Tropic Thunder
 |
| Tropic Thunder | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster with Robert Downey Jr. | |
| Directed by | Ben Stiller |
| Written by | Ben Stiller Justin Theroux Etan Cohen |
| Produced by | Stuart Cornfeld Eric McLeod Ben Stiller |
| Starring | Ben Stiller Jack Black Robert Downey Jr. |
| Cinematography | John Toll |
| Music by | Theodore Shapiro |
| Distributed by | Dreamworks Pictures Paramount Pictures |
Release dates | August 15, 2008 |
Tropic Thunder is an upcoming 2008 action comedy film directed by Ben Stiller and starring Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. as a group of actors filming a Vietnam War movie when their fed-up director and writer decide to dump them in the middle of a real war. It is due for release on August 15 2008.[1] The film has been rated R by the MPAA.
Cast
- Ben Stiller as Tug Speedman,[citation needed] an action movie star.[1]
- Jack Black as Jeff "Fats" Portnoy,[citation needed] a comedian turned drug addict well known for playing multiple parts in films.[1]
- Robert Downey Jr. as Kirk Lazarus, a white Australian Academy Award winning method actor who has surgery to portray African-American character Maj. Osiris.[1]
- Brandon T. Jackson as Alpa Chino, a hip hop artist turned actor.[citation needed]
- Jay Baruchel as Kevin Sandusky, a young, unknown up-and-coming actor.[citation needed]
- Danny R. McBride as Cody, the special effects coordinator of the film.[citation needed]
- Steve Coogan as Damian,[citation needed] the director of the film.[1]
- Bill Hader as Rob Slolom[citation needed]
- Nick Nolte as the film's writer.[1]
Cameos
- Matthew McConaughey as Speedman's agent[citation needed]
- Tom Cruise as the studio boss[citation needed]
- Tobey Maguire[1]
- Justin Theroux[citation needed]
- Owen Wilson[citation needed]
- The Mooney Suzuki
Robert Downey, Jr.'s role was originally written for a black actor, but was re-cast and re-written for Downey (thus calling for the blackface part of the plotline). Downey acknowledged the potential controversy over the role, but "At the end of the day, it's always about how well you commit to the character," he said. "If I didn't feel it was morally sound, or that it would be easily misinterpreted that I'm just C. Thomas Howell [in Soul Man], I would've stayed home." Test screenings for African-American viewers have had positive responses,[1] but some have expressed outrage.[2]
Owen Wilson was to have Matthew McConaughey's role in the film, but dropped out after his suicide attempt in August 2007 (His footage shot will be used as a cameo). He was later replaced by McConaughey.[3] In November 2007, Tom Cruise's attorneys threatened a lawsuit if photos showing Cruise bald, bearded and wearing a fat suit were published.[4] Photo agency INF responded with a statement: "While these pictures were taken without breaking any criminal or civil laws, we've decided to pull them from circulation effective immediately."[4]
Production
Ben Stiller got the idea for the film while shooting Empire of the Sun.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Adam B. Vary (2008-03-05). "First Look: 'Tropic Thunder'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2008-03-05.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Sneak peek: Robert Downey Jr's controversial new comedy | the Daily Mail
- ^ Owen Wilson comedy role is recast
- ^ a b Ninemsn Staff (November 20, 2007). "Tom Cruise fat suit photos banned". National Nine News. Retrieved 2007-11-20.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help)
External links
 | This film article about a 2000s comedy film is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |