Bruce Campbell Could Do Burn Notice Movie

With the "Burn Notice" summer finale ended just a couple of weeks ago, fans of the show have already received some tidbits to hold them over until the winter season begins.

The L.A. Times reported during the recent Comic-Con in San Diego that one of the show's stars, Bruce Campbell, let out there has been some discussion of a possible movie based on his character, Sam Axe.

Campbell said the film, currently only in the discussion phase between cable network USA and distributor Fox, would feature some of Axe's adventures before he hooked up with friend-turned-burned spy Michael Weston (Jeffrey Donovan) in Miami. Show creator Matt Nix confirmed the "idea has been entertained."

There were also rumors a movie, if made, could be of the made-for-TV variety.

Perhaps this could be the start for "Burn Notice" of something akin to what Marvel Studios has planned for "The Avengers" movie set for release in 2011. While "Iron Man" and "The Incredible Hulk" gave audiences a hint of an arching story line, the upcoming "Iron Man 2," (starring Robert Downey Jr. and Don Cheadle) "Captain America" and "Thor" (to be directed by Kenneth Branaugh) movies are set to be shown in succession, setting up "The Avengers" movie which will star those heroes as well.

Maybe "Burn Notice" could do something similar to provide back stories for each of the three main characters. First could come the Sam Axe movie, followed by a film following gun-runner and Weston love interest Fiona Glenanne (Gabrielle Anwar). Those two could feature a cameo by Jeffrey Donovan to tie them together. A back story on Weston would also be nice.

The only problem I can foresee would be a loss of some of that mystery involved with all three and their background. Nearly every episode has some allusion to a mission Weston ran with either Sam of Fiona. However, this shouldn't be too hard to overcome, since most of the film likely would focus on that particular character and not so much their relationship with Michael Weston.

For instance, a film on Sam Axe could focus on some of Axe's activities and how he got into such a pinch that the FBI was able to force him to act as an informant on pay Weston when the burned spy first arrived in Miami. This was alluded to in the first season, and Weston was able to exploit it to pass misinformation to the FBI, through Axe, who was only too happy to help.

A Fiona version could deal somewhat with the past relationship with Michael, but might be better served to concentrate on some of the activities that were mentioned in passing during this past summer season. For instance, when her brother visited in the finale and told her the villain from back home wasn't looking to kill her, but sell her to some people she upset in Ireland, she quips that there are a lot of people who might fit that description.

A movie featuring Michael Weston could have brief cameos with both Anwar and Campbell to tie their characters together, then concentrate on the events leading up to Weston's being burned, possibly ending with scenes seen at the beginning of the pilot episode.

There could be a movie in between each seasonal hiatus.

As for the show itself, Campbell also revealed during a recent live Twitter interview there could be some dissension in the ranks. Campbell said at the time he was shooting an episode in which Sam refused to help Michael because he doesn't agree with the path his friend is taking.

"Burn Notice" will return with all new episodes this winter.

Sources:

Scott Collins, Hero Complex, www.Latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex

www.usanetwork.com/series/burnnotice/