Gene Wilder hasn’t worked since 2003 and has been officially retired since 2008. But that’s not stopping Steven Spielberg from seeking the comedy legend for his new projects.
This is just a rumor, started by Ain’t It Cool News. The site’s sources suggest that the director is hoping to get Wilder possibly to do a voice role for The BFG or in front of the camera in Ready Player One. AICN stresses itself that this is just a rumor, but they seem to have faith in their sources.
Spielberg has already finished principal photography on The BFG, which is set to come out on July 1, 2016. However, there’s obviously enough time for Wilder to come in and record some dialogue.
A role in Ready Player One, based on Ernest Cline’s novel, sounds much more plausible. That film has been scheduled for Dec. 15, 2017 and hasn’t even finished casting yet. AICN suggests that Wilder might play James Halliday, who created the OASIS virtual universe in Cline’s story.
As SlashFilm points out, Wilder, 82, has been retired since 2008, but has suggested that his old pal Mel Brooks could pull him out. But Spielberg certainly has the clout and, should he get to voice a character in The BFG, it would be incredibly cool. After all, his most famous role is the star of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, which was based on a Roald Dahl novel, too.
Wilder is also best known for his work with Brooks, including his Oscar-nominated performance in The Producers and Young Frankenstein. He last worked in Hollywood for an Emmy-winning guest stint on Will & Grace.
image courtesy of David Lobel/INFphoto.com