Already turned down by Tom Hanks, and now seemingly Will Smith (I think he would have signed up by now if he was going to do it), Hollywood’s most famous director Steven Spielberg may turn his attention to Robert Downey Jr. to play the mild-manned Elwood P. Dowd, the possibly insane guy who has an invisible six foot rabbit as a friend, in the remake of classic 50’s movie Harvey.
That’s according to Peter Bart in Variety.
Good choice I say. Downey Jr is a smart fit for this… especially with the baggage that the actor would bring being a former substance abuser. With James Stewart’s legendary performance, you were always trying to wonder whether he was drunk, simply insane or both when he was trying to convince the world of what he could see and I think this would suit Downey Jr. His recent roles as Tony Stark (a well known alcoholic, even if it was only barely hinted at with that picture) and Zodiac have lined him up well for this.
And yes… if you saw The Soloist – he can perfectly reduce his “I’m Robert Downey Jr, watch me” scene-chewing style persona, and is very capable of an emotional, likeable but also world weary cynic role. If he turns this down… Spielberg’s got huge problems because either Jonathan Tropper’s script ain’t up to scratch, or he is being turned down on the principle of remaking Stewart alone. Both aren’t easy problems to solve.
One Comment
Robert Downey Jr is an extremely gifted and talented actor. He’s one of the best. I’m with you! Tom Hanks really didn’t turn it down. He is considered Americas’ new version of Jimmy Stewert and he doesn’t want to do anything that connects him further with him. He’d be sterotyped as Stewart even more. Spielberg and him only talked about it. However, I am with you, RDJ is the perfect choice for the part! I am excited about the news. Have you ever seen RDJ in the movie Heart and Souls-fantastic film. If RDJ can do something like that. I believe he can handle a six-foot rabbit. Yes, the Soloist was great. That was one of his best. He did most of the acting with quietness and his eyes. (As for Will Smith-Why??? I never thought Will Smith could act, why would Spielberg waste the time on him? Now that part does confuse me.)