Carell to Star in Magician Comedy, Looking for Rival Illusionist
Steve Carell from 'Nepotism' on The Office
Deadline is reporting that Steve Carell will star in Burt Wonderstone, a comedy directed by Don Scardino (30 Rock) that will begin filming this fall. The story centers on Carell who “plays a magic man dethroned by a hip younger illusionist and then must find a way to rediscover his love for magic.” The screenplay is from Horrible Bosses scribes John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, and Carell is listed as one of the Producers.
This sounds like good material for Carell, who displayed magic skills on an episode of The Office last fall, and who knows a thing or two about buddy comedies. The speculation now shifts to see who will be cast as the “hip younger illusionist.” The unknown is tone - is the younger character a villain or an innocent up-and-comer? Sounds like this will be a modestly budgeted production, so the film could be profitable without having to score Hangover style box office returns.
I could see Aziz playing the rival magician, probably in the Raaaaandy vein.
Don’t know a lot about Charlie Day, but if it’s from the Horrible Bosses writers (Freaks & Geeks star John Francis Daley btw!), I’d imagine he’s being considered.
Who I Think Should Play the Magician:
1. Jesse Eisenberg
2. Christopher Mintz-Plasse
3. Aziz Ansari
4. Dave Franco (Younger brother of James Franco)
5. Michael Cera
I would have nominated Jay Baruchel, but I can’t picture him is this role as all of his previous characters have been quite quirky & not villainous.
I think it would be good for Michael to play this as he would go out of his comfort zone.
Michael out of his comfort zone? He got pretty dark in Youth in Revolt..
Rick– CHECK OUT ALWAYS SUNNY FOR GOD’S SAKE!
Jason Segel
Yeah Nathan, but that was his alter ego, not his actual character.
So at first, I was rethinking Aziz might be too old to play the young hip illusionist. Then I saw that he’s actually younger than me by a month and a half… ouch.
Tell you what, Buffalo Billy, I am totally down for checking out Always Sunny if Kevin checks out Arrested Development.
Will Arnett?
I don’t know that Arnett would be young enough for that role. The first person I thought of was Baruchel.
Thanks for throwing me under the bus, Rick.
Samm Levine
I can’t picture Jay Baruchel in this type of role.
Adam, you need to watch Nick and Nora’ Infinite Playlist, where Baruchel played an overbearing dick. It was a dark role.
Yeah, I felt kind of stupid after posting Arnett, I just instantly thought of him as the magician from Arrested Development. Thinking about it I could icture TJ Miller in this role.
How about Andy Samberg? Is 32 too old?
lol, kevdo. couldn’t resist
So, I watched the first episode of Arrested Development. Does it get better?
The world needs more TJ Miller. He did a great job on one episode of Happy Endings this season (in a role I hope will recurr).
I just started watching Arrested Development as well and had the same question at the start. I can tell you Kevin, it does get better.
Yeah, by the 3rd ep, you’ll be onboard. Pilots are never the best to compare to (I personally HATE the first 30 Rock episode, but love the show)
Alright, time to give Always Sunny a run
So, I’ve watched the first five episodes of Arrested Development. Not feeling it, to be honest - other than Bateman who is great and stuff with Michael Cera. NOT loving the retarded brother, David Cross, and Will Arnett’s character.
Well, at least you gave it an honest shot. Interesting that it’s the unsympathetic characters that bug you (understandable reaction); those were honestly the ones I loved (although Tobias’ Season 3 storyline gets annoying.) Another thing worth noting: although the season you’re watching is the one that won the Emmy, I feel the show’s strongest was the 2nd (although I totally understand that you’ve given it enough of a strong chance. 5 episodes in, you basically know what you’re in for.)
Another interesting thing is to look back at Bateman, Cera & Arnett and see their character archetypes that they’ve kept over the years.
I’m rooting for David Krumholtz. He really should do more comedy.