by Ryan Fisher
Fighting for your country is truly admirable; there isn't anything more patriotic. As a 20-year-old man, I know that the nation’s recruiters are salivating over people like myself, and I'd like to believe that if I were to enlist myself to serve in the military my government would candidly return the favor with honesty and protection. But it doesn’t always work that way.
With people like myself in mind, “Boys Don’t Cry” director Kimberly Peirce set out to make "Stop Loss," a Ryan Phillippe/Joseph Gordon-Levitt drama that hits DVD this week.
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Hollywood is filled with the what-could-have-beens...Tom Selleck as Indy, Dougray Scott as Wolverine, Nicolas Cage as Superman. And with an eye towards a galaxy far, far away, don't forget Ryan Phillippe as Anakin Skywalker, at the time one of the most aggressively pursued roles in Hollywood.
Of course, the winning candidate was Hayden Christensen, but Phillippe -- soon to be seen in this weekend's "Stop-Loss" -- confirmed to MTV News that he nearly had the part, making it so far as to meet with George Lucas and Queen Amidala herself. "I read with Natalie Portman," the actor revealed. "I think it was sort of an age thing in their mind. It wasn't quite right, but yeah, they were interested." Watch the video below for more, and then click here for the rest of our chat.
Back in Texas after fighting in Iraq, a young soldier (Ryan Phillippe) refuses orders to return to the war. Co-starring Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Abbie Cornish, "Stop-Loss" hits theaters on March 28, 2008. Check out the exclusive trailer below.
Brad Pitt has some fightin' words in our links of the day. That and news on "Avatar," "Resident Evil," Ryan Phillippe and more below.
- Brad Pitt is pulling no punches, will take Matt Damon's place in "The Fighter" alongside Mark Wahlberg. (Hollywood Reporter)
- James Cameron's "Avatar" beams up Giovanni Ribisi. (Hollywood Reporter)
- Now THIS is evil. Ali Larter hints at possible "Resident Evil 4." (Shock Till You Drop)
- Back to the future for Ryan Phillippe and Eva Green as pair join cast of futuristic thriller "Franklyn." (Variety)
- More "Informers." Winona Ryder and Mickey Rourke join cast of Bret Easton Ellis adaptation. (Hollywood Reporter)
Every cop needs to find himself a good partner. These days, Wilmer Valderrama seems to know that better than anyone. "As far as CHiPs goes, right now we're in search of a great director and a great Jon," the former "That 70's Show" star told us this week, providing an update on the big-screen adaptation of another 70's show. "We're gearing up [to shoot] at the end of this year."
It was waaaaaay back in December of 2005 that Valderrama was announced as the new Frank "Ponch" Poncherello, launching buzz around the high-profile flick from Warner Bros. In the years since, the backlash against films like "Bewitched," "The Dukes of Hazzard" and "The Honeymooners" has grown, while follow-up details on "CHiPs" have become as infrequent as Erik Estrada appearances on network television. The biggest hurdle has been the coronation of Jon Baker, a role originated by blonde-haired leading man Larry Wilcox. "Honestly, there's a few people," is all Valderrama would reveal of a list that has reportedly included names like Paul Walker and Ryan Phillippe. "There are a couple favorites I have."
Many believe that Valderrama is holding out hope for fair-haired friend Chris Evans, whose appointment could be riding on the success or failure of next month's "Fantastic Four" sequel. Either way, don't be surprised if Evans is announced (or ignored) within days of the "Rise of the Silver Surfer" at the box office. "I can't give you anything," Valderrama shrugged. "Because I'll take away from his big announcement." The 27-year-old star did reveal, however, that he'll soon begin taking motorcycle-riding lessons. "I'm already scheduled to go on a couple drives with the highway patrol [later this year]," he added. "And hopefully they won't give me tickets after this movie." Read more...
