Casting Bits: Denzel Washington Offered ‘Secret In Their Eyes’ Remake, Will Forte Joins ‘Neighborhood Watch’, Isla Fisher Replaces Amanda Seyfried In ‘Now You See Me’
Denzel Washingtonhas reportedly been offered the lead role in the English-language remake ofThe Secret in Their Eyes, which is being helmed byBilly Ray(Shattered Glass). The original Argentinian version, by directorJuan José Campanella, was a critical success that won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Picture in 2010. In other words, no wonder someone in Hollywood’s decided to try and make it all over again.
The dramatic thriller centers around a retired criminal court investigator turned would-be novelist who’s struggling to get over a murder case and a romance that have haunted him for decades. Campanella’s film won raves for its unpredictable plotting, impressive camerawork, and excellent performances. I don’t think the American version sounds bad, so much as just pointless — but if it has to get remade, I suppose there are worse choices than Ray and Washington. [First Showing]
After the jump, Will Forte joins Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn inNeighborhood Watch, and Isla Fisher lands magician heist flickNow You See Me.
Neighborhood Watchcontinues to rack up quite the roster of well-known funnymen with the addition ofWill Forte, who has just landed role of Sergeant Bressman. Forte will co-star oppositeBen Stiller,Vince Vaughn,Jonah Hill,Richard Ayoade,Nicholas Braun, andRosemarie DeWittin the film, which is being directed by Lonely Island’sAkiva Schaffer(Hot Rod). The sci-fi action comedy revolves around a neighborhood watch group that’s really just an excuse for local dads to get together and hang out. The guys get more than they bargained for when they inadvertently uncover an alien plot to destroy the world.
Forte is probably best known for his work onSaturday Night Live, which he starred in from 2002 to 2010. Since his departure from the show, he’s had parts in30 RockandParks & Recreation, as well as the featureA Good Old-Fashioned Orgy. Forte will next appear inI Hate You Dad, with Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg, and the Broadway adaptationRock of Ages. [The Hollywood Reporter]
Isla Fisherhas entered talks to star inNow You See Me, about a group of illusionists called the Four Horsemen who pull off heists during their performances and then shower their audiences with the stolen cash. Fisher is up for the part of Henley, “a master technician who builds contraptions to aid in the illusion of the heists” — a role thatAmanda Seyfriedwascirclinglast month. The film also starsJesse Eisenbergas the arrogant leader of the Horsemen,Melanie Laurentas a former magician, andMark RuffaloandMorgan Freemanas the federal agents who are after the Horsemen.Louis Leterrier(Clash of the Titans) is directing from a script byBoaz YakinandEdward Ricourt.Now You See Mesounds like a change of pace from Leterrier’s usual fare, but it seems he’s got a very solid cast to work with. [Variety]
