Liam Neeson in Talks for The A-Team
Just hours after I posted that Bradley Cooper was officially in talks to play Faceman in the film remake of The A-Team being directed by Joe Carnahan, there is some more news surrounding the casting of the film. In the previous article I mentioned a few names that may be good candidates to play The A-Team leader John “Hannibal” Smith. Originally portrayed by actor, George Peppard. I mentioned Kurt Russell or George Clooney would be great and that James Woods wouldn’t be a bad choice either.
Today Variety has announced that Liam Neeson is officially in talks for the role. This is a name that I didn’t even think of.
“Liam Neeson is in negotiations with 20th Century Fox to star in its long-gestating bigscreen adaptation of “The A-Team” as Col. John “Hannibal” Smith. Bradley Cooper is in early talks to play Lt. Templeton “Faceman” Peck in the Joe Carnahan-directed pic based on the 1980s TV series.”
The trade also reported that the Scott brothers, Tony and Ridley, are producing the film via their Scott Free Productions. Series creator Stephen J. Cannell is also producing the film as well. Neeson and Fox are working out the money issues and Fox is keen on hiring him since he is coming off their global hit Taken and most recently completed Chloe and Clash of the Titans, where he is playing Zeus.
Lastly, the article mentions that the plot of the film will be the same as the original series but the tone will be that of Mission: Impossible meets Ocean’s Eleven rather than the campy style of the classic TV show.
I am pleased with Neeson in the role as well as Cooper playing Faceman. I am a little concerned with the tone comment though. I love the series because it was a mix of action/adventure and fun entertaining humor. I see the tone of Ocean’s 11 more than Mission: Impossible but maybe they could throw some Three Kings in there for good measure.
