Russell Brand to Star in Remake of Drop Dead Fred

I for one am excited about this. I think the original film--which starred now imaginary actress, and Mrs. Kevin Kline, Pheobe Cates and comedian(?) Rik Mayall--was a hot mess but with some work the story was actually a rather funny idea. Good film gone wrong in my opinion. I saw Drop Dead Fred at a friend's house in like 6th or 7th grade and she had a much more advanced sense of humor than I did then so she thought it was hilarious but I missed it completely. Since then I've seen the film a few times and now I understand the cult appeal behind it. While it got dismal reviews and did nothing at box-offices it has become one of those movies you hate to love and looooove to hate, thus it is a giant cult hit. Not giant like The Big Lebowski but giant as in those who like it really like it.

Anyway, the reworking of the film is under-way and not a lot of information has been released. So far we know the answer to the big question though, Fred will be played by uber-comedian Russell Brand. Now Brand of course is known for his recent American film Forgetting Sarah Marshall and the upcoming Get Him to the Greek but he is honestly a huge star overseas and I think he is one of the funniest guys out there. I am mildly obsessed. He is eccentric, brash, unafraid, unapologetic, witty and just fucking funny. Who better to wreak havoc on the life of a downtrodden young woman? No one! I think he is the perfect choice and will be the key to the new film's success (hopefully). SNL writer Dennis McNicholas, who most recently wrote Will Farrell's latest Land of the Lost, is already on board to do the bulk of the story while LOTL collaborator and director Brad Silberling may be in to direct.

We'll have to see when Land of the Lost comes out whether or not we have the faith in this duo, but at the moment I have high hopes. As more information comes out about the cast there may be some rise and fall in my optimism but for now Universal exec's have said they want the film to be more of a likeness to Beetlejuice and I think the slightly darker, twisty approach mixed with Brand's dry, adult humor will pull this one off. Penny for your thoughts?


*Update: Land of the Lost blows. I'm sad. Opportunity for redemption? Please!!!!!