The day after the MTV Movie Awards, the rumors were floating around pretty heavily that Tom Cruise’s crazy (and funny) performance at the show were some kind of dry-run for a full-length Len Grossman film. Now it’s been confirmed – Tom will be starring and producing the film, with help from Ben Stiller and his team. Man… who would have thought that the professional friendship between Tom and Ben – that started with Ben’s hilarious Cruise impression – would yield so much for Tom? That Ben would be the bigger power player in the relationship? Strange. Anyway, Ben released a somewhat funny statement too:
Paramount and MTV Films confirmed today that they are developing a movie based on Tom Cruise’s raunchy producer role from the 2008 film Tropic Thunder. Cruise will star in and produce the movie, along with Tropic co-star and director Ben Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld of Red Hour Films. Michael Bacall (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) will write the screenplay.
The announcement comes only days after Cruise reprised the memorable role at Sunday’s MTV Movie Awards. As Les Grossman, Cruise spewed the character’s signature expletive-fueled commands and even danced with Jennifer Lopez. Paramount issued a tongue-in-cheek release today saying they have “secured the life rights to Grossman,” who is described as having “recently mentored talents such as Rob Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.”
Stiller released this statement today: “Les Grossman’s life story is an inspiring tale of the human class struggle to achieve greatness against all odds. He has assured me he plans to quote ‘F**king kill the sh*t out of this movie and make Citizen f**king Kane look like a piece of crap home movie by the time we are done.’ I am honored to be working with him.”
Added Adam Goodman, Paramount Film Group President, “Everything I learned in this business, I’ve learned from Les. I started out as his assistant, and from the first day he threw his desk at me when I got his lunch order wrong, I have loved him like a father.”
The Paramount press release also included a “statement” from Grossman after he was asked what the screenplay would be about: “To quote my great friend Kirk Lazarus, `I don’t read the script, the script reads me.”’ Lazarus was a character in Tropic that was played by Robert Downey Jr.
[From Entertainment Weekly]
Eh. I know some people thought Tom’s act at the MTV Movie Awards were tired, and that the character had overstayed his welcome, etc. And while I do think that’s true to a certain extent, you know what? Tom Cruise is not going away. The bitch is crazy and down with Xenu and everything, but the man has made some really good films, and he was once the most popular actor in Hollywood. He still wants to work, and he obviously still has a lot of friends in the industry who want him to work (like Ben Stiller). So, Tom is going to work. Why not do a fun, silly comedy with a character that people liked? Especially if Tom surrounds himself with a good team… it might actually be an enjoyable movie. Whatever. There’s my defense of Tom for the week. This message was sponsored by Xenu.
Here’s his dance again:
I hope it’s funny, but I fear it will be like beating a dead horse.
What’s that saying, “beating a dead (dying) horse”? Yep, that’s what Mr. Cruise is doing.
I loooved it
I think Tom Cruise has more dancing ability than J.Lo – and more entertaining.
It’s getting tired now….
Is it Len or Les?
the character in Tropic Thunder was hilarious, and this performance was hilarious.
however, as a couple people stated above…this is beating a dead horse. the character is funny, but can’t carry a 90 minute movie. he’s offensively funny, but that only goes so far; it’s better as a supporting character.
I have a feeling that this will be like when they tried to develop a sitcom based on the GEICO cavemen.
(EDIT: to add, if THIS is Cruise’s best offer right now, he’s fallen further than I thought.)
Loves it! TC kills this role.
Why can’t Hollywood just appreciate some subtlety and brevity once in a blue moon? His original cameo was brilliant. Can’t they leave it at that?
Ben Stiller + Tom Cruise + Len Grossman = BIG STEAMING PILE OF SUCK
I have never been a Cruise fan, with his pushing SCientology which is a (criminal orginization) GOOGLE operation- Snow white
But that MTV appearance was great! I do think that it is funny as a shtick but to devote a whole movie? MEH…it just may ruin the funny
@Jimmy: Les, LOL
This is a relief. It’s the appeal of the imperfect, as opposed to the lunatic, robotic Scientology persona we’ve all come to know and detest.
I hope he does it. I want to like him again. He used to do cool stuff, like good citizen stuff. Every one deserves a second chance.
UGH.
While I like the character and Tom´s performance…am not sure I would like to watch more than 5 minutes of it.
I would certainly not pay for it!!!!!
I agree with Trillion, that was a completely accurate statement. However, since it is happening, they better, make it Epic.
The original character was funny…but I have doubts this film is going to be good.
This. Is. Awesome. LOve it!
I think you have to “get” BS type of funny to appreciate how hilarious this movie might be.
Stiller’s humor is juvenile, over the top, raunch, sprinkled with homosexual overtones and some sweet and tender moments.
I will pay to watch it, like all of BS movies, on-demand for $5 on a day when I want to sit at home, drink too much and eat a chocolate cake, all to myself.
Can’t wait!!!
Did they not learn from MacGruber? (or any SNL skits really). What’s funny in 2 minutes or an unexpected and brilliant cameo, has a 0.05% chance of being amusing for 100 minutes.
I remember seeing a clip of Xenu’s Mini Penu and his wife dancing very awkwardly at a Will Smith concert and being panned unmercifully, but justifiably for it. I could easily see Tom reading every word of it and vowing to show the world he could in fact bust a move. The dancing on this clip is typical of the “Let’s all dance in lines doing the exact same shit”, that Michael Jackson made famous in the early 80’s. This bit had all the very rudimentary moves one would expect from a beginner and had nothing new to offer. Surprised Bride of Skeletor would have anything to do with it. MEH, on second thought, that’s probably the only offer she had to get in the spotlight considering her relevance as of late.
is he going to dance during the entire film – bringing a new definition to ‘action hero’?
Maybe I’ve been out of the States to long, but I wasn’t aware that there’s an oversatuation of this Len Grossman character. What I can tell, however like above posters have stated, the character is so over the top and one-dimensional that I’m not sure if he’s sustainable for 90 minutes. Stiller is going to have to think up some strong supporting characters and situation antics so the the LG character doesn’t run out of steam.
Anyway, shits and giggles. I enjoyed the clip immensely. And Cruise needs a bone.
I liked the old MTV Movie Awards skits better, like when Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn pitched Titanic II to James Cameron.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR4TD6lgcCU
@Praise St. Angie!
I have a feeling that this will be like when they tried to develop a sitcom based on the GEICO cavemen.
Hahaha that is perfection. It seems super embarrassing for him that the only role he can get to remain relevant is a bit part from a movie a few years old. It is squirm inducing to even watch him do anything, he is way too self-conscious now. Best Week Ever writer-Michelle Collins I think?-made the acronym S.H.E.S. for Second-Hand Embarrassment Syndrome…that is what I feel when I watch him…
I love tom cruise >_<
@chunkystyle:
I believe that is what the term “d8uche-chill” refers to? At least, that’s how my friends and I use that phrase! In any case, 100% agreed. It’s painful.
I will never pay one hard earned dollar to this creep.
If it’s done in a ”Spinaltap”way could be interesting.
LES Grossman (not Len) was a funny character in Tropic Thunder. It was especially funny to see Tom Cruise going against type and playing someone so literally and figuratively ugly. However, it was funny for 5 minutes.
It will be decidedly UNfunny for a feature length movie. Bad, bad idea.
I really have to give props to Tom Cruise and his dancing ability. Boy is my age and can still bust a move (and, without pulling or breaking anything!).
I hope the movie will be a surprise hit.
i cant figure out those fat suits. how the hell do they work?
also, i just now looked at J.Lo’s outfit in this in more detail – the rhinestone-covered tights, the star trek boots – what in theee hell?
i wonder if it pisses off J.Lo who is actually a real dancer that tom now refers to katie as “a dancer”?
Add me to the line of people who can do without Tom Cruise movies, Tom Cruise’s set-up photo opportunities for the paparazzi, and without having to watch him or his wife “dance”.
I don’t get how after everything that has come to light recently (starting with the series of articles in the St. Petersburg Times, Oct. 2009) the $cientos can still call themselves a church.
Especially as other countries such as Germany and France manage very well with calling them out and making them pay taxes.
I can’t wait to see it!
From what I read the movie will be about this outrageous producer in Hollywood named Les Grossman, who cusses, cheats, threatens to dismember and kill everybody and at times bust-a-rap-move.
What not to like?
This character is highlarious—but I think what makes it so is its LIMITED exposure. Making a movie that centers on this type of aggressive abuse is passe–witness Borat. Same scenerio, but it will tank faster, ’cause Cohen is much cooler than Cruise.
I’m not really a Tom Cruise fan, but I did like Tropic Thunder. I like the Les Grossman character, and a movie might be funny. At least it’s something new. I am willing to give it a chance. I’d rather not be so enthralled in Cruise’s personal life that I let that spill over into my opinions of his movies.
Great! give me something new instead of hollywood movie remakes of old TV shows like A-Team.
I wonder who he’s sending up with this character. Weinstein? Landis? The same scumbag Steve Martin lampooned in Grand Canyon? Can’t think of the fat jerk’s name.
i so don’t get the hype for this.
Uh….no.
@Mrs. Odie II
According to this site, Les Grossman might be a send-up of Joel Silver. There’s a resemblance for sure.
http://www.filmshaft.com/les-grossman-the-movie/
I’m wondering how TC and BS will work out their biggest diva personalities.
Gosh when did Tom Cruise have to work this hard. MAN.. come on. This character is not one for a 90 minute movie as stated before. Tom Cruise should be at a point in his life where he does not have to do this shit. I think he had a lot of fun doing this but really putting this on the big screen is just beyond insane. MY question is WHAT HAPPENED TO TOM CRUISE.
He used the MTV movie awards as a way to see if this character would play. JLo said Tom called her to do this skit.. He pulled in the Twilight people with Rob/Taylor to get the ball rolling. Who really sees this as a hit..Check out a lot of the comedies out recently; especially those staring Male leads. After The Hangover it seems most are performing below expectations. Tom needs to go back to the drawing board. Stop this before it gets too far out of control.
YOU don’t see other REAL A-list male stars doing this..
YUCK..
I have to admit, J-lo’s “let’s get it!” kills me every time!
But what would Xenu say?
Yes! Joel Silver! That’s the name I couldn’t remember.
It’s Les not Len for Pete’s Sake.
“Making a movie that centers on this type of aggressive abuse is passe–witness Borat. Same scenerio, but it will tank faster”
????
What’s there to witness? Borat was a hit. So the same scenario… Xenu laughs all the way to the bank?!
Maybe you’re thinking of that Cohen masterpiece, Bruno. Yeah, Cohen was so coool, Bruno sank faster than Titanic…
Watch it without sound… and then tell me, where is the dancing part?