Offers: Christian Bale For The Last Photograph; Bradley Cooper For TMI; Jim Carrey For Burt Wonderstone
Ah, it’s the notorious ‘an offer is out to…’ story, which has of late become more of a staple. These are both potentially interesting projects, but keep in mind that at this point we’re just documenting offers that have been given to actors to appear in these projects — the films aren’t greenlit, and there’s a 50/50 chance, at least, that these actors won’t take these roles. That said, chew on the ideas ofChristian Balein a film based on aZack Snyderstory,Bradley Cooperin another R-rated comedy andJim Carreyin a film about a magician.
Perhaps the most tenuous of these stories is the biggest, which putsChristian Balein some proximity toThe Last Photograph, an original story from300directorZack Snyder.Kurt Johnstadwrote the script (he also wrote300) which is reportedly a drama that “revolves around a photograph that becomes the catalyst for a journey two men undertake through war-torn Afghanistan.”
This one has been around for a minute — interesting that it’s hitting the news again now. Russian directorSergey Bodrovwas attached, but there’s a report thatThe Girl With the Dragon TattoodirectorNiels Arden Oplevmay now be the man. Which is a good way to go if you want a competent, middle of the road take that doesn’t dig too deep.
But see, this is where these stories get wonky: according to Zack Snyder’s reps, Bale has read the script but hasn’t taken a role or even negotiated for one. So while he’s got the material, and an offer may be on the table, for now it doesn’t mean much. Keep than in mind as you read on.
Offer #2 is toBradley CooperforTMI, a pitch that has been kicking around for a while about " two “just friends” types who finally realize they’re made for each other after a drug-induced evening of debauchery." A condensedWhen Harry Met Sallyfor the ’10s? Yike.
Anna Farisis attached to the female lead, andRyan Reynoldswas attached to play the opposite part, which is now out to Cooper. The latter doesn’t have much set up afterThe Hangover 2, and his slate isn’t looking as strong now as we thought it might become afterThe Hangover. Is another R-rated romcom likeTMIgoing to seem like a good move?
The last offer is one out toJim Carreyfor a role inBurt Wonderstone, written byJohn Francis DaleyofFreaks & Geeksand hisHorrible Bossesco-writerJonathan Goldstein. The film would be about “a magician who loses everything after his ego and his refusal to do new tricks leads his partner to leave him and his show is canceled. Burt’s childhood idol eventually reminds Burt what magic is all about, and Burt has to convince his partner to return so they can pull off that one magic trick that has eluded him.”
So: potentially funny, heartwarming and effects filled? Easy to see the appeal from New Line’s perspective.
Carrey has reportedly been offered the lead role, and there’s rumor thatSacha Baron Cohenis interested in the same part. Carrey’s in a strange place of late; I’d hoped thatI Love You Phillip Morrismight hit and help him out. But that’s stalled in the US, and Carrey seems to be in a grey zone.
[all via Pajiba,hereandhere]
