A cast can make or break a film, in the same way that the storyline can, and the director, and a whole host of other elements. Just looking at recent movies, would Iron Man have been as successful without Robert Downey Jr. in the lead role? How would The Dark Knight have fared without Heath Ledger playing The Joker?
Even a less-than-stellar movie idea can be saved by the cast, which is why I’m intrigued by Peep World. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Rainn Wilson, Sarah Silverman, Michael C. Hall, and Ben Schwartz are set to star in this indie comedy. Now if that’s not a solid-gold comedy cast right there, I don’t know what would be.
Wilson is obviously best known for his role as Dwight K. Schrute in The Office, while Hall can currently be seen in Dexter. Silverman is one of the funniest women alive today, while Schwartz starred in I Hate Valentine’s Day. OK, so he’s the weakest link but it’s a stellar cast nevertheless.
Does the movie sound any good though? Peep World is about an author who writes a novel starring barely-disguised versions of his dysfunctional family. This causes major friction and hilarity is bound to ensue. So not great on paper but this is one plot I can see a cast of this quality making shine.
Rainn Wilson is a little one-dimensional IMO, so unless they made the role with his talents in mind, that could backfire.