Russell Brand’s planned remake of the 1981 comedy “Arthur” seems to have been caught in a state of flux since its early development days but now, according to Baz Bamigboye (one of the few British journos who writes for what many consider a tabloid, but has a proven track record) the film is set to offer the role of the confidante butler to none other than Meryl Streep.
The original film centers on a manchild (Dudley Moore) who defies his family’s wishes and casts aside their fortunes for love with the girl next door, thanks to the help of his butler Hobson. The gender would obviously be flipped for the remake as the original had John Gielgud in the butler role.
Peter Baynham (“Borat,” “Bruno”) was previously hired to write the remake, though things have been quiet on production since then. Perhaps they’re waiting to see Brand’s box office prospects in the upcoming “Get Him To The Greek,” his first lead role. Baz is usually on point, but we’ll admit this report has us a tad skeptical. Then again, he’s just saying the producers are planning to offer the role to her, which for all we know, is true (whether she takes it is an entirely different story).
Also random note: if Dudley Moore was still in his prime would there be anyone more suited to play Keith Moon in the long-planned, still-seemingly-going-nowhere biopic of the notorious wildman drummer for The Who? The answer is absolutely not.