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Daniel Radcliffe Leads 'All Quiet on the Western Front' Remake

by Alex Billington
June 22, 2010

Daniel Radcliffe - All Quiet on the Western Front

A big follow up to Harry Potter or another indie? Variety reports that Daniel Radcliffe will play the lead in a remake of the 1930 Best Picture winner All Quiet on the Western Front, originally based on Erich Maria Remarque's novel. The WWI drama tells the story of Paul Baumer (Radcliffe's role), a young German soldier fighting in the trenches of France. Radcliffe seems to like acting on the stage, as he'll be appearing on Broadway in How to Succeed Without Really Trying next year and will shoot this Western Front remake in spring of 2012 (a long time from now). Sliding Down Rainbows Entertainment (wha?) is producing the film.

British producers Ian Stokell and Lesley Paterson (The Bike Ride, The Negotiation), who run Sliding Down Rainbows, also wrote the script. As far as we can tell, no actual studio is involved yet, but with an actor like Daniel Radcliffe starring in a remake of a classic Best Picture winner, I'm sure they've started a bidding war for this. That photo above of Radcliffe with the stylish mustache was from his 2007 TV movie My Boy Jack, so it doesn't have any relation to All Quiet on the Western Front. I think Radcliffe is a talented actor and I'm glad to see him lining up some interesting projects following the completion of Harry Potter. Thoughts?

Related categories: Casting, Movie News, Opinions

Rashad

I wouldn't call this a remake

Krob6636

Has anyone on this thread actually read the original novel? I have. The themes resonate today: The affects of war on the soldier, The brutality and outright gore of trench warfare, the propaganda that tricks German citizens, and of the bond that is created between men who fight together and save each other as they stare down Death on a daily basis. Any of this ring a bell about today? Insert American citizens for a proper modern analogy of what we were all told about the Iraq war in its early stages. Weapons of mass destruction ring a bell? Has Anyone here seen actually seen footage of street to street fighting in Iraq or any combat in Afghanistan?? Even with vastly superior weapons and training, American Soldiers are still affected by 'modern' combat; American soldiers coming home have been changed forever. Too many can't get jobs, too many get divorced, and way too many are committing suicide (at an alarming rate). They are traumatized and not taken care of by the same people who sent them there in the first place. The novel takes a deep look into the psyche of one soldier--who symbolizes what can happen to any soldier who is fighting for their life in a completely illogical and hopeless situation. I pray that the makers of this film keep to the original messages that this brilliant novel depicts. As long as these messages come through, the special-effects department should have a field day in trying to show just how awful trench-warfare was. I only hope that to-days young men do not get the message that 'war is glorious and great.' However, on their video games, where they can hit the re-set button, games try to turn war into a simple matter of killing the other guy to reach some 'higher-ground.' The novel shows war as it truly is--it is HELL. This film should show war from the eyes of Paul (the main character), who was a Superior soldier, who fought bravely and ferociously, only to live one more day; only to watch his comrades get picked off, one by one. Who gives a sh#! about harry f-ing-potter?

dove89

wow! I really thought his career would be over after harry potter.
http://www.firstshowing.net Alex Billington

#1 - Why not? Do you know more about the project than we do...? And if you're calling it a re-adaptation instead, yes that is true, but it is common in H'wood to call re-adaptations of books that have already been adapted into successful movies "remakes", but technically speaking this is probably just a re-adaptation of the book.
DRM

Why remake a best picture winner? It's not like the first one was bad, or would benefit from modern special affects....?
yepyep

1) because studios and such think they can make money 2) A lot of young people have not seen and probably will not see the original. 3) Hollywood trend is to find any comic book and turn it into a movie and to remake a classic movie that most have forgotten about
Syphant

Daniel Radcliffe can not be a leading man. He looks like an elf.
Xerxex

if this dosen't work...maybe a Hitler biopic?
L

I see Daniel Radcliff as a possible British Elijah Wood.
Eli

I don't know if I'm the only one that's afraid to see Dan break away from Potter forever. Kind of like Culkin from when he was in Home Alone. It was sort of his signature role. He definately has potential and everyone is gonna want him. I just hope he doesn't bomb after Potter, but I hope his sucsess isn't just because of his strong teenage fanbase now. And I can't say I'm all for this remake business, but theatre would be great for him. He likes it and he's allegedly good at it. Kudos to Daniel Radcliffe and his co-stars.
Brian

I've seen the movie "My Boy Jack." It is based on life of Rupyard Kipling's only son who joined the British Army during World War I. Mr. Kipling the elder was enthusiastic supporter of British war effort and encouraged his 16 year old son to enlist. Mr. Kipling the young had poor eyesight which automatically disqualified him from both the navy and the army. So his father pulled some strings and he joined as subaltern of the Irish Guard. Jack Kipling was never found in the Western Front. Daniel Radcliffe played the role well in the movie and I believe he will be comparable to Lew Ayres if he star in remake. Go to the link below for Jack Kipling pic and other underage combatants of the Great War. http://www.greatwar.nl/frames/default-children.html
David

I really liked this book, a little scared to see a re-make of the movie, regardless of Radcliffe's appearance in it.
Rashad

"And if you're calling it a re-adaptation instead, yes that is true, but it is common in H'wood to call re-adaptations of books that have already been adapted into successful movies "remakes", but technically speaking this is probably just a re-adaptation of the book." Yes, I would call it a re-adaptation. Doesn't make calling it a remake proper. The Last of The Mohicans was the third adaptation of the novel but I doubt anyone would call it a remake. The same way I wouldn't call the Coen's True Grit a remake of Wayne's (which strayed from the book). I don't have a problem with this. The film is also 80 years old.
Sroe

Anyone else laugh uncontrollably at Daniel Radcliffe with a mustache?
dimes

couldn't get a german guy for this roll... really?

Clovesmovies

A German man is not needed to portray the 20 year old Paul in All Quiet on the Western Front. The book although portraying a German youth on the Western Front during World War I portrays universal themes common to all enlisted men regardles of what side they fought on. Danielle Radcliffe shoud do just fine portraying the role

Cody w

Haha Xerx I thought the same thing when I saw him.
8=D

harry with a stace how are they gonna pull this off?
Manuel

Very "hitlerish" look, Daniel.
DiR3cT

Jesus another one, with that twat?!?!?!?!
harm

yeah because anyone with a mustache looks like Hitler... rolls eyes. not that mustaches were popular in the twenties - forties or anything. I like Radcliff. I enjoyed his performance in My Boy Jack. And I think he can have a career after Potter as he's been "learning" how to act aside from the one character regularly on stage in London. No small feat, most American "actors" can't hack London stage.
http://movies.iconocritic.com peloquin

Ditto to 15 and Xerx, he looks exactly like Hitler in that photo!
Xerxex

C'mon harm try to tell me he does not look like Hitler in that pic? I'm not bashing Radcliffe, I wanna see him do well, but that picture looks an awful lot like Hitler, I'm sorry it does. As for American actors on the London stage...um do you think an american would even be invited to the London stage? Save it man. Hitler pioneered the small stache, Radcliffe wears it well.
RC

I like that he's trying to branch out, but I can't help but laugh at that picture. He looks so absurd with facial hair.
lando is a system not a man

a very good book and a great movie. I dont like the idea of remaking every hollywood classic but this one in particular has a very timely message in regards to war and nationalism and even the PR war at home! Watch this movie and then go turn FOX news and realize just how full of $hit anyone talking about the war WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN IN IT truly are. its disgusting and reminds you the real victims are the kids over there going through hell and dying every day for decisions made by a bunch of priviliged men in the safety of their studies and board rooms.

Saltydog

AMEN!

Beaverfan93

All Quiet on the Western Front was an amazing book, one of the best of all time. i haven't seen the 1930 film but apparantly it is also outstanding, i'm glad they're making a re-make because i think that the new generation oughta see it. unfortunately i don't see Daniel Radcliffe as playing a German Soldier, but hey maybe he'll surprise me.

BrendaL

Why don't they do it in German and French and use subtitles? You are right that a younger generation should see this film. I encourage you to see it. It will break your heart. Lew Ayres is perfect. The story is timeless.
Clovesmovies

It is good to see that Daniel Radcliffe is choosing an assortment of roles to play post Harry Potter. I think he will have a very long acting career ahead of him. I do not agree that the book is one of the best of all time but it is certainly an accurate portrayal of the psychological and physical effects that people on the front lines during World War I experienced. It will be the strength of the other characters in the movie that will help make the remake good or bad. The director should get a very strong actor to play Kat, Kantorek and Himmelstoss.

BrendaL

He doesn't have that boy-like qualilty that Lew Ayres has in the 1930 film, which is a classic. Should be interesting to see what modern Hollywood will do to the book, which is a must-read.

CLovesmovies

I do not think it is necessary to have a boy-like quality to portray Paul in All Quiet on the Westerrn Front. I believe it is more important to be shown as a youth who has aged fast and has wisdom far beyond his years. Daniel Radcliffe will show us a old soul in a young body which more than anything describes Paul in the book.

Clovesmovies

I am looking forward to seing what a modern director and screenwriter will do with All Quiet on the Western Front. Daniel Radcliffe is a good choice to play Paul. Hopefully this movie will have some more big stars in it besides Radcliffe. Part of Radcliffe's strength as an actor in Harry Potter is attributable to the great actors he has had to work with over the years. Great actors bring out the best in other actors. The scenes with Michal Gambone, Robbie Coltrane and Gary Oldman in the Potter movies has been great.
Lamb Taylor

It is a shame that the film will not be shot in german with german actors. It is part of their history and I would have liked to have seen a german director like Oliver Hirschbiegel or Wolfgang Becker involved. I loved 'The Reader' but couldn't help thinking that it would have been stronger in it's native tongue. As for Mr. Radcliffe.... I thought he was like a piece of cardboard in the Harry Potters (and not much better in the Kipling film). I hope that he can up his game for such an important role in one of the most important war films of all time. Only Kubricks, 'Paths of Glory', comes near it and if AQOTWF is shot in english, let us hope that it is as stunning.
Krob6636

Has anyone on this thread actually read the original novel? I have. The themes resonate today: The affects of war on the soldier, The brutality and outright gore of trench warfare, the propaganda that tricks German citizens, and of the bond that is created between men who fight together and save each other as they stare down Death on a daily basis. Any of this ring a bell about today? Insert American citizens for a proper modern analogy of what we were all told about the Iraq war in its early stages. Weapons of mass destruction ring a bell? Has Anyone here seen actually seen footage of street to street fighting in Iraq or any combat in Afghanistan?? Even with vastly superior weapons and training, American Soldiers are still affected by 'modern' combat; American soldiers coming home have been changed forever. Too many can't get jobs, too many get divorced, and way too many are committing suicide (at an alarming rate). They are traumatized and not taken care of by the same people who sent them there in the first place. The novel takes a deep look into the psyche of one soldier--who symbolizes what can happen to any soldier who is fighting for their life in a completely illogical and hopeless situation. I pray that the makers of this film keep to the original messages that this brilliant novel depicts. As long as these messages come through, the special-effects department should have a field day in trying to show just how awful trench-warfare was. I only hope that to-days young men do not get the message that 'war is glorious and great.' However, on their video games, where they can hit the re-set button, games try to turn war into a simple matter of killing the other guy to reach some 'higher-ground.' The novel shows war as it truly is--it is HELL. This film should show war from the eyes of Paul (the main character), who was a Superior soldier, who fought bravely and ferociously, only to live one more day; only to watch his comrades get picked off, one by one. Who gives a sh#! about harry f-ing-potter?
JJ

uh hello Daniel will never be out of a job. people are cashing in on his name, even if the film is a crappy one, people will still buy tickets to see it, cus "harry potter" is in it. lol . but to be fair, this is one of my favorite books. i will be going to see the new version of the movie, not because "harry potter" is in it, but because i LOVE the book.
Z-man

I'm a German WW1 reenactor and I would LOVE to be a part sof this movie!