When filmmakerAdam McKayannounced that he was directing and co-writing an adaptation ofThe Big Short, an account of the 2008 financial crisis, it made sense. McKay hadn’t ever really made a drama before, and while his films likeAnchormanandStep Brotherswould suggest a focus on silliness, his movies always had a really smart and sharp narrative structure that suggested he might surprise withThe Big Short. And indeed, he won an Oscar for it.
So anticipation would already be high for McKay’s follow-up project, but that it’sa film about former Vice PresidentDick Cheneywith some of the best actors working today playing notable members of the Bush Administration makes it all the more exciting. Collider’s own Steve Weintraub recently spoke withSteve Carellat the press day forRichard LInklater’s upcomingLast Flag Flying, and during the course of their conversation they also talked about the Dick Cheney movie, in which Carell plays former Secretary of DefenseDonald Rumsfeld.
Carell revealed that he was about to start shooting and had a makeup test the next day, but he also said that film will be akin toThe Big Short—at least in spirit:
“[McKay is] so smart, and he’s so funny. The Cheney movie is going to be sort of a kindred spirit movie toThe Big Short. It’s gonna have a similar vibe to it.”
While Carell will be utilizing makeup quite heavily to transform into Rumsfeld, we know from recent interviews andset photosthatChristian Balehas undergone a pretty significant physical transformation, and Carrell says the Oscar-winningThe Fighteractor has been working to make his neck larger:
“It’s not so much the weight gain but apparently he wanted his neck to be thicker for Cheney, so he’s doing neck exercises to thicken his—I don’t want to give away any of his secrets or anything, but he is gonna be the guy. It’s gonna be really cool, I’m looking forward to it.”
This movie cannot come out soon enough. Production continues but hopefully the film will hit theaters later next year. Annapurna Pictures is producing and distributing.
