Sam Rockwell To Play George W. Bush In 'Cheney'

If anyone had doubts about whether or not Adam McKay of “Step Brothers” and “Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy“ fame could pivot from comedy to drama, “The Big Short” put those to rest. Way more fun than any movie about the financial crisis and housing market crash of mid-2000s had a right to be, the picture also proved that McKay could roll with awards season players, with his star-studded movie earning a trophy for Best Adapted Screenplay along with five nominations. And it looks like we all better watch out at next year’s Oscars.

McKay is gearing up for “Cheney,” a film about the controversial politician and businessman, reuniting with Christian Bale (in the title role) and Steve Carell from “The Big Short,” with Amy Adams and Bill Pullman also sliding into roles. Now, Sam Rockwell is getting in the mix, slated to play former President George W. Bush, who always had Cheney whispering in his ear. That’s some inspired casting, and if it means we get to spend a good chunk of the movie with Bale and Rockwell sharing screentime, and that’s just fine by us. Carell will be playing Donald Rumsfeld, Adams takes the role of Lynne Cheney, and Pullman will play Nelson Rockefeller.

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Somewhat ironically, Will Ferrell is a co-producer on the film, and his impression of Bush is one of his most famous contributions to “Saturday Night Live.” The President has been played by others, as well, perhaps most significantly by Josh Brolin in Oliver Stone‘s “W.,” but we’re eager to see Rockwell’s take.

The film will cover the life and career of Cheney, from Halliburton to the White House and beyond. Production will kick off at the end of September. [THR]