Here's the simple fact: Ed Harris makes anything he appears in worth watching. Last weekend's "Man On A Ledge," where he starred as a villainous Manhattan real estate developer (aren't they all?), found him delightfully chewing the scenery of a film wheezing from its thin premise. And while he hasn't really been in a quality project since "The Way Back," 2012 is already looking promising as he'll be starring as John McCain in HBO's "Game Change" next month. And if all goes according to plan, he'll be reteaming with Michael Bay.
While Paramount and Hasbro would prefer he get on with another "Transformers" movie, Bay is pushing forward with his long developing, small scale crime flick "Pain And Gain." In December, Dwayne Johnson and Mark Wahlberg were being considered for the lead and Vulture reports that The Rock is now on board, with Harris looking to join as well. Based on an article in the Miami New Times, the film is a dark comedy about a couple of Floridian bodybuilders who kidnap, rob and leave for dead a wealthy businessman. But their plans take a twist, when their victim survives and hires a P.I. to help him exact revenge. The "Fargo"-esque tale has a script ready to go from "Captain America: The First Avenger" writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.
Harris would take on the role of the private investigator and the idea of him chasing down the The Rock in Florida is just too awesome for our imagination. It would be a welcome casting a reunion for Bay and his "The Rock" co-star. No word yet on who will take on the other bodybuilder role, but an early spring shoot is in the works, so we should know more soon.