Todd Phillips Working On John Belushi Bio-Pic

Michael Chiklis arrived on the scene with a great performace as John Belushi in Wired. The trouble was, Belushi's friends and families disowned the portrayal of the late comedian and actor in Bob Woodward's book upon which the 1989 bomb was based. A new version of Belushi's life story is coming from Todd Phillips, according to Very Aware, which says that the Hangover and Old School director is co-writing the script with Steven Conrad (The Pursuit of Happyness). As of now, Phillips is not committed to direct, but that might be in the works, as well. Phillips is better known for these broad R-rated comedies now, but his very first film is a documentary about the similarly fated shock rocker G.G. Allin. I'm not comparing them in any other way, but I am saying Phillips can shine a light on a tragic figure if he has to. Who would play Belushi? They got it right 20 years ago with Chiklis, and I think given Phillips' involvement, it's natural to look at Zach Galifianakis. Maybe he could do it, but it seems too safe, too targeted as a "Take Me Seriously" moment. The guy has to have some comedic ability, because you can't do a Belushi movie without getting into the way he turned the world on its ear in the late 1970s, but there's more to it than that. I guess Galifianakis has to be in consideration, though. Very Aware also nominates Seth Rogen. No thanks. Jonah Hill would be a better fit than Rogen. If he were younger, I'd say Philip Seymour Hoffman, but he's in his mid-40s already.

Comments

[thrill clinton]

over on avclub someone suggested sean patton. young comedian, looks just like him.http://www.laughstub.com/images/comedians/Sean-Patton.jpg

[Greg]

The only guy I can think of is Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Of course he would have to put on a few pounds, but the acting and singing talents are already there.

[SEAN]

ZACH= perfect choice!!! Hey if the script is unbelievable & surprising then the "too safe,too easy" choice will be forgotton....

Great choice with the Phil Hoffman as well, never even occured to me, but he is a bit older, he do brilliant, he has a great funny side to him but you'll be lucky to find it in tid bits of interviews I'v seen