Ender's Game - Coming November 1, 2013
Check out the Official Production Blog run by the producers of the upcoming Ender's Game movie!
When we reported a few weeks ago that gas masks were going to be making an appearance in Ender’s Game, we instantly began speculating what they could be used for. A childhood play thing? Part of the design of the intricately designed spacesuits? Some guesswork from our article:
At some point during the film, it seems likely we’ll see some flashbacks, footage, or “vids” from the Second Invasion. When the battle was over and Mazer Rackham’s men were about to search the Formic starships, none of them could have had any idea what they might find aboard. They would probably have dressed to prepare for all sorts of intense scenarios, scenarios that might have included ones which dealt with airborne toxins.
While we still can’t be sure whether costume designer Christine Bieselin Clark has utilized the gas masks as part of the spacesuits or if they are simply being used as props, we now know that the chances of seeing flashbacks of the Second Invasion are pretty good, as it’s been confirmed by the Ansible that Kyle Clements will be appearing in the movie as a younger version of war hero Mazer Rackham.
We’re publishing a collection of essays on Ender’s Game in February 2013. (You can find out more about the contents and sign up for news and updates at our book page.)
Alongside those essays, we’re putting together some Q&As with Orson Scott Card to add throughout the book. Why is the Battle Room a cube? Why did the military recruit their soldiers as children? How does the queen survive until Ender finds her?
Here’s your chance to get in on it: Card wants to give you the opportunity to ask him anything you’ve ever wondered about Ender’s Game!
Just comment below with your question; you don’t have to have a tumblr account to play. We’ll publish as many answers as we can in the final book, and give you guys some sneak previews leading up to the book release here.
You have until midnight Eastern time on July 1 to ask. And feel free to ask more than one!
So: What have you always wanted to know about Ender’s Game?
“Bob Orci begging our fab exec producer, David Coatsworth for a day off. It’s not going so well.”
Ender News is having a contest this week to see who can create the best Ender’s Game-themed song lyrics. My favorite entry so far, based on My Eyes from Doctor Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.
[ENDER pt.1]
It’s something I have always heard:
“You’re not a person, you’re a Third.”
And I know I shouldn’t care
Because I’ve always been aware
But still it stings, although it’s just a word.
Listen close to any launchie’s heart
And hear that breaking sound
Childhood stolen, family torn apart
As they stay on the ground
I cannot believe my eyes
I have to depend on lies
And it’s plain to see
They’re leaving it down to me
It’s Ender’s Game.
[BEAN pt.1]
On the street
But standing on my own two feet
I may be small, but I’ve survived
This far and I will stay alive
And I believe inside the smallest urchin’s heart
There’s courage to be found.
And now, I’m off to battle school
To turn my life around.
I cannot believe my eyes
That Ender, so brave and wise
Confides in me
His shadow I’ll always be
It’s Ender’s Game.
[ENDER pt.2 - over Bean pt.2]
Any dolt with half a brain
Could see the rules round here have gone insane
An order at the door
The army can’t take any more
And there is no-one by my side to ease the pain.
Listen close to any soldier’s heart
And hear that breaking sound
Childhood stolen, friendship torn apart
For each recruit they’ve found
I cannot believe my eyes
I have to depend on lies
And it’s plain to see
They’re leaving it down to me
In Ender’s Game
[BEAN pt.2 - over Ender pt.2]
Can’t you see?
Why don’t you ever hear me?
Just let be me your friend, I’ll be
Your soldier down until the end
And I believe inside the smallest Dragon’s heart
There’s fire to be found
I’m here and I can play my part
To turn the fight around
I cannot believe my eyes
That Ender, so brave and wise
Wants me around
- The enemy’s gate is down -
In Ender’s Game
Tick Tock
Wake up in the mornin’ feelin’ like a bugger
Grab my mask I’m out the door trying to dodge my brother
Before I leave I am seen by a soldier called Graff
And so I leave before the night, I ain’t coming back -
I’m talking kids sitting down in rows, rows,
Trying hard not to throw, throw,
The space ship’s launching us up, up,
So now they try to humiliate me, me,
What a bunch of si-ssies,
Now a kid called Bernard’s got a broken aaaarm
My name’s Ender
I am only six years old
Tonight, I’mma fight
Your stupid school system
Tick tock on the clock
But you won’t let me rest, no,
Woah-oh-oh-oh
Woah-oh-oh-oh
Just finished reading Ender’s Game. It was recommended to me by a man that works for IDW publishers. He spoke fondly of sitting on his stoop in Brooklyn as a child and being completely engrossed in this novel, he spoke so passionately of it that I had to read it.
The entire time I’ve been reading this novel I wish I had read it 15 years ago. It was intense and amazing, but I think my younger self would have appreciated it in a way I do not.
I’m sure I’ll have more to say about this after the book has marinated in my brain a little longer.
Current Standings
A week has passed since Battle School was launched here on Ender News and the first battle is officially over. Let’s see who came out on top:
Leopard Army ended Battle #1 in first place with 84 points and have thus moved their army to the top of the standings. Congratulations, Leopards!
At the top of our individual soldier standings is the aptly-named Ender from Badger Army, who finished the battle in 429 seconds. Well done!
All of the other soldiers have spent enough time “flapping around like drunken ducks” and are now prepared for Battle #2, which begins today. Head over to the Battle Room to show off your Ender’s Game trivia skills. Don’t forget: it’s your end time that matters and you can’t pause the clock so don’t start the battle if you don’t have time to participate — and watch out for typos! Every wrong answer adds 45 seconds to your score.
Are you interested in being assigned to an army but don’t enough points to join yet? For a limited time, you can post in the Battle School forums and ask to be promoted!
Having just finished Ender’s Game and become quite excited for the upcoming film, you can imagine my glee to find Harrison Ford listed amongst the cast!
I would insert “excitement.gif” here but I’m updating on my phone. You’ll actually have to imagine the glee.
