Joaquin Phoenix not tied to HOOVER
Don't call it a comeback. No, seriously, don't. Post-I'M STILL HERE, Joaquin Phoenix will not be returning to actual acting with a role in the Clint Eastwood-directed and Dustin Lance Black-penned J. Edgar Hoover biopic, HOOVER. When Eastwood was asked about the prevalent rumor that Phoenix was joining the cast as Clyde Tolson, associate director of the FBI and one of Hoover’s rumored lovers, he simply said, "No. I don’t know where that came from...didn’t he become a rapper?” The old man has still got it.
Leonardo DiCaprio is still in talks to play the first director of the FBI, who not only had a long career with the Bureau, but also reportedly lead a very colorful and complex personal life. With Phoenix not attached, there's still no word on other casting decisions, but I certainly hope they're just as bold choices.
The film will be told from Hoover's perspective, which should add an interesting level to the tone and direction of the project.
Eastwood commented on the script and the character, saying that the often-mentioned "homosexual aspect is just one of many. I would say that’s the least of his problems." Hopefully, this holds true and the film will cover more than just the popular chatter about Hoover's proclivities that often stood in direct opposition to his professional facade.
Eastwood also said that Hoover "is a fascinating character, and I think I am the right person to do it, not because I knew him or anything, but I did grow up with him…He was an iconic figure."
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