When a new Mickey Rourke film is hitting theaters, you know you’ll get something worthwhile. And I don’t necessarily mean the actual product. When it comes to the publicity circuit, the actor is known for having no qualms about discretion. With his starring role in Tarsem‘s Immortals, Rourke has two new revelations on his work in Hollywood, one on a previous project and some big news on a new one. Check them out below.
Jon Favreau can’t seem to catch a break. After Universal Studios president Ron Meyer slammed his Cowboys & Aliens, Rourke has now revealed his dissatisfaction with Favreau’s Iron Man 2. Speaking to MTV, the actor talked about the process of playing the bad guy and his desire for filmmakers to bring more more than one dimension to his character. He called out the production on the Iron Man sequel specifically, saying “if you’re working for the wrong studio or let’s say a director that doesn’t have any balls, then they’re just gonna want it to be the evil bad guy.”
He praised Immortals director Tarsem, saying, “if you’re working with some good studio guys that got brains and you’re working with a director with a set of nuts that’ll let you incorporate that then it’s fun. Otherwise, you end up with what happened on Iron Man.” Burn. With Iron Man 3 already on the way, I’m sure these insults have no effect on the filmmakers of that 2008 disappointment, but it is nice to hear Rourke recognize the completely one-note aspect of his character.
In other Rourke news, he spoke with Moviefone regarding his upcoming role in Seven Psychopaths. He was said to be in the next film from In Bruges director Martin McDonagh, alongside Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell. But it looks like that is no more.
He told the outlet that “the director was a jerkoff” and “he wanted a whole lot for nothing.” Although not coming out and saying he won’t be in the film, I think his final comment speaks for itself, “He can go play with himself.” So, there is that. With production gearing up in Los Angeles, one expects this role to be filled quite soon. In the meantime, check out Rourke’s interview with MTV below, after the synopsis for Psychopaths from Collider.
From Oscar-winning writer and director Martin McDonagh comes a star-studded, blood-drenched, black comedy. Marty (Farrell) is a struggling writer who dreams of finishing his screenplay ‘Seven Psychopaths.’ All he needs is a little focus and inspiration.
Billy (Rockwell) is Marty’s best friend, an unemployed actor and part time dog thief, who wants to help Marty by any means necessary. Hans (Walken) is Billy’s partner in crime. A religious man with a violent past. Charlie is the psychopathetic gangster whose beloved dog, Billy and Hans have just stolen. Charlie’s unpredictable, extremely violent and wouldn’t think twice about killing anyone or anything associated with the theft. Marty is going to get all the focus and inspiration he needs, just as long as he lives to tell the tale.
Immortals hits theaters this Friday, November 11th. Seven Psychopaths was picked up by CBS Films for 2012 release, while a Rourke-less Iron Man 3 will arrive in May 2013.