Funny, Bunny

Steven Spielberg has is planning to remake of “Harvey.” You may remember the movie about an likable, endearing Elwood whose best friend is a six-foot-tall imaginary rabbit, starring Jimmy Stewart. The movie was based on a Pulitzer prize-winning play of the same name.

But who should be Elwood P. Dowd? People jump to Tom Hanks as this generations everyman and yeah he is alot like Jimmy Stewart. Some people think Will Smith because of his box office appeal. But the Moveline web site, urged Spielberg to think younger and hipper, has an intriguing list of alternatives and put up a list of alternatives including h Johnny Depp to edgy Sacha Baron Cohen, Shia LaBeouf and up-and-comer Jeremy Renner (”The Hurt Locker”).

Other names Jim Carrey, Clooney, Will Ferrell have been mention. And Jake's name popped up but could he do another imaginary rabbit movie and not have it turn into a mash up of Harvey Darko?

But think there is someone else is the perfect example of everyman and the vulnerable innocence that could see and have a six foot imaginary rabbit as his best friend. Austin.

And I think he does too. Did he take a plan out of Jake's play book and drop a hint about it in post he did on Southern Gothic awhile back. While he might have been talking about Jake,(yes still think so) it could have another meaning about wanting Harvey too? Did he hear the talk about Harvey and wanted to throw his hat in the ring?

Austin does look like the picture of the everyman, the stature similar as Stewart as well as his personality. Honestly you need to be a tall guy to hang with a 6 foot 3 rabbit. That should kick out Stiller and Cruise right off the list. But it is that ability that he displayed at John that showed that he could have such wonderment, and vulnerability yet strong enough of an actor to play against nothing and make you believe it.

What do you think would Spielberg take a chance and go with someone a little less well known but perfect for the part or would he fall back on same old choices? And will he make Elwood an alcoholic like in the original movie? Has that become something that would be changed because attitudes have changed in the almost 50 years since the original came out.

Check out Austin Nichols Journal (aka Spooky's) for pictures of Austin at the Showtime TCA party.