On the eve of his Cannes debut in David Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis , Robert Pattinson spoke with Metro France about a host of topics, most notably his fear of being fired from the film and his eagerness to reunite with the director on a “really weird” film about the film industry. And, oh yes: His balls. More specifically, how Cronenberg really wanted to get them in a shot for one particularly revealing scene… [ GALLERY: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and more at the Cannes Film Festival ] Granted, the nuance of language gets a bit lost via Google Translation (hat tip to fan blog Robert Pattinson Life for their translated version). Either way, temper your expectations: The Pattinson junk did not make it to the screen as planned. “Five minutes before we filmed, David told me, ‘I want to see the bottom of your balls on the top of the frame.’ At the moment, I reminded myself that I would do anything for him. So I went back to see him and told him that wouldn’t happen. He took it really well. At the start, it’s a very bizarre scene that you won’t see again in another movie, I promise.” Oh, that Cronenberg! Pattinson also told Metro France about the film he hopes to reunite with Cronenberg on after he hunts Saddam Hussein in Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire’s Mission: Blacklist : “I don’t know when exactly we’re going to shoot. It will be David’s first movie in America. In Los Angeles, to be exact. It will be about the film industry and I promise that it’s going to be really weird.” As it should be. Read more here and here , and follow Movieline’s Cannes coverage as Cosmopolis debuts tomorrow.
It would be very easy to show up here and report that Men in Black 3 has no reason to exist, that it’s just another threequel that didn’t have to be made. The truth is a little more complicated: Men in Black 3 — which was, like its two predecessors, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld — is neither as much fun as the first picture in the series nor as totally useless as the second. It has an actual story line, one that’s quite moving in places. And it features a bit of casting that’s pure genius. Men in Black 3 is almost good enough to make you care about its existence. And yet not quite. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones return as Agents J and K respectively, and their partnership is no more harmonious than it ever was: Agent J accuses K, quite justifiably, of barely being able to communicate on any human level. Agent K responds with yet more evasiveness: He’s a man of few words who appears to be carrying a great deal of baggage beneath his eyes alone. He has secrets, dammit, things that Agent J might be better off not knowing. Which makes Agent J that much more eager for some sort of connection with his partner-slash-father-figure. Meanwhile, Boris the Animal (Jemaine Clement, from Flight of the Conchords , doing his best Tim Curry imitation), a goggle-eyed alien villain whose dastardly plan was foiled years ago by Agent K — the episode also cost him an arm — escapes from prison with the goal of traveling back in time to kill Agent K before that arrest, and that arm-hacking, can happen. Simultaneously, Agent J wakes up in world where Agent K has been dead for years; he too travels back in time, to 1969, aiming to save the life of his taciturn hound dog of a partner, a guy who, as J aptly puts it, has “kind of a surly Elvis thing happening with him.” Outside of an early scene in which J and K show up at a Chinese restaurant to investigate a health-code violation that involves noodle dishes laced with alien eyeballs and such, Men in Black 3 is pretty low on the silly, clever creepie-crawlies that were the mainstay of the original. (The script is by Etan Cohen, based on the comic-book characters created by Lowell Cunningham.) And because this is a costly summer blockbuster, released in 3-D no less, its last third is cluttered with the usual manic action, which is undistinguished and unmemorable. But Men in Black 3 does have its charms, partly thanks to some first-rate second-banana players: The luminous Emma Thompson and the radiant Alice Eve play older and younger versions of the same character, and their presence helps tone down some of Will Smith’s unbearable “Love me!” rays. Jones is barely in the movie, but at least he makes an impact: It’s fascinating to look at his face, aging apace in the normal fashion — how has it gotten to the point that it’s such a wonderful thing to watch an actor grow into the face he was meant to have? But most wonderful of all is Josh Brolin as the young Agent K. It’s so easy to believe that Brolin could turn into Jones, given a couple of decades. Brolin mimics Jones’s phrasing perfectly, capturing the essence of his easy drawl, getting those Southern-fried pauses just right. His features even carry that half-worried, half-exasperated look that Jones’ Agent K has always worn so well. The plot of Men in Black 3, once you strip away the silly action and 3-D falderal, is relatively simple and straightforward, and even though, in essence, it’s not anything you haven’t seen before, it still manages to strike a semi-meaningful chord. Its effects, particularly a sequence that takes place near the very top of the Chrysler Building, atop one of those majestic art deco eagles, are reasonably impressive. But somehow, its actors end up mattering more. Is that a strength or a liability in a summer blockbuster? It ought to be the former, but these days, who can tell for sure? Follow Stephanie Zacharek on Twitter . Follow Movieline on Twitter .
The Film : Being John Malkovich (1999), available today on Blu-ray and DVD via The Criterion Collection Why It’s an Inessential Essential : It’s strange to think that a film with John Malkovich’s name in its title isn’t really considered to be “a John Malkovich movie.” Instead, Being John Malkovich is understandably normally associated with screenwriter Charlie Kaufman and director Spike Jonze, both of whom really broke out thanks to BJM ’s success. While Jonze reveals on The Criterion Collection’s new audio commentary track that he and Kaufman were dead-set on getting Malkovich for the film, Being John Malkovich could really be about any celebrity. At the same time, that’s one of the many things that’s funny about Being John Malkovich : It’s a metaphysical black comedy about what people projecting things onto celebrities that don’t necessarily have anything to do with those celebrities. Malkovich just happens to be the guy whose mind Schwartz (John Cusack) and his vampish colleague Maxine (Catherine Keener) invade after they inadvertently discover a miniature portal into his head, and so his comic performance is consequently often overlooked in discussions of the film. He’s the biggest butt of Kaufman and Jonze’s jokes (I love when Maxine casually insults him by saying that he has a “too-prominent brow”), but he also reaffirms his fantastic comic timing, as when he cops a feel after ineffectually cooing to Maxine, “Shall we away to the boudoir?” Malkovich also demonstrates a deceptively subtle knack for physical comedy, like when he gives a buffoonishly perplexed look after being told by a date that he’s “creepy.” In a moment’s time, he scratches his head and tucks his lower lip beneath his teeth. It’s pretty hilarious because it’s done with such sly conviction. How the DVD Makes the Case for the Film : Criterion includes a number of great little behind-the-scenes on its new two-disc DVD set. In an interview with comedian John Hodgman, Malkovich reveals that when he was first given the script, “I saw the title and didn’t really think much about it.” He then initially turned the project down at the behest of his producing partner Russ Smith, who wanted Kaufman and Jonze to make the film “about” someone other than Malkovich. Later, Malkovich was taken aside again by Francis Ford Coppola and introduced directly to Jonze, whom Coppola said “everyone would [eventually] be working for.” According to Malkovich, after he signed onto the project, Kaufman apparently cut “some of the worst jokes about me — meaning the most cruelest ones,” from the screenplay. “I like those jokes,” he tells Hodgman nonchalantly. “I think they’re really funny.” Ironically, while Malkovich says that the film, “isn’t at all about me, it’s about people’s perceptions of me,” he apparently suggested that Charlie Sheen play his character’s best friend in Being John Malkovich . (Kevin Bacon had apparently already turned down that role.) But Malkovich had never met Sheen until that point; he just “struck me as the kind of person I would go to in an existential crisis.” Other Interesting Trivia : There’s a really bizarre and hilariously unfocused audio commentary track on disc one, where Michel Gondry, who was originally supposed to direct the film (he would later work with Kaufman on Human Nature before their Oscar-winning collaboration Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind ) talks about everything but the film. At one point, he calls Spike Jonze up and jokingly browbeats him to confess that he fell in love with Keener on set. This is after Gondry wonders aloud if the cameraman got a boner when filming a POV shot from Malkovich’s perspective while he has sex with Keener. Gondry dismisses the idea that Malkovich became aroused by Keener but still insists that the cameraman and the director must have gotten sprung. I wonder what Malkovich thinks… PREVIOUS INESSENTIAL ESSENTIALS The Last Temptation of Christ The Sitter Citizen Ruth The Broken Tower Dogville Night Call Nurses Strange Fruit: The Beatles’ Apple Records Jeremiah Johnson Simon Abrams is a NY-based freelance film critic whose work has been featured in outlets like The Village Voice, Time Out New York, Vulture and Esquire. Additionally, some people like his writing, which he collects at Extended Cut .
The Weekly Rising takes a closer look at the comic inspiration for Christopher Nolan’s final Batman film. By Kevin P. Sullivan Batman #497: The breaking of the Bat Photo: DC Comics Throughout his tenure as the commander of the big-screen Batman, Christopher Nolan , along with writing partners Jonathan Nolan and David S. Goyer, have pulled selectively from the vast library of books for inspiration in the films. “Batman Begins” borrowed a handful of elements from Frank Miller’s “Batman: Year One,” while “The Dark Knight” took some character notes from “The Long Halloween.” When it was announced that Bane would make his triumphant return as a respectable villain in the finale, ” The Dark Knight Rises ,” comic books fans were just as quick to shout “Knightfall,” in reference to the trilogy of stories that played out during 1993 and 1994. It appeared Nolan and company had found their inspiration, but what exactly would they use from those books? Bane The masked villain was the clear giveaway to “Knightfall” ‘s presence as an influence, and it’s clear why. Bane only showed up on the DC Comics scene four months before the beginning of the “Knightfall” story line, and once the show got on the road, he made his introduction count. As he appears to be in “The Dark Knight Rises,” the Bane of the comics was a hyper-intelligent behemoth of a man, capable of besting Bruce Wayne. Prison Break Part of Bane’s plan in gaining the upper hand over Batman involved releasing all of Arkham Asylum’s worst inmates on the city. Batman wears himself down, rounding up the likes of the Joker, the Scarecrow and Poison Ivy, and this series of bouts leaves him severely weakened when he finally has to face off against Bane in the Batcave, leading to the most significant scene from “Knightfall.” The Break If Bane is remembered for anything, it is the central moment of “Knightfall” when he takes a physically and mentally exhausted Bruce Wayne and breaks his back with a knee to the spine. It was a critical blow in more than one sense of the word and significantly changed the shape of the Batman titles for years to come. The scant footage we have actually seen from “The Dark Knight Rises” hints that Christian Bale ‘s Bruce Wayne does suffer some similar injury during the course of the film. He appears to be walking with a cane, and while we can’t conclusively blame Bane, the timing sure is something! Catwoman Selina Kyle’s appearance in both “Knightfall” and “The Dark Knight Rises” most likely is a coincidence, since her role in the former is not terribly significant. It does matter, however, that she attempts to help Bruce Wayne with his paralysis, demonstrating that there are many facets to her allegiances. The New Batman While Bruce Wayne was on the mend thanks to Bane’s handiwork, a new Batman, Jean-Paul Valley, took up the cowl in his absence. Since the tag line of “The Dark Knight Rises” leaves little doubt that the “legend ends” with this final movie, fans have been pondering whether the new film will mean the death of Bruce Wayne. If that’s the case, the symbol would have to live on. A new Dark Knight would have to rise. Check out everything we’ve got on “The Dark Knight Rises.” For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com .
Late Beastie Boy’s film company, Oscilloscope Laboratories, carries on his legacy. By Fallon Prinzivalli Adam Yauch in 1999 Photo: Mick Hutson/ Getty Images With the news Friday that Beastie Boy Adam Yauch lost his battle with cancer , distraught fans turned up “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)” and remembered the rapper’s incredible musical accomplishments. But those of us with an eye on movies remember MCA’s contributions to the film industry as well. With countless Beastie songs featured on movie soundtracks, including J.J. Abram’s “Star Trek” and Marvel’s “Iron Man 2,” there’s no doubt the group as a whole had success in film. But Yauch took it a step further when he dove into directing documentaries and shorts, including “Fight for Your Right Revisited,” his 2011 Sundance Film Festival debut that acted as a sequel to the hip-hop trio’s 1987 music video. Most notably, however, Yauch launched the indie production and distribution company Oscilloscope Laboratories . With Yauch’s death, some are wondering what will become of the company’s future. A statement on the Oscilloscope website reads, “Adam’s legacy will remain a driving force at Oscilloscope — his indomitable spirit and his great passion for film, people and hard work — always with a sense of humor and a lot of heart.” Here’s what films are in store for Oscilloscope as it carries on Yauch’s memory: “Shut Up and Play the Hits” A year ago, LCD Soundsystem played their final show to an audience of thousands at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden. James Murphy, LCD’s frontman and the co-founder of DFA Records, decided to jump ship at the height of the group’s career, which — while ambitious — proved to pay off. The show sold out almost instantly and the band left the music industry on top. As fans, friends and family gathered to witness the end of one of the most popular bands of its generation, the cameras were rolling to capture every moment of the unforgettable performance. The film closely follows Murphy as he deals with the positive and negative effects of his decision. “Wuthering Heights” Director Andrea Arnold offers a distinctly new take on the classic love story by Emily Bront
It has been years in the making. It is epic in scope. It contains elements beloved by millions. “It” is the marketing campaign for the hotly anticipated superhero gathering The Avengers , and as promotional surges go, those are high standards to maintain. Hence the $100 million worth of international promotional partnerships formed by Marvel and Disney — although, with such a global presence, it seems natural that a few of their marketing and merchandising moves would make less impact than Mjölnir . Behold the weirdest of what you may find touting the the comic-book blockbuster in the United States and beyond. Breaking the mold from conventional products — and conventional fanboys — is this customized collector’s desk, created by Tom Spina Designs . Made for a dedicated fan with a collection of screen props, this desk features items gathered from Captain America, Iron Man and all of their Avengers peers. This calls to mind another high end piece of furniture based on the franchise… Studio Dror created a S.H.I.E.L.D desk in conjunction with movie partner Acura. The spartan surface hides a number of compartment, hidden speakers and an iPod dock. The overall appearance calls to mind a possible scene where the members of the team turn to Thor’s Nordic experience to help them decipher the arcane instructions to an IKEA design. Meanwhile, though the snake-oil element of power/balance bracelets has largely been exposed here in the U.S., it looks as if Japan still clings to the supposed benefits of these adornments. Fashioned after Tony Stark’s suit-summoning device seen on screen, the firm Colantotte offers its Limited Edition Avengers Magtitan Neo Legend bracelet in titanium, stainless steel, and carbon fiber: It uses the power of magnets to — uh, well, help you out. Plus it is versatile: “Perfect both for Avengers thwarting arch enemies at the top of their game, or for everyday casual/business use.” The bling’s benefits sound impressive: They are axially magnetized in their trademarked “alternating north-south polarity orientation” (ANSPO) — which basically means the manufacturer took one of the magnets and flipped it over. Occasionally a major release will provoke a company to come out with a signature fragrance linked to either the film or a character. Well, credit the masterminds at JADS International with recognizing the immense scope of this film via seven fragrances based on Avengers players , including Nick Fury AND Loki: Close your eyes for moment and picture the behemoth that is the Hulk, veins coursing with secretions as he is covered in a sheen of perspiration. So what do you imagine he smells like? Nope, you’re wrong. According to the company, his fragrance is one of “Yuzu, bergamot and tarragon which create clean, clear top notes along with unexpected accords of water lily and nutmeg. SMASH! then carries an intense woody drydown enriched with Indian sandalwood, vetiver, musk and sharp cedar.” Tony Stark also gets his unique Mark VII aroma combining “mandarin, neroli, nasturtium and jasmine layered with light patchouli.” I’d say they got that one wrong. Actually I was expecting a light expression of pneumatic fluid mixed with fumes from 12 year old scotch, and just a whiff of shame. Fast-food tie-ins with comic book franchises are nothing new. However, one growing trend is the major studio release with tie-ins that are perfectly suited for American audiences yet unavailable Stateside. One such example is the Philippine chicken franchise Jollibee. For The Avengers , Jollibee not only offer up themed, reusable chicken buckets for their larger orders, but you can also purchase an additional item related to the film. Knowing the obsessives who collect Slurpee straws with characters on them, I presume many would clamor for these heat-reactive cups with hidden movie graphics. Just a couple of dollars in stores these will probably be fetching near $20 (after shipping, natch) on eBay very soon. Comic book films generate copious toy franchising opportunities, even when they make no sense. Slapping the image of characters on anything from playground balls to flashlights generates sales. The Avengers has even lured one company into being the exclusive slot-car producer for the film. But one product that truly defies logic is the Hulk diving mask: Is it really considered a clever move to obscure your child’s vision while underwater, all in the name of “resembling” his or her favorite gargantuan green Avenger? Anyway, the tie-in heft of a summer blockbuster with luncheon meat is obvious. I say this because it continuously occurs, even as you or I fail to see the connection. The Land-O-Frost company once again has joined a major studio in promoting its title by placing stickers on meat packs and staging a contest for customers. You, too, can feel a kinship with supernaturally gifted heroes by eating machine-stripped, processed and mechanically extruded ham loaf. Europe also has realized the cold-cut windfall to be had, with the Italian company Montana Foods following suit. Heroic baloney in Bologna — who’d have guessed? As we all know by now, Disney owns Marvel, and therefore the studio is able to platform its marketing with other company assets. Some can make sense, like covering the iconic monorails at Disney theme parks in graphics for the movie. But just because you can synergize doesn’t mean you should synergize. To wit, Disney also owns the ABC network. Therefore it was decided by somebody with a John Carter -like vision to stage a scene of the dwindling soap opera General Hospital with characters standing in front of an ersatz movie theater , discussing deep emotional plot points in front of banners for Avengers . I’m betting some marketing suit was brought into a board room and schooled loudly on some of the basics of Demographics-101. It would take a James Franco stunt-cameo to get tickets sold from that aged audience. Brad Slager has written about movies and entertainment for Film Threat, Mediaite, and is a columnist at CHUD.com . His less insightful impressions on entertainment can be found on Twitter .
The actor tells MTV News he expects to play the superhero ‘for a long while.’ By Kevin P. Sullivan Robert Downey Jr. at the “Avengers” premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday Photo: Getty Images With the Avengers finally assembling next week, Marvel Studios and the stars behind the heroes have already begun to look ahead to the next films set in the comic-book universe. At the closing night celebration of the Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday night (April 28), Robert Downey, Jr. spoke with MTV News about the future of his character, Iron Man, and addressed recent talk about other actors playing the role in the future. At CinemaCon last week, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige mentioned to Badass Digest that when it came time for Downey to leave the role of Tony Stark behind, a new actor could pick up right where he left off, like in the James Bond films. But Downey told MTV News on the red carpet that he wasn’t so thrilled about the idea of someone else playing Tony Stark. “I would really hate for someone else to think they could step into my shoes,” he said. An infamous jokester, he couldn’t help but ask, “I wonder who’s playing Tony Stark next. Is it you? Is that what you’re here to tell me?” But Downey can’t be Iron Man forever, and while the 42-year-old actor couldn’t say for sure how many movies he has left in him, he made clear he’ll be interested as long as they remain good films. “I know things are looking like that they could go on for a long while,” Downey said. “As usual in my book, it’s all about quality control and delivering a product that you can have this kind of reaction to. If they keep doing that, maybe I’ll keep showing up.” In Downey’s immediate Marvel future, there’s next year’s ” Iron Man 3 .” The past few weeks have seen actors like Sir Ben Kingsley , Guy Pearce and Jessica Chastain potentially joining the cast, and Downey said that he could not wait to work with “any or all of them.” “It’s funny. Sometimes you have to call for a good old-fashioned British invasion,” Downey said. “‘Iron Man 3’ is really shaping up to be something special. We start in a couple weeks. I’m sure I’ll be leaking secrets to you as we move ahead.” What secrets, you ask? Well, it was recently announced that “Iron Man 3” would be co-produced in China. As for whether any filming would take place in the East, Downey was less forthcoming. “I’d like to tell you all my secrets,” he said,” but I forget them.” Check out everything we’ve got on “The Avengers.” For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com . Related Videos ‘The Avengers’ Take On Tribeca Film Festival Assemble Yourself For ‘Avengers’ Sneak Peeks Related Photos ‘Avengers’
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Oh…my… GOD , Becky — look at Catwoman ‘s butt. Ahem . In a new promo image from The Dark Knight Rises , Anne Hathaway poses as Catwoman and shows, as many salivating fanboys have already suggested, just why the Batman sequel might’ve earned that PG-13 for “sensuality.” But wait! Why is everyone talking about Catwoman’s butt and not Batman ‘s meticulously sculpted-but-jaunty rubberized codpiece? Equal opportunity for costumed cosplay ogling after the jump, thanks to two new promo images for the July tentpole. First, we’ll start with this suggestively perky, full-length look at Hathaway as Catwoman, unearthed today on the internetz (hat tip ComingSoon ): A mask and cat-ear goggles? Leather gloves over a bodysuit also made of leather, with thigh-high boots to boot? This is one layered lady. I bet she makes that squeaking leather sound when she walks. Now, maybe Catwoman’s using her butt as yet another deadly weapon. Or maybe when you wear giant stiletto shit-kicking heels like that, one’s rear lifts naturally (welcome to the world of woman secrets, fellas). Ok, fine. Take a good gander. Now, can we move on to…Batman’s bat-junk? Behold, from the current issue of EW : I don’t know about you, but this kind of overly structured superhero outfit feels excessive and a little exhausting to look at. I can’t picture anyone toiling away somewhere in the Bat-sweatshop making every little molded rubber part of Batman’s faux six-pack, though it is funny to imagine the rationale for such a design: He needs protection… for each pack ! Do you think Bruce Wayne toiled very long over the agonizing decision to go with the muted bronze of his utility belt? How does one fit oneself for the perfectly proportioned superhero codpiece? The above image comes from EW’s Summer Movie Preview issue, which was accompanied by various Chris Nolan non-spoiler quotes and this very interesting tidbit concerning baddie Bane , played by Tom Hardy , and his unusual voice: “It’s a risk, because we could be laughed at — or it could be very fresh and exciting,” says Hardy, adding that the voice he developed was influenced by many factors, including a desire to honor the comic book character’s brains and Caribbean heritage. “The audience mustn’t be too concerned about the mumbly voice,” says Hardy. “As the film progresses, I think you’ll be able to tune to its setting.” Aha! And so we kind of get an answer in the great Bane ethnicity debate: Hardy is seemingly playing the villain true to his Caribbean/Latin heritage as written in the comics, which hardly closes the book on the issue. The fact that Bane’s being played by a white guy could conceivably still be explained away in the film; the character’s comic book origins cite a British mercenary father and a local rebel mother, which seems to make Bane half-Latino, half-Caucasian. But time will tell. For now, we have butts and junk to stare at. [ ComingSoon , EW ]
While it will be a big loss for the show, we think all three can move on to strong careers. By John Mitchell Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis and Andy Samberg Photo: Getty Images The news that Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis and Andy Samberg may leave “Saturday Night Live” at the end of the current season has fans wondering why their favorite stars are looking to jump and how they’ll fare once they’ve departed the safety of the sketch-comedy institution to pursue TV and movie stardom. Neither Sudeikis nor Samberg has commented on the rumors , but on Alec Baldwin’s podcast Monday, Wiig did address the departure talk, though she neither confirmed nor denied the chatter. “I don’t know,” Wiig told Baldwin when asked if her tenure as one of the most beloved “SNL” performers was nearly up. “Everyone has to leave … and I will say that when I do leave, it’s not because I’m sick of it and not because I see something better or anything like that. It’s just that it’s time. When I do leave, it will be the hardest thing.” While some “SNL” performers have had shaky post-show careers, plenty have had great success, and there’s no reason to think Wiig, Samberg and Sudeikis won’t do the same. All three have plenty of projects lined up and a history of behind-the-scenes work that makes us think they’ll be just fine. Let’s take a look at what these three have cooking: Kristen Wiig Wiig is arguably the biggest star of the current “SNL” cast. She’s been on the show for nearly seven years and has received three Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy nominations for her performance on the show. Her characters Gilly and the Target Lady and her impersonations of Kathie Lee Gifford, Nancy Pelosi and Taylor Swift are among the show’s most well-known. If she does leave, it will be a major loss for the show, but like Wiig told frequent “SNL” host Baldwin, “Everyone has to leave.” Like many successful comediennes before her, Wiig honed her comic talents as a performer and writer with the Groundlings comedy troupe. The latter talent served her particularly well last year, earning her an Oscar nomination for co-writing the screenplay to her hit film “Bridesmaids,” which grossed nearly $170 million in the US. Perhaps in preparation for her inevitable “SNL” departure, she’s recently been taking on dramatic parts — as in the just released “Friends With Kids” and the upcoming “Freezing People Is Easy” — and even her planned laughers skew away from the screwball comedy where she made her name, including “Imogene,” about a playwright who stages a suicide to win back her ex but ends up in the custody of her gambling-addict mother, and “The Comedian,” which will be directed by Sean Penn and co-star Robert De Niro. Prediction : Pretty, smart and an undeniable double threat, Wiig will be just fine. She’s got a long list of promising projects in the works, indicating that while she’s already a household name, she’s probably set for even bigger things. Jason Sudeikis Like Wiig, Sudeikis is currently enjoying a surge of interest from the film community. While his recent “Good Old Fashioned Orgy” was a miss, Sudeikis found modest box-office success with the comedy “Hall Pass” and scored an even bigger smash last summer with “Horrible Bosses,” which was a $117 million-grossing hit in the U.S. and pulled in another $92 million overseas. Sudeikis has found himself in some pretty ideal company if he’s looking to launch a long-term career in big-screen comedies. He already has “The Campaign,” co-starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, in the can, as well as a still-untitled short-film compilation (think “Paris, je t’aime”) that co-stars, in some fashion, everyone from Kate Winslet and Hugh Jackman to Elizabeth Banks and Emma Stone. The actor is also carving out quite a TV niche, appearing regularly on HBO’s acclaimed “Eastbound & Down” and as a voice on the animated “Cleveland Show.” Prediction : Sudeikis’ reputation for being easy to work with should not be underestimated here. Comedians are notoriously touchy subjects, so it’s not surprising that his easygoing nature has quickly made him a go-to for directors looking for a handsome funny guy. And let’s face it: There will always be a role for the handsome funny guy. But if he wants to prove himself to be more than a one-trick pony, he needs to take on a dramatic role in the near future. Might we suggest an ensemble pic from a director like Paul Thomas Anderson, Steven Soderbergh or David O. Russell? That way, if he’s good, critics will call him a “scene stealer,” but if he’s not great, he would blend into the background. Andy Samberg Samberg’s departure is perhaps the biggest risk of the three “SNL” castmembers reportedly looking to fly the coop. Unlike Wiig and Sudeikis, he has not been the lead or major featured player in a successful film. Indeed, he’s been a supporting player in a number of misfires and is a hard sell as a leading man. He’s going to make a go of it with the upcoming Sundance Film Fest crowd pleaser “Celeste and Jesse Forever,” and there seems to be a lot of interest in his upcoming summer comedy with Adam Sandler, “That’s My Boy.” But Samberg’s problem may lie in the very thing that’s made him famous: his goofball shtick. The Digital Shorts he brought to “SNL” with his Lonely Island crew have been insanely popular, but Samberg has so far been at his best in small doses. To make a strange analogy, there’s a reason Leslie Knope is the lead character on “Parks and Recreation” instead of Ron Swanson or Tom Haverford. It’s because wild and crazy works for supporting characters, but leads have to be able convey far more depth and connect with audiences. Samberg has yet to prove he can do that. Prediction : He may have a rough go of things until he finds his footing, but if he’s able to bring the kind of creativity and innovation to his post-“SNL” career as he did to his time on the show, he’ll figure things out. He really needs to dial it back and prove he can be more than the zany sidekick. Which “SNL” star do you think will have the most success after leaving the show? Let us know in the comments below!
