Tom Mankiewicz passes away at age 68

Tom Mankiewicz passes away at age 68

From BBC news, ((American screenwriter and director Tom Mankiewicz, whose credits included several James Bond films, has died from cancer at the age of 68. ))

For those that don’t know, Mankiewicz was the man responsible for some of the early James Bond films and rewriting and reshaping the Donner versions of the Superman movies.

Under his James Bond credits he wrote, Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die, and The Man with the Golden Gun. He directed Delirious starring John Candy and the underrated Dragnet comedic movie. He also directed an episode of Tales from the Crypt.

For me, his biggest contribution was being the unofficial screenwriter for Superman: The Movie and Superman II. Donner brought him in to sharpen up the campy Mario Puzo script. By many accounts, it was Mankiewicz’s treatments that gave the movie homage to the comic book and maintaining a serious tone. He was only listed as a “Creative Consultant” on the project.

He became a script doctor of sorts on many popular movies such as Gremlins and Gonnies. It should also be noted that he wrote very first draft, one of many drafts, for the Batman 89 film.

Without his contributions, there wouldn’t be any Iron Man or Spiderman movies. He will be missed.