SKIN TRADE (Ekachai Uekrongtham, 2014)

[Dragonrage]

Why not Michale Jai White instead...after all, Dolph said once that he would like to work with him...that would be awesome teaming up

[Jox]

Not sure about this, firstly, I was under the impression Skin Trade was a rather gritty, brutal cop thriller dealing with human trafficking? Secondly, does Dolph know about Seagal's ego? It sounds like they'd both have equal roles but I can't imagine Seagal wanting to be directed by Dolph. I think Dolph should have got after Statham, (know he's very busy and Jox doesn't particularly like him I believe) or even one of the other Expendables before looking to Seagal. Does Dolph care that Seagal is a bit of a mess these days in terms of weight and his general look? I'm all for this movie, don't get me wrong, as long as Seagal puts his egotistic nature to one side, because I know Dolph doesn't have one.

Dolph knows all about Seagal, doesn't take him too seriously and probably heard more stories than we do, but I guess if he's considering the idea it's that he believes he can handle it. But who knows how far this idea will go, kinda of like when Eric Roberts was signed for COMMAND PERFORMANCE and Dolph had to drop him because he had obviously no consideration for the script and made suggestions that had nothing to do with the project (a bit like when JC tells Sly he should play a priest helping South Central or something).

Why not Michale Jai White instead...after all, Dolph said once that he would like to work with him...that would be awesome teaming up

Indeed Dolph mentioned a couple of times he's in good terms with Michael Jay White and they both would like to do a project together, maybe he's still in his mind, I know he's been thinking of Cuba Gooding Jr for one of projects as well.

[Tom]

If he could get something out of Seagal like Rodriguez seems to have, then its a good idea. Seagal still has a big and really loyal fanbase. He can do no wrong in their eyes. Machete, Lawman and possibly the upcoming series he's doing, Southern Justice, could put him back on the map somewhat.

I probably would prefer Michael Jai White, Mark Dacascos, even one of the Expendables like Stone Cold, Randy, or Terry (no chance with Statham, he's probably got a little too much ego right now and would consider it too much of a drop). But here's the bottom line: What gets more buzz, more interest? Dolph and Dacascos or Dolph and Seagal? No contest. I guess Dolph thinks a team up of two iconic action guys, could really bring the money in. In part he might be looking longer term. A high grossing DVD to perhaps boost a budget for something a lot more personal to him.

It also might give financers proof he's a good enough director that they could fund a film he directs WITHOUT himself appearing on screen. If he can control Seagal, he can control anybody!

I'd also guess Seagal would have the secondary role and wouldn't be needed the whole shoot. If they use his time sensibly like Hyams did for D and JC in Unisol 3, then it could work. D would need to insist on things like Seagal doing his own ADR though.

I hope it happens. Okay, it could be a disaster, but at the same time, could be so cool!

[Nathan]

If he could get something out of Seagal like Rodriguez seems to have, then its a good idea. Seagal still has a big and really loyal fanbase. He can do no wrong in their eyes. Machete, Lawman and possibly the upcoming series he's doing, Southern Justice, could put him back on the map somewhat.

I probably would prefer Michael Jai White, Mark Dacascos, even one of the Expendables like Stone Cold, Randy, or Terry (no chance with Statham, he's probably got a little too much ego right now and would consider it too much of a drop). But here's the bottom line: What gets more buzz, more interest? Dolph and Dacascos or Dolph and Seagal? No contest. I guess Dolph thinks a team up of two iconic action guys, could really bring the money in. In part he might be looking longer term. A high grossing DVD to perhaps boost a budget for something a lot more personal to him.

It also might give financers proof he's a good enough director that they could fund a film he directs WITHOUT himself appearing on screen. If he can control Seagal, he can control anybody!

I'd also guess Seagal would have the secondary role and wouldn't be needed the whole shoot. If they use his time sensibly like Hyams did for D and JC in Unisol 3, then it could work. D would need to insist on things like Seagal doing his own ADR though.

I hope it happens. Okay, it could be a disaster, but at the same time, could be so cool!

Great post mate, totally agree...

[Nathan]

From the Seagal forum, Joe Halpin, a close friend of Seagal was quoted as saying:

"Steven did have Dolph over his house for lunch about a year ago but other than being friends they aren't scheduled to be in anything together."


But, about a year ago? Maybe he's not totally up-to-date on what Seagal is doing but he does seem to know that Seagal's currently filming TV show is going well. So who knows...

[Jox]

Of course they're not scheduled to be in anything together, it was just preliminary talks!

[Jox]

Fan-made trailer?!

[Jox]

He's also co-writing an action-adventure story about human trafficking, set in New York and Moscow. Lundgren says he would take a supporting role and try to find a bigger star to lead so he could land greater financing.

[Nathan]

He's also co-writing an action-adventure story about human trafficking, set in New York and Moscow. Lundgren says he would take a supporting role and try to find a bigger star to lead so he could land greater financing.

I'm actually glad to hear that, if Dolph took the villain role for example not only would it play on his strengths but also allow him to concentrate on his direction. He's looking at the bigger picture, I like that.

[Tom]

He's also co-writing an action-adventure story about human trafficking, set in New York and Moscow. Lundgren says he would take a supporting role and try to find a bigger star to lead so he could land greater financing.

I'm actually glad to hear that, if Dolph took the villain role for example not only would it play on his strengths but also allow him to concentrate on his direction. He's looking at the bigger picture, I like that.

Me too. So perhaps Seagal leads the film, and Dolph plays the support. D always tends to shine when he's the co-star too. I think it'd be a good move, and take a little pressure off him trying to headline and direct a film at the same time.

Though if I was thinking more sensibly, as opposed to Seagal, they could cast a decent actor in the American lead. Maybe someone like Kilmer, or Cuba Gooding Jnr, who've both been linked with Dolph for Wanted Man and ST at some point. But having Seagal would be infinitely cooler.

IF Seagal is willing to work and deliver on set. But that is a big IF.

[Nathan]

Me too. So perhaps Seagal leads the film, and Dolph plays the support. D always tends to shine when he's the co-star too. I think it'd be a good move, and take a little pressure off him trying to headline and direct a film at the same time.

Though if I was thinking more sensibly, as opposed to Seagal, they could cast a decent actor in the American lead. Maybe someone like Kilmer, or Cuba Gooding Jnr, who've both been linked with Dolph for Wanted Man and ST at some point. But having Seagal would be infinitely cooler.

IF Seagal is willing to work and deliver on set. But that is a big IF.

I agree, hopefully Seagal is mellowing and his ego is deflating because he's certainly not in the shape Sly is, he's only got another five or six years of serious action roles in my opinion and he was never a "diving in the air with two guns, sliding along the floor, jumping away from explosion, getting thrown in the water, taking a beatdown" sorta guy. So yeah I mean Kilmer sucks now in terms of the way he looks, in Hollywood that's a given too, Dolph rocks a neat haircut and sharp suit, Kilmer rocks a greasy little ponytail and a gut containing the food consumption of Germany.

[Jox]

Hanging out with Jason Statham for the TE probably helped him getting closer with Dolph so even though I don't really like him but Sly made it work for me and having him as the star would be a safe bet. Or maybe Dolph will get somebody else out of the blue?

[Nathan]

Hanging out with Jason Statham for the TE probably helped him getting closer with Dolph so even though I don't really like him but Sly made it work for me and having him as the star would be a safe bet. Or maybe Dolph will get somebody else out of the blue?

Yeah it's been Sly, The Stath and Dolph doing most of the promotion, especially at premieres, so hopefully they'll have developed some sort of relationship whereby they could easily work together in future. Why don't you like The Stath anyway Jox? I've always thought he had the most potential to be an action guy, he's got the charisma, he's got the MA skills and does a lot of his own stunts, even the driving ones... The more I think about it, the more I don't like the idea of Seagal, I mean don't get me wrong, there is MUCH worse in DTV land and I understand just because he's been in TE Dolph can't pick and choose whoever the fuck he wants but Forrest Whitaker and Nick Nolte auditioned for a Van Damme movie for fuck sake, surely Dolph is entitled to play alongside The Stath?

[Jox]

Why don't you like The Stath anyway Jox?

He always seemed to have an attitude and a show off to me which is something I can't stand and other than that he doesn't represent much for me in terms of a star even less an action star, he looks too much like the next guy or bully next door and I don't like post-2000 flicks like THE TRANSPORTER, B13 and all those craptastic Luc Besson productions, can't relate to them and maybe I'm just being immature but then I hate the fact that these movies were widely successful. Plus the I heard some stuff I can't here but confirmed my feelings.

[Nathan]

Why don't you like The Stath anyway Jox?

He always seemed to have an attitude and a show off to me which is something I can't stand and other than that he doesn't represent much for me in terms of a star even less an action star, he looks too much like the next guy or bully next door and I don't like post-2000 flicks like THE TRANSPORTER, B13 and all those craptastic Luc Besson productions, can't relate to them and maybe I'm just being immature but then I hate the fact that these movies were widely successful. Plus the I heard some stuff I can't here but confirmed my feelings.

I never really thought about it like that, I mean, when I think of all his movies, he really does play the one type of character, he's good at it and definatel his Frank Martin character from The Transporter movies can come across as a bit of an arrogant guy, but I don't think there's a Seagal arrogance there, certainly not the impression you get with Seagal where he thinks he's the best, Stath can take a hit and stuff like that. But mostly I see it from a different perspective because I've watched a few interviews with the guy and he's totally different off-screen, like the absolute opposite. I saw an online interview for Crank where he rolls his eyes in dismay and asks "how did we ever make a fucking movie?" He's a really laid back guy. But I don't think this comes across in the characters that he plays, I certainly think he should lighten up in some of his roles. I love The Transporter series but Luc Besson is a bit hit and miss for me, one time he'll make a really solid action movie and then the next time I kinda won't get it. But hey, I'd rather see him trade hits with Dolph than Seagal, at least you'd get a nice fast fight, aikido doesn't mix well with other martial arts.