Will Ferrell’s George W. Bush impression was a massive success, resulting in more than a few iconic SNL sketches and a Broadway one-man-show that ultimately led to the HBO special, YOU’RE WELCOME AMERICA. According to Variety, the former Ron Burgundy/Ricky Bobby/Lord Business will be playing another former POTUS, one that was significantly more advanced in years than the currently 48-year-old Ferrell: Ronald Reagan.
The Mike Rosolio-written REAGAN is about the titular president during his second term, as dementia starts to creep its hold over the aging actor-politician. An intern is then paired with him to convince him that he is still acting, and is in production on a movie where he has to play the president. Hijinks ensue.
Rosolio’s script landed on the 2015 Black List, which awards the “most liked” unproduced scripts registered in that year. Lest you think landing on the list guarantees a strong final product if the script is ultimately produced, here are some titles that have earned spots on the yearly roster: PAN, PROJECT ALMANAC, SEX TAPE, GRACE OF MONACO, DIRTY GRANDPA, THE LAST WITCH HUNTER, GET SMART, RIGHTEOUS KILL, BURNT, JENNIFER’S BODY, 47 RONIN, and TRANSCENDENCE (though, to be sure, as many if not more good films have been made from awarded scripts as well).
Still, REAGAN made a big enough splash that Rosolio was able to put on a live read last month featuring James Brolin as Reagan, as well as John Cho, Nathan Fillion, Lena Dunham, Dennis Haysbert, Chris Parnell, and Paul Scheer.
Going from Brolin to Ferrell is a big jump (nearly 30 years, by my count), but the idea of the funnyman playing the 40th president sounds too hilarious to pass up, age be damned. There’s a lot of controversy as to just how debilitated Reagan was during those last few years in office (always loved Robin Williams’ bit about Reagan breaking down mid-speech like a Hall of Presidents robot), but with Ferrell in tow, I’m thinking this is going to be more of a silly, over-the-top farce than any sort of pointed political satire aimed at the Republican demagogue. Probably for the best, especially if they want that four-quadrant dinero.
Wonder if Will can get Adam McKay to direct it now that he’s got Oscar gold and all. If not, Jay Roach?
Also, all the marbles ever if they can get Dana Carvey in there as H.W.
