Universal Pictures Resurrect the Drop Dead Fred Brand
May 8th, 2009
posted by admin
Universal Pictures have made plans to resurrect the children’s film ‘Drop Dead Fred’. In a move that has divided original ‘Fred’ fans the world over they have announced the decision to cast flamboyant British comedian and notorious ladies man Russell Brand in the titular role of the troublesome imaginary friend, replacing UK comedian Rik Mayall (of ‘Bottom’ fame).
This news is the latest in a recent Hollywood trend towards remaking the nostalgic films of our childhoods. The early 90’s film tells the story of Lizzie, who loses her job and husband in the space of an hour and reluctantly returns to her parent’s home. It is there that she is reunited with Fred, a fictitious character she created during her childhood and whose attempts to help her out make life extremely difficult. The original failed to set the box office alight and was critically panned but developed a cult following in the years following its release.
Brand’s foray into acting includes a string of recent film appearances with parts in ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall‘ and ‘Bedtime Stories‘ with Adam Sandler. The news comes hot on the heels of recent rumours that Brand will play Captain Jack Sparrow’s brother in the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean 4. As his star appears to be very much on the ascent stateside, it is hoped that funny man Brand can successfully breathe new life into the role. The film we are told will not strictly adhere to style of the original. The plan is to create something in a similar vein to Tim Burton’s darkly comic ‘Beetlejuice’. Dennis McNicholas, a long-time writer on Saturday Night Live will pen the new script. The question remains whether or not this film actually warrants a remake. No word yet on whether or not Brand’s hair was a deciding factor in his casting.
