What a difference a year makes! Last January, if you’d asked me aboutHenry Winkler, I would’ve described him as the washed-up guy who played The Fonz onHappy Daysand went on to co-star in a fewAdam Sandlermovies and play the principal inScream. Sure, he was a scene-stealer onArrested DevelopmentandParks and Recreationtoo, but the point was, I believed his best days were behind him. Boy was I wrong! Once I saw HBO’sBarry, my entire idea of Winkler changed overnight, as the character of Gene M. Cousineau made me see him in a completely different light. I called him the “series standout"in my reviewof the show, and was delighted when he won a well-deserved Emmy months later. In fact, I still can’t believe he lost the Golden Globe toBen Whishaw. But that’s neither here nor there.
The point is that at 73 years old, happy days are back again for Winkler, whose comeback has culminated in a supporting role inWes Anderson’s new filmThe French Dispatch. Winkler joins a star-studded ensemble that includes (trumpets, please!)Bill Murray,Frances McDormand,Tilda Swinton,Benicio Del Toro,Owen Wilson,Adrien Brody,Jeffrey Wright,Saoirse Ronan,Timothée Chalamet,Lois Smith,Bob BalabanandSteve Park, as well as French actorsLéa Seydoux,Mathieu AmalricandDenis Ménochet.
Anderson’s film is the cherry on top of what has been a hell of a year following a rollercoaster career that like many actors his age, has seen its share of ups and downs. If I had to pinpoint one move that helped him get his mojo back, it was Winkler’s decision to sign with Management 360, which saw an exciting opportunity to restore him to relevance and has made good on that promise.
Not much is known about the plot ofThe French Dispatch, but it is said to be set within the Paris bureau of an American newspaper, which explains why there are several French actors in the cast. Set in the 20th century, the film is also said to feature three storylines, and I can’t wait to find out who Winkler’s scene partners will be. The idea of him working with fellow Anderson newcomers Chalamet and Del Toro is just as exciting as him working with Anderson regulars like Murray, McDormand, Swinton and Wilson.
Indian Paintbrush is financing and producingThe French Dispatch, which is expected to debut later this year. It could very well prove to be an awards contender, but even if it isn’t, Winkler will likely return to the awards conversation once the second season ofBarrypremieres on HBO. After all, not only did he earn an Emmy and a Golden Globe nomination, but we’re still waiting to see whether Winkler will take home a SAG Award and a Critics Choice Award. No matter what happens, Winkler’s career resurgence is a welcome thing around these parts, and I look forward to hearing him recite Anderson’s delicious dialogue.
Stay tuned for release dates forThe French Dispatchand the second season ofBarry.The Hollywood Reporterbroke the news of Winkler’s casting.
