Talk about your strange mix of talent coming together to do something interesting. Jason Priestley… yes, that Jason Priestley of BEVERLY HILLS 90210 fame… is heading behind the camera to direct a biopic of the late Phil Hartman that will star Daran Norris as the memorable SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE cast member.
Ummm… what?!
NICE GUY PHIL, which has been in development for a few years with the assistance of the Hartman estate, would explore both Hartman’s comedy and emotional issues over the years, working from a script penned by Jonas Chernick (LUCID). Priestley made his directorial debut in 2013 with the poorly received CAS & DYLAN, so hopefully this effort would go better than that.
As for Norris, it’s said he has a solid grasp on Hartman’s various voices, and has his own repertoire as a voice actor to call upon, having recently done Cosmo, Jorgen Von Strangle and Mr. Turner in THE FAIRLY ODDPARENTS, in addition to “Knock Out in TRANSFORMERS PRIME.
One would think more than an impersonation would be needed in order to really hone in on who Hartman was, and I have my fingers crossed he possesses that dramatic ability in order to capture and honor the late comedian. But one never knows when it comes to these pictures, and this is a strange one from beginning to end on paper as it is. I guess we’re left to simply hoping for the best.