TBF, Mags, you have been doing a lot of the heavylifting for the quest, so this will be in good hands.
To be clear to everyone, this is just me burning out on imagination of the quest, since my muse has been hitting me over the head a lot with so many different ideas that I just can't find myself too interested in this.
I'll still hang out here, though, since this still does have a sepcial place in my heart.
I'd like to thank you all for making this a wonderful experience while it lasted.
I'd also like to thank @Magoose, @Fluffy_serpent, and @Martin Noctis for doing so much to help prepare and write this quest. I couldn't have done it without you all.
Sorry it's taking so long, finding the right actors for some of the roles is proving to be a challenge this time around. Specially if we want to add Red Sonja to the movie.
Overmind has a cast list and he's just trying to find some actors. I would have helped but today was busy at work. Something will probably come along within 24 hours.
I don't think it's any fault of the vote. It's just that we are making a movie that did not exist OTL based off of a franchise few are intimate with.
"This TV unit's screen, Philips-san, also uses the Sony Trinitron patent and includes your own patent as it includes an integrated Laserdisk. It can…"
Kees nods and smiles at the appropriate intervals, hiding a yawn, allowing Ichigo, the only person from Sony he vaguely recognises from previous visits, to continue with the Presentation. It is clear to Kees Ichigo is uncomfortable and nervous and would rather be back in the Sony labs. Kees understands him perfectly; he would rather be in his lab back at Phillps, not here, listening to this Presentation of Sony's past glories. He wouldn't be here if Philips were not in a similar position, trying to turn a potential foe into, if not an ally, at least someone disinterested in striking out at Philips.
A brief glance around the room reveals several Sony upper and upper-middle-level executives visibly on edge, poised to jump in with answers or praise the products immediately. Anton, the nominal leader of the Phillps delegation, hides his boredom and confusion while giving a good impression of paying attention. Groups of security guards in unusually bright, colourful undershirts loiter near the pavilion's entrances, their presence more pronounced than necessary. One particularly imposing guard seems to keep a closer watch on the Sony staff than on the Phillips team, scrutinising their every move. The executives' moods shift unpredictably as if they are navigating a high-stakes test, with the Phillips staff unwittingly cast as participants in an unspoken evaluation. It was an unsettling and unwelcome change to the Company with which Phillps had commenced negotiations.
When Philips approached Sony with their Red Book project several years ago, Sony was a well-respected Japanese company and a widely acknowledged leader in global tech. Recent revelations about criminal links and illegal activities had worn off some of that lustre. Still, Phillips was now dealing with a sunk cost issue and perhaps a fallacy: too much had been invested to just drop the project.
Sony and Philips had been working on similar devices. A disc that used tiny bumps on the surface and lasers to read data and play music—called the compact disc, or CD for short. Similar enough to create a format war if they weren't careful. Both companies knew the risks of a format war, having recently fought and been on the losing end of the most recent one. The Betamax tape was Sony's invention; Philips worked on the LaserDisc, and both were slowly driven out of the home entertainment market by the VHS. Millions of dollars in time, effort, and development costs, leaving both companies behind, out of pocket, and unhappy.
Out of pocket did not mean going bankrupt and out of the game entirely; it was just that new options needed to be sought and new gaps in the market exploited. The Trinitron screen technology meant that whenever anyone bought a colour TV, they gave Sony some money via patent fees. Likewise, music and audio playback cassette tapes dripped money into Philips' pockets. Yet technology marches on, consumer demand changes and tech companies either fight each other for profits and sales or go extinct by failing to identify and exploit gaps in the market. This compact disk idea, CD for short, seems to be one of them.
That was the point of this tech-sharing and these meetings. Could Philips and Sony work together to assemble a new standard and dominate the market rather than fighting each other and having a third party come and steal the prize—like JVC and their VHS format had just done?
It was a somewhat uncomfortable affair on both sides. Phillips's collaborative business approach, seeking tech partners, and decentralised management with high personal initiative grated against Sony's hierarchical structure, disruptive, and almost overly competitive focus on market moves that created short-term profits and long-term foes. Recent business decisions around Lucasfilm from both companies further strained their relationship as Phillips sided with lucasfilm and Sony was caught acting against it.
Sony's attempt to replicate Lucasfilm's portable music player, the Walkman, resulted in a legal debacle as, Despite warnings, Sony launched a similar device, the Soundabout, banking on lawyers rather than facts for success. It did not work. Rather than accepting their loss, Sony sent an agent to cause chaos in Hollywood. Only to be caught in the act. The fallout from these revelations damaged Sony's credibility and reputation. This demonstration was a last-ditch effort to salvage their standing with Philips and persuade them to continue the project.
"Channel selection is crisp and…" continued Ichigo nervously as he fumbled for the channel controller, adjusting the machine from a weather report in Japanese to…
"Miraculous, simply the best…" Music came from the TV as a flash of a red figure and another figure in black appeared above the iconic Paris skyline, just before Ichigo's panicked fumbling turned the TV off.
Every fleeting smile on any of the upper management's faces immediately disappeared. A direct aura of fear appeared among the juniors. Several champagne glasses had fallen shattered on the hard ground, and the bulky security guard that had caught Kees eyes was now furious. A pointed look from the guard, and the Sony man supposedly managing the affair was now giving a very abrupt speech and closing the event.
"Thank you, Philips San, for coming and seeing our work. Please consider continued patronage."
It is less an invitation and more an order from the Sony director of the event as Security, dressed in what seemed to be brightly coloured shirts beneath their suits, appears and ushers the Philips members and only the Phillips members out of the room and back to waiting cars. As the doors slam closed behind them, Kees thinks he hears shouting in Japanese begin.
---
The abrupt return to the hotel leaves more time for the team to discuss strategy and impressions than otherwise. In a pause, Kees idly comments that Ichigo was the only member he recognised, and Ichigo was from the labs. Similar observations are stated by the rest of the team. Anton comments that he noticed the science side of the Company has some new faces, but almost none of the business side are faces they know. There is a joking question if the recent scandal removed the criminals or the scapegoats before talk returns to business.
As the talk returns to business practicalities, Kees finds his technical expertise unnecessary and the discussion points repetitive. He makes his excuses to leave and go for a walk. It is a signal, and the meeting, which had been going nowhere, mutually decides to go back to rooms, to meals or other pursuits. Leaving Kees to freely tour Tokyo alone
---
Tokyo is bustling outside; lights, glass, and neon fight the evening gloom as he walks. Bright-coloured Walkmans are spotted in passersby's hands and ears. Signs hang on doors, and a few Sony TVs show different scenes with Lucasfilm in the corner. Whatever hate Sony has for Lucasfilm seems not to extend to Japan.
Snippets of conversation reach him as he walks, and out of the corner of his eye, he sees a poster for a tour to Hokkaido and "Empire Strikes Back" scenes. Japan seems to love Lucasfilm, yet as he walks further, it is clear that some, primarily traditional or older, seem offended by its very existence. A Sony TV catches him off guard, playing an advertisement for an upcoming show from Sunrise. The host is talking about the American in charge of the studio and his previous successes while also highlighting the achievements of the American animation branch and their Japanese head. Again, the audience reaction is mostly positive. The clip of the miraculous show is followed by another celebrated Japanese name: Mamoru Oshii. What was Sony's problem? Lucasfilm seemed to be respectful of Japan and Japanese culture. Was it simply that they had gotten caught?
Kees walks away from the TV in the window and that storefront, using the gap between shops that leads to a train station to think. Lucasfilm had made ripples and was innovating, yet unless they were to ask for a novel data storage medium, they would be unlikely to be interested in him or his work.
Another sound catches his attention, this time from the alley he is passing. Five thugs surround a figure on the ground. Time stops.
He hears yelling, "Police, come here! A crime is being committed!" First in Dutch, then broken Japanese. To Kees's surprise, the man doing the yelling is himself. The men committing the assault look up. The big man closest to Kees looks offended by the interruption. Behind Kees passersbys' stop. They, too, are annoyed. Not the crime, but that their bubble of safety and normalcy has been disturbed. An officer starts over, almost lazily in his step. Then the victim moves his head. Kees sees.
"Ichigo from Sony?" Kees asks in shock. The name of the Company and their implied connections perform some sort of magic. The policeman moves quickly. The growing crowd seems to swing in favour of helping the victim. The thugs move faster away from the witnesses. The policeman brakes into an almost run. To Kees, that looks like it would be just slightly too slow. The policeman's reluctance is ignored as Kees bends down to help Ichigo. Time resumes.
Ichigo whispers. Words quiet so as not to reach the crowd. "You should not have done that, Phillips San. It will bring danger to your Company. Still, this Ichigo thanks you, Kees San" Ichigo's voice is laboured and pained.
Kees removes his jacket, ripping at his shirt to get bandages. They are wrapped around the superficial wounds Ichigo has, thankfully. As he works, he speaks to Ichigo, attempting to calm him and make sense of the situation.
"Why not? Phillips and Sony are Friends; if not them, you and I shared a beer several years back. You told me of your dream to be a mangaka. Why should I not help a friend?" Came Kees' reply. He carefully helps Ichigo the rest of the way to his feet, blood from a still unbandaged cut on Ichiro's face, narrowly missing Kees's suit jacket. Nods came from the small crowd of passersby, dispersing now that the situation was dealt with and excitement had gone.
Ichigo glances around and judges the crowd too close. "No question here; need to hurry away." Then, louder, meant to carry to the crowd, "Thank you, Phillips san. This Ichigo of Sony Gratefully accepts our Allies' Assistance."
Kees is alarmed by Ichigo's words and tome. Nodding, he turns his face into something approximating normal, shrugs his jacket over what's left of his shirt, and helps Ichigo limp out of the alleyway and past the growing crowd.
"Hospital?" he whispers to Ichigo.
"No, not safe. Not my home or your hotel too. Those Sony watch."
"The men that attacked you were Sony's?"
"Mostly Yes. Some No. Talk later. Must get to Sunrise. Lucasfilm fight Sony before and win. Only chance."
Kees wavers for a moment before seeing the fear and determination in Ichigo's eyes.
"Which way?"
"Tokyo has a good train, this one. But quickly. Being followed."
A glance around showed a new figure with a suspiciously colourful undershirt watching from a distance.
"Let's move." Kees put words into action, dragging Ichigo along and into the station faster.
----
As the train journey progresses, Kees and Ichigo manage to acquire medical supplies, and Ichigo is to with as much care as possible. The rhythmic clatter of the train soothes the tension, but Kees keeps catching glimpses of colourful undershirts at a distance. Connecting Trains are on time down to the second and synced to allow easy transfers. Kees manages to Navigate well enough in Ichigo's direction. At most Transitions, he thinks he sees those men with colourful undershirts being left on platforms when they didn't move fast enough. When he mentions his observation to Ichigo, a look of satisfaction crosses Ichigo's face.
"Good. I will risk a phone call at the next station. But be careful, Phillips san. Not shirt Tattoo. That is how to know Yakuza."
"Yakuza. What is Yakuza, a rival company?"
"Criminal but have honour. Sometimes. You know of Mob. Yes? Yakuza are… dangerous and in many business. They go to companies like Sony to manipulate or control when the Company is weak or an opportunity. This Ichigo sorry for bringing danger to you, Kees-san. Your help and bravery… invaluable. My presence, not good for your safety."
With that, Ichigo returns to brooding silence, watching the night shapes fly past the train windows.
The final stations brightness leads to a dark bus change and then a street. The neighbourhood seems more relaxed than mid-Tokyo. Glass and steel blend interspaces traditional Japanese elements. Places for contemplation and not just business. The streets are emptying slowly as patrons leave bars and cafés for the evening. An attentive officer notes Ichigos injuries and, on hearing their destination, flags a guard finishing a meal. Kees finds himself relaxing as there is no flash of Colour beneath the security guards shirt.
A quick discussion between Ichigo and the security guard, combined with gesturing in the direction of Kees, gains them an invitation into a large blocky building of warm brown brick and glass surrounded by greenery. A billboard on the side advertises animated material with Lucasfilm posters, all in Japanese.
As they enter, Kees finds himself nodding the differences with Sony headquarters. An open-plan floor is broken up into tables for collaborations and alcoves for privacy. Reference materials and drawing tools are within easy grasp; secure elevators and stairs lead to upper, more private levels. By the wear on the desks and chairs, Collaboration is encouraged. Moreover, the lack of Late-night workers crunching for a deadline suggests employees are valued and not resources for consumption. There is none of the rigid hierarchical sterility of Sony with its regimented desks trying to impose its will on the world but a place for creative people to come together and shine. It reminds him of his beloved Labs back home and Phillips's desire for Collaboration.
His musing is interrupted by a man coming down from one of the secure offices upstairs. He introduces himself as Takashi Hisaoka, who takes them over to a booth near the entrance. Kees notes that an American comic book, Marvel, lies on the table while other comic books fill the shelves in the alcove surrounding a TV. The glass doors to the booth are closed, and Takashi intently listens as Ichigo outlines the events of today.
He goes on to explain that some who were fired from Sony as Yakuza after Sony's disgraceful showing in America have come back under different names and with more tattoos. A few questions for confirmation from Kees and Takashi Sits back in contemplation. A Security guard coughs and hands over a document on a clipboard to Takashi, who scans it before handing it back with a nod. The security guard takes it and steps around the corner.
Takashi expression is serious as he focuses on Kees and Ichigo
"Ichigo san. You need to leave the country quickly. Do you have anyone you are close to? Anyone that might be targeted in your place?"
"I have an Aunt in Hokkaido who helps run the Star Wars tour?"
"Hokkaido is far from Tokyo, and we have friends there. I shall call them and warn them. She will be safe. Do you have a passport?"
"Yes, in Apartment. Not safe to go back."
"Not an issue. Travellers lose passports all the time. Housefires are another reason to lose such paperwork."
"Housefires, Hisaoka san?"
Takashi reaches for and turns on the TV, flicking between stations, and suddenly, they are on the news. A presenter is covering an ongoing fire in Tokyo and reports fears that the flat occupant is dead.
Ichigo's face is white as Takashi repeats the statement he made earlier: "You need to leave the country quickly. You have Embarrassed those who control Sony from the shadows. For them, that is unforgivable. Kees san, you are safer, but I would not return you to Tokyo. I can put you on a flight to America tonight with Ichigo. Your passport and other belongings are in your hotel room?"
Kees mouth is dry "Yes."
"I would not advise going back to collect it. I would further advise leaving the country and not coming back. Would you like to call your office?"
"I would thank you."
"That booth has a telephone. I will stay here with Ichigo, where you can see us both. You will be able to see and tell of any Treachery."
"I am not accusing you of anything; I am sure you are trustworthy." Kees protests.
The determination in Takashi Hisaoka eyes almost burns. "Yet you have been affected by a crime. A house is on fire. Your allies Hunt you. These actions are Japan's shame. My shame. I will prove Sunrise and Lucasfilm better. I will prove Japan better."
---
The call to Holland and the Phillips headquarters there is as alarming as it is informative. The Tokyo Police have already approached the Phillps team and advised them of Kees disappearance and fears for his safety, implying that Ichigo was the Culprit of a hypothetical crime. Given the men following Ichigo and the seemingly too-fast news story, Kees happily accepts having his assignment changed to liaise with Lucasfilm in Los Angeles, America, and not to return to Tokyo.
Takashi Hisaoka is as good as his word. A short ride by a van carrying entirely legitimate cargo on a routine delivery takes Ichigo and Kees to a regional airstrip. A bored guard waves the van through with little more than a cursory glance in the windows. An older plane waits near the runway f. The change of clothes Takashi provided was perhaps unnecessary but makes Kees feel more secure as he steps out of the van carrying a crate into the aircraft. Ichigo follows with another crate while the Sunrise driver talks briefly with the pilot. A nod and Ichigo and Kees are directed to some basic chairs and left to strap in. The pilot closes the door and does the final checks. The still unintroduced pilot settles into his seat. He talks to the tower through his headphones, and the engines roar to life; no fuss, no bother, no Yakuza.
Permission is obviously given, and the plane moves onto the runway even as a second van comes into view. As they taxi past their original start location, men get out of the van and start spreading out. Kees is unsure if he sees a glimpse of Colour under the new arrivals' shirt; it is simply his imagination, but he finally feels himself relax as he leaves Japan behind him.
---
Kees steps into the boardroom at Philips' headquarters in Denmark, feeling the weight of recent events lift off his shoulders as he sees his team intact. The mood is one of cautious optimism as the team settles in.
The head of the board, Wisse Dekker, enters and specifically greets him.
"Welcome back, Kees. We've been Concerned."
Kees nodded in return, enjoying the warm reception after the tumultuous journey. "Thank you, Wisse. I'm glad to be back."
As the team took their seats, the room fell silent, anticipation hanging thick in the air. Kees glanced around at the familiar faces of his colleagues, their expressions a mix of relief and curiosity. He began his report, summarising the events that transpired, from the strained negotiations with Sony to the escape and their subsequent safe arrival in the U.S.
"We all hoped for a useful collaboration with Sony," Kees said. However, the recent Hollywood scandal, their conduct, and Criminal infiltration make it clear that Sony is not reliable.
Wisse nods thoughtfully. "It's unfortunate but not surprising. How did the discussions with Lucasfilm go?"
Kees smiled. "Lucasfilm was incredibly professional and receptive. They're eager to explore collaborative opportunities with us. We've already begun preliminary discussions about future projects that look promising. The Digital Camera is mechanically similar to our film ones and uses many of the same mounts and fittings. I also have confirmation they are progressing to final completion of their console. A few competitive bids for components may be in order."
A murmur of approval swept through the room. Lars, the head of the technology division, leaned forward. "And the CD format standardisation? How will this affect our plans?"
"The compact disc standard is set," Anton, the leader of the Sony team, stated. "However, Sony's demands for the disc's diameter will require retooling our production lines. This will be an added cost and delay, but it's manageable."
Wisse expression was one of determined resolve. "We've faced setbacks before, and we've always adapted. I will give the order to…"
Kees raises his hand to interrupt. "One of the parts not fully confirmed for the Lucasfilm console is the memory format for the games. A disk that works on no other machine produced by a factory that uses standard inputs has value from a security and copying perspective. It also does not require us to retool a factory for a potentially large order."
Nods and murmurs around the table with a look of glee to give Sony a dose of petty revenge. The discussion continued, delving into the technical and strategic adjustments needed.
As the meeting wraps up and team members give their farewells, Wisse Dekker thoughtfully gazes at Kees. "You've handled this challenging situation with remarkable professionalism, Kees. Well done. Do you want the lead on the Lucasfilm proposal?"
"And abandon my labs completely? No. I liked what I saw of the Company in Sunrise. Their "Give a genus a budget and a goal" movie methodology Ichigo was raving about sounds similar to our labs. But no, I am not willing to transition from our labs to business full-time. Give Anton the lead, and I will back him up. I will ask you to take me completely off Sony."
"Done. I suspect we will move employees and efforts elsewhere unless Sony changes its security division soon."
"It is a pity. The medium has potential."
"It is possible that a Lucasfilm partnership will allow you to develop it then, unless you want to work with Sony again?"
"NO. Thank you, sir. I would rather watch movies than be part of them."
Wisee chuckles as he walks off. "It is good to have you back, Kees."
"It is good to be back, sir."
I don't know much about Conan so have this instead?
My take on Sony and Philips changed relationship. A significant number of Sony advances have roots in science work done by Phillips. CD's DVD's Minidisks and so on. That might not be happening here.
Yes Sony did it ITL too. Sony originally wanted a 100mm disk and on finding out the tech benefits and that Phillps had a factory ready to go for 115mm insisted on 120mm. In the name of future collaboration Phillps agreed. Factories aren't cheap.
Personally, I have nothing to contribute to this casting since I'm not familiar with Conan and I'm also really busy with other stuff, particularly university (fuckers still haven't given me my textbooks)
Finally, it's over! This took longer than expected when we needed to think how to make sure the different parts of the movie fit together, not to mention how long each character will appear on the film and what they will be doing as well.
I want to thank @Kaiser Chris for his help, and hopefully this gets us closer to making a great Conan film.
[X] Plan Return of Conan
-[X] Prince Lukas
--[X] Nicolas Cage -[X] The Vizier/Narrarator
--[X] Max Von Sydow -[X] Subotai
--[X] Jackie Chan -[X] Amon Thoth
--[X] Christopher Lloyd -[X] Bêlit
--[X] Kim Basinger, Sean Young and Daryl Hannah -[X] The She-Devil of the Sea
--[X] Lynda Carter, Bo Derek and Tanya Roberts -[X] N'Gora
--[X] Laurence Fishburne, Denzel Washington and Ricco Ross -[X] Red Sonja
--[X] Sharon Stone, Michelle Pfeiffer and Kathleen Turner -[X] Big Jax
--[X] André Roussimoff, Peter Mayhew and Richard Kiel -[X] Mikhal Oglu
--[X] Danny Trejo, Amrish Puri and Edward James Olmos -[X] Khosatral Khel
--[X] Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rutger Hauer and Dolph Lundgren -[X] Govenor Jehungir Agha
--[X] Juan Fernandez de Alarcon, Steven Bauer and Robert Davi -[X] Ghaznavi
--[X] Wallace Shawn, Paul Gleason and Tracey Walter -[X] Princess Octavia
--[X] Lisa Bonet, Janet Jackson and Rae Dawn Chong -[X] King Yezdigerd
--[X] Roshan Seth, Ben Kingsley and Naseeruddin Shah
I've refrained from making a pitch for this because Orion Ultor made an Omake that would have given us the script for it. However, I also feel that there should be some sort of pitch that at the very least should show just what kind of actors we could use for the film. I really liked this new version of Aladdin, and though I've tried adding some parts that would have changed (as well as some characters beyond the ones who were mentioned in the Omake) I've also kept some from OTL, like Iago and Abu, since they were such a riot in the original film, and I think they can also serve that purpose in this film.
One thing I've added is that there can be another Genie like in the story, where there was a Genie of the Lamp and another Genie of the Ring, but this time I think it can be used by Zhang Ming so that he has something else besides the Snake Staff, since I don't think this version of the Sultan would fall for it here.
Thus, I give you:
Movie Pitch: Aladdin GENRE: Adventure/Fantasy/Comedy
SUBGENRE: Musical/Romance/Action
FORMAT: Animated Movie
Set Up: Based on a story in the book One Thousand and One Nights as supposedly narrated by Scheherazade. It tells the story of Aladdin, a street-smart Uyghur living in the city of Kashgar, in the Xinjian region of China in ancient times, as he struggles to survive and make a name for himself. Everything changes when Aladdin meets Princess Nazife, a headstrong and independent Uyghur princess who longs for a life beyond the palace walls. The two soon realize they have more in common than they ever imagined, and embark on a magical adventure together. But their journey is not without danger, as the power-hungry Chinese official Zhang Ming seeks to control the city and crush the Uyghur people's cultural heritage to better assimilate them into the Empire. With the help of a mischievous genie and a loyal group of friends, Aladdin and Nazife must fight to protect their way of life and save their city from Zhang Ming's tyranny.
Director: John Musker and Ron Clements Composer: Alan Menken and Howard Ashman
- The beginning of the story shows an old storyteller in a park being asked to tell the children a story, which after a while debating and mentioning all the tales he knows, he settles on the tale of Aladdin and his magic lamp. At the end of the tale, we return to the storyteller, who finishing the story leaves the park, and once out of sight turns once more into the Genie of the Lamp, before flying away.
- The movie is set in the Xianjian region of China, Featuring Uyghur architecture, music, dance, and cuisine, this version of Aladdin is a celebration of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Uyghur people.
- Aladdin and the Princess are not caught by the guards, but manage to escape, and go on different excursions afterwards. It is during one of said excursions that he finds the "Genie of the Lamp".
- Zhang Ming possesses the "Genie of the Ring" who although can grant unlimited wishes, it cannot alter, nor create anything out of nothing. Its power is limited, and as such he is looking for the "Genie of the Lamp".
- There is no attempts to marry off Jasmine until much later when, after another escapade with Aladdin, her father finally agrees to Zhang Ming's idea to have her married off to Prince Jiang Xiu.
Aladdin: He is a young Uyghur Street rat in the city of Kashgar. He is street smart, agile and is always one step ahead of the law. He became friends with Princess Nazife during one of her outings from the palace, and both of them tend to go on adventures through the city, sometimes venturing out of it. During one of their expeditions, Aladdin finds an old lamp that when rubbed releases the "Genie of the Lamp" who become a companion for their adventures while he waits for Aladdin to use the three wishes he has.
Played By: Michael J. Fox Alternate: Johnny Depp
The Genie of the Lamp: He is a larger-than-life jinn residing in a magic oil lamp. For thousands of years, the Genie served as a slave to whomever held ownership of his lamp, to which he was eternally bound unless granted freedom by a master. The Genie possesses phenomenal cosmic power that allows him to grant wishes, shapeshift, and transcend space and time. Though he sees Aladdin as just another master to serve at first, as time passes a friendship builds between them, to the point he's willing to forsake his freedom for him.
Played By: Robin Williams Alternate: Dan Castellaneta
Princess Nazife: She is an independent, willful, and combative Princess of Kashgar. Skilled in both riding, as well as bow and arrow, Nazife has been known to skip on her lessons and go on adventures through the city or outside of it with her friend and partner in crime, Aladdin. Her relationship with her father is strained due to his constant attempts at keeping her safe inside the palace, as well as the many times he seems to listen to Zhang Ming's advice, even though it seems to harm her people.
Played By: Kath Soucie Alternate: Jodi Benson
Zhang Ming: He is a Chinese official sent as an envoy/ambassador to the Khagan, soon becoming his most trusted and loyal advisor. In truth, the imperious Zhang Ming held nothing but disdain for the Khagan and the barbarians he was forced to live among. He's dedicated nearly his entire life to further the "Union" between both peoples with a political marriage, which will allow the Empire to subsume them, and him to return home in triumph, with riches beyond his dreams. He has a magic ring that grants him power through its genie as well.
Played By: Jonathan Freeman Alternate: James Shigeta
The Genie of the Ring: She is a sultry, yet also somewhat moral Jinn who's powers, though weaker than the ones from the Genie of the Lamp, are still able to be used more than three times per master. Unlike the "Genie of the Lamp", she holds nothing but disdain for her current master, and never gets to see or feel for humans the way they do. Both of them tend to get into verbal fights, and is subsumed by Zhang Ming when he makes the mistake of wishing to hold her power, taking her Jinn essence and turning into one himself. She then leaves to start a life for herself.
Played By: Michelle Pfeiffer Alternate: Kathleen Turner
Khagan Abduweli: He is the ruler of Kashgar and the father of Princess Nazife. He is a benevolent ruler, but also severe on his daughter, wishing to protect her from the outside world after the death of his wife. He tends to trust Zhang Ming in nearly everything thanks to him saving his life on several occasions, unaware that Zhang Ming had planned for said assassinations with the aid of his genie to gain his trust.
Played By: Arthur Malet Alternate: Clive Revill
Abu: He is a mischievous, kleptomaniacal monkey, Aladdin's loyal pet and partner-in-crime. His unshakable urges to steal whatever catches his interests, can land him into quite a bit of trouble and appears to frustrate Aladdin from time to time. Abu can also be quite greedy and selfish in this regard, as he constantly takes more than he needs. Nevertheless, the monkey has redeemable qualities and, at his core, has a soft heart.
Played By: Frank Welker Alternate: Jack Angel
Iago: He is a sarcastic, loud-mouthed, and short-tempered parrot that served as Zhang Ming's sidekick during the latter's attempt to overthrow the Khagan and subsume Kashgar to the Empire. Iago's primary obsessions are riches and power, which—coupled with his disdain for the Khagan's crackers—motivated his villainous deeds.
Played By: Danny DeVito Alternate: Gilbert Gottfried
Prince Jiang Xiu: He is one of the many princes from the Empire, technically the one arranged to marry Princess Nazife. He is a vain, pompous and overbearing prince who sees all Uyghurs, along with their lands and culture, as beneath him. He is adept at using a sword however, and is both captured and humiliated once Zhang Ming's plans go awry in the end.
Played By: BD Wong Alternate: Brandon Lee
Head Guard Hakim: He is the head of the Guard in Kashgar, a man who is devoted to the Khagan and merciless to all sorts of troublemakers and thieves, putting him always at odds with Aladdin.
Played By: Jim Cummings
Gazeem: He is one of Zhang Ming's agents in Karshan. A cowardly thief who spies on both Aladdin and Princess Nazife, revealing their locations, plans and the possession of the lamp.
Played By: Dave Goelz
The Storyteller: He is an old storyteller who lives hundreds of years after the tale of Aladdin. He regales the children in the park with the story, and at the end it's revealed he was the Genie of the Lamp all along.
Played By: Robin Williams
A.N.: Alright then, this is it. The Aladdin version of TTL, proposed by Orion Ultor's Omake and hopefully a bit more fleshed out so that it can be produced sooner as well. I do like the idea of making this as another dig at China if possible, and its closer to the original tale as well. It also keeps the possibilities open to get Richard Willaims to work with us. His animation is good enough, and a deal could be made that we would support it if he agrees to support our other animation projects.
Neat,remeber some people wanted to do it before we the thief and the cobler,can't wait and hope we do it fast enough that richard williams don't get snatched by another studio,sad to loose the irl arts but i get messing with china,maybe we cna make aladin 2 or another story in agrabah ?
I'm just glad we don't have to deal with the bane of existence that is Shareholders just yet. But we should discuss ideas for what ethos Lucasfilms Unlimited has a company. Especially given the hindsight obtained from decades of corporate BS in OTL. I have a few ideas.
Hey folks, remind me, did we actually get George to agree to expand SW universe with movies beyond his original vision, or am I mixing up quests?
Because if we did, I'm thinking of workshopping my old idea (pipe dream) of a Mandalorian civil war movie with Clint Eastwood as an aging Mand'Alor of the True Mandalorian/Resol'nare loyalist faction into a proper pitch.
Hey folks, remind me, did we actually get George to agree to expand SW universe with movies beyond his original vision, or am I mixing up quests?
Because if we did, I'm thinking of workshopping my old idea (pipe dream) of a Mandalorian civil war movie with Clint Eastwood as an aging Mand'Alor of the True Mandalorian/Resol'nare loyalist faction into a proper pitch.
Hey folks, remind me, did we actually get George to agree to expand SW universe with movies beyond his original vision, or am I mixing up quests?
Because if we did, I'm thinking of workshopping my old idea (pipe dream) of a Mandalorian civil war movie with Clint Eastwood as an aging Mand'Alor of the True Mandalorian/Resol'nare loyalist faction into a proper pitch.
Would that come after or before my "The Mandalorian" Pitch? Since I also have Clint Eastwood playing a role there, so that way we don't have any mix ups.
Would that come after or before my "The Mandalorian" Pitch? Since I also have Clint Eastwood playing a role there, so that way we don't have any mix ups.
