Dallas To The Big Screen

[EdwardKnoxII 0]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/eo/18563;_ylt=Aih_...DRrBHNlYwM3NjI-

 

Lo Does "Dallas" (Maybe) By Sarah Hall

1 hour, 56 minutes ago

 

The big-screen remake of Dallas is hoping to strike oil with an all-star cast.

 

Director Robert Luketic has offered Jennifer Lopez, John Travolta, Luke Wilson and Shirley MacLaine lead roles in the upcoming picture, according to Daily Variety.

 

While no deals are yet in place, all of the thesps are reportedly expected to sign on, meaning production on the long-gestating film could commence in October.

 

J.Lo, who previously worked with Luketic on Monster-in-Law, would play Sue Ellen Ewing, the alcoholic and adulterous wife of J.R. Ewing, who was originally played by Linda Gray in the primetime soap, which aired from 1978-91. If Lopez accepts the role, it work mark a return to studio fare after shooting a pair of back-to-back independent films.

 

Travolta has been offered the role of J.R., the oil baron played by Larry Hagman, whose shooting in the final episode of the 1979-80 season, "A House Divided," inspired the legendary pop culture slogan, "Who Shot J.R.?" The answer, revealed Nov. 21, 1980, in the episode "Who Done It?" generated one of the biggest television audiences in history, with 83 million viewers tuning in to learn that Sue Ellen's sister, Kristin, shot her brother-in-law in a fit of anger.

 

Casting the part of J.R. was reportedly the biggest challenge faced by the filmmakers, and Kevin Costner and Mel Gibson were other names in consideration for the role, according to Variety.

 

Wilson is currently in negotiations for the role of Bobby Ewing, originally played by Patrick Duffy, and MacLaine has been offered the role of Miss Ellie Ewing, the family matriarch, originally played by Barbara Bel Geddes.

 

Meanwhile, with plans heating up for the film's production, the people of Dallas are pushing hard to have Dallas shot within their city's limits.

 

The Dallas Film Commission has launched the "Shoot J.R. in Dallas" campaign, in the hopes of luring 20th Century Fox to make the film in Texas, as opposed to non-Lone Star sites also in consideration.

 

"The thought of Dallas being made in Toronto is not a good idea," Mayor Laura Miller told reporters.

 

Dallas officials estimate that the film would generate $30 million for the local economy, along with jobs and publicity.

 

However, with film commissioners in states including Florida and Louisiana, as well as Canada, making bids to have the movie shot on their turf, the end location may ultimately be determined by budgetary concerns.

 

In February, Dallas coproducer Michael Costigan told the Dallas Morning News that he would rather "make the whole film in Dallas."

 

"It?s now going to come down to really making the numbers work with our studio," he said.

 

Though the Texas legislature passed a bill last year to offer movie producers up to a $750,000 rebate for production costs, the initiative remains unfunded, while both Florida and Louisiana have programs in place offering more attractive financial incentives.

 

But Dallas officials aren't giving up just yet. The city is hoping to generate funds from the private sector to boost incentives and has urged residents to shell out for "Shoot J.R. in Texas" merchandise, including hats, stickers and T-shirts.

[Guest The Satanic Angel]

Definitely looking forward to the movie. I grew up on Dallas..

[Red Baron 0]

Apparently the mayor of Dallas is causing a stink because the movie is rumoured to be shot in Toronto.

 

Also John Travolta is also rumoured to play JR.