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Reel News Tim Ryan |
Clooney gets
Magnum roleHollywood industry folks are saying Tom Selleck is definitely out and George Clooney is in for the title role in the Universal/Imagine Entertainment movie version of "Magnum, P.I.," slated for a spring production start. Sources say there are as many as four main story lines in the uncompleted script. In one, the lead character, Thomas Magnum, is dead (gasp!), and his younger P.I. brother, played by Clooney, returns here from Los Angeles to get justice for the death. Hawaii will only be used sparingly in the film, just enough to finish off the old "Magnum" story lines, sources said. Producers Don Bellasario and Brian Grazer will base the film franchise in Los Angeles where they believe the films will have better "production potential" in sequels and an easier way of disposing of the other "Magnum" series' characters without a lot of back-story clutter.
Producers believe Selleck, at 58, is too old to attract the all-important 18- to 39-year-old moviegoing demographic. If Clooney does portray Magnum's younger brother (who was never mentioned in the TV series), there will be room for a Selleck cameo.
The other popular story line has Clooney playing Thomas Magnum himself, which means no Selleck or the original co-starring cast of John Hillerman, Larry Manetti and Roger E. Mosley, since they'll be too old to appear opposite Clooney. Identities of those being considered for the updated characters of Jonathan Quayle Higgins III, Orville "Rick" Wright and Theodore "TC" Calvin are, according to a source, "top secret."
The studios really want to keep all this information under wraps to prevent any more of the Larry Manetti-like outbursts that hit the national media, following leaks about the film two months ago. Manetti said that casting "Magnum" without Selleck is "an outrage" and "stupid." But Clooney also is being very sensitive to not wanting to offend Selleck, whom he considers a friend.
The film reportedly will feature the new $800,000 Ferrari Enzo sports car in place of Magnum's classic Ferrari 308 GTS.
Clooney reportedly has signed a three-film "Magnum" picture deal.
If the film is shot this spring, there's a chance for a Christmas release; otherwise, count on summer 2005.
Clooney's name has also been mentioned for the Steve McGarrett role in the long-awaited "Hawaii Five-0" film, though sources say Mel Gibson is at the top of producer George Litto's list.
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Contact Tim Ryan at tryan@starbulletin.com.