Spike Lee's 'Inside Man' Clive Owen Offered Villain Role In 'Oldboy'

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by Kevin Jagernauth
December 16, 2011 5:35 PM
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Update: Twitch also report that "Alice in Wonderland" and "Jane Eyre" star Mia Wasikowska has been offered the female lead of Marie, the part previously turned down by Rooney Mara. Curiously, the actress just worked with Park Chan-wook, director of the original "Oldboy," on his English-language debut "Stoker." Will that make her more likely, or less likely to take the part? We'll see in the next few weeks...

Though Colin Firth turned it down, it seems the filmmakers behind the brewing "Oldboy" remake are still keen on having a Brit play the baddie, and are reaching out to someone who has worked with director Spike Lee once before.

Twitch reports that Clive Owen, who starred in Lee's last big box office hit "Inside Man," is now being eyed to turn the screws on Josh Brolin in the upcoming film. You know the drill by now. The movie is a remake of Park Chan-wook's awesome movie, with screenwriter Mark Protosevich also turning to the manga to help with the Hollywood version. Producer Roy Lee has also boldly proclaimed this version will feature new characters and will be darker than the original (though we don't see how that's possible). There is also the role of the female lead to be cast. It was sent over to Rooney Mara, but the actress turned it down.

As for Owen, he's a decent choice, and frankly, his work with Lee in "Inside Man" is some of the best stuff he's ever done, and we'd like to seem him do bad in a movie that isn't "Killer Elite" (and is actually worth his time). Filming is set to begin next year, so hopefully this cast will begin solidifying soon.

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Patrick Walworth | December 17, 2011 1:02 AMReply

I don't really understand why anyone would ruin this movie with a remake.
Nik Grape | December 16, 2011 6:16 PMReply

This will not be worth his time, but Owen already started to slip so I wouldn't be surprised if he decides to do this. Everything about this remake sucks man, I can't believe Brolin signed on.