Update on the state of DR. PARNASSUS
Last week saw the removal of Heath Ledger's name and the status update on Terry Gilliam's THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS to read "The project has been shut down" leading to some rumors around the web that the movie had been scrapped altogether. Thankfully reports today have dismissed that theory and Ledger's footage on PARNASSUS won't end up on the cutting room floor.
From Quick Stop Movies via AICN...The source within the production wanted to make certain the word gets out that the production is not in fact shut down but is moving forward and will feature Heath Ledger in his last role. This decision to keep Heaths performance and rework the film to accommodate it was made out of respect for that performance and in memory of Heath. This despite somewhat shady efforts by certain parties, the source tells us, to paint The Dark Knight as Heaths final role.Speaking from my perspective only, going ahead with the movie seems to be the most sensible thing to do when the concept and plot is so organic that it allows you the freedom of bringing in other actors to play the part, especially when I'm certain there won't be a shortage of takers for actors who could fill in. The official website for the movie is expected to go live later today, with new casting announcements to leak through the week. Stay tuned on this one...