Thanks to Darcy for sharing info on this news. The website "What's-on-Netflix" posted an article yesterday on the status of Adam McKay's upcoming political satire Average Height, Average Build. After listing the illustrious cast members who are currently filming the movie, including Robert Pattinson, Robert Downey Jr., Amy Adams, Danielle Deadwyler and Forest Whitaker, there was a little blurb (after the secondary characters were mentioned, mind you), saying that Meryl was "at one point in the running for" one of the characters. The character's name is apparently Annabel Jexson, and that's all we know.
According to the article,
The movie follows a serial killer who enlists a lobbyist to change laws that will allow him to get away with murder more easily. Additionally, there is a retired cop who won’t give up on the murders, and the killer tries to prevent him from dogging his trail now that he’s hung up his gun. The serial killer turns himself into a cause celebre, a Mr. Smith Goes to Washington figure shielding his true motives.
Pattinson is playing the killer and Downey Jr. the cop.
Okay, so this is pretty oblique news, but things like these have to come from somewhere. I have no idea if this is a legit website, but with how vague the mention of Meryl's involvement is, and how they phrase that Meryl is or was "in the running," it seems a bit strange. I expect that if Adam wanted Meryl for a role, it'd be only a matter of whether or not Meryl chose to accept. It also seems a bit strange that they wouldn't have just announced it if Meryl were involved with filming. I suppose weirder things have happened. Regardless, IF Meryl is involved with this project, it seems that it'll be a very small role, perhaps even a cameo.
While I am happy to see Meryl working in interesting projects I'm going to echo calls for talented writers to come up with something that challenges and uses Meryl to her potential. You have one of the best actresses of all time, write for her!
ReplyDeleteLike Blanchett had Tár written specifically for her, and numerous other examples, why aren't people constructing something special for Meryl, roles only she could deliver?
I'm reminded of her comment from a few years ago about how she would love to return to theatre, but in a new play.
Anything that is from the studios can't be properly announced until they come to a deal with SAG, that's probably the reason.
ReplyDeleteOr at least, any new castings that would've been announced if it weren't for the strike
DeleteOoo I hadn't thought of that. Maybe there's something juicy in the making that they just can't announce yet.
DeleteIt's definitely the strike holding back casting news. Actors can't sign a contract even if it is sitting in front of them all said and done. Hopefully over soon. Also, that website isn't necessarily always spot on but they did get the Greta Narnia scoop and a few others well before anyone else...so maybe they have an inside source :)
ReplyDeleteAccording to World Of Reel, the film is not moving forward.
ReplyDelete