t’s been no secret around here that we’re big fans of “Parks & Recreation,” but one of the shows biggest comedic weapons over its three seasons (and in the midst of its fourth) has been Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson, the director of the Parks Department. It’s hard to describe him for anyone who hasn’t seen the show, but essentially, he is masculinity and testosterone personfied, a staunch libertarian who finds his greatest pleasure in his government job comes from actively avoiding doing any work at all. The character could easily fall into a one-note box but thanks to smart writing and of course, Offerman’s great work, Ron Swanson is emerging as one of the great comic characters on TV right now (if not the past few years).
No surprise then that Hollywood has taken notice, with the actor’s calendar suddenly filling up quite quickly. Next month he’s in two movies hitting theaters — “21 Jump Street” and “Casa De Mi Padre” — and he’s coming off very strong reviews for his dramatic turn in the Sundance hit “Smashed” (our own review said it was an Oscar worthy performance). He’s also got indies “Gay Dude” and “Somebody Up There Likes Me” on the horizon. And now Deadline reports that Diablo Cody has cast him in her directorial debut, formerly titled “Lamb Of God.”
The wild story follows a young Christian girl (Julianne Hough), who survives a plane crash but is left with horrific burns. With her faith gone, she travels to Las Vegas in order to experience the more sinful side of life, and befriends Loray (Octavia Spencer), a craps dealer, and William (Russell Brand), a bartender. Holly Hunter rounds out the cast as Hough’s conservative and overprotective mother, but no word on Offerman’s role. Shooting gets underway this spring.
But if you haven’t been acquanited with Ron Swanson yet, now’s the time. Take a look below at some of the man’s finest moments. And after that, check out a fascinating interview with Offerman conducted by Dave Poland.