Well, it looks like one name has finally emerged from the host of actors being considered for the Farrelly Brothers big screen incarnation of “The Three Stooges.”
Variety reports that a deal is imminent for Johnny Knoxville, first rumored at the beginning of the year, to sign on for the role of Moe, the hard-headed leader of the comic trio. Hank Azaria was apparently also in contention for the part.
With production gearing up to start in April, this is likely the first domino in the casting process with the rest to fall soon. Last we heard Andy Samberg and , Canadian actor Will Sasso, who currently stars in the CBS sitcom “$#*! My Dad Says,” were vying for Curly while Shane Jacobsen, Justin Timberlake, Woody Harrelson and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star Larry David are all said to have been approached as prospective Larrys. Quite a difference from the originally envisioned trifecta of Sean Penn, Jim Carrey and Benicio Del Toro. But let’s not forget the secondary characters to be cast as well with Richard Jenkins and Cher being previously linked and/or sought for roles; this will certainly be eclectic.
The ambitious project will drop the Stooges in the modern era, in a PG film that will be told in three interconnected, short films. The plan will also find the directors recreating classic gags, but re-interpreting them and re-contextualizing them a contemporary setting. It’s a bit of gamble and is at least conceptually far more daring than anything the directorial duo have done in years. However, their edge has worn off considerably but considering this is a longtime dream project for the Farrellys we hope it finds them back in the groove.
No release date has been set for the film just yet, but expect it to hit next year.