Fox Returns To Space

Twentieth Century Fox plans on reaping the blessings of “Avatar” for years to come. Producer John Davis has optioned the rights to The Martian Chronicles, the 1950 short story collection by Ray Bradbury. John Davis produced “I Robot” and the “Alien vs. Predator” films, including the latest addition, “Predators,” due in theaters July 9. The Martian Chronicles is the story of humans who flee Earth and colonize Mars—and of the inevitable friction with their new neighbors.

With the “Avatar” sequel and the possible “Martian Chronicles” project in the works, Fox is two steps in the cinematic space race, but why stop there? Fox 2000 is likely taking the reins on “Ion,” a script by Will Dunn. Channing Tatum is attached to star while Ridley and Tony Scott are set to produce the project, which is described as a “sci-fi romantic epic.”

Trouble with the locals on an alien planet. A sci-fi romance. Is there even a possibility that these won’t be in 3D? By the time Fox gets around to “Avatar 2,” I might be too bored to bother; at least I know the movie will be long enough for me to take a nap.