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Christian Bale Circling Villain Role in Spike Lee's Remake of 'Oldboy'?
by Ethan Anderton
August 24, 2011
Source: Variety
Currently he's busy shooting one of the most anticipated sequels in the past decade with The Dark Knight Rises. However, what's actor Christian Bale doing after taking off the cape for his last go round as Batman with director Christopher Nolan? We've already heard talk about his involvement in Zack Snyder's The Last Photograph (though he doesn't seem to be involved anymore), Concrete Island with Brad Anderson and maybe Noah with Darren Aronofsky. But now the actor is also considering taking parts in two remakes: Spike Lee's new take on Oldboy, and the remake of A Star is Born from Clint Eastwood.
Variety also points out that Bale is also considering taking a role in Crazy Heart writer and director Scott Cooper's new thriller Out of the Furnace. That film would see him as a man named Slim who, upon release from years in prison for murder, just wants to keep his promise to marry his girlfriend. However, his path changes when he seeks revenge once he learns his brother was murdered after being involved in a gambling racket. Sounds like another unique role for Bale to take on, something the actor has made a habit of despite his success in blockbuster films.
In addition, there's a chance that Bale could also re-team with Public Enemies director Michael Mann and writer Paul Haggis for their collaboration Gold. Complete with flares of films like Treasure of the Sierra Madre (but with a contemporary setting) the story follows prospectors and speculators on the ruthless search for gold and comes from Patrick Massett and John Zinman (co-executive producers of "Friday Night Lights" and "The Chicago Code") who first wrote the spec script as a feature writing sample. Once again, another project that seems fitting yet fresh for Bale.
However, my interest lies in the two remakes he's considering. First of all, if there are any naysayers not yet on board to check out Spike Lee's remake of Oldboy, I think an actor like Bale would definitely change some minds and turns some heads. But almost as intriguing is Bale's consideration for A Star is Born. It hasn't yet been made clear if this film will be a straight musical like the 1954 version, but if that's the case, the film would have Bale singing his heart out for the first time since his much younger self belted out tunes in Newsies, a favorite musical of mine.
Of course, the trade is careful to point out that Bale is not formally attached to any of these projects, nor is he actually considered to be the frontrunner for any of the lead roles. Apparently they're just all scripts that have likely ended up in Bale's lap and he may have had some fleeting discussions about them with various executives, filmmakers, etc. Honestly, if Bale took on Oldboy or A Star is Born, those would seem to be the most interesting choices to follow The Dark Knight Rises, but we'll have to wait and see what happens. What do you think?
17 Comments
1
Hopefully with his Academy Award win and with the Batman franchise coming to an end, Christian Bale will do more movies from now on.
Serena Price on Aug 24, 2011
2
He is also circling the Malick movie too.
4k4k on Aug 24, 2011
3
wow... if he takes this role... i'm sold just to see him. but i think he'd be a better candidate for the main character.
Roderick on Aug 24, 2011
4
i would love to see Bale as a villain
truong18 on Aug 24, 2011
5
Watch "American Psycho." It's brutal and graphic, but he really does an outstanding job. Haven't seen him do a villain since then, so I guess this is cool news, but I don't think this one needs to be remade. Too fresh, and the original was so good.
JL on Aug 25, 2011
6
Patrick Bateman is a true American hero. In every sense of the word. !!!SPOILER ALERT!!! Insane corporate white guy gets away with everything. The American dream. Or current nightmare.
Anonymous on Aug 25, 2011
7
It is a nightmare. And the government doesn't just let them get away with everything, they actually bail them out now. Who in their right mind would think that saving corporations and banks that are inefficient, bleeding money and going bankrupt would actually help the economy? Saving jobs? Create some real jobs. Some fucking useful jobs. And you know what? Just before FDR died, he was proposing a second Bill of Rights that would have guaranteed all of us things like the RIGHT to a job and the RIGHT to universal health care. Look it up, it's for real and it never happened because he kicked the bucket before he could push it through.
JL on Aug 25, 2011
8
Don't touch this film please.
Anonymous on Aug 24, 2011
9
Spike Lee... fail...
happy camper on Aug 25, 2011
10
Even though I wish for this movie to not be made, I'm actually cool with Christian Bale as the villain
Armeetapus16 on Aug 25, 2011
11
Christian Bale as the villain + remake = Shaft
Anonymous on Aug 25, 2011
12
FUCK HOLLYWOOD!!!! Seriously, STOP REMAKING FILMS THAT ARE FINE ON THEIR OWN!!. I love Christian Bale, but this movie needs to be left ALONE!
Mattsride97 on Aug 25, 2011
13
For some reason I think Hollywood would end up changing the surprise ending, and that would suck cause that's the whole point that made this movie what it is. I doubt that they can write a different script that's more shocking. Even though I'm not in for a remake of this, I think the best actor to play the lead role would be Mickey Rourke.
Nate on Aug 25, 2011
14
The funny thing about Hollywood is that they tend to shy away from seriously disturbing plots and themes like that, in order to produce PG-13 films for maximizing capital. In other words, this could very easily wind up sucking donkey balls.
JL on Aug 25, 2011
15
STOP MAKING REMAKES comment aside, this is truly a movie that does not need a remake !!
Tester on Aug 25, 2011
16
Don't be a film snob - the have been good remakes and horrible remakes - in the end it doesnt affect the greatness of the original movie and YOU will never have to watch it
Doug Phlutie on Aug 25, 2011
17
Bale please choose your next project carefully. I don't want to see another failure like Terminator Salvation. Hope you make wise decision and good luck. I am waiting for your next movie.
My Game on Aug 25, 2012
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