Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Channing Tatum have appeared in three films together thus far: HAVOC (before either of them had even broached the A-list), STOP-LOSS, and G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA. Today, it was announced that the two will finally co-lead a movie together, and even better… it’s a musical-comedy.
Gordon-Levitt actually came up with the concept, which involves “two pilots on a misadventure,” with writer Michael Bacall (MANIC, 21 JUMP STREET, SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD). Not much details beyond that, specifically in regards to time period (though one suspects it won’t be contemporary) or a title, but Universal has picked up the project and WICKED producer Marc Platt is also onboard.
Obviously, both actors have shown their talent for singing and dancing over the years, with Tatum practically owing his current mainstream stardom to his moves in MAGIC MIKE. I wasn’t too keen on his singing during his “showstopping” (a lot of folks are using that word…I found the scene overlong and distracting) musical number in HAIL CAESAR, but there’s no doubt that his dancing is top-notch. Gordon-Levitt, on the other hand, has pipes (he has a steady side career as a musician) as well as being light on his feet. Most importantly, the two have great charisma and charm, and can be real funny when the situation calls for it. Them headlining any picture would be worthy of attention, but there are so few legitimate musicals these days that these two leading men collaborating on one (which is allegedly R-rated, no less), rather than a male-female couple, is extraordinary, indeed. They once planned on doing a GUYS AND DOLLS remake together, but I think it's way cooler they're trying something original instead.
Though there hasn’t been a glutton of successful musicals at the box-office over the past few decades, Universal was behind two of the more successful ones, LES MISERABLES and MAMMA MIA!, both of which had significant star power behind them. But I’m thinking even if all they got is Tatum and Gordon-Levitt, they got a shot at making something exciting, fun, AND lucrative, even with their R-rating.
Now all they need is a director with a talent for the surreality of the movie musical. Just keep Rob Marshall away from this shit.
