John Turturro plans to make 'Big Lebowski' spin-off next year....if Coen brothers say ok, of course

Undoubtedly, one of actor John Turturro's most well-known and quoted performances to date is the one he has playing "The Jesus" in The Big Lebowski, the comedy from filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen. To Turturro's credit, he is well-aware of his fame in the role, and wants to direct a spin-off with the character next year. That is, if he gets the blessing of the Coens, of course.

While being honored at the Taormina Film Festival on Saturday, the actor told The Hollywood Reporter that, if he can get legal clearance, he would like to get into production on the film in 2015.

"If I can get the permission I need, I'd like to return to that role," was his exact response, which, according to THR, gathered a loud response from a tentative audience at the festival.

There is no word at the moment as to what the plot of the movie would be, but Turturro has revealed in the past that he has had a couple ideas for the character's return. He has been quoted in the past saying that one plot idea was to make Jesus a bus driver, though it is not clear if that is still the plot that is being considered at the moment. Additionally, there was, at least at one point, the notion that the movie would be called 100 Minutes of Jesus, but it is also unclear if that is still the title of the movie.

When talking to The Toronto Star a year ago, Ethan Coen revealed that Turturro has talked to him and Joel about his ideas for a sequel/spin-off for the character, but they appear to have less interest towards returning to that character as he does.

His quote on the matter was this:

"John Turturro, who wants it, talks to us incessantly about doing a sequel about his (bowler) character Jesus. He even has the story worked out, which he’s pitched to us a few times, but I can’t really remember it... No, I don’t see it in our future.”

While they may not want to make it, it is possible that they will give Turturro their blessing to do so. If they do, expect to see The Jesus on the big screen once again sometime soon. Of course, the question as to whether or not the character should get his own movie, or just remain a supporting character, has yet to be determined.

Turturro last film as a director and star was this year's Fading Gigolo. He was also seen in God's Pocket earlier this year, and will soon be seen in such films as Gods Behaving Badly and Exodus: Gods and Kings later this year.

Image courtesy of Roger Wong/INFphoto.com

WordPress › Error

There has been a critical error on your website.

Learn more about debugging in WordPress.