Variety:
Nicholson is the last piece of casting to come together on the ensemble project, which also stars Paul Rudd, Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson.
For months, Bill Murray had been in talks to portray the blueblood father of Rudd's character, but a deal never closed. In recent weeks, Murray's interest in the project waned, and he fell out of touch.
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There are fifty good character actors fit for this part - whatever the part may be - who would've acted up a storm in it for a fraction of the price. Casting Jack Nicholson, the 'character' is going to look and act and sound just like Jack Nicholson whether it was written that way or not. But since it also stars Witherspoon and Owen Wilson I doubt the director will be going for subtllty.
Nicholson is a completely inadequate replacement for the far more talented Murray.
Nicholson and Rudd? Yum yum.
Finally! A reason to be excited about this movie... Jim and Jack, together again!
Go Jack!
Bill Murray is known to not be easy to contact. He doesn't have an agent and does not make himself terribly available.
He is rich and smart enough to seek out his own opportunities, he does not need people pitching their screenplays to him.
Personally, I thought it was a hint at a Mel Brooks Comedy with Murray or Nicholson. That would be fun.
I am thrilled that Mr. Bill Murray was "MIA" and that Mr. Jack Nicholson was offered, and jumped in at the last minute to act in this movie. Mr. Nicholson is an awesome actor and I've seen all of his films and in fact, also enjoy watching Mr. J.N. at the Laker's games on televison. I am a sports nut and a fan to my favorite teams as he is to his.....GO MR. N! Go Lakers!
The only film I really hated of Murray's was that tired and boring film that got rave reviews, the one he did with Scalrett Johansen (sp?) that takes place in Japan. The ending was cute but the rest of it was one long drawn out bore.
You just were not paying attention. I loved this movie, it is just way too subtle to be appreciated by most people. I am sorry that you did not find the explosions and chase scenes that you were probably expecting.
I agree. It wasn't a great movie, but it was way above average. Unfortunately, most Americans need to be hit over the head with a hammer.
The racism was real subtle.
very gracious of nicholson to step in at the last minute.. and why wouldnt he do that for james brooks? He probably didnt even need to know more than .. jim brooks..... i wouldnt. as good as it gets? as good as it can get....
This headline is incredibly misleading. Bill Murray is not "MIA", the article clearly says upfront that no deal was signed. He had no responsibility to be in the picture.
i think the article says clearly that bill murray " fell out of touch". that is mia.
Missing in action is missing in action. Not givin' a rusty f about a project is a pass on a project.
You confuse "communication" with "action" if you think that "out of touch" means MIA.
( I'll always remember you Bill, too. You are my favorite comedian.)
Wasn't he great in "Groundhog Day?" "Broken Flowers" was great, too.
"What Bout Bob" is my favorite of Murray's films. Just hilarious. Expected better of Owen Wilson though. This sounds like another one of thse tired chick flicks. If he's not careful he'll turn into Mathew McConneghy (sp.)
Rushmore.
Let's hope Bill Murray 'The Great" ---saved some cash for the Swiss banks. Boo! ( Ex ungrateful wife)
I hope ... would love to see Nicholson again.
I know Bill is a real man who is still suffering from being a real man in real life and taking responsibility for being a good dad and " ex" hubby for his last wife who took him almost for every Saturday Night Live Dollar he's Ghost Bustered worth. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
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First Posted: 06- 2-09 07:04 PM | Updated: 06- 2-09 07:17 PM