Comic-Con Update #2: Pandorum

Pandorum
by Ben Helms

After three hours of fighting crowds of 5,000 fanboys and fangirls (intermittently chanting, “So say we all!” and “I’m king of the world!”), we were corralled into the illustrious Hall H to witness the lore and wonder of many soon-to-be blockbusters. Out walked producer Paul Anderson (Resident Evil, Death Race) to hype his latest film, Pandorum. I think it’s safe to say that amidst the highly anticipated names and films of the day, Pandorum, was not the main attraction of Hall H. However, after a few clips of dark, horrifying, claustrophobic action from his upcoming film, the crowd was more than eager to meet his panel of stars. The initial excerpts of the trailer laid out the plot. It is immediately apparent just how much the film was inspired by Ridley Scott’s Alien (a fact readily admitted by Anderson). Set in deep space, this film follows the crew of a wrecked space station who must get to safety before it runs out of air. The characters soon realize they are not alone, and before you know it, they’re running for their lives from . . . well, something faster, stronger, and hungrier-for-flesh than they are. Actors Ben Foster, Cung Le, and Antje Traue were introduced. Then Dennis Quaid appeared on the big screens overhead. The clean-cut, smiling Quaid introduced another clip, and the video screen cut to a movie version of a bearded Quaid looking haggard and bleeding profusely. He spent most of the scene screaming for Ben Foster’s character to run from the scary monsters hidden in just about every nook and cranny on the ship. Audience questions were, as always, disappointing: “What was your inspiration?” “. . . favorite color/stunt/character?” “Can I have Milla Jovovich’s phone number?” But after a few clips and quips from the panel, it was clear to see the cast was thrilled about the film. All in all, it was exciting to see a panel that was so passionate about a film like Pandorum. And even though I doubt the film will get too many Oscar nods next year, I’m looking forward to checking out this horrifying thriller when it comes out later this fall. Header art based on an image by ajagendorf25