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Rupert Cast in Eddie the Eagle Biopic
In the Diary of the Irish Tribune, we have what looks like a pretty exciting quote from director Declan Lowney...BAFTA-award-winning Irish director Declan Lowney looks set to hit the big time after securing Harry Potter star Rupert Grint to play the lead role in a $15m comedy biopic about British ski jumper Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards, the unlikely hero of the 1988 Winter Olympics.So, it looks like we need to keep an eye on Eddie the Eagle, at the imdb. Thank you to SuzeeQ for the initial find.Grint, who plays cheeky Ron Weasley in the Potter films, will take on the role of Edwards in the story of the Eagle's disastrous Olympic adventure, in which he came last in both the 70m and 90m ski-jump categories.
"The film is really about triumph over adversity. Every single obstacle was put in this guy's way and yet he still managed to make it to the Winter Olympics," said Wexford-born Lowney.
Originally Steve Coogan was down to play the part but has now been replaced by Grint.
"I met Rupert for the first time last week and the deal is done. He's got to film two new Harry Potter movies back to back before we start shooting with him next year."
Added by Lauren November 22, 2009 (8:22PM)
oh, God, no.
Eddie the Eagle isn't a legend, just a legendary failure. Yet another British comedy about a plucky loser - don't we make enough of those already? I really think this is a terrible idea for Rupert. I want to see him stretch his range and play some good, meaty dramatic roles. He was doing well with Cherrybomb and Wild Target, but I can't help feeling this is a step backwards into the cul-de-sac that is lame, unambitious Britcoms. Because make no mistake, this WILL be terrible.
Polly, you're right! Steve Coogan is actually 23 years older than Rupert. I think that's why the part was re-cast. Eddie the Eagle was in his early 20s when his ski-jumping career began at the 1988 Olympics, so it didn't make sense to have an actor that was so much older than the character play the part.
This man sounds like a bit of a legend to the British, but there's also a nice wide gap for humour because of the way he rose to infamy. I can't wait to see how Rupert tackles the role!
Steve Coogan is some 20 years older..
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kay
November 23, 2009 (11:04PM)
omg lol
i can not wait to see this movie and by the looks of this clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UjkLC5w_fU Rupert is going to have to learn to ski/jump, where the ugliest glasses in the world, and sing a little too
i think he will do a good job at it