Via GameSpot:
Hollywood sources say prolific heartthrob actor will play John Marston in film based on Rockstar Games' popular Western.
Source: Hollywood news site Showbizspy.
What we heard: In November 2009 Brad Pitt's production companies Reliance Big Entertainment and Plan B Entertainment bought the rights to the forthcoming Dark Void film, but that may not be the only movie project tied to the storied actor.
Sources told the Hollywood news outlet Showbizspy that Brad Pitt is the "hot favorite" to star in an upcoming film based on the events of Rockstar Games' critically lauded and comercially successful Western, Red Dead Redemption. The sources say the Fight Club and Meet Joe Black star will play the game's troubled protagonist, John Marston.
“This is an exciting project with a great character at the center of it,” a source told the website. “The idea is to make this in the style of an epic Western movie but with a few modern touches. Brad is perfect for the role and he is being given first refusal.”
Unfortunately, the report did not include the names of possible supporting cast members, a projected release date for the film, or any other details on the project.
The official story: A Rockstar Games representative told GameSpot "We do not comment on rumor or speculation."
Bogus or not bogus?: Today's rumor is the first mention of a Red Dead Redemption film. While fans may be excited about the prospect of a film based on the game, if the project is real, it's likely only in the very early planning stages.
Further, Pitt is one of Hollywood's biggest stars, and he is likely offered "first refusal"--the ability to be the first actor to say no to a project--frequently. If the project is indeed real, Pitt may pass on the project, leaving the Marston role open to another actor.
My opinion of this: (comments from GameSpot's article)
"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" gives you an idea of what Pitt can bring to the table, among other fine works of his. I don't see why his face couldn't change, since that's a big part of John's appearance. If the right director takes this project, then yeah, I'd be just as interested as I am now with Pitt's name linked to the project.
It has to be done right.
It has to be done right.
__________
Viggo Mortensen - The Road, Eastern Promises, A History of Violence, Apaloosa, Hidalgo, etc. I don't know if he's a good Marston, but he definitely has the chops the play the part.
Would love to see a versatile, veteran actor; an actor with experience and accolades to play Marston. An unknown would be great, but would it sell? That's where the script and direction comes into play.
Would, very much, love to see this come together with/ without Pitt. I'd like to see it go in a different direction than the game, entirely. Maybe a prequel.
Would love to see a versatile, veteran actor; an actor with experience and accolades to play Marston. An unknown would be great, but would it sell? That's where the script and direction comes into play.
Would, very much, love to see this come together with/ without Pitt. I'd like to see it go in a different direction than the game, entirely. Maybe a prequel.
__________
I want to know more about Bill Williamson; how he really is, who plays him, etc. I want to know what Marston really went through; how he joined up with Williamson and gang. ...Know more about how Marston met his wife, the struggles with life away from home, the dreams of life after crime. All that. But in a much more detailed way.
The idea is promising. The execution of it is the most critical.
The characters within the game, outside of Marston, are the most interesting of all. But it would be really interesting is to see the kinds of characters Marston came across when he was a criminal.
I'd also love to see the dark side of Marston; the outlaw, the no-good, horrible, bad guy, so to speak. That's intriguing. Make me hate him. Then show me how to like him, to admire and feel for him. Then you've got something.
The idea is promising. The execution of it is the most critical.
The characters within the game, outside of Marston, are the most interesting of all. But it would be really interesting is to see the kinds of characters Marston came across when he was a criminal.
I'd also love to see the dark side of Marston; the outlaw, the no-good, horrible, bad guy, so to speak. That's intriguing. Make me hate him. Then show me how to like him, to admire and feel for him. Then you've got something.
