Love him or hate him, you’ve got to admire Brendan Fraser’s staying power. For a guy that, let’s face it, hasn’t given anything resembling an impressive performance in over a decade (was “Gods and Monsters” his last truly impressive turn infront of a camera?), Fraser remains as inexplicably popular and in-demand than ever – guess “The Mummy” is still playing in a shady Bangkok theatre somewhere, making money? or maybe the suits are big ‘Encino Man’ fans?. Fraser’s thing now seems to be kids flicks… or 3D flicks… or a combo package of both; “Furry Vengeance” and “Journey to the Center of the Earth” are two of the biggest [baddest] claims to his name in recent years. There may be another I’m forgetting. Not sure. Well, he did do another “Mummy” movie in there somewhere, too…. but you get the point, right? Fraser is a well-paid B-movie actor that does the sorts of films Dean Jones did in the 1970’s and 1980’s, with no plans of retiring anytime soon. Will he ever win an Oscar? doubt it; will he be the favourite uncle at Christmas time? You betcha!
Press release arrived today announcing Fraser’s latest project, a 3D “William Tell” movie that will see the actor blue-screening with “True Blood” star Anna Paquin.
BRENDAN FRASER TAKES AIM AT WILLIAM TELL: 3D
Anna Paquin in Negotiations to Join Cast
Gary Hamilton’s Arclight Films Produces with Todd Moyer
Fraser starring in four other films
Cannes, France – May 9, 2011 – Producer Todd Moyer has announced that Brendan Fraser will take on the title role in the historical family action adventure WILLIAM TELL: 3D, to be shot this fall in Europe. Nick Hurran (The Prisoner and Doctor Who; UNDERTAKING BETTY; LITTLE BLACK BOOK) is slated to direct from a script by Scott Reynolds. Moyer expects principal photography to begin October 1st at Castel Studios in Romania and on location in Switzerland. Gary Hamilton will also produce under his Arclight banner, with Arclight handling international distribution of the film at Cannes.
Moyer says, “There is no other actor who is more perfectly suited to be the patriot and family man that is William Tell. Brendan was the driving force behind the movie being shot in 3D. He’s a witty, charming and very likeable action hero, and he really anchors the ensemble cast.” Moyer’s in negotiation to attach Anna Paquin (True Blood; JANE EYRE, X-MEN series) to the cast as well.
William Tell is a legend in North America for shooting an apple from the top of his son’s head with a bow and arrow (it was really a crossbow). What Americans don’t know is that he’s a revered historical figure in Europe.
In the legend, Tell just can’t leave well enough alone. The local potentate of the Hapsburg monarch, Hermann Gessler forces Tell to shoot the apple because he refused to bow before Gessler’s hat, erected in a town square. Tell succeeds in cleanly (and safely) cleaving the fruit and wins his and his son’s freedom. But Gessler asks Tell why he had two arrows is his quiver, and Tell replies he was going to shoot Gessler with the second if he’d missed. Tell’s defiance of Gessler ignited an uprising against the Austrian government which led to the formation of Switzerland. If confirmed, Paquin will play Zora, Tell’s wife and Schweiger will play Gessler.
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This announcement caps a true summer of love for Brendan Fraser. This is the fourth film announcement for the star in recent weeks. Fraser’s currently on location in Belfast shooting the “fish heist” comedy WHOLE LOTTA SOLE, co-written and directed by Terry George, and will start on GIMME SHELTER in June as previously reported, directed by writer/director Ronald Krass. Next, Fraser will voice the role of Scorch in The Weinstein Company’s long-awaited 3-D animated film, ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH. Then he’ll play a wealthy British nobleman enmeshed in the early 1700’s French and Indian War with FOUR KINGS.
A veteran of dozens of films and one of America’s most charming leading men, Fraser’s best known for playing amiable archaeologist Rick O’Connell in the three blockbuster MUMMY films for Universal; he’s also starred in EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES, GODS AND MONSTERS, CRASH and SCHOOL TIES. Fraser’s repped by CAA, Joanne Colonna with Brillstein Entertainment Partners and attorney Patti Felker.
My favourite Fraser movie, and performance, might still be “School Ties” – – am I alone?
