Well, she’s funny, beautiful and a name that seems to be everywhere these days. So it’s not exactly a big shock that Olivia Wilde beat out Michelle Monaghan, Judy Greer (our pick), Sarah Silverman (who was the final contender) and Jessica Biel for the female lead in upcoming magician comedy “Burt Wonderstone.” But there’s another great and unforgettable face joining as well.
Nucky Thompson himself, Steve Buscemi, has come aboard the film that is toplined by Steve Carell and Jim Carrey, and also features the recently announced James Gandolfini. Pretty solid cast. Polished by Jason Reitman, the film, originally penned by “Horrible Bosses” writers John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, revolves around a fading traditional magician who separates from his longtime partner and is upstaged by a hipper illusionist, forcing him to regain his love for magic. Gandolfini plays the billionaire who runs the casino where Carell works. Wilde is Carell’s assistant and love interest, who winds up working for Carrey while Buscemi is the former magic partner who quit.
Sounds pretty promising we have to say, and the subject is pretty fresh for a comedy these days, most of which are fully embracing the R-rating, not always to the most original results. Filming on “Burt Wonderstone” kicks off in January with Don Scardino (“30 Rock“) at the helm. [THR]