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John Orloff: The Man Behind the Owls (of Ga'Hoole)

The screenwriter of Legend of the Guardians gives a hoot about fantasy animation, as he should.


John Orloff and Roland Emmerich - Anonymous
Credit: Studio Babelsberg Motion Pictures

Next Up: A Roland Emmerich Movie

Matt Patches: Well as we wrap up, I was just kind of curious what else is on your plate? I know you worked on a movie with Roland Emmerich right, Anonymous?

John Orloff: Yep, yep.

Matt Patches: Kind of curious, I know you probably can't talk about it too much but just about...it doesn't sound like your run-of-the-mill Roland Emmerich destroying-the-planet kind of movie?

John Orloff: No, it's not. In fact, I think people are going to have to rethink what they think about Roland Emmerich after this movie. I've seen it. I've seen it quite a few times.

Matt Patches: Can you give a sort of tone or from your approach exactly what...

John Orloff: It is a political thriller that is set in 16th century England that focuses on who is going to succeed Queen Elizabeth because she had no will. Who is going to succeed Queen Elizabeth after her 40, 50 year reign and the power struggles involved in figuring out the next king? Somehow that involves the work of Shakespeare and it becomes about the intersection of art and politics. How art and politics are related and is the pen mightier than the sword.

Matt Patches: I think you are correct, I don't think that sounds like a Roland Emmerich movie...

John Orloff: And it's...can I tell you?

Matt Patches: Yes.

John Orloff: It's going to blow your f*cking mind. Your going to go, 'I cannot believe Roland Emmerich made this movie!' He made an amazing film.

Matt Patches: So instead of blowing up the White House, he's going to blow up my brain.

John Orloff: It's going to be your brain. Your going to go, 'Oh my god! I had no idea!'

Matt Patches: Wonderful.

Jump to:

From mega-hit book series to blockbuster animated flick

Making a darker, scarier, adult movie for kids

How to "Zack Snyder-ize" a movie

Becoming one with the owls

See More: Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole | John Orloff | Zack Snyder