John Cleese in THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL

John Cleese can be added to the wealth of acting experience lined up for Scott Derrickson's THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL redo, a movie that marks his second directorial project after the 2005 creepy courtroom drama THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE. He will play the character of Dr. Barnhardt, the physicist who plays a pivotal role in figuring out the message and meaning of why the alien Klatu has arrived on Earth.

Will Cleese play the role straight or has been added for the film's comic relief? Cleese hasn't done a serious part in years, his most recent credits being a "Grizzled Sergeant" in AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, the voice of King Harold in the SHREK movies and the voice of a sheep in CHARLOTTE'S WEB. He also has a role in the upcoming PINK PANTHER sequel. I can't help but feel that this remake will be as quiet a release as the INVASION OF THE BODYSNATCHERS redo was earlier this year. And although I never want a movie to fail, if sacrificing this remake meant that remakes of quality sci-fi movies lessens, then that might be the one good thing to come out of this project. The movie is scheduled for December 12th and starts Keanu Reeves (Klatu), Jennifer Connelly (Helen), Jon Hamm (Dr. Granier), Jaden Smith (Jacob) and Kathy Bates. source - slash film