Gambit Headed to 'Mars'

Walt Disney Pictures has just landed their two stars for the live-action adaption of "John Carter of Mars" being directed by WALL-E director Andrew Stanton. Taylor Kitsch and Lynn Collins who just played Gambit and Kayla Silverfox for Fox's summer blockbuster X-Men Origins: Wolverine will join together again as John Carter and Dejah Thoris. The first of many fantasy epic novels written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, "A Princess of Mars" was first publish in 1911 and will be the basis of Disney update. Variety reports the film is set to begin shooting early next year off a script Andrew Stanton and Mark Andrews wrote together. Scroll down for more news on "John Carter of Mars"...

Taylor Kitsch is still somewhat of a unknown only having his big screen breakout in this summer film X-Men Origins: Wolverine, but just recently wrapped shooting the lead role in a "The Bang Bang Club" directed by Steven Silver. Kitsch also had a lead role on the somewhat television hit "Friday Night Lights." Kitsch who isn't extremely ripped is not the first actor that comes to mind when I think of Carter, but should definately fill the role out nicely. The question is, if he will be a reason for people to go see the Disney adaptation? I doubt it!

John Carter in the story, is a damaged Civil War veteran who finds himself mysteriously transported to Mars, where his involvements with warring races of the dying planet lead him to rediscover his humanity. Lynn Collins will play the Princess of Mars Dejah Thoris and the love interest to John Carter. Her character is a strong willed woman who is ultimately always faced with mortal danger and a centeral figure to the John Carter of Mars stories.

It remains to be seen whether Disney will keep the scantly dressed John Carter and Dejah Thoris, who like something out of Conan and Heavy Metal, but I'd suspect that they tone down the partail nudity to make the film a bit more family friendly. More news to follow as it develops...

What say you? Does Kitsch have what it takes to play John Carter? Is Collins sexy enough for Dejah Thoris? Are you excited for a John Carter of Mars movie? Strikeback...