First look at Woody Harrelson in Rob Reiner’s LBJ biopic

Last Updated on July 31, 2021

I have a soft spot for Rob Reiner. I love SPINAL TAP with all of my being (probably helps having been in a metal band myself), as well as PRINCESS BRIDE, STAND BY ME, and countless others. Hell, even NORTH isn't as bad as it's reputation (not saying it's good, just that it's not the worst thing ever).

Which is why I'm looking forward to his new biopic, LBJ, about the life of Lyndon B.  Johnson (the second Johnson biopic to come out this year, after Bryan Cranston's take in the HBO movie ALL THE WAY). This time ol' LBJ will be played by Woody Harrelson and about 30-lbs of prothetic make-up. Here's a clip from the film to give us a taste of Harrelson's performance: 

Honestly, this looks good. And, besides a few Uncanny Valley moments, I feel Harrelson's performance overcomes the prosthetics (which aren't bad, per se, but still a bit distracting). He gives Johnson gravitas, while simultaneously showcasing his folksy charm and humor. Johnson himself was an interesting figure, as he was both instrumental in helping push through Civil Rights laws, but also with instituting the draft for the Vietnam War. It'll be interesting to see how the film deals with him.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to this. Like I said, I love Reiner, even if his last few films haven't quite hit the mark (like THE BUCKET LIST). At least the last time he made a film about a president it was in the Aaron Sorkin-penned AMERICAN PRESIDENT, which I remember being a nice, fun romantic-comedy.   

LBJ will be released in theaters September 9th, 2016.