Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Reynolds to Star in Indie Biopic ‘Big Eyes’
After years of participating in mediocre romantic comedies, the once exciting Reese Witherspoon will finally star in a potentially interesting indie drama, the Tim Burton-produced biopic Big Eyes. The Hollywood Reporter reports that Witherspoon along with Ryan Reynolds are now attached to play Margaret and Walter Keane, whose pop-eyed paintings became a pop culture sensation back in the 1960s.
The thing is Walter claimed credit and became famous for the paintings but it was the shy Margaret who really was making them in the basement of their house. Margaret eventually decided to fight for herself, leading to a divorce and a much publicized court battle to prove authorship of the paintings. The judge asked the both of them to start painting and the truth was out when he refused, blaming a shoulder injury, while she created the familiar big-eyed paintings she is known for.
The indie drama will be in good hands as it will be directed by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski (The People Vs. Larry Flynt, Man on the Moon). In a statement, they seemed ecstatic about the casting news: “Walter is a larger-than-life antihero — charming, funny, dangerous, and a little crazy. Ryan will knock it out of the park. As for Reese, she will be perfect as Margaret — soulful, decent, transforming from vulnerability to learning to fight for herself.”
I used to be a big fan of Witherspoon but sadly, she really hasn’t challenged herself since her Oscar win for Walk the Line. This could be a nice step for her as the character is the polar opposite of the super bubbly career woman she has played so many times over the years. The actress will appear next in This Means War alongside Tom Hardy and Chris Pine. Reynolds will next be seen in Safe House alongside Denzel Washington. Filming is scheduled to start this spring.
What do you think?
16 Comments
I hate that seeing Reese Witherspoon’s name mentioned in association with any upcoming project immediately leads me to write it off. She’s a talented actress, she just chooses her roles poorly. Maybe Reynolds being in this is a good sign. Maybe not.
I’ve been waiting for her to get more interesting roles for years. Hopefully, this is a nice step toward that.
i don’t think either of these two are strong enough to headline a movie, but i think Ryan showed promise with Buried.
I’m not sure either of them can, especially in non-comedic roles. It will be interesting to see if they can though
Reynolds needs a good movie. He hasn’t been in anything decent since Buried, so hopefully this will be it.
Maybe Safe House? We can always hope ahah
Great idea but given that the subject is about artists, one can really be entering dark territory. I like Reese but like I said this is weighty material.
I could take or leave Ryan Reynolds although I liked him in The Proposal
Yea Reese is definitely better in more comedic roles but hey, she wasn’t half bad in Walk the Line.
I thought Reese was great as June Carter in Walk The Line so she definitely has the capability to play a more emotionally dark role. I’m glad she finally decided to stick her head out of her pink romantic comedy bubble and take serious roles again.
Yea, I miss the days of Freeway, Election, Legally Blonde and Pleasantville
I’m not really loving that these two are headlining a movie together. especially since neither of them is incredibly strong talent. reese bores me onscreen, especially lately. i think ryan is engaging, especially in movies like buried, but he needs a better leading lady to help him look better
I do think Reynolds is too young to play Walter Keane, especially if the movie revolves around the couple’s dispute which happened when he was in his late forties.
Well at least it’s not a rom-com. Reese only impressed me in Walk the Line so far and Ryan definitely needs a hit.
She was fantastic in Election, Freeway and wait for it… Legally Blonde! It’s not often that an actor, let alone an actress makes me truly laugh and I really think she gives a truly great comedic performance in Legally Blonde.
Legally Blonde is one of my favorite movies ever. It’s a lot more clever than people mistake it for. Also, her comedic timing as Elle Woods is always spot on.
I really wanted to see Walk The Line. I should though. I don’t know if Reese is great with Reynolds, I guess we’ll see. The story seems interesting. Thanks, Castor!
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