I thought the Ashes series would make for a great series of theatrical films, premium cable programs or a combination of both. What would be the best media format for the Ashes series? Who would pay Ben Raines?

I picked Kurt Russel because of the way he played "Snake Blisken" in the Escape movies. Also I liked him in "Soldier".

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Jeff
NRA Life Member
"Only the Best Come North"

Hey, Cinc. I think Tom Berenger would make a great Ben Raines! He was in the movie "The Substitute", "Platoon", and "sniper". I think he has the rugged, tough as nails look and his voice matches what I think Ben Raines would sound like. Aloha, ogi.

Tom Beranger would be great in the part of Ben as would Mel Gibson. Both have the rugged look, and have played parts in the past that show they could handle the part.

To answer the question if it would make a good TV series or movie, the answer is yes. But would the political hacks, and left leaning networks leave the true flavor of the story in tact is the question. Perhaps a straight to DVD series would be a good alternative. A few letters to producers might help get it started. But is America really ready for seeing where the left is taking us?

JIM

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Dedicate some of your life to others. Your dedication will not be a sacrifice. It will be an exhilarating experience because it is intense effort applied toward a meaningful end. Dr. Thomas Dooley

I forgot about Tom Berenger! I think he would be really good in a Ashes movie or TV series! This would also be a great boost to his career which would increase the likelyhood of him starring in such a movie. I noticed Kurt Russell recieved alot of votes and I think he would be great if he portrayed Ben Raines as well. Kurt Russell is also a professed Libertarian and he might identify alot with the Ashes series as well as Ben Raines.

I forgot one more person who would perform well as Ben Raines. I was watching Red Dawn on TV recently (the movie where the Communists invaded the USA in the 80s) and thought to myself if Patrick Swayze didn't have cancer or rebounded from it, he could have protrayed Ben Raines as well. It would be kinda like reprising his role as the leader of the "Wolverines" in Red Dawn.

The Ashes series wouldn't be made for network TV. It is too graphic and too politically volitaile for network TV. If Ashes were made as a TV series, it would have to be for HBO, Showtime, or maybe FX.

How about the supporting cast? I think Morgan Freeman as Cecil Jeffries. As Ben's wife Salina, someone like Rosario Dawson. As Lamar, Antony Hopkins. Any one have any ideas for Ike, Tina, Dan Gray etc. My pick for the cult leader Emil Hite would just have to be Jack Black. Any ideas?

I was thinking Morgan Freeman for the role of Cecil Jefferies if this was a theatrical release. If it was a cable TV series, I was thinking Avery Brooks who played Captain Benjamin Sisko on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. I thought David Morse could portray either Ben Raines or Ike McGowan in either a theatrical release or a Cable TV Series production. Rosario Dawson would be really good as Salina. I probably award supporting roles to new and up and comming actors and actresses. I think I might also have roles for actresses such as Jennifer Garner.

For villians, I was thinking Sam Waterson for Hilton Logan. If Steven Segal were to get back into fighting shape, I probably would cast him as Sam Hartline. I probably cast Alyssa Millano or Shannen Dogherty as Sister Volleta of the Ninth Order. I might cast Clancy Brown in the role of Striganov.

I was thinking of Morgan Freeman also as Cecil Jefferies. Sam Waterson would be a great choice for Hilton Logan, his liberal personal politics seem to fit. Now who will write the screen play?

JIM

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Dedicate some of your life to others. Your dedication will not be a sacrifice. It will be an exhilarating experience because it is intense effort applied toward a meaningful end. Dr. Thomas Dooley

I was wondering who they could get to play Jersey and Cooper. Besides Ben Raines those 2 ore my favorites in all the books. I also like Anna.

Ms Betty

As far as the screen play goes, I thought someone like Stephen King could adapt the Ashes series to either film or television. Problem is the series might turn into something like "The Stand".

As far as direction and screenplay, I thought about Paul Vernhoven. The Ashes series set in the apocalyptic near-future with all its violence would be right up his alley. However, I remember how he disgraced Robert A. Heinlen's "Starship Troopers" with his adaptation of the great novel.

I thought of other directors such as Quinten Tarentino, Robert Rodriguez, J.J. Abrams, Michael Bay, Jerry Bruckheimer, and others that directed action/adventure movies. However, I don't think any of them would take it on because of its right-wing bent.

Clint Eastwood, another self-proclaimed Libertarian, may be interested in directing an Ashes film or TV series. Robert Duvall and his "October Films" company may be inclined to produce an "Ashes" movie or TV series.

I've started a spec script on this one a while back and even shot off a querry to the publisher. Unless you are someone with a lot of money and a golden road to walk on, there is no way under the blue heavens you are ever going to be able to.
On that same note, the spec I wrote, or better yet, started to write, ended with 60 minutes of screen play and Cecil and Ike had yet to be met.
The ONLY way to make this into any visual medium to to make it a series on TV. It would have to be a 2 week nightly show for it to be complete.

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"...if they are angry, perturb them..." Sun Tzu - The Art of War

It looks like we are on to something! Who would you like to see cast all the female parts? How will we handle the physical appearance of the mutants? Will the end of the US come like it did in the TV Series Jericho with an atomic attack? Would you enjoy being in the series as an extra?

JIM

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Dedicate some of your life to others. Your dedication will not be a sacrifice. It will be an exhilarating experience because it is intense effort applied toward a meaningful end. Dr. Thomas Dooley

Here are some actresses I can imagine in the series. You can match them up with what roles they could play.

Drew Barrymore
Shannen Dogherty
Alyssa Millano
Kristen Bell
Jennifer Garner
Sarah Michelle Gellar-Prinze
Jennifer Love-Hewitt
Julliette Lewis
Jada Pinkett-Smith
Robin Givens

It would be the best day of my life if they did this!

P.s. I'm new here.

Personally, I would like to see some fresh faces in this one. We have too many type casts already for most parts and Hollywood.

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"...if they are angry, perturb them..." Sun Tzu - The Art of War