Jeff Bridges May Have 'True Grit' For the Coen Bros
Filed under: Action, Classics, Drama, Casting, Paramount, RumorMonger, Scripts, Newsstand, Remakes and Sequels, Western
Rooster Cogburn will abide, if the Coen Bros, Jeff Bridges, and Paramount come to terms. Variety reports that Bridges and the Coens are in talks for Bridges to play the iconic Rooster Cogburn in the Coen Bros' remake of True Grit. It would be their first collaboration since The Big Lebowski. When the True Grit remake was first announced, the Coens were said to be making a more faithful adaptation of Charles Portis' novel, and it seemed like it might head into darker No Country for Old Men territory. But the book features a lot of deadpan humor mixed with Old Testament lessons, and if they stick to it for the script, it'll play to their talents extremely well.
At first glance, Bridges seems a pretty offbeat choice for Rooster Cogburn. But having just rewatched the John Wayne original last week, I think it might just be casting heaven. Rooster is a killer, but he's also a fall down drunk, full of sarcastic quips, and surprisingly tender-hearted. He's far from the typical stoic John Wayne character, and it was a bigger departure for Wayne than I had remembered. Bridges would be a perfect choice for blending the rugged charm, the humor, and the "true grit" of Rooster, and he's talented enough to not just play it as an imitation, but make it iconic on its own. If this comes together, it's one remake that could actually equal or outdo the original.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-11-2009 @ 12:17PM
scott said...
I love it! hopefully they can find a role for Sam Elliot, too.
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9-11-2009 @ 2:12PM
Julie said...
I'm not as excited about Jeff Bridges in the role as you are, I really think he's too young. And while I think he can do the humor, can he get the old man nasty snark? Hmmm...I think John Wayne's boots are going to be awfully big ones to fill. I think Sam Ellliot would be a fantastic choice, as would Tommy Lee Jones.
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9-28-2009 @ 9:34AM
John said...
Julie, John Wayne was 62 when he did True Grit, Jeff Bridges will be 60 in December.
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11-04-2009 @ 2:27AM
Storme Heath said...
Does anyone know where the Audition for True Grit , the girl Mattie Ross will be held. It is listed on Explore Talent as Nationwide, so I assume that includes N.C. I need your help. 336-993-1323 . Thank you.
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