Burton Dumps Carrey for Depp -- Smart Man
Filed under: Drama, Horror, Music & Musicals, Casting, Newsstand, Johnny Depp
As Mark reported with dismay late last year, the profoundly annoying Jim Carrey had been signed to star in Tim Burton's Believe It or Not, a drama about the life and times of Robert Ripley, a man Mark described then as a "world explorer, collector, and columnist." While Carrey and Burton are still very much involved in the project, Variety reports this morning that it has been placed on indefinite hold, both because of its already-massive $150 million budget, and because the star and director "wanted to make significant creative changes." Paramount suits insist, however, that this is nothing like the situation with Used Guys, another Carrey project that was recently halted by Fox of its way-too-big budget. Instead, they say, the studio still fully intends to make the movie -- this little break is just an opportunity to "get to the right place creatively and financially." Uh-huh, sure it is. We'll believe that when we see the movie actually go into production.Burton, meanwhile, looks to have something else on his plate -- word is that he and Johnny Depp might just be reviving their film version of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd (and yes, there will be singing), a project that was on the books years ago but fell apart when both left (Sam Mendes spent some time developing it after Burton's departure). Now that Shantaram is director-less, you see, Johnny has some time on his hands, and what with Believe it or Not on indefinite hold, what better time is there for the two of them to make a movie about a demon barber? Mmm ... meat pies.










Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
6-13-2006 @ 4:58PM
Cath said...
Nice to see I'm not the only one who finds Jim Carrey repellent. He puts his ego ahead of the story every damn time.
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6-14-2006 @ 12:49PM
josh said...
I don't know, thought he was great in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind... I even forgot it was him and when I got the DVD I was momentarily suprised. "Oh, that WAS Jim Carrey!"
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6-14-2006 @ 2:39PM
Jo said...
Jim Carrey annoying? I'll tell ya what's more irritating, it's people like you who don't know what they're talking about. Jim Carrey is a powerful box office draw and that hasn't changed...period. There are not many actors who can do both drama and comedy and actually pull it off...Eternal Sunshine is a prime example or the Truman Show. For people to say Jim has an ego, so damn what if he does. This is a man who has been making studios money for years, and he should have something to say. His ideas and input have made good movies into fantastic movies. The proof is in the pudding and Jim doesn't have many failures when it comes to the box office. You find him annoying, but there are millions who obviously feel differently...
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6-14-2006 @ 5:00PM
Cath said...
If there are so many fans out there, then surely he (and said fans) can stand a few naysayers. And, in case you didn't notice, I acknowledged my minority status. Nevertheless, a plethora of admirers is no indication of quality or they'd be teaching Harlequin romances in English Lit.
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6-14-2006 @ 5:17PM
Jo said...
Obviously not everyone is a fan, and I didn't say that a mountain of admirers means quality...however, if you are familiar with Charlie Kaufman, and the film Jim did with him, you should realize that this is a quality film, and Jim has many under his belt. What irritates me about people like you, is that you just don't have any idea what you are talking about when you make a personal comment about how one conducts themselves on a set or otherwise... Jim is a nice person, and does many good things for many people... He has a fantastic work ethic and it's people like you who like to focus on the mistruths, and enjoy dishing when you don't have a clue of what you are talking about. Yep, you are in the minority...enjoy.
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6-16-2006 @ 2:11PM
Tony said...
Wow, I can't wait for the third Tim Burton & Johnny Depp feature film. I wonder what crazy quirks he will give ripley. Could it be Edward Scissor hands meets Willy Wonka? Jim Carrey Would have given Ripley a character, Johnny Depp is going to try and make him a character.
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6-16-2006 @ 2:17PM
JInx said...
Jim Carrey is annoying, true he is a good actor. But with his latest box office flops I.e. liminy snicket, life with dick and jane,(could've been a good movie, if they took out tea leoni. She's annoying!!) No one wants to pay him 20 million a picture when they suck. He should go back to is old movies, he's a great dramatic actor. If he finds the right script i think he could get an oscar, he just has to get of his high horse from time to time.
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6-16-2006 @ 2:20PM
Jenni said...
I like Jim Carrey, but I love Johnny Depp!!! Johnny Depp has a very easy time transforming himself into whatever character he is portraying. You forget about his name and focus on his character. Johnny Depp is an outstanding choice for any film.
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6-16-2006 @ 2:26PM
Rich said...
However, to cast Johnny Depp on the lead role of Sweeney Todd is a travesty. He is not old enough, not emotionally mature enough to have that role. I know Tim Burton and Depp wants to work together alot, but it shouldn't be Sweeney! Wants next Paris Hilton as Mrs. Lovett? Yah, right!
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6-16-2006 @ 2:28PM
steve said...
JIm carey is not a draw anymore. He contours his face in different ways and for a while it was funny. His physical comedy was good but he hasnt mixed itup or evolved.Jim Carey cant touch Robin Williams toes when it comes to comedy or acting. Robin is always refreshing funny and current with his humor. And his acting is excellent! Awakenings, Matt damons phychiatrist, World according to garp all great performances. Jim Carey has no right to ask for special favors. His Andy Kaufman was fair at best. JIm you made some money take a rest leave acting to talented people
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6-16-2006 @ 2:30PM
JDH said...
I know people who have worked with him and he is an absolute ASS on set. He makes people wait, pouts, has tantrums, stomps off and leaves everyone waiting. Yet when he is ready to be cute everyone is expected to be ready. I knew he was a jerk going wayyyy back to before he was known. The things he said along with that SICK tastless thalidomide baby routine said it all.
Look, any decent comic can do the silly things he does it's fun but its hardly irreplaceable, or talent, think about it! A movie about Ripley is a great idea, I would like to see Dep, I won't see Carrey
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6-16-2006 @ 2:38PM
seamus scanlon said...
Anyone who doesn't recognise Carey as an amazing actor can't be taken seriously. Depp is also in the same league. Even if you don't like Carey as an actor titling the piece 'Burton Dumps Carey for Depp - Smart Man' is just offensive and misleading.
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6-16-2006 @ 2:48PM
eric said...
while I find both jim carrey's and johnny depp's movies enjoyable, if tim burton decides to choose one over another it's his choice, he has a great problem on his hand seeing both are excellent. but to use personal remarks to criticize carrey is insulting due to the fact that mr carrey will still be around making grade A movies while you'll probably be doing good to write obituaries in a small time newspaper.
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6-16-2006 @ 2:51PM
Heidi said...
I think that both Jim Carrey and Johnny Depp are good choices...would be kinda hard to pick between the two..yes, Jim Carrey goes to the extreme, but you have to remember that is what makes Jim Carrey, "Jim Carrey"....yes, Johnny Depp is a bit more flexible in role playing...as long as it isn't Steve Carrel....see, there is a difference between what is funny and what is dumb..and Stevie boy...mmm..from what I've seen and what people are going to see in his next movie, he's not all that...so let's be glad he isn't up for the pickins...as far as true comedy..I would go definitely with Jim...For a more dramatic role, definitely Johnny....depends on what people are getting and what Tim Burton is trying to display to the people with this....if they want slightly less comedy...and slightly less drama...or one whom could portray some of both, Robin Williams or Will Smith, or Eddie Murphy, because there is where true talent lies...jmo..
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6-16-2006 @ 2:52PM
Darlene said...
Ugh. Johnny Depp makes me want to hurl. Why don't he and Burton just rent a room and keep their love-fest private instead of making movies and subjecting innocent people to their celluloid crap?
I refused to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory simply because I wouldn't let the memory of the original be tainted, especially after living through the travesty "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" - he should be SHOT for that! Ichabod Crane??? ARE YOU KIDDING? A TALL LANKY MAN? Even if he was the BEST actor, (which he is clearly not) he PHYSICALLY was not suited for that role. PS - Crane was an awkward schoolteacher, not a pathetic excuse of a lawyer! DUH, PEOPLE BUY A DAMNED BOOK, PLEASE!!! Every other stupid movie of his that I have seen has simply been a filmed ego-stroke. There has never been a moment where I've seen him acting and been able to forget it was him. It's always him with the same wide eyes and stupid face. It's like he's saying, "Ooh look, this is me acting!" And then the best part is when you get to see him show up for the award shows where he shows up looking like an unmade bed. Jeez Johnny...at least do a little something for the poor fans who came out to see you. Be the 'great actor' you are and PRETEND you care about them and put on a clean shirt, ya slob! Run a comb through that mess on your head and try to shave. Did you move to Europe so you could slack in your hygiene? By some miracle, you stil have American fans, so from time to time...try a shower.
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6-16-2006 @ 3:15PM
Teri said...
Frankly neither Carrey or Depp are truly good actors. Not that it matters, some people like them and some do not. In the long run who really cares, I am sure that they do not.
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6-16-2006 @ 3:25PM
Toni said...
Jim Carrey use to be funny and a lot less boring when he was on the weekly show.... "In Living Color."
He wasn't the show off he turned out to be once he started making movies. I think he's run his course.... so who needs another star who throws temper tantrums? BORING! Toni
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6-16-2006 @ 3:33PM
Tim Cobb said...
I have always been a great fan of motion pictures, be it newer releases, or the classics of Golden Hollywood. The comparison of actors is an accepted norm, though, opinions differ greatly among all. Being a fan of both, Mr. Carrey, and, Mr. Depp, it would be hard to choose the best for the starring role of this new Tim Burton epic. Both actor's amazing talents hold their own, though, I seem to personally enjoy Johnny Depp's portrayals of character roles, more. He truly seems to transform himself into the most remarkable adaptation of the characters he portrays, leaving the viewer to often forget who is the real person, upon that silver screen. With being a great admirer of these two talented actors, plus, the projects of Mr. Burton's, I truly look forward to sitting down with a tub of popcorn, and enjoying that magical journey I'm about to take......
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6-16-2006 @ 3:40PM
david avery said...
depp has shown his versatility and depth as an actor. carrey's talent is physical slapstick-he can be extreme but he can't seem to step outside the box. i would have to lump him with the likes of adam sandler and mike myers as being two dimensional and shallow. why not team carrey with depp in a film? jim might accidentally learn something if he could leave his ego in the box.
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6-16-2006 @ 3:41PM
C E said...
Niether Depp or Carrey are good fits for Robert Ripley. Riply was a quiet, round faced guy with a slight overbite and was a damn fine cartoonist/artist. He found his niche in collecting and reporting about the odd, not in being odd.
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