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The Remake Column: The Princess Bride

Recasting the everlasting fan favorite.

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The Remake Column: The Princess Bride
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No. In no way, shape, or form is there, NOR have there been talks among studios in regards to a remake of the 1987 classic The Princess Bride; and in my humble opinion, that is a damn shame.

For what seems like an eternity, the gripes and echo’s of film fans surrounding remakes of existing films have continued to make zero difference in the studio's decisions to either remake a film or reboot a franchise. THEY DON’T CARE THAT YOU DON’T APPROVE! They will either remake a beloved property because they believe it can be a financial/critical hit, or they will avoid the chance at all cost due to the high-risk factor. You see, a good opening weekend at the box office is often when the studio makes it’s money back. It’s only AFTER when the film becomes profitable. So, if everybody rushes out opening weekend to see a remake of a beloved classic, that’s great! However, if everybody rejects it, complaining how it “doesn’t live up to the original”, then the repeat viewings and the word of mouth opportunities diminish, leaving the studios to either break even or lose money. This is why remakes are difficult.

For example, a studio, I believe, will never again touch films such as Casablanca, To Kill A Mockingbird, or The Wizard Of Oz. Why? Well, logic assures me that if these films haven’t already been remade seventy-five years after release, then they probably won’t ever be revisited in a newer concept.

So, keeping these ideas in tact, I find it extremely disappointing that we have not yet seen a re-imagining of The Princess Bride. In an era where Hollywood is gravitating towards pictures that feature an ensemble cast, rather than only ONE standout performance, I feel like this is the property to let new talent shine, and take us back to a land where giants roam, swashbucklers fight, and princess’s are saved from evil prince’s.

(Keep in mind! If the remake were to suck, who cares?! We still have the original! And, if it works, then we have two great stories… One for eachgeneration!)

Ladies and gentleman, here is my cast for a remake of The Princess Bride.

Casting: While many different names were considered, these were the actors/actresses that always came back to me. I believe these choices to be the perfect fit for the characters we all grew up loving/hating/quoting.

Johnathon Groff as Westley

Names like Zac Efron, Miles Teller, and Ansel Elgort came to mind. However, the charm, look, and acting capability of Groff was too strong to pass up. Not only does he slightly bare resemblance to the original Westley, Carey Elwes, but he also has a wit about him that fools you into thinking that he is making up his steps as he goes along, when really he has been ahead of the game the whole time. Known for his work on the stage, and on television shows like Glee, he is, without a doubt, our Westley, simply because it’s the role he was born to play.

Jennifer Lawrence as Buttercup

Please! There was only ever one option for this role (that’s a lie, Emma Watson would have been good too). With Lawrence’s comedic timing, matched with her “deadpan-resting-bitch-face”, J-Law is worthy of dawning the white gown so cordially worn by Robin Wright. J-Law is a wonderful actress, who continues to grow as one of the best young talents working today. With three Academy award nominations now, and one win, she is the name that we will highlight on the poster, drawing interest from our audience to give this film a chance. It also gives the project major validation that this film is something special.

James Franco as Prince Humperdinck

I just can’t get over Franco’s look in the box office bomb, Your Highness! I think, if memory serves me right, this was the first person I had cast. Can you not see Franco confused by the rules of, “To The Pain!"? He counters Groff perfectly, allowing his sense of humor to play off of the charm of Groff. He is a household name, and another draw for the audience.

Kit Harrington as Inigo Montoya

While Sasha Baron Cohen was the first to come to mind, I think the world is ready for Jon Snow to breakout onto the big screen! He already knows how to wield a sword, and can deliver one-liners better then anybody I have seen on Game of Thrones thus far (That's another lie... The Dink!". Seeing as how his characters motivation is focused on revenge, I cannot overlook how well Harrington acts with his eyes, allowing the audience to invest in his mission. He is the breakout movie star of this film. (Insert your "you know nothing Jon Snow" line…)

Jason Segal as Fezzik

While the cliche choice would have been WWE’s The Big Show, Segal’s solid impression of the late Andre the giant is enough to let the true spirit of the character shine, while paying proper homage to the late Andre the giant. Already standing at 6 feet 5 inches, digital effects can improve the actors size. Also, we cannot forget how funny Segal is! And with Fezzik being one of the main contributors towards the films comedic core, Segal guarantees us great laughs, while maintaining the spirit of a lovable giant.

Paul Giamatti as Vizzini

Giamatti was my last performer to be cast. Replacing Wallace Shawn was extremely difficult; however, the comedic style of Giamatti matches the wit’s of Vizzini perfectly! Him yelling the word, “Inconceivable” was a solid match, and provided a comfort knowing that for limited screen time, this heavy hitter will give us a performance that will leave us wanting more…

Christoph Waltz as The Six-Fingered Man

(Mic drop) Realistically, Waltz could be cast in anything and make the film better (except perhaps James Bond). His presence is always magnetic, and his performances are always formidable. He can be your friend for one second, and slit you throat the next. With a character like this, you never quite know what his agenda is, or where his true allegiance lies. Who plays that type of character better then Waltz? Him fighting Harrington in the finale is my gift to the audience. You’re welcome!

Steve Carell and Mila Kunis as Miracle Max and Valerie

Well this is an odd couple if I’ve ever seen one. With Kunis have perfecting the “bitch” tone, and Carell matching it with his sweet talk, I have full belief that these two will serve as the perfect compliment on top of what already is a great cast! These two are just so damn funny, and I would love to see how they interact with Segal and Harrington in a panic situation. Carell is also, perhaps, today’s Billy Crystal; And I find it fitting that this role will be succeeded by an actor who shares not only the same likability, but also the same respect among Hollywood’s greatest comedic actors.

Bill Murray as Clergyman

… I have no real reason for this casting, I just think it would be funny, as well as a special cameo for the audience.

"Marriage, marriage, marriage..."

Jeff Bridges as Grandfather

Technically, the film begins and ends with this character. Serving as not only a great narrator, Bridges’ warm voice will provide the audience comfort knowing that our heroes, while in the face of many dangers, will find a way to pull through in the end. If anything, I just want to hear him say, “As you wish…”

Within the spirit of nostalgia, often times we shelter our memories of something we love by shunning all ideas that come in contact of what we already know. What’s important to remember, is that while not all pieces of a puzzle fit perfectly at first, they eventually come together in the end through patience, hard work, and the belief that things find a way of connecting in the end.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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