According to the Vancouver Sun, production on Joe Carnahan’s “The A-Team” remake looks to be going full steam ahead with a six week shoot set to begin shortly in Vancouver.
Days after Bradley Cooper was spotted landing in the Canadian city, UFC star Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson was evidently cast as B.A. Baracus, the role made famous by one Mr. T.
The MMA fighter joins Cooper and Liam Neeson who will reportedly star as Col. John ‘Hannibal’ Smith. Cooper is playing Lt. Templeton ‘Faceman’ Peck and the role of the team’s pilot, Capt. H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock, has not yet been cast that we know of ,though, “Star Trek” actor Chris Pine, was actively seeking the role earlier this year. He has an in too, having already starred in Carnahan’s last movie, “Smokin’ Aces.” If he does indeed have the role, we’ll surely find out shortly.
‘Rampage’ Jackson had previously been linked to the role when John Singleton was going to direct the picture circa 2007/early ’08 and his appearance in the film was only confirmed recently after he dropped out of an upcoming UFC bout in order to shoot the film. He certainly doesn’t have to alter his look much other than some beard and hair growth and can probably save wardrobe from buying gold necklace chains, but that aside — on top of being a complete scumbag — it remains to be seen if Jackson can act.
Additionally, in a random New York Times piece about the New York subway and what people do during their ride, an actress named Rachel revealed that she had just flown in from Los Angeles where she had auditioned for a role in the film. “Sosa is an aide to the secretary of defense,” she explained of the part. “I am trying to channel her. She is sexy, but official.” Rachel better get that phone call pretty soon if she’s going to fly out to Vancouver in time…
Meanwhile, sure “Smokin’ Aces,” was B-movie trash, but “Narc” was excellent and extremely auspicious. Is this where Carnahan’s career is going to go? Making remakes of rather corny ’80s TV shows no one is actively dying to see on the big screen?