Not surprisingly, Jake's name is being bandied around again as a replacement. MSNBC have put up a poll on its website and Jake is prominent among the selection, as is Elijah Wood, Ryan Gosling, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Giovanni Ribisi. Further down the list, you have the names of Orlando Bloom, Daniel Radcliffe and Justin Timberlake (Justin Timberlake?).
It seems to me that there is only one issue here - the producers and makers of Spider-Man 4 would risk limbs in their rush to get the signature of Jake Gyllenhaal on the contract. In every way, Jake could make the role his own. I could give you a list - acting talent, physique, athleticism, charisma, appeal to everyone, etc, etc - but what would be the point? It's too obvious:
But WHY would Jake do it? Is Jake 'replacement-for-Tobey Maguire' material? Does he need to come in on a franchise at a fourth instalment? And then you get down to the nitty gritty - would Jake be comfortable playing opposite Kirsten Dunst? I can only repeat what MSNBC say:
'Donnie Darko probably gives Gyllenhaal instant fanboy approval and street cred, but the biggest question with this multi-talented actor isn’t “Would he make a great Spider-Man?” but “Would he want the role?” At this point in his career the main advantage for Gyllenhaal becoming Spider-Man is so he can buy himself a yacht or a Gulfstream jet. Otherwise, the guy seems to have producers lining up to give him great roles. Why put the brakes on that kind of career, especially if another director takes over for Sam Raimi and the whole thing goes downhill as it inevitably will? It appears he can do just about anything. One minute he’s a convincing gay cowboy (Brokeback Mountain) and the next minute he’s a cartoonist for the San Francisco Chronicle in the ‘70s (Zodiac). It’s that kind of fearlessness combined with vulnerability that would make a great Spider-Man.'
Jake would be perfect in the role, but he is better than that. As an actor who demonstrates that he can become anything he takes on, and who is clearly seeking new challenges in each role, who knows what is in store for Jake and for us. But I'm sure it must be extremely flattering to be considered the natural and obvious choice for a beloved superhero.
Pictures from All Posters and IHJ.
13 comments:
I hope it is just a rumour and not a fact ;)
"Cycling enthusiasts please note: A Lance Armstrong movie starring Jake Gyllenhaal is scheduled to open in 2008."
http://theedge.bostonherald.com/movieReviews/view.bg?articleid=198371
Hi Anon!
Sshhhh that's the WDW story for this weekend......:D
I'm sure it's just a rumour, well, let's hope so.
:) WDW
If this were something he wanted to do, and I have read he would like to play a superhero, I say fantastic. Spidey is my favorite, most ethical IMO Superhero (but we'll see when he embraces his dark side in this one). The minute I hear the Spidey theme song I'm thrilled. I'm going to see it tonight. I think this is a top-tier superhero role worthy of him. I adore Tobey in it, but I think Jake would be wonderful. :)
Oh god--not the Lance movie again!
Hey Anon 17:57
I'm seeing it tomorrow or Sunday. Very excited about it.
That's interesting that Jake said he wanted to play a superhero. He must be pretty keen if he was offered the role before, going through the auditioning process, although it fell through. I believe he auditioned for Superman too.
I'm thinkin' (and hopin') that Jake doesn't do Spidey. The first two were very good (I will see this new one soon), but coming in at the end is not a good thing. Jake is soooo much better than that. He is building a unique, brilliant career and I doubt he will blow it now.
The Armstrong film possibility? I'll leave that to the gods -- and Jake.
WDW, Spidey 3 is fabulous! Spiderman always makes me swoon. Pure entertainment, fantasy, fable and old-fashioned romance. The Sandman will stop your heart! If Jake were to take up the mantle of this role he'd be perfect - I just hope they keep the same director and Kirsten too. Jake has the right combination of excitement and romance to make a great Spidey.
Oh I hope he doesn't touch the Spiderman role, he's much more of a Green Lantern, to my mind anyway!
I think Jake would make a great spiderman - but I don't want him to do it. It's someone else's role - Jake is not Toby 2, he's better than that. If he really wants to play a superhero, IMO he'd be better picking one that hasn't been done in the movies yet. I think he'd make a good Green Lantern too - and not just because that is the superhero I'd be according to one of those "If you were a Superhero which one would you be" quizzes ;)
(Love the blog btw)
Jake is not Toby 2, he's better than that. If he really wants to play a superhero, IMO he'd be better picking one that hasn't been done in the movies yet
Ruby I think you put that in perspective. It should be a never-done-before superhero.
I agree that Jake as anyone's stand in is a terrible idea. If they'd have had any sense they should have had faith with Jake at the very beginning. But in a way I'm relieved that Jake never became Spider-Man. I'm not at all keen on the idea of Jake in any franchise - except by making a stand-alone appearance in something such as (and wishful thinking here) Indiana Jones.
As a fan and admirer of Spandex Jake I would certainly relish seeing him in a one-off superhero movie.
A Green Lantern, ATD - what is that? I suppose Jake could well pull that look off, green being his favourite colour!
Does anyone know anything about the character Maggie is playing in Batman? I find that intriguing.
Good to see you here Ruby and I'm really pleased you like the blog :D
Yes, it's hard to know which would be the best choice - a role with an established following or starting brand new? I do hope that whoever takes on the role of Spiderman has Tobey's magic - the right combination of quirky boy-next-door and romantic hero. It's a role that would be great fun to play I'm sure.
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