In a recent episode of "The Office," oddball Dwight revealed a habit of stashing weaponry around the workplace, including such items as a crossbow, blow darts and a long sword. Such weapon training may prove useful for Rainn Wilson as he prepares for his upcoming role in "Bonzai Shadowhands," a movie starring and being written by the fast-rising comedic actor.
Director Jason Reitman explains the flick as "the story of a reformed alcoholic ninja, and his relationship with a teenager." He continued, "I describe it as 'Midnight Cowboy' meets 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.'" But with more laughs, lest you worry that Wilson is suspending his comic forte to mount an Oscar campaign. "Every time I read pages of the script, it's just the funniest thing I've ever read," Reitman assured.
The "Thank You for Smoking" director, who features Wilson in a cameo for his new flick "Juno," was eager to elaborate on Wilson’s training: "I don't think he'll be changing his physique [for 'Shadowhands'], although he will be sharpening his ninja skills…he's going to have to do his own stunts."
Bear-baiting, beet-growing Dwight Schrute is no stranger to physical challenges, having tussled in "The Office" on various occasions; Reitman witnessed firsthand what Wilson is capable of when he directed him in the recent episode that had the gang developing an ad for local TV.
Although Reitman is stingy with specifics on "Bonzai," he insisted it's only because Wilson is still tinkering with the script. "Surely there's a nun-chucks scene," he grinned, also confirming scenes involving ninja stars and ample wire-work. "There's also a scene with a trash-picking spike … as a weapon." Who knew community service could go so horribly awry?
"I hope to be shooting 'Bonzai' next year," Reitman said, making a heady promise: "It's going to be the most bad-ass movie of all time."
Also on the horizon for Reitman is "Jennifer's Body," a project he describes as "a horror film with Megan Fox," adding, "It deals with a demonic cheerleader, who is feeding off the students of her high school." Give me a C-A-N-N-I-B-A-L!
For "Body," Reitman will collaborate again with "Juno" writer Diablo Cody, a woman he describes as possessing "the most original voice of a generation."
He also sings the praises of his star, saying of the "Transformers" hottie, "[Fox] is beautiful, she's charming, she's funny."
"I can't wait to see her ripping the flesh off her classmates and eating it," Reitman added with a devilish grin.
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