Who would you like to see make a Downey-esque comeback?

[megladon8]

Before Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. really wasn't making a lot of A-list stuff. Zodiac and Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang were both studio films, but neither were enormous financial successes.

Largely due to his infamous substance abuse problems, RDJ just wasn't getting a lot of high-profile roles.

Until Iron Man, that is, which propelled him back into the public eye in a huge way, and now - less than a year later - he's one of Hollywood's most in-demand actors, scoring high-profile roles left and right, as well as continuing work on the Iron Man franchise.

Who would you like to see get a comeback role like this? Who do you think deserves it?

I'm sure I've said this several times on here and other forums, but I wish Michael Keaton would get another chance in a big movie.

After he declined to return as Batman in Batman Forever (Warner Bros. offered him an ENORMOUS salary of $35 million, which he refused because he disliked the script so much), he really didn't do much. He had a supporting role in Jackie Brown, was in that terrible family movie Jack Frost, and now pretty much exists solely in the DTV/indie-but-not-good market.

But he's a great actor, and a charming, likable guy. I really think he deserves another shot at stardom.

[B-side]

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/31_goodman_lgl.jpg

[megladon8]

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/31_goodman_lgl.jpg


His career hasn't really gone downhill, though. Well, I mean, maybe the quality of his choices, but he's still very much in the big leagues.

He's been in tons of movies lately - Speed Racer,Death Sentence, Evan Almighty, Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Plus he does voicework up the wah-zoo.

[B-side]

His career hasn't really gone downhill, though. Well, I mean, maybe the quality of his choices, but he's still very much in the big leagues.

He's been in tons of movies lately - Speed Racer,Death Sentence, Evan Almighty, Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Plus he does voicework up the wah-zoo.

I'd hardly call any of those roles "high profile". Hell, most people probably didn't even know he was in Evan Almighty or Confessions of a Shopaholic. He's around, but he's very much hanging by a thread. He gets little bit roles largely for comedic effect. I wanna see another Goodman role on par with Charlie in Barton Fink, Walter in The Big Lebowski, etc.

[megladon8]

I'd hardly call any of those roles "high profile". Hell, most people probably didn't even know he was in Evan Almighty or Confessions of a Shopaholic. He's around, but he's very much hanging by a thread. He gets little bit roles largely for comedic effect. I wanna see another Goodman role on par with Charlie in Barton Fink, Walter in The Big Lebowski, etc.


Understood and agreed.

[Robby P]

I'd say there's a 95 percent chance that Goodman has a prominent role in a major Coens picture within the next 12-18 months.

He's hardly off the map, is all I'm saying.

[Sycophant]

Ambiguous thread.

Sandra Bullock.

[megladon8]

Ambiguous thread.

Sandra Bullock.


Again...she's hardly lost her career. She still makes those romantic comedies that make tons of moolah.

I'm talking actors whose careers have gone down the toilet. They don't get roles anymore.

[Spinal]

Before I read all of the first post, I was thinking Michael Keaton too.

[megladon8]

Before I read all of the first post, I was thinking Michael Keaton too.


High five!

[B-side]

I'd say there's a 95 percent chance that Goodman has a prominent role in a major Coens picture within the next 12-18 months.

He's hardly off the map, is all I'm saying.

I was just checking out his IMDb page and he has a role coming this year in a film called Pope Joan that seems pretty meaty. It's being directed by a director named Sönke Wortmann. Never heard of him. Here's (http://www.moviejungle.com/images/images.asp?Movie_ID=3440) an image of Goodman in the film.

Other than that, the rest of the roles listed coming up are comedy or family fare. Just to clarify, I'm not making light of comedy roles. Just saying bit comedy roles is usually where he ends up.

[Sycophant]

Again...she's hardly lost her career. She still makes those romantic comedies that make tons of moolah.

I'm talking actors whose careers have gone down the toilet. They don't get roles anymore.

I cannot find a year in the last decade in which Robert Downey, Jr. has not had a release, most of which have been fairly prominent, if not starring roles. None of her recent romcoms (which is of course pretty much all a woman of her not-too-old age can hope to get these days) have been big smashes and she didn't have any films in 2008 or 2003.

Can we get a list of possible qualifiers, Meg?

[megladon8]

I cannot find a year in the last decade in which Robert Downey, Jr. has not had a release, most of which have been fairly prominent, if not starring roles. None of her recent romcoms (which is of course pretty much all a woman of her not-too-old age can hope to get these days) have been big smashes and she didn't have any films in 2008 or 2003.

Can we get a list of possible qualifiers, Meg?


Are you really going to argue that Iron Man didn't mark a big turn-around in RDJ's career?

Really?

[Sycophant]

Are you really going to argue that Iron Man didn't mark a big turn-around in RDJ's career?

Really?

No. But I am going to say Bullock's career could probably use just such a defibrillator, since her position doesn't seem to be all too different from where his was a year ago.

[megladon8]

Here's one:

I want Gene Hackman to come out of retirement and make just one more good movie, so we can all rest easy knowing that Welcome to Mooseport wasn't his last.

[MacGuffin]

Here's one:

I want Gene Hackman to come out of retirement and make just one more good movie, so we can all rest easy knowing that Welcome to Mooseport wasn't his last.

Or we can forget about that and just look at The Royal Tenenbaums as his last, even though it isn't.

[megladon8]

Or we can forget about that and just look at The Royal Tenenbaums as his last, even though it isn't.


I'd still love Gene Hackman to come back, though.

On a good day he's my favorite actor ever.

[megladon8]

No. But I am going to say Bullock's career could probably use just such a defibrillator, since her position doesn't seem to be all too different from where his was a year ago.


OK, good point.

[transmogrifier]

Again...she's hardly lost her career. She still makes those romantic comedies that make tons of moolah.

I'm talking actors whose careers have gone down the toilet. They don't get roles anymore.

Downey didn't really go anywhere either by that definition.

[transmogrifier]

Are you really going to argue that Iron Man didn't mark a big turn-around in RDJ's career?

Really?

It made him bankable, which he had never been up to that point anyway, so hardly a comeback, is it?

[Winston*]

Mickey Rourke

[Ezee E]

Strangely enough, Michael Keaton and Robert Downey were both in the very underappreciated Game 6. Love that movie.

How about a return to a genre? No more lonely Bill Murray I say.

[megladon8]

It made him bankable, which he had never been up to that point anyway, so hardly a comeback, is it?


Yeah, Iron Man was definitely a turning point in his career. I really don't see how it can be argued that it wasn't.

His career wasn't as in-the-dumps as Michael Keaton's has been, but he's now a big A-list star. He wasn't before.

[Spinal]

Kenneth Branagh's been around, but I'd like to see him tackle another great classical role on film. Marc Antony perhaps?

John Cameron Mitchell hasn't had a major film role since Hedwig. C'mon, J.C., what else you got?

[Winston*]

Strangely enough, Michael Keaton and Robert Downey were both in the very underappreciated Game 6. Love that movie.

How about a return to a genre? No more lonely Bill Murray I say.

Sad-eyed Bill Murray looking at things is the most consistently great genre.

[Spinal]

How about a return to a genre? No more lonely Bill Murray I say.

I would love to see Bill Murray and Tom Hanks team up to make a sophomoric comedy with absolutely no gravitas or Oscar aspirations.

[B-side]

How about a return to a genre? No more lonely Bill Murray I say.

Yeah, for sure. No more aging cop Pacino? Same for Tommy Lee Jones.

[Ezee E]

Kenneth is doing something bigger than classic... He's doing Thor.

Oh, you mean acting.

[Ezee E]

I would love to see Bill Murray and Tom Hanks team up to make a sophomoric comedy with absolutely no gravitas or Oscar aspirations.
That would be ideal, and would still make tons of money.

I think this man may actually be coming back soon. Many hate him, but I've always liked his screen presence: Mel Gibson

[Spinal]

Kenneth is doing something bigger than classic... He's doing Thor.

Don't think I'm not looking forward to that too. :)

[EvilShoe]

Keaton as well.

I'd also like to see Lance Henriksen in good movies/roles again. The man was phenomenal in Millennium, but once that ended he decided to take on every role he got. To make matters even worse: most of these were bit roles AND in DTV-productions.

[megladon8]

I think this man may actually be coming back soon. Many hate him, but I've always liked his screen presence: Mel Gibson


He does the best running scenes in Hollywood.

[Ezee E]

She's always had pretty lame roles, but her TV show, The Naked Truth was brilliance. I'd love to see Tea Leoni get a good comedic role that's not just playing as someone's husband.

[Spinal]

I'd love to see Tea Leoni get a good comedic role that's not just playing as someone's husband.

And here is where I return your rep.

[D_Davis]

I think there is more to making a "big comeback" than being in a blockbuster. Downey Jr. had been in many, many incredible films and given some of the best performances I've ever seen before Iron Man. His personal life may, at one point, been in the dumps, but his acting has always been great.

As a matter of fact, looking over his filmography, it appears to me that his career was much better before Iron Man.

Iron Man 2, and the Avengers? No thank you. And I can't say I'm really looking forward Sherlock Holmes; Guy Ritche, bleh.

I'll take A Scanner Darkly; Zodiac; Good Night, and Good Luck; Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang; and The Singing Detective any old day. This period leading up to Iron Man is pretty dang awesome, and much more interesting. Maybe not as financially successful as Iron Man, but...

[megladon8]

Keaton as well.

I'd also like to see Lance Henriksen in good movies/roles again. The man was phenomenal in Millennium, but once that ended he decided to take on every role he got. To make matters even worse: most of these were bit roles AND in DTV-productions.


Definitely.

Doesn't he have a small role coming up in Avatar? Harly a career rejuvenation, but it'll be nice to see him on the big screen again.

[Winston*]

Anyone seen Branagh's Much Ado About Nothing? Keaton is so awesome in that. He plays the entire role like he's in a Tim Burton movie.

[megladon8]

I think there is more to making a "big comeback" than being in a blockbuster. Downey Jr. had been in many, many incredible films and given some of the best performances I've ever seen before Iron Man. His personal life may, at one point, been in the dumps, but his acting has always been great.

As a matter of fact, looking over his filmography, it appears to me that his career was much better before Iron Man.

Iron Man 2, and the Avengers? No thank you. And I can't say I'm really looking forward Sherlock Holmes; Guy Ritche, bleh.

I'll take A Scanner Darkly; Zodiac; Good Night, and Good Luck; Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang; and The Singing Detective any old day. This period leading up to Iron Man is pretty dang awesome, and much more interesting. Maybe not as financially successful as Iron Man, but...


Financial success is a big part of what I'm talking about, though. And financial success and quality roles are not mutually exclusive.

I'm asking people what actors they wish would make it back into the public eye again, in a big way.

Michael Keaton was huge 18 years ago. Now a lot of people don't even know who he is.

[D_Davis]

I've always really like Liev Schreiber and Barry Pepper, and I wish both of these dudes were in more, better films.

[thefourthwall]

Kenneth Branagh's been around, but I'd like to see him tackle another great classical role on film. Marc Antony perhaps?


:pritch: I mostly love him!



Kenneth is doing something bigger than classic... He's doing Thor.

:eek: Well, doesn't that look awesome?

[megladon8]

I've always really like Liev Schreiber and Barry Pepper, and I wish both of these dudes were in more, better films.


Agreed on both.

Barry Pepper is playing the main character's voice in that new game "Prototype", which looks pretty neat.

I still remember Liev Schreiber's performance in Ransom fondly.

[Spinal]

I mostly love him!


:lol:

[D_Davis]

Oh, and Gary Sinise. He needs to stop doing crappy TV, and do another film as awesome as A Midnight Clear.

Speaking of A Midnight Clear, why the hell wasn't that ever given the respect it deserves? It's like The Young Poisoner's Handbook. The DVD was total crap (fullscreen only?), and now it's OOP.

One of the best war movies ever made - period.

[thefourthwall]

I'm not sure if this is in the right vein, but I'd love to see some actors like Tim Roth and Timothy Hutton doing movies, rather than their television shows.

[thefourthwall]

:lol:

He has done Emma Thompson and Mary Shelley wrong.

[megladon8]

I'm not sure if this is in the right vein, but I'd love to see some actors like Tim Roth and Timothy Hutton doing movies, rather than their television shows.


Yeah, Tim Roth totally needs some more great movie roles.

[D_Davis]

I remember in the '90s when it seemed like Gary Sinise, Tim Roth, and Steve Buschemi were in every movie.

[Spinal]

He has done Emma Thompson and Mary Shelley wrong.

I'll give you Emma Thompson. Disagree on the other one.

[EvilShoe]

I don't mind when overlooked actors pop up on TV. After all, it's how Gandolfini got his chance to shine.

Not a fan of procedurals though, so I do mind when they pop up on those.

Buscemi has an interesting HBO show coming up.

[thefourthwall]

I'll give you Emma Thompson. Disagree on the other one.

I suppose he's entitled to his interpretation of the book, and others are entitled to agree and applaud it, but I just see that film as a vanity piece and HBC's role as his way of trying to put his new mistress in an awesome role like he previously did with his wife, rather than actually trying to advance a literary notion. But, I'll admit I haven't seen it in a decade or so, since my initial reaction was so awful.

[D_Davis]

I don't mind when overlooked actors pop up on TV. After all, it's how Gandolfini got his chance to shine.

I don't mind it either, so long as the shows are good.

Arrested Development was great for this.

[Spinal]

I suppose he's entitled to his interpretation of the book, and others are entitled to agree and applaud it, but I just see that film as a vanity piece and HBC's role as his way of trying to put his new mistress in an awesome role like he previously did with his wife, rather than actually trying to advance a literary notion. But, I'll admit I haven't seen it in a decade or so, since my initial reaction was so awful.

I'm not a big fan of the book to begin with, so that may have something to do with it. Besides, more Helena Bonham Carter has never in my experience been a bad thing.

[megladon8]

Yes, I'm very thankful to "Arrested Development" for bringing Jason Bateman back, because he's become one of the most likable guys in the business.

I just wish he would diversify a bit, though. He always plays that same sarcastic, slightly condescending, saying-things-under-his-breath character.

[Ivan Drago]

I'd still love Gene Hackman to come back, though.

On a good day he's my favorite actor ever.

Then who is on a bad day? Christian Bale? ;)

[Watashi]

Val Kilmer

[Spinal]

I would love to see Bill Murray and Tom Hanks team up to make a sophomoric comedy with absolutely no gravitas or Oscar aspirations.

I have decided that this film must also have Rick Moranis and Paul Reubens.

[MacGuffin]

Val Kilmer

I think Kiss Kiss Bang Bang was basically his big opportunity.

[Derek]

I have decided that this film must also have Rick Moranis and Paul Reubens.

How I wish you were a Hollywood producer who could make this happen.

[Sycophant]

I would love to see Bill Murray and Tom Hanks team up to make a sophomoric comedy with absolutely no gravitas or Oscar aspirations.

I don't know if I want anything more.

[Derek]

Speaking of Tom Hanks and comedies, how about Peter Scolari? He peaked with Bosom Buddies and Hanks left him in the dust.

http://images.usatoday.com/life/_photos/2004/11/08/inside-polarprem.jpg

[Sycophant]

That may be the most unfortunate picture ever.

[[ETM]]

I enjoy Hutton a lot on Leverage, but it's hardly challenging.

I wish Andre Braugher would finally land that post-Homicide break. I hate seeing him in crap or in bit roles in blockbusters.

[Derek]

That may be the most unfortunate picture ever.

Well, next to the McCain/Bush hug of course.

http://bp1.blogger.com/_Et8Q88kCAuY/SEl5H7P369I/AAAAAAAAATU/VZp_JkRqd6U/s400/bush-mccain-hug-big.jpg

[The Mike]

Jeff Goldblum.

Also, Bridget Fonda.

[lovejuice]

marlon brando. he hasn't done much since being dead.

[chrisnu]

Mickey Rourke
Eric Roberts
Ted Levine
Barbara Hershey
Holly Hunter
Diane Keaton in something challenging
I'd like to see Tom Sizemore return to respectability.

[transmogrifier]

Oh, and Gary Sinise. He needs to stop doing crappy TV, and do another film as awesome as A Midnight Clear.

Speaking of A Midnight Clear, why the hell wasn't that ever given the respect it deserves? It's like The Young Poisoner's Handbook. The DVD was total crap (fullscreen only?), and now it's OOP.

One of the best war movies ever made - period.

It was on my Top 100 list - why didn't it make yours? We could have got it on the master list!

[[ETM]]

marlon brando. he hasn't done much since being dead.

Except Superman?

[Bosco B Thug]

I would love to see Bill Murray and Tom Hanks team up to make a sophomoric comedy with absolutely no gravitas or Oscar aspirations. So you're aware you might just end up getting an A-list Wild Hogs?


Eric Roberts
Ted Levine Yea to these two. I love Levine on the sole account of The Mangler, though, and even though he played a transsexual serial killer in 'Silence,' that doesn't quite convince me of his versatility. If I see him as a gruff cop one more time, I might just throw my hands up to the chance he will prove (or has proven) his acting chops. His roles in Birth and The Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford are the definition of "thankless."


I think this man may actually be coming back soon. Many hate him, but I've always liked his screen presence: Mel Gibson Man, that guy's life and reputation hit rock bottom so drastically I'm just afraid for his next big on-screen role and the reception it will get, and as much as I am now for his mental stability.

[Mara]

Kenneth Branaugh became so self-indulgent and self-worshipping in his later films that I hardly want to see him anymore. Thor sounds good partially because he won't be in front of the camera. (Also, I'm also still pissed that he cheated on Emma Thompson, who is one of my all-time favorite actresses.)

And I LOVE that Spinal said Rick Moranis. What a talented, funny guy.

[Mara]

Val Kilmer

...has gotten inexcusably ugly.

[Sven]

And I LOVE that Spinal said Rick Moranis. What a talented, funny guy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjzZhTS_xa0

[D_Davis]

It was on my Top 100 list - why didn't it make yours? We could have got it on the master list!

Because I always forget about it, and I haven't seen it since it was in the theaters.

Once it is out on a good DVD, I'll definitely be checking it out again.

[Sycophant]

Alas, Moranis has gone into voluntary and likely permanent retirement.

[Spinal]

So you're aware you might just end up getting an A-list Wild Hogs?

If Wild Hogs had Bill Murray, Tom Hanks and Rick Moranis instead of Tim Allen, John Travolta and Martin Lawrence, I would have been there opening weekend.

[Mara]

Moranis is rumored (http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/04/ghostbusters-ii.html) to be coming back for a Ghostbusters pic.

But I don't want him to do that-- I want him to go back to Little Shop of Horrors type stuff.

[number8]

Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino.

[Mara]

And Sean freakin' Connery.

Don't leave us with The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Please.

[[ETM]]

Wait, so everyone who's worth anything has their career down the drain right now? The revelations never cease.

[Spinal]

And Sean freakin' Connery.

Don't leave us with The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Please.

Sean Connery could never again appear in public and I wouldn't miss him at all.

But we'll always have Moranis. :pritch:

[Grouchy]

Mickey Rourke
Eric Roberts
Ted Levine
Barbara Hershey
Holly Hunter
Diane Keaton in something challenging
I'd like to see Tom Sizemore return to respectability.
All of those I agree with, specially Barbara Hershey.

Kevin Costner and Warren Beatty also need to do one more great movie.

[DavidSeven]

Wait. At what point before Iron Man/Tropic thunder was Downey Jr. a box office moneymaker? Don't you have to reach a certain level before you "come back" to it? If anything, his roles in Zodiac, A Scanner Darkly, Good Night and Good Luck, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, etc. got him more notoriety than a lot of the crap he was doing 20 years ago. Downey Jr. was a quircky actor who became famous for his off-screen exploits. He wasn't a top draw until just recently.

The whole premise of this thread is jacked!

[Grouchy]

I just thought of two other candidates: Robert Englund and Ray Wise.

[The Mike]

Alas, Moranis has gone into voluntary and likely permanent retirement.

I read this as Alanis Morrisette and got really excited. :cry:

[Mysterious Dude]

You know who I miss? David Hyde Pierce.

And Patrick Stewart. He seems to be getting plenty of work these days, but I kind of wish he would do something more prestigious than X-Men movies and American Dad.

[Sycophant]

You know who I miss? David Hyde Pierce.

Earlier this year, I watched the entirety of Frasier. I would like to see much more David Hyde Pierce. He's fantastic.

[thefourthwall]

Earlier this year, I watched the entirety of Frasier. I would like to see much more David Hyde Pierce. He's fantastic.

I used to have an enormous crush on him and his character.

[Mara]

I used to have an enormous crush on him and his character.

Me too! It's funny, because he's not exactly portrayed as a sexual dynamo.

I seem to recall he's been doing a lot of live theater lately.

[thefourthwall]

Me too! It's funny, because he's not exactly portrayed as a sexual dynamo.

:pritch:

[lovejuice]

I seem to recall he's been doing a lot of live theater lately.
his curtain and spamalot are way too funny! i love him.

[Mara]

:pritch:

I like the episode where he tries to grow a mustache.

[origami_mustache]

http://www.heartlessdoll.com/amh2.jpg

[megladon8]

http://www.heartlessdoll.com/amh2.jpg


I was depressed by how much I ended up hating "The Dead Zone".

That was actually a really terrible show.

[SirNewt]

On an international level I have to say Jean Reno.

[Hugh_Grant]

Oh, and Gary Sinise. He needs to stop doing crappy TV, and do another film as awesome as A Midnight Clear.

Speaking of A Midnight Clear, why the hell wasn't that ever given the respect it deserves? It's like The Young Poisoner's Handbook. The DVD was total crap (fullscreen only?), and now it's OOP.

One of the best war movies ever made - period.
So much truth in this post.

While I can't say I blame the guy for taking the gig, I cringe when I see Sinise in commercials on CSI:Whatever. (Someone upthread mentioned Schreiber in Ransom--I thought Sinise was great.)

A Midnight Clear is an amazing war movie.

[D_Davis]

On an international level I have to say Jean Reno.

But he's the token French guy!

He and that token Eastern-European guy should do a movie together.

[[ETM]]

He and that token Eastern-European guy should do a movie together.

Which one is that?:)

[D_Davis]

;157823']Which one is that?:)


DO NOT do a Google Image Search for Eastern-European guy with safe search off...

Peter Stormare

http://www.idwid.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/stormare-vw.jpg

[Grouchy]

DO NOT do a Google Image Search for Eastern-European guy with safe search off...
FUCK that's scary shit.

And morbidly fascinating too. Like a Cronenberg film except it's for real.

[[ETM]]

Hahaha! Stormare is token German nihilist there, though.

I was thinking more like Ed O'Ross
http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/j/Ed%20O'Ross.jpg

or Kevin Pollak.

[balmakboor]

This one:

http://www.filmdope.com/Gallery/ActorsD/5027-603.gif

http://www.scorsesefilms.com/photos/images/images/dunne_jpg.jpg

[Winston*]

Dunne had a decent dramatic role in Snow Angels last year, which he was good in.

[Adam]

Judy Davis

[Spun Lepton]

Will Smith. He hasn't made a successful movie in WEEKS.

[Skitch]

James Mason.


Wait...crap.

[Sycophant]

This thread!

lol

[Raiders]

Paul Reiser.

[bac0n]

Jeffrey Combs

[Sycophant]

Paul Reiser.

Now this I'd love to see.