Caffeinated Clint
If Geoffrey Edelstein, the executive producer of “Dust and Glory” (which Simon West was announced as director of yesterday), has his way then Scarlett Johansson will be headed to Oz for a role in the “Cannonball Run”-style flick.
Speaking to Melbourne’s Confidential, medical entrepreneur Edelstein explained that he was the one who lured “Expendables 2” director West to the project. In exchange for his financial contribution, Edelstein and wife Brynne have been offered parts in the film.
“I would love to play the editor of the Sydney Morning Herald in it”, Edelstein said. “There are a number of roles for Brynne.. is it something that producers and Simon West need to talk to Brynne about.”
Edelstein said he has his sights on “Avengers” babe Johansson playing a major role in the film.
Eldestein said he’s been going over the script with the writers to give the movie more accuracy in it’s portrayal of real events.
“I thought the story was fantastic but I wanted the script to appeal to the US as well as Australia.”, he said.
Edelstein said they’ve changed some of the storyline to appeal to a wider, worldwide audience.
“Dust and Glory” is the story of a car race… the longest, roughest, toughest craziest car race in the world … a 10,000 mile event, right around Australia. It is set at a time when roads around the coast were outback tracks of appalling roughness and a journey like this was more a pioneering adventure than a motor sport. The RedEx Trials of the 1950s captured the imagination of post war Australia like no other event. Through regular radio updates the entire country followed the fortunes of the competitors during the race, and huge crowds turned out along the routes to cheer cars and drivers. Competitors were feted at every stop like movie stars. DUST AND GLORY combines the best of the actual real life characters, events of the three actual RedEx Trials, along with harrowing and dynamic fictional character amalgamations which weaves a tapestry of hilarious and gripping adventure that might have happened – had there been a fourth race! As in the actual trials, DUST AND GLORY depicts the zaniest collection of contestants ever to get behind a wheel – showbiz celebs, wealthy amateurs, criminals, raving lunatics, and even a few bona fide professional drivers!
The movie is expected to begin filming in Australia before March.
