We have all seen the incredible success of The Odyssey, so with that in mind, what should be the next historical epic portrayed on the big screen?
I think the obvious answer would be the Aeneid by Virgil or the Argonautica by Apollonius of Rhodes. They are both big adventure stories with plenty of action and interesting characters to keep viewers interested.
Obviously they would need big budgets and the right creative team to be successful, but I think it would be wonderful if the Odyssey kicked off a whole lot of new historical productions.
Ok, this might be completely out there, but I’d love to see The Epic of Gilgamesh. It’s probably a completely bonkers idea to film that, and the story is probably too weird for people to watch, but I’d absolutely love it.
Having said that, I’m also absolutely down for the Aeneid which is a fantastic adventure story as well. I sense a certain inspiration by the Odyssey there, but it’s different enough to stand on its own.
I led a reading group at my school (secondary) which read an adaptation and they loved it!!! I think Gilgamesh would make a great action movie that would have broad appeal, given the right director.
In 2015, when I was doing freelance work for a film producer, there was a lot of “buzz” around a screenplay on Constantine the Great written by David Franzoni (one of the writers of “Gladiator” and the guy who wrote the original script treatment/story). Lots of people back then were sure this was going to get the “green light” and go into pre-production - but it never did. I think that would have been very interesting.
There is a highly anticipated two part Indian movie currently being made on the Ramayana. It is supposed to be dubbed in English, and an English dubbed version of the trailer is out if anyone is interested.
Not too many people outside of Asia know much about the Ramayana, and this movie could be what propels lesser known epics around the world.
I am very interested. I was a Peace Corps Volunter in India, what a grand experience, Got married in Delhi, we return often especially to our respective areas of work. Please post when the film will be realeased.
Nina Paley made a semi-autobiographical animated movie that features episodes from the Ramayana, titled “Sita Sings the Blues.” It’s pretty artsy, so not everyone’s cup of tea. You can watch it on Vimeo Sita_Sings_the_Blues_1080p.mp4
You know what I’d love to see: The Vinland Saga! Essentially a continuation of Vikings: Valhalla where Leif and Freydis discover and settle Vinland. I guess it’s not going to have a happy ending, which is why I presume they left it out from the series…