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Michael Keaton is a Washed Up Comic Book Movie Star in 'Birdman'

by Ethan Anderton
March 5, 2013
Source: THR

Towards the end of 2012, we heard that 21 Grams, Babel and Amores Perros director Alejando González Iñárritu would try his hand at comedy with a new film called Birdman set up at Fox Searchlight and New Regency. The project, described as a dark comedy, follows a former actor, who once played an iconic superhero, as he decides to take on a Broadway play based on a short story by Raymond Chandler in order to reclaim past glory. Now the perfect man has been found for the role as THR reports Michael Keaton, who once played Batman for director Tim Burton, has taken the lead role of the comic book movie star.

In addition, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts and Zach Galifianakis have also landed roles in the film. Stone is playing Keaton's daughter who has just gotten out of rehab and is now acting as his assistant. Meanwhile, in the area of the Broadway play, Watts is playing one of the actresses and Galifianakis is playing the producer. One major part that still needs to be cast is that of the egotistical leading man who threatens to send the whole production down the toilet. Keaton's ex-wife still needs to be cast for the film as well. The film is expected to start shooting in April.

As a huge fan of Iñárritu's films, having Keaton taking on a meta role like this sounds spectacular. Plus, it's awesome to see Iñárritu rounding up some of the biggest comedy stars like Stone and Galifianakis for a film that promises to be something to behold. This could be something that helps turn Keaton's career around along with his turn as the villain in RoboCop, maybe even a boost long the lines of John Travolta in Pulp Fiction. We'll definitely be keeping our eyes on this one, so stay tuned as more information surfaces.

Filed under Casting, Movie News

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