Well it looks like the people behind The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus have come up with a plan to complete their project – and his name is Johny Depp. We get the scoop today from our friends at monsters and critics:
Johnny Depp is set to replace Heath Ledger in the tragic star’s latest film role. Heath, who was found dead in his hotel room earlier this week, was just six weeks away from wrapping ‘The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus’.
Director Terry Gilliam is keen for Johnny to shoot the remaining scenes as he thinks the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ star would be the perfect replacement. A source said: “There is a point in the film when Heath falls through a magic mirror. He could change into another character after that and that is where Johnny would come in. “It’s a weird, fantasy, time-travel movie so Heath’s character could easily change appearance. It would be a poignant moment. Johnny’s not working at the moment so everyone is praying he will do it.”
Well I think this could be the best choice out of a myriad of unfortunate options. I really did not enjoy the when the oracle was switched in the third Matrix film, the line of dialogue that they added to address her change of “shell” was awkward and I wish they just went ahead as if nothing had changed. To switch actors in the same film should be even more awkward, but if anyone can pull it off – it would be Mr. Depp.
If the film is very, very wacky and a magical mirror is involved, then perhaps they can make this work. Travolta and Cage were able to switch characters with great effect in Face Off and If Depp can nail the mannerisms of Ledger’s character – who knows, this could save the film and surprise us all.
Depp has not yet confirmed the role so we will see if he is up to the task. It is certainly a heavy request at an awkward time, but I for one hope Johnny will give this one a go.
International friends, do you think that this film can be saved? Do you think that this is the best idea possible or do you have other ideas/suggestions that you deem superior?
