Is Gerard Butler an A-list star now? It certainly seems so, though I honestly don't feel like I could pick the guy out of a line-up even after sitting through 300. Variety is reporting that Butler has snagged the lead in the Fox Walden fantasy adventure Nim's Island, which we previously told you will feature Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin. The story involves a little girl who lives on a tropical island with her father, but ends up living there alone, fending for herself. The husband-wife directing team of Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett will be helming the project, from their own screenplay. It's set to begin filming in Australia.
It's also been announced that after Nim, Butler will be jumping into the world of Al Capone when he stars alongside Nic Cage in Capone Rising, the Untouchables prequel, which will be distributed by Paramount. It's not exactly clear at this point who Butler will be playing, but since he's British I assume it might be the Sean Connery role. Butler is also going to be leading a high-profile romantic dramedy, P.S. I Love You, opposite Hilary Swank. That one is getting a big Christmas release, and if that's not enough for you, he's also set to star in the thriller Game, which begins shooting in January. There's also been talk that if they actually go forward with a remake of John Carpenter's Escape from New York, Butler is the go-to guy for that. So, it looks like Hollywood has decided that he's our new star. Let's start getting used to him.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-18-2007 @ 3:12PM
Ron Taylor said...
He is not British, He is Scottish. BIG difference.
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5-19-2007 @ 5:45AM
BrightStar61 said...
"Let's start getting used to him"
Yeah you'd better... cos his star is on the rise and there is nothing you and your tired jealousy can do about it!!
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5-19-2007 @ 4:02PM
Cait said...
"Let's start getting used to him"?! My, my - aren't we jaded and sardonic... Frankly, I think it's about time Mr. B has finally gone 'A-list' after more than a decade of roles in an array of films. As his fanbase continues to grow exponentially, they eagerly await each new offering - with or without the critics' blessings...
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5-22-2007 @ 12:29PM
Jen said...
The fact that you "could not pick him out of a lineup", only attests to the talent Gerry Butler has. He has the ability to completely morph into his roles, and give them a depth of character that can elevate even a sub par movie. If you look at a photo of him in each of his roles, and put them side by side, you would not believe they were all done by the same actor.
It is good, that the rest of the world is finally recognizing the talent of Gerry Butler, which is something an awful lot of people have known for some time.
When in roles with accomplished actors, his talent is elevated even more. It will be so satisfying to watch his career just take off for the moon now. On the other side of the coin, he is not interested in the "celebrity" side of the business. But rather, he is a genuine pro who totally loves to take on the challenges of new roles. He honestly is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stale and sometimes very hard and harsh industry.
Rather than partying with the "in" crowd in front of cameras, he is quietly supporting his own ventures and charities, to his "Kids Kicking Cancer" or supporting the young actors of Scotland. On just one of his websites, his legions of fans have donated well over $205,000 to charities that he supports.
Basically, it is nice to see a good guy come out on top. His amazing acting talent will speak for itself. I for one, can hardly wait to see ANY movie that has Gerry Butler in it. And apparently, I am certainly not the only one!
Jeni
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5-28-2007 @ 1:41PM
PIslander said...
You can get to know Gerry better thru his prior roles, even if the films were poorly done.
"Dear Frankie", "Timeline", "Beowulf & Grendal", "The Miracle Match" (aka "The Games of their Lives", and "Phantom of the Opera" are some examples of his ability to truly create a character with complete shape, substance and human elements.
Also, Gerry is not of the "Hollywood" type of actor, as much into their public image as their next project.
He takes his work seriously but he's just part of the team when filming, no Divo he.
He'll do independents to help upcoming directors, and supports theater and young actors in Scotland.
He flies so low under the paparaz' radar that you'll rarely see him just living his life between films.
Gerard Butler is unique, a fact that many of us discovered years ago and others will very soon.
And he is, as one director called him, "unabashedly masculine."
Oh yeah!!
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