The original casting choices for films are always neat scenarios to imagine, whether it be O.J. Simpson as The Terminator or Steve McQueen in “Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid,” but a more a recent one envisioned John C. Reilly predating Dr. Steve Brule with one of the most quotable comedy characters of all time.
In a red-carpet interview with MTV, when questioned about his possible involvement with the recently announced “Anchorman 2,” Reilly said "we'll see" and instead spoke about his initial role in the first film: Brick Tamland, the part played to idiotic perfection by Steve Carell. Whether because of scheduling issues or just Lars von Trier with an animal cruelty agenda, Reilly had to drop out, but there still remains the chance of a supporting role in the new Will Ferrell/Adam McKay film.
From there, talk turned to the similarly slow-going “Step Brothers 2,” which — surprise — is still in development (though they were working on it before the "Anchorman" sequel moved ahead) but more interesting was the news that the “Step Brothers” comedy rap album, announced last year, was legitimately in the works at one point. “The first song I wrote was called, 'Who Ate The Mother-Fucking Cheese?'” Reilly revealed, “And it's all about wanting to make a quesadilla and there being no more shredded cheese.” Based on those scant details, it may have been serendipitous that the album fell through, but who knows, the finished result could have been absurdist comedy gold.
Until sequel news arrives from the McKay camp, you can see John C. Reilly in the new Sacha Baron Cohen film “The Dictator” on May 16th.