich’s television adaptation capture such a storied legacy?

Roland Emmerich’s Last Few Projects Have Faced a Mixed Reception

Independence Day Director Roland Emmerich Planning Controversial Remake of Oscar-Winning EpicIndependence Day Director Roland Emmerich Planning Controversial Remake of Oscar-Winning EpicIndependence Day Director Roland Emmerich Planning Controversial Remake of Oscar-Winning EpicIndependence Day Director Roland Emmerich Planning Controversial Remake of Oscar-Winning Epic

There’s been some anxious feedback regarding the upcoming remake, considering Roland Emmerich’s recent works haven’t fared too well with audiences. Notably, Emmerich is famous for directing Independence Day, and the latest adaptation of this film, titled Independence Day: Resurgence, which came out in 2019, received a lukewarm response. On Rotten Tomatoes, it scored a mere 30% from audiences. Despite this, it managed to rake in $389 million globally at the box office; however, when compared to the original Independence Day, which was the top-grossing film of 1996, the sequel falls significantly short.

2022’s film titled “Moonfall” didn’t quite meet the anticipation. Despite incorporating Roland Emmerich’s signature components of intense, world-threatening conflicts and stunning visual effects, “Moonfall” garnered mixed responses, with a 35% rating from critics but an impressive 75% approval from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Given his extensive career, especially in creating epic blockbusters like “The Patriot,” “10,000 BC,” and “Midway,” and his historical and political dramas, should we be so hasty in dismissing the director’s ambitions for “In Arabia”?

In other updates about Roland Emmerich, the director has excitedly shared some good news with fans of Independence Day. At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, he disclosed that he has penned a story for another sequel and is all set to begin filming as soon as Disney gives the green light for a new movie. Besides that, Emmerich is also busy working on a fresh season of his debut series, the Gladiator drama titled Those About to Die.

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2024-09-16 14:31