Downey, Mendes Visiting the Land of 'Oz'

We didn't mention Sam Mendes when we discussed the indefinitely delayed Bond 23, because there was still some uncertainty about his role. He was definitely going to be the showrunner, to borrow a TV term, but was he directing? That was the rumor, but it had never been announced. But now, he's got something to fill his time until Bond comes around again. The Playlist says Mendes is in talks to direct Oz the Great and Powerful, a Wizard of Oz prequel that Robert Downey, Jr. may star in. How weird is this: Daniel Craig, Mendes' James Bond, replaced Downey in Cowboys and Aliens. Shouldn't be this small a world, should it? Mitchell Kapner's script would have Downey as Oz, if he can possibly fit it in. He's got a Sherlock sequel and Avengers in the next 12 months, plus the movie The Playlist says might be out in the cold, Alfonso Cuaron's Gravity. Lots of problems with that one ever since it first came up, really. It sounds interesting, so hopefully everything can fall in place for it. If this is a prequel, I suppose there's no Dorothy and the rest, right? I have to admit, Mendes and Downey on this project would make it very intriguing, although I hope this doesn't turn into one of those Johnny Depp career moves for Downey, who's too talented to just work in movies that attract the largest audiences possible. So far so good, but Downey doing a lot of kids movies isn't really why were happy to see his career get back on track.

Comments

[Lisa]

I disagree with the tone of the "Johnny Depp career move" sentiment. Yes, he pulls in crazy big audiences. But I don't think it's fair to insinuate he's selling out OR selling himself short. Johnny Depp is a convincing character actor and that's what keeps pulling him into these types of roles. As a result, he's managed to stretch out a long career that has prevented him from being typecast as just a pretty boy (which he is EASILY could've fallen into). Saying the RDJr following that type of career shouldn't be looked at as a downside. He stills manages to show his acting chops in certain roles like The Soloist. Unfortunately, Marvel has him tied into Iron Man for the foreseeable future so it's limiting his options for other interests. Let's cut him some slack, yes?