James Marsters to star in "Moonshot".
A drama about the days leading to the Apollo 11 launch to the moon. James will portray astronaut Buzz Aldrin. It will air on the History Channel and ITV in 2009.
Presumably this is the new role mentioned previously ? Very cool. Buzz Aldrin was by all accounts the most extroverted, fiery member of the Apollo 11 crew so there should be plenty for JM to get his teeth into.
(when I first scanned the title I thought it said "Moondust" and they'd somehow dramatised the book of that name about the men who've walked on the moon that are still alive. It's a brilliant, moving, uplifting, evocative book but not readily turned to drama so I was all ready to be totally perplexed ;)
I'm thrilled that James will be appearing on his favorite television channel! He's often said that all he watches is Discovery and the History Channel.
So cool to learn that is coincides with the 40th anniversary. Thanks for that info impalergeneral!
Thanks, debw. Although I was hoping for a series, this really sounds like something that James would really love to do and I am so excited for him...and for us cuz we get to watch him do it!! Yeah, 2009 is shaping up to be a very exciting JM year!!
Outstanding, I love the history of the Apollo program and will look forward to the show. The fact that James will be acting the role of Buzz Aldrin is icing on the cake. Good choice!
If you're interested in the history of the Apollo moon missions, try to see "In the Shadow of the Moon." It's a documentary of all the Apollo moon missions and alternates between historical footage and contemporary interviews of the living astronauts, including Buzz Aldrin. I found it educational and entertaining. These men are funny, touching, and amazing. It's available on DVD.
I'm glad that James has such a good role. It'll be interesting to see how he portrays Mr. Aldrin. I wonder if the actors will meet with the astronauts before filming. Now that would be interesting.
Buzz Aldrin is a much-touted guest of the upcoming Toronto SFX convention (held in late August? - can't find the website info right off). I recently rec'd a special postcard mailing from SFX about his attendance.
I won't be in Toronto this year, because I am hoping to attend Atlanta DragonCon instead, but it would be great to hear what Buzz Aldrin has to say about this program and James' portrayal of him.
Gotta say that James as Buzz is an inspired casting choice. Selfishly, I hope this program is more dramatization than documentary (and thus more James for us to enjoy!), but however it leans, it looks to be a first-class production and a worthy addition to James' CV.
ETA: the link to Toronto SFX is.... http://www.hobbystar.com/fanexpo2008/scifi/guests-aldrin.html
I noticed while going to school at Montclair University, that there was a signed Buzz Aldrin photo hanging in the theater. I always wondered about it, but this finally got me to look up his bio. He was born in Montclair, New Jersey. Yea, another New Jersey boy made good. ;-)
Yay James! Astronaut/caveman jokes aside, it seems an inspired choice. I really love stuff about the Apollo missions & this sounds like a class production.
I think JM is adorable, even in a Buzz cut. Yeah, like everyone is saying, they made a great casting choice. AARRGGHH, another thing I just can't wait for!! I wonder how many things can pile up that you just can't wait for until you explode?
debw | May 21, 21:57 CET
Wyndam-Pryce | May 21, 22:01 CET
impalergeneral | May 21, 22:04 CET
(when I first scanned the title I thought it said "Moondust" and they'd somehow dramatised the book of that name about the men who've walked on the moon that are still alive. It's a brilliant, moving, uplifting, evocative book but not readily turned to drama so I was all ready to be totally perplexed ;)
Saje | May 21, 22:45 CET
So cool to learn that is coincides with the 40th anniversary. Thanks for that info impalergeneral!
thundercat | May 21, 22:47 CET
Either way, Yeah!! More James is always welcome.
luvspike | May 21, 23:37 CET
Big budget too !!
debw | May 21, 23:45 CET
There is 'much' to look forward to in 09. *raises eyebrow* Hopefully all good, no jinx intended.
Mirage | May 21, 23:50 CET
luvspike | May 21, 23:59 CET
[ edited by sueworld2003 on 2008-05-21 21:00 ]
sueworld2003 | May 22, 00:00 CET
Moonshot
redeem147 | May 22, 00:08 CET
Madhatter | May 22, 00:21 CET
I got an image of everybody panting.
But I'm all for "stunning space recreation" (Both the fun-in-zero-gravity kind and the fabulous CGI kind.)
And of course I'm all for seeing JM take on a meaty role. Sounds good.
jcs | May 22, 00:51 CET
Moscow Watcher | May 22, 00:54 CET
Simon | May 22, 00:57 CET
I'm glad that James has such a good role. It'll be interesting to see how he portrays Mr. Aldrin. I wonder if the actors will meet with the astronauts before filming. Now that would be interesting.
MacGuffin | May 22, 02:13 CET
I won't be in Toronto this year, because I am hoping to attend Atlanta DragonCon instead, but it would be great to hear what Buzz Aldrin has to say about this program and James' portrayal of him.
Gotta say that James as Buzz is an inspired casting choice. Selfishly, I hope this program is more dramatization than documentary (and thus more James for us to enjoy!), but however it leans, it looks to be a first-class production and a worthy addition to James' CV.
ETA: the link to Toronto SFX is.... http://www.hobbystar.com/fanexpo2008/scifi/guests-aldrin.html
[ edited by thundercat on 2008-05-22 00:14 ]
thundercat | May 22, 03:10 CET
Nebula1400 | May 22, 04:25 CET
newcj | May 22, 05:06 CET
ohbejoyful | May 22, 05:34 CET
Okay, kidding!
But, seriously, check this pic of Aldrin out--great casting:
http://space.detecting.org.uk/images/buzz_aldrin_autopen_litho.jpg
And, yes, newcj, always good to see New Jersey folks do well.
Chris formerly inNJ.
Waaaay formerly.
Good for you, James.
Chris inVirginia | May 22, 06:44 CET
Fruan | May 22, 08:05 CET
newcj | May 22, 08:11 CET
Okay that? Right there? Totally made my day. Thank you!
Lirazel | May 22, 11:46 CET
Shey | May 22, 15:47 CET
Chris in Virginia photo of Buzz Aldrin and a photo of James Marsters back in '05 when he was supporting a buzz cut.
RavenU | May 22, 18:39 CET
luvspike | May 22, 19:34 CET
I Lol'd :) well done! And congrats to James as well!
TheSpark | May 23, 00:58 CET