Ewan McGregor as Kurt Cobain?
Filed under: Drama, Music & Musicals, Casting, RumorMonger
Just as one bit of news comes out, the rumors start to spin into one hell of a hurricane. Last week I shared news that Courtney Love had acquired the rights to Charles Cross' Cobain biopic, Heavier than Heaven. It was in an "embryonic" stage, and there was no further word. Now it seems there is, although it's sketchy whether this is full-stop, accurate news, or just the hopeful rumor and buzz of those interested in the biopic of the legendary Nirvana frontman.According to Virgin's movie news, Ewan McGregor is on his way to becoming Mr. Cobain, news I'm sure Cinematical reader Kaonashi will be happy to hear -- "If anyone is to play Cobain, it has to be Ewan McGregor." According to the buzz, a source for the Daily Express newspaper shared: "A number of actors have been talked about for the role but Ewan has emerged as the number one choice. Despite being 35, he looks young enough to play him." Considering that Love was just shopping around at studios, there's a good chance this is wishful thinking, but only time will tell. She's also quoted as saying that it will be an "A-list and high-end film."
That seems to end my hopes that Buffy co-star Amber Benson would be Ms. Love ... but, more importantly, would Ewan be the right choice? Sure, he doesn't look terribly weathered, but he also doesn't look like he's in his twenties. Is there anyone younger who could possibly play Cobain that won't make the upcoming film look like an episode of 90210? There's Jared Leto with the acting and music ability, and yeah, that's it. I'm tapped out. Do you have any better ideas?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-18-2007 @ 2:48PM
Christopher Campbell said...
Ewan kinda already played Cobain in Velvet Goldmine. Well, the character was primarily based on Iggy Pop, but there were some obvious Cobain elements mixed in.
I think he's too old, but not as bad as Mike Myer's age problem with portraying Keith Moon.
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1-18-2007 @ 4:05PM
Kaonashi said...
(I don't think my first comment went through so I'm posting it again.)
Agreed with Christopher- Ewan already played Cobain in Velvet Golmine, although Kurt Wild was actually more based on Bowie and Iggy Pop.
I don't think that Ewan's too old to play Kurt Cobain. Besides, didn't a middle aged Kevin Spacey play a 25-year-old Bobby Darrin?
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1-18-2007 @ 7:47PM
drake said...
What about Michael Pitt (Last Days, The Dreamers, Murder By Numbers.) He's the right age (25) and has essentially already played Cobain (in Gus Van Zants' 'Last Days' as the fictional Blake.)
He's about to blow up (upcoming roles opposite Naomi Watts in one, and Kiera Knightly in another) so while he may not seem A-list, he probably will appear so by the time the movie comes out.
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1-21-2007 @ 12:21AM
toni said...
Jared Leto, even though he is 35, looks a lot younger. Some people might say he has too pretty a face but we all know he can change his appearance (ex, Requiem for a Dream, Lonely Hearts, Prefontaine) and he is a very heartfelt actor. Also, he has a link to the music world a passion for music that, I think , Kurt would approve of. I'm probably going to get shot for that one, but, whatever. I think he's a great actor and, personally, either him or Garrett Hedlund would be awesome in the role.
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1-25-2007 @ 9:04PM
mike said...
jared leto? never. looks nothing like cobain. too wimpy. its mcgregor thats the best choice. he's got soul.
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3-17-2007 @ 6:41PM
Jamesey said...
i think Ewan should play Cobain both men are heros of mine ! he may not look as muck like our fallen hero than Pitt but he makes up for it in his talent ! Dont get me wrong Pitt done a great job i own the movie and i love it but Ewan is a better actor and csn play virtually any person .
But on the other hand Pitts strikig resembelence to Cobain could also make him in the top 5 to play him . He done such a good job in Last Days it would rock to see him come back and actually play Cobain !
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