While lately we’ve been giving it up for Bryan Cranston, who has filled his post-“Malcolm In The Middle” career with a staggering number of diverse projects and left his sitcom Dad persona far, far behind him, let’s also give some due praise to John Goodman. The former “Roseanne” star has become one of the most respected thesps going today, and while we could sit here all day running down his resume, let’s just take a look at the most recent entries. He took a part in Kevin Smith‘s horror flick “Red State,” features in the silent movie sensation “The Artist,” has a role in another Oscar contender this year “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,” made a guest appearance on “Community” and recently lined up Ben Affleck‘s “Argo.” Not too bad, right? And it looks like he’s not stopping anytime soon.
Deadline report that Goodman has taken a ticket for “Flight,” the upcoming drama directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Denzel Washington. Penned by “Real Steel” writer John Gatins, the story centers on a commercial airline pilot (Washington) who successfully lands a damaged plane, and is lauded as a hero by the press. But it’s soon revealed that he’s an alcoholic and drug-addict, and may have been under the influence at the controls, leading to a cover up. This one is amassing an impressive cast that so far includes Kelly Reilly, Don Cheadle, Bruce Greenwood and Brian Geraghty. As for Goodman, he’ll play a colleague who helps Washington’s character deal with his problems.
There is more casting to come as the film gears up to start shooting this fall. No release date yet, but we’re wagering it’ll be a player in the 2012 awards rush.