CHUD is reporting that Eric Bana has been approached to play Clarke, Leslie Mann’s boyfriend, in Judd Apatow’s untitled third film which stars Seth Rogen and Adam Sandler as stand-up comedians.
At first glance Bana seems like a really odd choice for an Apatow comedy, better known for his roles in action and dramatic films. Apatow has said that his new film is more dramatic than his previous efforts (40-Year-Old-Virgin and Knocked Up), calling it “a hilarious drama”. Sandler even recently admitted that the script is “very funny” but at the same time, “pretty heartbreaking.”
Plus casting Bana fullfills an inside joke set-up by Seth Rogen’s character in Knocked Up (”If any of us get laid tonight, it’s because of Eric Bana in Munich.”) Eric Bana in a Apatow Dramadey? What do you think?
June 3rd, 2008 at 4:43 am
Guys, Eric Bana got his start in comedy here in Australia. He was part of the FULL FRONTAL comedy skit TV show and co-starred in what is arguably the funniest Aussie comedy-flick ever made - THE CASTLE. YouTube his comedy stuff before you doubt him in this flick.
I personally think he’ll be fantastic in it, his comedic timing is gold.
June 3rd, 2008 at 4:59 am
Yeah its true.
Eric Bana is known as an comedian in Australia and is hilarious.
His great.
June 3rd, 2008 at 4:59 am
i’m a fellow aussie too; and i think america still has A LOT to learn about mr. bana. He is one funny motheretc. Check out The Castle which is one of the greatest comedies ever made. Please america! Stop putting Eric Bana in crappy dramas like Lucky You and give the man something funny! judd apatow knows whats what.
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:01 am
(Can’t say I think much of your Photoshops Peter. But this is a good one.)
I like the premise of this film already. Rogen and Sandler should be worrying more about Bana’s range than just his looks :)
Bana did indeed start out as a comedian and has done skit shows and other australian comedy films. His “Taxi Driver” style role in Chopper is amazing.
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:19 am
Probably the most perfect example to debate this would be BANA’s classic role in CHOPPER. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it. Plus it features BANA in a ‘dramatically funny’ role:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeXy8BnhhxQ
Maybe dig a little deeper before whipping out statements like “At first glance Bana seems like a really odd choice for an Apatow comedy, better known for his roles in action and dramatic films…”.
It’s OK, I still love you, /F.
June 3rd, 2008 at 6:14 am
>>CH
agreed
I’ve seen some of his work on “Full Frontal” and think he would be perfect for this role, whatever it is. Bana has quite the acting range. I think his performance in “Chopper” is comedic and dramatic.
June 3rd, 2008 at 6:41 am
Well my fellows aussies have beat me to it. He is indeed a very funny and charismatic guy so it would be great to see him in an Apatow film. Here’s hoping..
June 3rd, 2008 at 7:21 am
Yes, Eric is a fantastic comedian. Methinks, this article needs an update now. Do it. DO IT!!!
June 3rd, 2008 at 7:38 am
FINALLY! Eric Bana gets a comedic break! I’ve wanted to see this guy funny up since I heard he started in stand-up. This needs update, bruddas.
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:11 am
Yes! I think Bana has a lot of comedic potential which is why he should stay the F away from anything that has any remote connection to Apatow, who is killing any remaining meaningfulness of the concept of humor.
June 3rd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Judd Apatow is such a loser. Stop making movies and go back to your cave.
June 3rd, 2008 at 1:37 pm
@ Mr. Comedian
If his connection to Lucky You hasn’t hurt him, I doubt an Apatow film will.
June 3rd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
@ Captain Awesome
Agreed. I hope he shows them both up.
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:58 pm
clearly everyone who reads /film is australian, good to see.
June 4th, 2008 at 6:29 am
if he’s that funny why hasn’t he appeared on /film’s VOTD yet? this is the only website i ever read, dammit!