Who will replace Sean Penn as Larry in Three Stooges movie

Well there are a few changes that are coming up in several movies being planned for 2010 or so. Several high profile movie stars have been added or left planned movies. How this might affect these films is anyone’s guess. But at least you are forewarned.

The potentially big news is that Sean Penn has pulled out of the star studded Three Stooges movie, in addition to the film Cartel. The 3 Stooges movie includes Jim Carrey and Benicio Del Toro. So even without Penn this is a huge powerhouse to this film. The real question is who might be the actor to replace Penn as Larry.

So far, some of the rumors – or hopes – I have heard of include the following names: Johnny Depp, Ben Stiller, Jack Nicholson, Chris Tucker, and Ludivine Sagnier. Talk about a huge range of styles and skill. Each changes the dynamics completely.

In my opinion, Ben Stiller would be a horrible choice. I can imagine Stiller turning the film into Starsky & Hutch –esque style of bad acting. While his latest films have been good (Night at the Museum), his history of playing the same character, and badly, in each film would inevitably harm the quality of the film and drive potential viewers away. Plus he is no where near the abilities of Carrey or Del Torro.

Jack Nicholson is a stellar actor. I have no doubt that he could pull off the role. But he is older. Too much so to have a smooth mix with the very energetic Del Toro and Carrey. Plus I just can’t see him getting slapped around. That image just throws me off.

Johnny Depp seems like a great choice. He has the ability, range, and youth. He will drive in fans of all ages and backgrounds. He is a powerhouse on his own. And he has done comedic roles well. The only negative is that he might be too good looking. But makeup can fix that.

Going into the realm of something completely different, Chris Tucker would fit the bill. A Black Larry would really shake up the film. It puts a spin on the movie that I honestly can’t imagine right now. But to say that this would be a good thing is a statement I can’t make for sure. The best role I have seen Tucker in is arguably his support in Fifth Element, or perhaps the first Rush Hour film. Can his eunic like voice and race add to a film with far better actors and intense physical comedy?

Lastly there is Ludivine Sagnier. This choice has to be simply because the actress likes to be topless, and has had most of her film roles done in the nude. That is not to say that a woman could not be Larry. Just that I cannot imagine this woman in that role. Maybe Geena Davis, but not Sagnier.

Actually, now that I think about it more, I don’t see a woman in the role. Being slapped and hit, by men, with the intent of cruelty and punishment – it just doesn’t work with a woman. It crosses a boundary. It can too easily be taken the wrong way.

So of the above choices, minus Sagnier, who would I pick? Depp. He has the ability to match up with Del Toro and Carrey. He is the right age. He can easily capture the tone and essence of the character. And he can deliver.



With Penn gone, Depp is the perfect replacement. In fact, it can be easily argued that Penn should never have been in the film to start with. At least with Del Toro and Carrey in the mix.

But as a wildcard I will throw in one other name. Robert Downey Jr. While he is a bit too world-weary in his looks, there is no question of his ability or range. He might be a bit older, but not too much so. He is a powerhouse actor, and can commit to the film with as much dedication as Depp.

But who do you want as Larry in this Three Stooges remake?

The 3 Stooges live again

Are you a fan of the 3 Stooges? One of the most well-remembered comedic teams in history, they are still seen in film and shorts in over 30 nations across the world. And if the Farrelly brothers have their way they will be on the big screen once again.

Originally the 3 Stooges started off as a 4 man vaudeville act. That was back in 1923. And even in that early stage they were about slapstick. But it wasn’t until 1934 that the name Three Stooges came into existence, and was the start of 283 short films over 23 years.

One thing that many may not realize about the 3 Stooges (2 Howard brothers and friend Larry Fine through the various incarnations of the group) is the fact that they produced the first anti-Nazi, Hitler parody in 1940. This predated the famous Charlie Chaplin film The Great Dictator by 9 months. It also reportedly led to their being put on a death list by the Nazi’s.

As another bit of trivia, the only film to have all 3 Howard brothers (Moe, Shemp, and Curly) and Larry is Hold That Lion!

In all, the 3 Stooges had a career that lasted through 49 years, and several “third stooges”. They captured the short film, feature film, television and live act markets. And they inspired comedians for decades after they stopped working.

So in a feature film, with such a rich history behind them, who in these modern days has the ability to play the 3 Stooges? Who could make a homage film without destroying the admiration fans of all ages have?



Well of course Jim Carrey. It seems fitting that he play Curly. And I truly can’t imagine anyone else in the role. But that leaves us with 2 other critical roles. You won’t believe who is expected to fill them.

Benicio Del Toro is expected to play Moe. I can see this a bit. He has just about the right look. Plus he has dark hair, and a bit of humor and slapstick in virtually every role he has been in. Just watch Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and you can see how he can fit the role of Moe (though without the near psychotic nature).

But I can’t see Larry. Not as super liberal and ultra-serious Sean Penn. Perhaps he can do comedy, I can’t recall him doing so in the past (after Fast Times at Ridgemont High). Maybe he can match the look. But it’s his demeanor, and dare I say it his public persona that just keeps me from thinking of him as funny in a comedic manner (though some of his political philosophies really do make me laugh out loud).

So there you have it. The history and the future. In 2010 they are expected to collide. I don’t envy these actors. Every aspect of their portrayals will be scrutinized and compared to the originals. They will be critiqued in the most harsh of manners. As will the Farrelly brothers.

Can the people responsible for the films Dumb and Dumber, Kingpin, Osmosis Jones and Fever Pitch get the Stooges right? Can a modern day version of their classic slapstick be written and performed with respect and justice to the memories we all have?

I’m not sure. This isn’t quite a remake of their old material. It’s not quite a revisioning. Nor is it pure homage. But whatever it turns out to be, it will grab the attention and raise debate.