There is buzz going around is that Jake is up for the role of Dastan, lead in Jerry Bruckheimer’s upcoming “Prince of Persia” mega movie and trilogy. Is this the franchise deal that Jake has been looking for?
In January 2005 through June 2007, there was a survey asking" both international and US respondents who they would prefer to play the title role of Prince Dastan. The results? David K Zandi, an actual Persian prince (no really) won in a landslide.
Both the US and global audiences favored Zandi, even when pitted against heavy hitter names like Orlando Bloom and teeny-bopper heartthrob Zac Efron. Zandi even has some legitimate credentials. Besides being one of the last remaining male members of the Zand dynasty, he’s also been a film executive, model, and actor. Heck, he’s even a skilled equestrian." (Next Generation)
Zac and Orlando seemed like the forerunners for Prince of Persia. Jake has come in as the dark horse. And maybe that is just the way it should be to capture a role like Dastan. Dastan has to have commanding presence about him. And the actor taking on this role needs to too. Jake seems to have grown into that kind of presence both as an actor and as a man.
Dastan is the youngest son of King Sharaman. The films begins with the seige of the holy city of Alamut. Dastan's brothers and uncles help him raid the city where he receives the Dagger of
Time, he soon finds out the properties of what he has. The dagger allows him to slow down or even reverse time. He meets Tamina/Princess Farah (script/game) his female protagonist after returning and finding that she has been captured by the troops. He finds himself falling for her.
Things go awry after his father dies by the robe Dastan has gifted him, and Dastan's arch rival, Garvis, captain of the guards, accuses him of murder. He then finds himself on the run with Tamina, who is coincidently the owner of the Dagger of Time. It is on this journey he finds about its power and the sands of time.
Starting out in small independents, Jakes has made interesting and thoughtful choices throughout his career. Good scripts, award winning casts and acclaimed directors, he has used his movies choices as one would use classes at Univeristy and Graduate School. Picking the interesting ones either by the focus of the course or the professor. Is the Prince of Persia the franchise requirement for graduation, or is it the fun elective that you take because you have the chance and you have to grab it cause you don't know when it is going to offered again?
Bad Seed, I will gladly volunteer to be the godfather of your assbaby!
ReplyDeleteSpecial K, Yesterday's post is perhaps my most favorite one so far. Few words, strong statement, and the music was just superb!
From Donnie Darko to Dastan. What a transformation! I would like to see JG get into the leagues of Johnny Depp and Matt Damon, and then move out of Hollywood. Destination unknown. :)
From the Perez/Life & Style Sighting:
ReplyDeleteIt seems Cameron Diaz and new boy toy Gerard Butler are getting serious!
This weekend, the pair were spotted having a late dinner at the over-hyped Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles.
They apparently arrived a bit after midnight and were on a double date.
With whom?
Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal!!!
A source tells Life & Style, "They arrived at 12:30 a.m. and grabbed a table on the patio. Cam snuggled up to Gerard and rested her head on his shoulder. Jake and Reese were really cute together too — joking a lot and just very comfortable with each other."
The couples enjoyed appetizers with red wine.
The source adds that Cameron "was the center of attention. Reese threw in an occasional wisecrack, but Cam was really on a roll."
As for any PDA, "Cameron and Gerard held hands under the table," adds the source, "but Reese and Jake were slightly less affectionate."
Is it me, or is that last line very funny?
Great post today Spesh, and fab music, as always. The more I think of this role, the more I like it. I think it might be good for him. I like how you described Jake's career choices so far, Spesh.
ReplyDeleteI think this movie would have something for everyone. Fabulous Jerry Bruckheimer special effects, but not just technical wizardry, but with warmth and artistry and because of the story. I think it would have wide appeal. I think it would play up Jake's looks and physicality as well - just in case there's a slim chance anyone might be interested in that. *swoon worthy* ;)
What are you saying Rattler. The less I say the more you like? ; )
ReplyDeleteI love Maps, because it is such a strong powerful love song.
Sometimes the strongest statements are said with the fewest words.
The first of the trilogy, "Prince of Persia: Sands of Time", will be helmed by Mike Newell. Further, the shooting of the first film is expected to start in Morocco in mid-June.
ReplyDeleteI think that last line is very funny Still Laughing, and perhaps a bit snarky by US standards.
ReplyDeletePrice of Persia sounds more promising than most films of this ilk. But realistically would someone hire Jake for a trilogy if he's already committed to another possible franchise--I kind of doubt it. Maybe the moon project is falling apart?
Bad Seed, I hope you feel better soon. I don't know of any home remedies for the flu, but fluid/nutrient-wise, if you don't know about it there is a product called Pedialite (sp?) that you should have someone pick for you from the drugstore.
Re the NPH link- Spesh sent that to me and I thought it was too good not to pass on.
ReplyDeleteI don't like the idea of Jake or Orlando in this role. Personally, I think it should go to someone who is of Persian ethnicity. And isn't this movie based on a video game? Doesn't sound promising to me. Hopefully I'll be wrong.
Just read that Advocate article about Cheyenne Jackson, linked at WFT2. Cheyenne was drinking Grey Goose during the interview. I found this funny!
ReplyDeleteHere's the link.
ReplyDeleteYes it is based on a video game. Lara Croft was and that did well. Hey Pirates of the Caribbean was that 3 minute ride at Disney and look what a franchise they turned that one into.
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not Ridley Scott is developing a movie based on the board game Monopoly. Hollywood is looking everywhere to regenerate things into movies.
Not sure how credible this rumor is. I would believe it more had there been no talk of The Moon series being Jake's franchise deal. I guess we will know soon enough if they are to start filming in June. To me, this is the kind of picture I would expect to see a newcomer in, not a well known face. It would explain the need for the totally straight image - Disney + prince franchise does not fit with a gay, closeted actor.
ReplyDeleteIt would explain the need for the totally straight image - Disney + prince franchise does not fit with a gay, closeted actor.
ReplyDeleteRumored so far:
Orlando Bloom
Zac Efron
Jake
Maybe this is one of the reasons behind the bearding to land a franchise like this?
ReplyDeleteActually, I can picture Austin as the prince. Darken his hair a bit. Add a days growth of beard. That broad back, the super long torso and long legs. His skiers grace, those brown eyes. Yes, that works for me.
ReplyDeleteWorks for me too M.
ReplyDeleteVery funny about the rumoured list. And how ironic that the powers that be like a little ambiguity because they think it appeals to women, but then want them to button it up in their personal life.
Mentioned this over at WFT2, but I think Jake would be great in this role. Physically, I see him more as Dastan than I do either my-acting-is-as-wooden-as-a-coffee table(please check out Mark Kermode's POTC 3 review on youtube, if you haven't yet. It's the funniest movie review ever.) Bloom or All-American Abercombie apple-pie ala mode poster boy Efron. Aside from the blue eyes, everything on Jake (inky hair, thick eyebrows, etc.) is gorgeously ethnic.
ReplyDelete. . .everything on Jake (inky hair, thick eyebrows, etc.) is gorgeously ethnic.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it tho. This is precisely why I find him so incredibly appealing. And don't discount the blue eyes - they can be lovely accidents of genetics, especially when, over the centuries, conquests and differents peoples came to Persia, what is now Iran. Medieval/Mythical Persia no longer exists, so I feel anyone could play the role, especially in fantasy/art purposes.
This sort of thing came up with 21 too - the main character in the book it was based on was Asian, so it caused a stir that the character wasn't Asian in the film. It's the dilemma of box office draw, which in itself doesn't contribute to the problem of unfair representation, but does nothing to change it either.
I think this is something that should be embraced; a maybe non-straight actor in a role that can appeal to all, produced by a long established and much-loved movie company. He can always do smaller films too. :)
Spooky just posted a teeny tiny youtube video of Austin in The Informers. Check it out
ReplyDeleteSorry, trying to blast something out at work and didn't express what I meant properly - that should be it doesn't "create" the problem, not doesn't "contribute" to the problem. It does contribute, it doesn't create it. Thanks. ;)
ReplyDeleteZac and Shia may be a bit too young and boyish, I'm not sure Orlando is right for it.
ReplyDeleteOne thing about Jake's looks is that they are versatile, when we say ethnic, it's not any particular ethnicity, just not WASP-y white bread, which has dominated for too long. A hero usually has a special feature that makes him stand out as well; Harry Potter had his lightning scar, Dastan has his blue/green eyes. This character needs a touch of old Hollywood filml star swash-buckling Valentino, which Jake has. :)
Spooky just posted a teeny tiny youtube video of Austin in The Informers.
ReplyDeleteSome Austin is better than no Austin!
Thanks for the tip about the eyes, i agree :) I had no idea.
ReplyDeleteI think this is something that should be embraced; a maybe non-straight actor in a role that can appeal to all, produced by a long established and much-loved movie company.
Ditto!
One thing about Jake's looks is that they are versatile, when we say ethnic, it's not any particular ethnicity, just not WASP-y white bread, which has dominated for too long.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Variety never hurt anyone. Who says we can't have a NCS sex symbol with a more Mediterranean look. There should be room for everyone, no?
Wicked, thx, I knew you would.
ReplyDeleteRattler - you're on!!
Destiny would make a good nurse-midwife.[Wait I take that back if she can't tell flu from pregnasscy lol]
The double date started after midnight? Jake the morning person was out after midnight? Jak e the consummate partier? Oh yeah uh huh.
And when was this allegded date again? Cuz the Am Idol Gives Back [Reese was in ] was taped Sunday in Los Angeles. Funny how the 'couple' couldn't be seen together with their peers at the Oscars Night Before, Reese's Penelope and Reese's Avon events but party with Reese's AIGB.
'Comfortable and less affectionate.' LOL Snarky way to say 'friends' or a set up to say 'breakup soon'.
Not much time between Nailed and Persia shoots if filming for Prince of Persia starts in 2 months. Jake better start getting into shape. Scrap that, he shoulda been in shape already. Hope those Persia casting hasn't seen the Cabobelly.
Two thots if Persia is true:
1)Jake thinking 'Shit, Morocco again?' He had a good time last time with Rendition but it was only a year ago. And looks like Persia would be for long term shooting in Morocco. Sure friends and family can visit or stay with him but one very important and longtime loyal companion can't, Atticus. Would any of you want to leave your beloved pet for a year or long stretches of months, with you giving them the odd visit or two?
2)Destiny's Prophecy. Leaving out the n and misspelling it "the Price of Persia". Destiny the truthteller.
Perez v. JJ See you in court
ReplyDeleteI totally missed that typo. And I'd be a terrible nurse/midwife; I'm only good at mothering animals.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling there is a lot of interesting dirt behind that Perez/JJ feud.
JJ posted some stuff from what he claimed was an online exchange between him and Perez. In it, Perez seems to be asking JJ to make him a sex tape. Don't know how Perez will get out of that one!
ReplyDeleteJJ did and Perez posted video on XTube.
ReplyDeleteGot a message today from a friend who has no time for celebrity gossip whatsoever so this was really interesting.
ReplyDelete"How much did they pay for the front page story of US magazine?"
Forget Gyllenspoon It's now Witherhaal
ReplyDelete^
ReplyDeleteOoh, haven't looked at that, but I was saying Witherhaal ages ago.
M, my first thought was I'd like to see Austin in this role :) Boy needs a project, could adapt his looks AND adapt to parkour like a natural - if you can waterski upside down, what can't you do?
Over to Spooky's ...
That was nice :)
ReplyDeleteI read x-17 too, the *extreme* partiality of the Butler fans is pretty amusing.
Again Spooky amazes me. Between she and Hjulia I think they have the skinny on the Goose.
ReplyDeleteBlonde Austin - may have to get the Billy back out to play : )
x17-
ReplyDeleteCamBut! BWAHAHAHA!!!
Interesting that x17 "caught" CamBut and not Reeke.
ReplyDeleteDidn't Reese in an interview say that Ava once said that her mom goes to bed at 9. They didn't meet up with CamBut until midnight, now that's way past 9.
ReplyDeleteFunny, second song when I chose shuffle right now -- Billy.
I think x17's posting about the times is their way of saying they were there and didn't see Witherhaal. They were probably hanging out there all evening hoping to catch celebs on the town on a Saturday night. Or else they got a call about CamBut (love that name too!)
ReplyDeleteX17 didn't catch the b-boy rdj, nor ben stiller, etc. This video was on the 4th? Does that place have another exit becasue the video doesn't mention any other stars. Most likely they had no idea what was going on and was distracted by oily cammy and her new beau.
ReplyDeleteDisney noncommittal on Jake playing the Prince of Persia
ReplyDeleteIf oily cammy and beau left at 3:30am then it was Sat. morning since rdj's b-day was friday the 4th unless that video was taken on another day and x17 is fudging the date or rdj celebrated his b-day on the 5th.
ReplyDeleteIs there any reason to believe that Reeke were at the party?
ReplyDeleteI prefer butcam, wicked :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting that Disney won't confirm or deny Jake as Dastan for PoP.
ReplyDeleteI think Jake does have the presence for this one, both in physicality and acting. Think of a long shot in the desert, you need someone who is not going to get lost in a sea of sand, and looks like a warrior/hero.
Austin, could play Dastan but come from a completely different approach, and yes he would do an amazing job. Each of them play on their strengths approaching their work. Jake's ruggedness vs. Austin's more classic look.
Austin just needs more roles, he's too good of an actor not get more work.
Those that have seen the script (Latino Review) say that it opens with a Indiana Jones like feel, with the siege of Alamut.
You wonder who Disney will pick to play Tamina.
Or ben stiller, or rdj himself, there is no video footage over at x17. No menton of what type of function they attended just that oily and her beau were there on friday night on a "date" even though it looked like other people were with them and they didn't look like they were on a date.
ReplyDeletePeople magazine is a PR frindly rag, the party was leaked to them and it did happen IMO because the details were specific and they wouldn't have named rdj and stiller if it was made up.
Methinks that Life and Styles saw the blurb an decided to spin it as a dou ble date because it sounded more sexy than they all attended rdj's b-day. X17 jumped on and repeated the bs because they had footage of oily and her man spilling out of that joint at 3:30am, probably tipped while the rest must have left hours ago.
Party did happen but I don't believe that Reeke were there.
ReplyDeletedestiny said:
ReplyDeleteVery funny about the rumoured list. And how ironic that the powers that be like a little ambiguity because they think it appeals to women, but then want them to button it up in their personal life.
I couldn't have said that better (and definitely not as concise!); you very often become my OMG Twin, destiny! :)
I've been back for a few days but I'm lingering in read-only mode at the moment. I have nothing to add, really. All the nails are being struck quite soundly, however. ;)
I will say that Austin would be beyond *perfect* in that Prince role. He's got all the lines and angles. A bit of an "Aladdin" look, if no one minds me saying, hehe. I know the comic book depiction is quite muscular, but it doesn't appear to be a major bulkiness. Jake would need to watch the bulk and keep it evened out. Austin wouldn't have that problem.
Having said all that, am I really into the idea of Jake taking on that role...hmmm, honestly, I don't know. His post-Reeke roles don't interest me much. I'm still anticipating Brothers, though.
I think Jake's bulk and athleticism would be great for this part. Jake can do muscled and he can do lean. He has done them both in movies before. And he does have a wonderful ethnicity to him.
ReplyDeleteI don't doubt that Jeese were at RDJ's birthday. Jake and Robert do seem like genuine friends. The rest of the reports seem like BS tho.
Jake and Robert do seem like genuine friends.
ReplyDeleteYes, they do. Everyone knows that, including PR.
I think this franchise part sounds REALLY bad. Very low quality. The Bourne Identity this is not. Not even Batman.
ReplyDeleteReally low-brow stuff. JMHO.
A cheesy clip for those who have never played the PoP on PSP.
ReplyDeletePoP Music Video
The Prince of Persia has blue eyes. It will be hard to find an actress to play Farah. She only resides in our fantasies :) ;)
Most of the world is low brow, sorry ta tell ya. ;)
ReplyDeleteI think it would have appeal to a family audience, which is may be what they are going for.
The Prince of Persia has blue eyes. It will be hard to find an actress to play Farah. She only resides in our fantasies :) ;)
ReplyDeleteReese is perfect.
I'm not familiar with the video game, but I like this concept. How is Princess Farah described, Rattler? :)
ReplyDeleteReese is perfect.
ReplyDeleteEwww.
Riff Raff: Please check the video.
The Prince of Persia has blue eyes. It will be hard to find an actress to play Farah. She only resides in our fantasies :) ;)
ReplyDelete... Reese is perfect.
Casting Office,
please pay attention.
Rattler said in our fantasies, not nightmares.
I know who should play Farah:
ReplyDeleteGiselle Bundchen!
don't doubt that Jeese were at RDJ's birthday. Jake and Robert do seem like genuine friends.
ReplyDeleteI don't doubt Jake was at RDJ party. But do ya really think Reese would hang out and tarnish herself witht the likes of a recovering druggie/drunk/ex-inmate like RDJ? Do ya really think someone great and human and talented and wise as RDJ would wanna hang out with Saint Reese?
I know who should play Farah:
ReplyDeleteGiselle Bundchen!
Holy Dopplegangers!
Is that Tom visiting Gisele or is that Austin visiting Jake?
Special K, I just gave you an excuse to drool over Tom, now didn't I?:)
ReplyDeleteSpecial K, I just gave you an excuse to drool over Tom, now didn't I?:)
ReplyDeleteTom or is it Austin? Or both? : )
A lil' bit of Tom to your left, a lil' bit of Austin to your right.
ReplyDeleteNow go on. I will watch.
I just watched the video, Rattler. I think it could be good, if done well. Jake definitely has the dramatic looks for Dastan. As far as Princess Farah? I'm drawing a blank on dark haired actresses, but someone who has Penelope Cruz or Paz Vega's looks, someone Middle Eastern, Indian, or Latin around Jake's age? I like the strand of hair that keeps falling over Farah's face.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I forgot to turn on the Cha Cha Cha. :)
ReplyDelete^^ :)
ReplyDeleteRiff Raff: Paz Vega! Good choice.
ReplyDeleteShe was fantastic in Sex and Lucia.
My pick for Princess Farah -- Aishwarya Rai
ReplyDeleteA lil' bit of Tom to your left, a lil' bit of Austin to your right.
Now go on. I will watch.
And hey now I AM a lady.
Aishwarya Rai.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm... Interesting choice.
She will also do the accent very well. Not much acting is needed anyways :) ;)
And hey now I AM a lady.
ReplyDelete*Turns off the Cha Cha Cha.*
Aishwarya Rai
ReplyDeleteI thought this at first too, Spesh, I think she's one of the most beautiful women in the world. Doesn't she have green eyes? Then I thought Paz's face matched Farah's most closely, but who knows? :)
Doesn't she have green eyes?
ReplyDeleteShe does.
But do ya really think Reese would hang out and tarnish herself witht the likes of a recovering druggie/drunk/ex-inmate like RDJ? Do ya really think someone great and human and talented and wise as RDJ would wanna hang out with Saint Reese?"
ReplyDeleteThat's not fair, y'all! I'm very big on charity. Check me out tonight on American Idol "America Gives Back."
Pushes Rattler, Gisele and Jake out the door. Locks the door behind them.
ReplyDeleteWell hello boys! ; )
It would be nice if they processed the film like Beowulf!
ReplyDeleteWell hello boys! ; )
ReplyDeleteOh yeah.
*Turns on the Cha Cha Cha again*
Hey Jake, the berry says it's Austi Spumanti.
While I am at it:
ReplyDeleteHey Jake, interesting color choice for your blackberry. Seems to match a ring I saw somewhere. Now, where did I...?
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete^^^ huh??
ReplyDeleteRattler I think I loooooove you.
ReplyDeleteYea, I prbly did. Do ya wanna change the diaper or are you gonna heave (high gag reflex)??
Maybe Austy Spumanti should be in charge of changing all diapers. No gag reflex at all. AT ALL. lol
ReplyDeleteAnd if there's a babytile maybe that's why Austin hasn't been seen, he's's the one staying home and doing diapers and spitup duty. the one who gags easily is working outside the home. Sounds fair!
It's nice to have a twin bltb. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd damn you guys are on fire tonight, best show I've seen all week. :D
Rattler I think I loooooove you.
ReplyDeleteLikewise, Bad Seed. There used to be a very funny guy at WFT called Lycanthos. If he were around, he would do this:
Assbaby™
The Assbaby at 8:39 has been deleted. As I've stated before, I do not like children in general, and I like them even less when they post on my blog.
ReplyDeleteWicked: Some Yo Yo Ma for you.
ReplyDeleteThe Silk Route is my most favorite ensemble.
The Silk Route
Thx Wicked. I forgot you and Special K are the blog nannies.
ReplyDelete"I don't like the idea of Jake or Orlando in this role. Personally, I think it should go to someone who is of Persian ethnicity."
ReplyDeleteITA
AS for stunts, didn't Jake say he has a fear of heights? that's why he didn't do the cliff scene in BBM?
ReplyDeleteSorry but as much as I like Austin, he just does not have the physique for the role of Prince of Persia. This is not a comment on his rather good looking bod, nor on his acting abilities just that that kind of role requires more muscles and bulk. Something more like Butler in 300 ... I also don't think Orlando would be good. But Jake would be perfect.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say that I loved the music for today. It went along perfectly to your post. I searched the artist but I couldn't find any other track that was quite like this one. I'll definately have to investigate this artist alittle further.
ReplyDelete"I don't like the idea of Jake or Orlando in this role. Personally, I think it should go to someone who is of Persian ethnicity."
ITA
Me too
balletqueen803 on IMDb says filming has already started for Nailed-
ReplyDeleteyeah, theyre doing it near my house, and filming has already started, i think it was today. i would have auditioned, but i was really late, so i couldnt. anyways, one of my friends is in it, and she got to meet the cast and all. so it sounds like a really good movie!
link
Oprah's show on Friday is about what it's like to be gay around the world.
ReplyDeleteFeatured will be Prince Manvendra, the Indian prince who came out! Total DVR alert!
Rattler, I did not have anything from Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble. I am downloading as I type! :)
ReplyDelete