April 1, 2008
My hands are shaking as I type this (forgive typos, please!)…big news, big, big news!
I got a call from my agent yesterday letting me know that a major Hollywood production company is interested in making a movie about the Gardellas!
Okay, okay. Deep breath. *squee*
(Sorry.)
They want to do a movie spanning all five books, which is cool, because everything would then be wrapped up at the end.
The only thing is, there are a couple of tweaks they want me to incorporate into the fifth book so that the story works for them.
Did I hesitate?
Uh, would you?
I should say not.
I mean, these were plot changes I wasn't anticipating making, but I think they could work.
One thing they really pushed for was putting Max and Sebastian together. At first I wasn't sure, but then I got to thinking…well that could be pretty hot.
I never recognized the undercurrents between them, but apparently they're there. It works for me…all that male muscle and flesh…mmhmmm. All that animosity and hatred boiling beneath the surface could really erupt into something fabulous.
And of course that would leave Victoria to find solace somewhere else. There's always Kritanu, of course…but even though he's much older than she is, I just couldn't see them together. He's more like a father to her.
Then I hit on it. Phillip. I could bring him back–because, you know, he didn't poof when Victoria staked him (did you catch that? Huh? I know some of you did…).
And now that she's got some of Beauregard in her…well, it would be a match made in heaven…a la Angel. Two vampires fighting crime, side by side.
I mean, if Angel can fight crime, so can Victoria.
And the best part of that is, then she can live forever…and I can take the Gardellas to a contemporary setting for my next series.
Do you love it, or do you love it?????
More news when I have it, but do start thinking about casting. I know, I know, I won't have any say in the casting…but one can dream, can't one?
The second installment of the Gardella Vampire Chronicles takes Victoria to Venice and Rome.
My novel, 
April 1st, 2008 at 7:26 am
Congrats! That is exciting!
April 1st, 2008 at 7:56 am
Wow, that trumps my day yesterday, that’s for sure.
Congratulations, darling. Think carefully about the changes — many movies that are optioned don’t get made into film. If that should happen to you, will you be able to live with the changes someone else imposed on YOUR vision?
It sounds to me like you’re intrigued by the possibilities this opens. I would be, too. Just remember: F— it all and no regrets. That’s all the guide you need.
April 1st, 2008 at 7:59 am
Woah! Congrats! Hope it all works out.. that would be amazing!
April 1st, 2008 at 8:06 am
Colleen…”WTF?” - what day is it today?!?
April 1st, 2008 at 8:16 am
That’s wonderful news…very exciting…but would it be horrible of me to say, no, I don’t love it?
I’m sorry, Colleen…but Hollywood has ruined so many things and to think of you changing your story for someone else really rubs me the wrong way (now, if a movie studio changes something after it’s already been written, that’s another story and not one a writer has any control over).
I’m a Maxgirl and live in hope that Victoria will end up with him. As long as there’s a chance, I’m happy. But Max with Sebastian? No. It’s not that I’m against a gay storyline - just not between those two characters.
Colleen, you have to do what you feel you have to do and I know you will make the right decision — and none of us have a say in it. But, please, just be true to yourself. Maybe you don’t have the whole story worked out in your head already, anyway, so changing it is no big deal. But I have to say when I read this, my heart just fell.
I’m being very blunt…I’m sorry…
April 1st, 2008 at 8:18 am
OH!!! I just read Kristin’s post…I hope she is right - now that I’ve gotten so upset…April Fool’s Day. Please let it be so!!
By the way, I hate April Fool’s Day.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:40 am
Max and Sebastian together? Uh, sorry, but no thanks. I do hope this is an April Fool’s Day joke.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:42 am
Oooohhhh you almost had me there!
At least I HOPE you almost had me there.
You DID almost have me there. Right? (she asks in a small, quiet voice)
April 1st, 2008 at 8:45 am
I don’t know if I should congratulate you or slap you for pulling the best 4-1 I’ve seen so far.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:45 am
P.S.
I heart Max.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:57 am
OK, now I’m not sure - is it a April Fool’s joke or not? I’m hoping for 50/50 - that the novels have been optioned, but that the story changes are not likely. Actually, I’d be REALLY surprised if a major Hollywood production company would want to put the two male characters together, that’s what gives me hope it’s a hoax. Although, if it was an indie company, I’d probably buy it.
At any rate, I’ve been holding out for Victoria and Max to be together since the first book, but even more so since the last book! If it isn’t an April Fool’s joke, then I agree with the previous poster that you should be aware that many books that are optioned don’t actually end up getting made into movies. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is now being made, but that’s after the first company’s option rights ran out and then a second company optioned it - and maybe that would happen with Gardella and you wouldn’t have to change anything!
At any rate, it’s your creation, and I suggest you only make the changes that feel “right” or “real” to you, regardless of the movie company’s opinions or ours! Either way, it’s exciting and incredibly flattering to be considered for a movie! Congrats!
April 1st, 2008 at 9:12 am
Huh. I don’t know what to think.
I’m really, really happy that Hollywood would come knocking on your door, ’cause you know how much I love your work.
At the same time. Oh hell no. Max/Sebastian. Uh-uh. Victoria and Max. That’s how it’s supposed to be. (GO TEAM MAX!) And I hate the idea that someone would tell you how you had to change your vision for the book. No way. This story sprung from your head and it is important that YOU dictate how the story goes.
But if they want to take your vision and make a movie of it. That would be OK with me — but dictate how you write the books. Oh hell no.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:18 am
Something else I thought about, is that movie makers have never let the actually direction of a book dissuade them from changing as they wish. I’m sure there is more about this in the contracts than I know, but do they really need YOU to change the direction of the series and your plans for the characters to do what they want for the movie?? Just a thought….
April 1st, 2008 at 9:45 am
Oh my god oh my god! Congratulations!! That is amazing! You are it now!!
E, J and A will be thrilled!!
Good luck!
April 1st, 2008 at 10:06 am
Okay, you got me. Blast it all girl, I was casting the movie in my head - but Max and Sebastian?? Vic and Philip as good, crime-fighting vamps?? I don’t think so.
Happy April Fool’s Day!
April 1st, 2008 at 10:19 am
OK, joke or not, who would you like to see cast in the movie, Colleen? Or anyone else? In my head, I always picture Clive Owen as Max, of course, then I get a little thrown when I read something about his long hair, but that’s who I picture….
I love thinking about who I’d cast in a movie of my favorite books! How about you, Colleen? Who would you like to see cast in the movie? Anyone else with ideas?
April 1st, 2008 at 10:32 am
Colleen has us twisting in the wind right now and is rubbing her hands and laughing gleefully…while I’m feeling fairly foolish…
Colleen already posted a photo of my choice for Max — Richard Armitage.
April 1st, 2008 at 10:39 am
I’m sorry, gals. It was just too fun to resist. After all, so many people are vehemently Team Max or Team Sebastian, I thought it would be fun to turn that on its tail.
Anyway, all jokes aside, I will have some news in the near future…nothing nearly as grand (or as upsetting) as this…but some news.
As for casting the movie?
Clive Owen as Max.
Jason Lewis (the guy who played Smith Jared in Sex in the City) as Seb.
Nic Cage as Phillip. (But he’s a bit too old. Hmm.)
Anne Hathaway or a more filled out Kate Bosworth as Vic.
Judi Dench as Aunt Eustacia.
Chow Yun Fat as Kritanu.
Nicole Kidman as Lilith.
James Marsters reprising his Spike role as Beauregard.
How’s that?
April 1st, 2008 at 10:54 am
Hey Colleen - honestly that was hysterical…in the most HORRENDOUS sense of the word!!! :0 You did a good job!
Interesting choices for movie parts - that’s what I’ll think about at work today.
April 1st, 2008 at 10:58 am
I always picture Olivier Martinez (from Unfaithful w/Diane Lane) as Max. Don’t know why, but he’s got that sullen, TRES HAWT vibe to him.
But I’ll totally buy Jason Lewis as Sebastian, if he’d do a British accent w/o sounding like a “Dude.”
April 1st, 2008 at 11:08 am
Colleen, I want to climb on your head and beat you about the neck and shoulders…LOL…
Anyway, sorry no Clive Owen for me (maybe I’m weird but he does absolutely nothing for me. Nothing). Jason Lewis I can see but, yeah, he does seem a little too surfer dude. Nic Cage as Phillip? Jeez. I guess I need to read the book again! Not seeing that one at all!! The rest of the choices, I’m okay with. (Not that what I’m okay with matters one iota!)
April 1st, 2008 at 11:10 am
Oh, meant to add…Olivier Martinez is a good choice for Max (though I will continue to see RA)
April 1st, 2008 at 11:24 am
LOL Happy April Fool’s Day
max & sebastian…ROFLMAO!
April 1st, 2008 at 11:29 am
I’ll take Clive!
April 1st, 2008 at 11:33 am
Ohhh you brat you had me!! I was ready to pick up the phone and order champagne LOL
April 1st, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Ha ha, nice one.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I was gonna say!!! (You stinker!) I was like, “Ok she HAD to have misunderstood them. They HAD to have meant combining Max and Seb into one CHARACTER!”
LMAO! And btw, NO WAY would I accept an erotic relationship between those two. Put Seb with another man- okay, but Max is all Hetero thank you very much!
April 1st, 2008 at 12:16 pm
;)
April 1st, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Okay, I had to Google Oliver Martinez. And I am now all over that. He works for me (and would probably be cheaper than Clive).
Although either would work, and so would Richard Armitage.
Still working on Phillip. The only reason I picked Nic Cage is because of those heavy-lidded eyes. Other than that, I’m open to suggestion.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:54 pm
I already heard your fab news, Colleen, but congrats again! The Euro is so spendy, I think the producer made the right decision to film in Boston instead of Italy and change the family name to “Sanderson.” Those WASPy types can be just as dramatic as Mediterranean families and after all, the most famous slayer is named, “Buffy.” Fingers crossed that you get Glenn Close as Victoria’s aunt!!!
April 1st, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Oh, fine. You’ve already confessed.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:58 pm
LOL…nice try, Esri.
I had to confess…people were sending me nasty emails!
April 1st, 2008 at 1:05 pm
For some odd reason I pictured Sam Rockwell as Phillip (maybe it was the “Rock” in his name)…. I don’t particularly find Sam Rockwell hot, but he’s a good actor. I’m sure he could do heavy-lidded eyes, but it would probably be tongue-and-cheek!
Also, I’m guilty of picturing Brad Pitt (think Legends of the Fall Brad Pitt) as Sebastian. I know, too old these days, but still very hot!
April 1st, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I almost believed it, but Max and Sebastian…that was it, I was LMAO on the floor at that!!
As for the (possible) casting, if I may:
Clive Owen/Christian Bale –> Max
Judi Dench –> Aunt Eustacia
Helen Mirren –> Wayren
Gerard Butler –> Sebastian
Famke Janssen –> Lilith
James Marsters –> Beauregard
Chow Yun Fat –> Kritanu
Blythe Danner –> Lady Melly
Nora-Jane Noon/Kelly Macdonald/Kate Beckinsale –> Victoria
I can’t come up with anyone as Phillip though…I’ve still got to work on it
Hmmm…I have it!!! Bryan Greenberg!!! 
April 1st, 2008 at 1:33 pm
LMAO ok I got the email and for some reason either I didn’t read the whole thing or it didn’t come through THEN I come to the blog and read the whole post and when you got to Max and Sebastian I started laughing so I hard I almost fainted LOL LOL. Well done!
April 1st, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Wow, what a great April Fools joke !
As for casting;
Sarah Michelle Gellar as Victoria. She is THE vampire slayer.
Jensen Ackles as Sebastian. He’s just too delicious. And, he does the snark so well.
Max….I’m drawing such a blank. Clive Owen is gorgeous though.
Nicole Kidman as Lilith is fabulous.
James Marsters as Beauregard. Definately works for me
Adrian Paul as Phillip. He’s older but doesn’t look his age.
I think that the Gardellas woudl make a great movie. No changes just the way they are.
April 1st, 2008 at 2:02 pm
How about Kate Mara (Brokeback Mountain, We Are Marshall) as Victoria?
April 1st, 2008 at 2:05 pm
A thought struck me: also Cillian Murphy would make a good Phillip.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:15 pm
OK…Colleen you completely had me fooled (plus it is now 02 April here so I completely missed the April Fool’s Day link). I was sitting here trying to work out how to politely say that I thought you should stick with your vision (since when do production companies stick to book plots anyway?). Of course, all of this was running through my mind and I still didn’t click
As for Max/Sebastian….well…interesting. I’m not going to read The Bleeding Dusk (TBD) in quite the same way now (my library has FINALLY ordered it - YAH!). As even though a wise person has suggested I wait until reading TBD before declaring an opinion on Max versus Sebastian…I’m so far in the Sebastian camp it isn’t funny
orannia
PS Apologies for vanishing for a week - I was on annual leave and my home computer decided not to let me play *pout*. We are currently ‘in discussions’
April 1st, 2008 at 3:23 pm
I’m a huge fan of Clive Owen as Max, but if we’re going with Jensen Ackles as Sebastian like LindaK suggested, it gave me a moment to imagine the yummy Jared Padelecki as Max.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Orannia: I’ll join you in making lanyards at Camp Sebastian, but I fear we’re doomed to disappointment.
Hey, Colleen: Is the news “singular” because it’s the 1st? Is that an intentional pun? If so, do I get a prize?
April 1st, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Esri, LOL, yes. It was a subtle little pun.
And a prize? Of course. Hmm…let me think on it.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Send me a postcard. I lub da mail.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Colleen-You are EVIL! LOL!
One of the best pranks ever. However, I will also see Sebastian & Max in a new light. he-he. 
I switched my blog around. Made it pretty. Do you like the yummy male silhouette on the right hand side?
April 1st, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Happy April FOOLS Day!!! You got me! I about fell out of my chair.
I am a Huge Clive Owen Fan so my vote is for him!!!!
April 1st, 2008 at 9:06 pm
LOL…when I read the post I actually believed Seb and Max would hook up in the last book!!! Then I thankfully read the posts and realized what day it was…
Great April fools!!!!
(I’m totally rooting for Max and Vic, althought I love Seb too!!)
April 1st, 2008 at 9:33 pm
That was almost as mean as me telling my 6 yr old niece that her b-day presents (her b-day is sunday) were at her house and that she could open them as soon as she got home. Her reply, “Really!?” Then being the mean LOL aunt I am I said “April Fool’s”. I was a little skeptical when you spoke of the union between Max & Sebastian, but all the time I was thinking this couldn’t happen to a better person.
I didn’t realize how many Max fans there were. I LOVE SAB! Wow, I’m still in awe about this April Fool’s joke. I think you outdid yourself. LOL
April 1st, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Ha, ha Colleen! Good try! Seriously though, if there were a movie my dream casting would be:
Victoria- Megan Fox
Sebastian- Gerard Butler
Max- Olivier Martinez
Philip- Patrick Dempsey
Since there was a mention of Angel, what about David Boreanaz as Sebastian? (Sighs)
April 1st, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Actually, Leah, I sort of like David Boreanaz as Phillip.
He could do it. He just couldn’t be as brooding as he normally is!
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:35 am
Whew! As much as I’d be thrilled for Hollywood to call you, Colleen, I’m glad this was an April Fool’s Day joke!
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Esri - YAH! All welcome at Camp Sebastian
I hope we’re not doomed to disappointment. I haven’t read The Bleeding Dusk yet but Max is meant to be on the same side as Victoria but he isn’t acting like he is….he’s like a rogue Venator. Sebastian on the other hand has always had his own agenda (and Victoria likes that). I just see Max as more of a brother/colleague…
*orannia looks around wildly*
Am I going to get into trouble for saying that?
Maybe we will just have to be more vocal Esri *grin*
orannia
April 9th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
This was brilliant. And I was all for the Max/Seb storyline. Sigh. Oh well…I guess we’ll save those for my dreams…