Since starring in arguably the greatest TV show of all time, The Sopranos, James Gandolfini has not, as is sometimes the case with TV stars, burnt out and stopped making anything worthwhile. In fact, he continues to make movies at a healthy rate. He is currently working on four films, including a reteaming with a feature film from Sopranos creator David Chase , and a supporting role in Andrew Dominik‘s Jesse James follow up – Cogan’s Trade. And it’s a good day for fans of the actor, as he is in talks to join another intriguing project.
Burt Wonderstone, an upcoming comedy from New Line, centers on a “once-successful Las Vegas magic duo that must reunite to square off against a hot-shot street magician whose tricks are often dangerous.” Steve Carell is starring as one half of the magic duo, with Jim Carrey playing the rival street magician. Don Scardino is directing his debut film with this one, but he does have a lot of experience in directing TV, having helmed episodes of shows such as 30 Rock already. The script is from Chad Kultgen with a rewrite from John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (Horrible Bosses) AND a refining from Jason Reitman.
Gandolfini is in talks to play “Doug Munny, a classy billionaire who owns the Aztec Casino, where the title character and his partner perform their show.” What with the creative synopsis, and the people working on it, I think this film just got onto my anticipated list. [Variety]
In other Burt Wonderstone news, New Line has drawn up a shortlist for the female lead and these are the contenders: Olivia Wilde (who is not Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, despite some recent reports), Michelle Monaghan, Judy Greer, Sarah Silverman and Jessica Biel. We’ll report in more detail as that lead is chosen.
Production is due to start in January with a likely release date of 2013. [Deadline]
Does Burt Wonderstone sound interesting to you? Are you glad James Gandolfini has joined? And who do you think would make the best female lead for the film?