Caffeinated Clint
There have been quite a few names mentioned over the years in relation to the prospective role of Colonel John ‘Hannibal’ Smith in The A-Team movie – Mel Gibson, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger… but there’s one name we haven’t heard mentioned in relation to the part – Liam Neeson. And you wanna know why? He’s wrong for the part! I love Neeson, don’t get me wrong, but he’s not Hannibal Smith. I know the thing is not to get someone whose an exact clone of the late George Peppard , but quite frankly, I can’t even envision Neeson puffin’ on a roofie, let alone a cigar! Just don’t see it. Prove me wrong Joe, please do, cos at it stands, I think this is a bit of a faux pas.
Nevertheless, Neeson (“Star Wars Episode 1”, “Taken”) is in talks with director Joe Carnahan and producers Tony & Ridley Scott to front Fox’s big-screen adaptation of the classic 80 series, according to Variety – and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it. Maybe if I could get my wife to sleep with Rothman there’s a… nah, couldn’t put myself through that.
Apparently Neeson and Fox are still working out the deal – and it’s all down to money. And since that’s the case, then I can only assume that the reason someone with a bigger name, say Bruce Willis, didn’t get the gig is because Fox aren’t willing to ‘pay’ for him. Guess Neeson would be just that ‘tad’ bit cheaper.
In related news, remember IESB’s scoop that Bradley Cooper was up for the role of ‘Faceman’? Yeah, same scoop that Cooper later debunked? Well, according to the trade, it was right on the money. The “Hangover” star is indeed in final talks to play the role originated by the great Dirk Benedict. (Funnily enough – and again, I reckon it’s down to money – a lot of big names have been mentioned for that part too).
I love Cooper, and though I think he’d make a better ‘Howling Mad Murdock’ than Face – think he’ll probably be one of the highlights of the film.  And though I aren’t exactly jumping over the moon about Neeson playing Hannibal, I don’t doubt he’ll give it his all and impress. Hopefully.
