Robert Downey Jr. To Star in Spielberg's 'Harvey' Remake?
Filed under: Classics, Drama, Casting, RumorMonger, Steven Spielberg, Remakes and Sequels
Now that we've all had enough time to get used to the idea that Spielberg is about to remake one of the most respected films in history, maybe it will help a little to know that it might star Robert Downey Jr. According to the LA Times' Hero Complex blog, the announcement is imminent that Downey will be starring in Spielberg's update of the classic film, which marks a change from some of the other names that had been attached, including the obvious heir apparent to Jimmy Stewart (and long time Spielberg cohort) Tom Hanks and Will Smith.Harvey was the story of a gentle soul by the name of Elwood P. Dowd, and his best friend, who happens to be an invisible six-foot rabbit named Harvey. The original play won the Pulitzer Prize, but most of us probably remember the 1950 film starring Jimmy Stewart as Dowd. News of the remake hit back in August, and according to Complex, during a set visit to Iron Man 2, "the actor spoke with affection and awe about the late Stewart's nuanced timing and camera sense."
A first draft of the script has already been completed by Jonathan Tropper, but according to Complex, "Downey is waiting for a new draft of the script, but I've heard from several informed sources that it looks strong". Downey is currently still filming the R-rated comedy Due Date with Jamie Foxx and Zach Galifianakis down in Atlanta, and there had been some talk that he was linked to star in a biopic about Hugh Hefner (with the blessings of the man himself), but maybe Downey's more interested in a different kind of bunny.
Personally, I think Downey would do a great job playing Elwood, since he has the right combination of being lovable while remaining a little off-center, which could be a nice antidote to Spielberg's tendency to sugar-coat -- don't you think?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-01-2009 @ 8:53PM
Trevor said...
My school put on this play. Not only is it hilarious, but Downey is possibly my dream pick for the role. I get the feeling he could make this a sleeper hit.
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10-02-2009 @ 12:16AM
eSVee said...
Sleeper hit? (Spielberg + Downey = Sleeper hit?) not so sure about that...
Then again, I am a big Spielberg fan. The man might create films that don't reflect the immediate world at hand but its not something I've ever really felt averse to.
I believe there is something purely magical about the filmmaking. It bears no resembles to facts and science.
I anticipate the new film.
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10-02-2009 @ 4:42AM
beansy said...
RDJ is a great actor and is probably the right pick for this but Spielberg should not be allowed near Harvey. This is my favourite film of all time and is an extremely complex story. Spielberg doesnt feel like the right man for this. And the word is he will show the rabbit - noooooooooooooooooo
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10-02-2009 @ 1:07PM
Heavytoka said...
Wow that is a great choice for the role
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10-02-2009 @ 2:21PM
annonymous said...
I am very excited about this. Robert Downey Jr. is a fantastic and gifted actor this should be wonderful!! I am glad it is more like the book and the play. Both were much better than the movie. I thought they had changed a little to much in the 1950 Stewart film, so to me it is actually not a remake. This is how it should have been done to begin with. I think Robert is the perfect actor for the part-Speilberg has done a wonderful casting job!
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11-17-2009 @ 4:21PM
Stephie said...
Even though I'm a bit wary about remaking a classic movie, I wouldn't mind seeing Robert Downey Jr.in Harvey (talk about inspired casting... he is an amazing actor).
Just as long as Spielberg sticks to the original story and doesn't mess it up by showing us the rabbit ... I'm so there for this one!
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11-17-2009 @ 6:41PM
LuAnn said...
Oh dear God - will they never leave these old masterpieces alone! No one can take the place of Jimmy Stewart. Lets come up with some original ideas people.
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