Dick Cheney Biopic: George W. Bush Actor & More Revealed
More casting information about director Adam McKay’s upcoming Dick Cheney biopic, including the actors currently being eyed for the role of George W. Bush, has come to light. Back in 2015, McKay made the jump from Will Ferrell comedies to more serious fare by helming the Oscar-winning The Big Short, which examined the housing market crash of the 2000s. The filmmaker looks to continue this trend with his next project, covering the life and career of former U.S. vice president Cheney. McKay’s Big Short star Christian Bale is locked in as the lead role, already undergoing one of his famed body transformations to play the part.
At the time Bale’s involvement was made official, it was said other A-listers would be joining him. Amy Adams, who starred alongside Bale in American Hustle, was circling the role of Cheney’s wife Lynne, while Steve Carell (another Big Short alum) would play Donald Rumsfeld. Of course, given all the prominent political figures of that era, the cast was only expected to grow from there. It’s now been revealed what other stars are under consideration for the rest of the ensemble.
According to That Hashtag Show, there are three key roles in the process of being cast. In the running for George W. Bush (who was president while Cheney was VP) are Academy Award nominee Edward Norton and former X-Men star James Marsden. Hashtag Show confirms the earlier reports of Adams as Lynne, while also stating Mackenzie Davis (The Martian) is a “top contender” to portray Cheney’s daughter, Mary. As for former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a trio of heavy-hitters are being targeted. Where it stands now, that role will go to either Tyler Perry, Cuba Gooding, Jr., or Giancarlo Esposito.
No matter how the rest of this ensemble shakes out, McKay will be working with another stellar cast on the drama. It’s no surprise there are so many big names lined up. The Big Short was one of 2015’s most-acclaimed films, featuring several strong performances from the likes of Bale, Carell, and Ryan Gosling. All of these actors have great turns under their respective belts (remember, Perry was a scene stealer as the lawyer in Gone Girl), meaning McKay and company have an embarrassment of riches to choose from. Big Short received a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, so it’s safe to say McKay knows how to pick the best actors for his roles.
It is unknown when Dick Cheney will make its way into theaters. Word back in May was McKay and distributor Annapurna Pictures were hoping to start shooting in the spring for a late awards season push, but all has been quiet on that front since. Still, with Bale deep in preparation and various pieces coming to place, it won’t be much longer until the cameras start rolling. And if The Big Short is anything to go by, Cheney will be one to watch for the Oscars – whenever it’s released.
Source: Screen rant