Roland Emmerich, the director behind blockbusters like 'Independence Day' and 'The Day After Tomorrow', has revealed a behind-the-scenes clash with James Cameron over a long-gestating remake of the 1966 sci-fi classic 'Fantastic Voyage'.
During a panel discussion at San Diego Comic-Con, Emmerich was asked by director Louis Leterrier about his experience with the project. Leterrier, who has expressed interest in directing the film, inquired about Emmerich's involvement years ago.
"James Cameron is very overbearing, and so I, at one point, just gave up," Emmerich admitted, drawing laughter from the audience. "Because it's like, 'Is it your movie or my movie?'"
He elaborated on the creative differences, stating: "We were in the very beginning stages. I said, 'Gosh, why is he so overbearing?' I have to say, I do my stuff, and when I can't do my stuff, I'm totally not interested. As simple as that. So when somebody else wants to say something to me and is more powerful than me, I drop out."
Emmerich previously stated in a 2007 interview that he departed the project due to dissatisfaction with the script. Since then, a string of directors, including Paul Greengrass, Shawn Levy and Guillermo del Toro, have expressed interest in helming the remake.
The original 'Fantastic Voyage', starring Stephen Boyd and Raquel Welch, followed a submarine crew shrunk down to microscopic size to operate inside a scientist's body after he sustains a brain injury.
Despite the numerous hurdles and directorial changes, Cameron has remained steadfast in his desire to bring the project to fruition. Speaking at a Paris event in April, he confirmed that the film was still in development and expressed his hope for a future realisation.
While Cameron's vision for the remake remains unclear, the behind-the-scenes tension with Emmerich reveals a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of Hollywood filmmaking and the challenges of adapting a beloved classic.
