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Mike Myers Joins Tarantino's Inglorious Bastards?! Oh No!

by Alex Billington
August 14, 2008
Source: The Tarantino Archives

I really couldn't have been more satisfied with the casting on Inglorious Bastards until now. Quentin Tarantino has passed on Adam Sandler and picked up Mike Myers instead for the role of British General Ed Fenech, a military mastermind who takes part in hatching a plot to wipe out Nazi leaders. The Tarantino Archives, who originally reported the news, claims that it is a small role, nothing too big. Those who have read the script confirm that there are numerous cameos and minor characters and apparently Myers is one of them. When I wrote this article on the downfall of Mike Myers back in June, I was being completely serious - his days as a comedian are long gone and he's got nothing left. I really hope this isn't a role that I'm going to hate just because he makes an appearance.

This really puts a damper on my Inglorious Bastards excitement. I really despise Myers, but maybe I'm just jumping the gun. I'll hold my judgment until I see his him in the role. An interesting observation is that Tarantino seems to be scooping up comedic actors for all of the British characters. We previously announced that Simon Pegg would play a British Lieutenant and now Myers is a British General, too. I haven't read the script myself, but I'm curious just how big of a role they have and whether comedic actors like Pegg and Myers are truly necessary. Thankfully I have enough trust in Tarantino that I'll step back and let him make his casting choices without too much conviction. For now... as long as it doesn't get any worse! Please don't tell me I'm the only one who hates Myers?

Explore tags: Movie News, Opinions

djw

hes not that bad jeeze
David

Alex, I'm really curious as to why you keep on using this type of rhetoric when talking about actors/directors that you personally don't like. The movie hasn't been shot yet and yet you seem to already be disheartened by casting choices. If anything is obvious, it is way to early to be making these kind of assumptions. Actors go through slumps all the time, sometimes lasting decades. It's pretty obvious that Myers is realizing that he doesn't connect with today's movie goers, and taking what could possibly be a dramatic role could revitalize his career. Making base assumptions on an actors work in a different genre applies even less for this movie than it did if he was a relevant actor these days. It would be very hard to argue that an actor can ruin a movie singlehandedly, especially from a small role like Myers is reported to have. This same problem came up when you reported about the next John Woo film, Caliber, and I think it seriously detracts from First Showing. News is supposed to be news-you can voice your opinions about this stuff in the comments, or at least make it so you acknowledge that this is your opinion, instead of assuming that everyone else didn't know that John Woo is the father of the modern action movie, which was something you evidently didn't know. I love the site, but cool down.
Cody

Well they said he has a small part anyway, in band of brothers there were like 8 comedic cameos and they fit kinda perfect maybe tarantino is doing the same. Plus Tarantinos imagination of quite expansive so i imagine hell make myers act fittingly
http://www.firstshowing.net Alex Billington

David: While normally it might be hard for me to defend my comments, this time I'm more than willing to reply. First off, I doubt it's a dramatic role, considering (as I said in the article) that Tarantino has also brought on the comedic Simon Pegg as another British soldier. Second, while I do think waiting to see how they perform is important (as I also mentioned before), I'm certainly allowed to have a negative opinion about Myers from the start because I really think he's lost his touch and is not just in a slump - he's no longer a good actor. I really think Myers lost it years ago, maybe after Austin Powers 3 came out. You can't say that six years is just a slump. If he does pull himself out, I'll be the first to write an article about it and will be praising him - however, he's one of those actors that I firmly believe has lost it entirely. As for stating my opinion - news is not just news. There are thousands of places you can just get your plain ole bland news - but what makes it unique here is our opinion. And the fact that people disagree with it is what causes discussion. This time, I don't like Myers and think he's a poor choice and instead of just saying "he's cast" and that's it, I decided to add a little bit of "flavor" to it. It at least got you to write a very intellectual comment in response!
Shanice

Oh come on Mike Myers isn't that bad!
Shocker

I have to agree with Alex on this one. Mike Myers hasn't been funny in years. I am excited to see Simon Pegg giving a cameo and usually enjoy his work. And I enjoy your kind of "news". If I want news I'll watch Webb Alert, I come here for the movies:)
Spider

In Tarantino I trust! There is always a solid reason behind his casting choices!
Brad

"but what makes it unique here is our opinion" Hahaha, oh man. That is rich. On topic: Mike Myers may be on the way out, The Love Guru does look god awful, but he is a far better choice than Adam Sandler, good god.
Damian

I would have to agree with everything except the Mike Myers comments...He is a great comedian, we all at home enjoy his movies. I think he is hilarious.
Max

You have a movie blog, but I don't think many people are coming here to read what you have to say. I think you (and whoever else does the blog) need to make sure there is a bit more information and less of what you think about the news. Plus you don't seem to be able to say what you want to say properly... so why do you say it? Don't want to sound harsh but this is... well... it's not as simple as "he is a bad comedian, this is bad news", there are so many other things here. What he is given, his abilities with this type of role, the way he is managed, the way he is feeling. So what if you didn't like The Love Guru? It has little to nothing to do with this film.
Diego

In Alex's defense, I think that he's more than entitled to write such an article. In fact, I think that goes without saying. Though I may not agree with the opinions that are posted in the FS.net articles all the time, I do appreciate their presence. They most definitely keep the site from being a bland news source, and I think they're probably a big part of what keeps me coming back to this site every day. Anyway, back on topic, and in response to Max's final comments, I can't say I agree. Obviously, The Love Guru isn't related directly to this film, but it's not absurd for it to be a consideration when that movie was inarguably terrible, and it's lead will play a role in this one. Also bear in mind that the judgments being passed on Mike Myers' career are not solely based on that role -- it's been a while since the guy produced any really high quality work. So though I don't exactly believe that his presence in Inglorious Bastards will be its demise, I thinks it's fair to be at least a bit skeptical.
http://agentbedhead.com/ agent bedhead

Well, I am pleased that I'm not the only film critic whose excitement plummeted with the Myers announcement. For me, it's all about The Love Guru, which was basically Myers wasting a $62 million dollar budget on almost two hours of self-indulgent flatulence and masturbation jokes. Is that really all he's got left in thaht cranium of his? Before that film, I didn't mind him all that much and, at times, found him quite amusing. Now, however, I'd prefer that he stick to voicing Shrek films.
http://www.theplugg.com Charbarred

With one film release Myers has become a "has been". If there's something Tarantino is great with, it's casting has beens and bringing them from the dead. Good for Myers.
http://criticinema.blogspot.com Dan

What's that you say? They're casting Heath Ledger as the Joker? What are they thinking? He's going to completely ruin the movie! (Replace Ledger's name with Myers') Come on. This is Tarantino. Have some faith.
John

I don't understand the hate for Mike Meyers. Personally I like the guy. I think a lot of the hate comes from the whole internet sub culture mind think that swirled around the web over Meyers Love Guru and how it rehashed a lot of Austin Powers stuff. Yes Love Guru wasnt the best move or movie but that doesn't mean Meyers is bad. He can still be funny and he can play serious roles as well. One of his best abilities is to play unique quirky characters. Being this is a Tarantino film Im sure the character required a bit more then even Sandler could hash out. (Adam Sandler is not that great at playing quirky characters with accents etc) .
http://firstshowing.net Andy Adair

While Mike Myers is now washed up after the last atrocity that he had (Love Guru) a movie like Inglorious Bastards could give him a little momentum. If this is a cameo though, it won't make a difference. A cameo is just that. A small part. So it won't do anything for Myers!
http://firstshowing.net Andy Adair

I do wish though that Myers would make a comeback!
http://www.theaterhopper.com Tom Brazelton

Considering Tarantino has descended more and more into camp over the last few years, I think casting Meyers makes sense. Everyone is expecting "Bastards" to be some bombastic action movie. But I think it's going to play more like a caper or "It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World" with guns, or something. Casting Meyers makes sense. I'm sure he'll play it with a wink.
The Brain

Myers is doing that Keith Moon biopic, which it seems like he's been making for 5 years. That would be dramatic. I'd expect the same. I don't think Tarantino is necessarily casting him to be a funny part. But Myers CAN do characters well, if he can flesh out a non-comic character, it'll work.
Juan

I personally have not been a fan of Mike Myers for years. I watched all his years on SNL, and noticed how much of the materials that have been working into his movies is just a re-hash of the same jokes he wrote into his skits on SNL. So I Married An Axe Murderer, the Austin Powers series, the Cat in the Hat... I can pinpoint the episodes of SNL where I saw most of those jokes as I watch the films. He was funny 10 years ago, but those same tired old jokes don't work anymore. Now, does this affect what he'll bring to Inglorious Bastards, I can't honestly say. He didn't have any writing input in the movie, so this might be another 54: Mike Myers doing a good job on something outside his wheelhouse. While I'm not particularly excited to hear that he's being considered for the cast (having read the script, I know they can do better), I'm not intrigued than scared. Time will tell.
Mike G.

And this isn't a comedic role. His character does have a small part in the film and it's a debriefing scene with Winston Churchill and the character Pegg is up for. It's literally 2-3 minutes of screen time. He'll do fine and Alex is just overreacting.
Dustyman1505

What movie critics do you know that don't give an opinion? I don't really like Myers comedy but remember Studio 54. With enough make-up you won't even know he's there.
Jesse

He's made like one really bad movie. Get over it. Besides his part is suppose to be small. You've written horrible things on the site before but you don't see me going "Oh NOEZ THE SITE SHE IS Ruined" Ya cry baby.
Rjf

Alex, You could just as easily have said of Pulp Fiction, "I really like Samuel L. Jackson and the choice of Bruce as Butch the boxer is brilliant. But John Travolta? Please! He hasn't done anything in years and he peaked in the early 80s ('Look Who's Talking' anyone??). I generally have high hopes that Quentin's choices are good ones but with Travolta in the cast, my expectations of this movie have dramatically slumped". I agree that Mike hasn't had recent success. But as others have said, this isn't Mike's script... and I trust QT to make good decisions. And I might add QT has a history of using comedians in small roles (Steven Wright, Julia Sweeney, Kathy Griffin, Chris Tucker).
Ian MacLatchie

I would tend to agree with you Mr Myers has had his day, and we just don't laugh at him anymore. However... Just as I was thinking that Tom Cruise was an all-too-serious-for-his-own-good schmuck, he went and made me laugh my balls off in Tropic Thunder. Mike Myers has an opportunity to take a different tack and act his way into my heart once again. I'd love to see a Robert Duvall "Col Kilgore" type performance. Walks anywhere, nothing touches him, like he's out of pahse and can't be touched by mortals... If he plays the role as a Scotsman, I'm leaving the theatre. I.
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=137086138 Shero

I find a great role for both Novak and Mayers .... " not as the original Quel maledetto treno blindato (1978) " but I think it will be great : Both of them will be injured in their tongues from the first minute of the movie... and that is it ... ... I wanted to kill them from the first minute ...but I am sure some people will really begin to hate me ...that is why I still give them a credit Extras !!! It is my opinion these two guys will not make any change in that movie.... I am sure about that ... they will be Extras in the far away land called the Background hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
jimmy

I've read the script, and the character that Myers will play is perfect for him... He's a British Lieutenant who was a film critic before the war... there is a nice scene with him and Winston Churchill... Believe me, it's gonna be awesome... anyway, Quentin is always right about his casting...!!! cant wait to see it!
Realistic

Seriously, fuck Tarantino. Myers is a washout, he was only cast after Sandler turned down Tarantino... Tarantino didn't pass on Sandler. I can't believe Brad Pitt took a part in this movie; his career is still going strong. Everyone else in this picture are a bunch of no-names. Tarantino needs to go now; for me, he's the equivalent to M. Night these days....
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=137086138 Shero

In the final cut that scene will but cut out hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
sea

mike myers is not funny. and to be honest i don't think his comedic expertise would even be needed int his movie. so i dont think it will be that bad. Although i would prefer to see adam sandler.
http://handfulofwires.blogspot.com DCompose

One bad movie doesn't make someone washed up. I don't think Sam Raimi is washed up after Spiderman 3.
Buttons

maybe my library has "what to expect when you are expecting." dcompose is right. Anyway. i don't' know what to expect from this movie and that is why i am excited. I don't know what it will be like.
MrMoto

I dont agree that this site is a blog anymore. I most probably started out as one,but turned into something bigger. This is one of the sites I use for movie news and I think it's a good one. Why? Well because it's covering the news but the author opinions are allowed to shine thrue, in a subttle way, thats what makes it good. This is a rant and are poor for even a blog. Mike Myers is a classic going down, but we have only seen him in comedies. Actors suprising us happens all the time. Give him a chance, and if your one of those people that let one role put the movie experience down, I dont know what to say to that. I like movies for the whole thing.
Adrian

I like it, inspired casting by QT. Just read the script, it's incredible. It's got that Tarantino vibe, but at times it seems very grown up. Myer's character is literally in one scene, so even if he does blow(which I highly doubt), it's just one scene. Can't wait to see how he's going to film this bad boy
http://movieguyreviews4u.blogspot.com Ryan

Wow, Alex. He made two bad movies! Jeez.
Syphous

Mike Myers > Adam Sandler.
Gareth

Tarantino provides fantastical entertainment!! again, 'entertainment'... his characters are always sexy or mr. tough guy but they kick ass... as far as Mike Meyers?.. i think it would be great seeing him do something different.. it would be (here it is again) ENTERTAINING! as far as Mr. Sandler??.. go watch that Zohan crap... then checkout Reign over Me.. or Spanglish.. the man can act!!!! he does funny stuff for the money and genuine acting for the craft! oh and it's ENTERTAINING!!! which is the least you should expect from ANYTHING you watch... god.. everyone here is talking like this is the most important thing in the world.. i just wanna see some friggin' nazis get destroyed in a Tarantino style... WHO'S WITH ME????? oh and has anyone noticed that the kid from FREAKS and GEEKS (a tv show by Judd Apatow that starred Seth Rogan, James Franco and Jason Seigel) is one of the 8 soldiers.. why doesn't anyone give a shit about that??.. he's a funny kid and hasn't yet established himself as an actor really... i guess it's a much easier copout to pick on the people with the names.... whatever.. i'm stoked!