Alexander Payne Wouldn't Cast George Clooney In Sideways

When director Alexander Payne was in the red chair the conversation drifted away from his new film Nebraska to George Clooney. Clooney had wanted to be in Payne's 2004 film Sideways but Payne didn't think the Gravity star was right for the role.

George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight airs weeknights at 7 and 11:30 pm on CBC Television


Follow George

[zaziou]

Thomas Hayden Church didn't only have the loser type, he was full of energy, he had the comedy timing, the incredible voice ( the character is a voice over actor), the goofiness, the sexual potency, the sadness, he was just incredibly perfect for the role. It's a bit condescending from Alexander Payne. I didn't know he sounded so much like a smug.

[stockvaluedotcom]

I completely agree with Payne on City Lights. Don't let anyone talk to you about it, just watch and enjoy.

[AlexJEdits]

Glad to hear a filmmaker praise Chaplin.

[justinpino]

Thomas was perfect in Sideways. Good choice

[rigsby]

Downey Jr was offered Miles as well I think which would have worked at that time I reckon

[conorobrien]

Makes me think of DiCaprio doin Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, except ya know, it's Tarantino. Pretty safe bet. Still, quite the tall order: over-the-hill corny TV actor finds redemption. as for sideways, Church was perfect for the part, and I have to assume he knows why. I mean I have no idea what he did between tombstone and sideways. Talk about "a role he was born to play" fuck he nailed it.

[Spractral]

It actually would be pretty damn cool to have Clooney go against type in that role... I'd love to see him in sideways like that... At the same time i absolutely understand and agree with Paynes sentiment

[dfa]

Clooney did get to do the Descendants.

[rhymeandreasoning]

George Clooney I would never cast in anything. I never seen the appeal of the guy. He has no talent, and mediocre looks. He was cast in ER because of his looks and "charisma", not because of his talent. Then he became the, "IT GUY", and capitalized on it. Good for him. But he is not a great actor, or talent. He had a lot of great luck, and again, good for him.