James Corden has revealed he narrowly missed out on starring in the critically acclaimed film The Whale, starring Brendan Fraser.
The comedian and TV star, 44, told Deadline he would star in the film if Tom Ford directed it.
“I wanted to play this role and Tom Ford would direct it,” James told the publication, adding that Hollywood megastar George Clooney was also involved with the project at one point.
‘I wanted to play this role’: James Corden announced this week that he almost landed the lead role in ‘The Whale,’ starring Brendan Fraser
James also reportedly said he thought he might be too young to star in the film and “do him justice” since Brendan is 54.
The publication reports that the film’s director, Darren Aronofsky, 53, corroborated James’ claims.
The publication reports that George Clooney was “involved” in the project, “but only wanted to do the film if an actual £600 unknown could be found to play the lead.”
Hit film: In the film (pictured), dubbed Brendan Fraser’s comeback film and nominated for a number of awards, he plays Charlie, an overweight English teacher who hopes to bond with his teenage daughter
In the film, billed as Brendan Fraser’s comeback film and nominated for a number of awards, he plays Charlie, an overweight English teacher who hopes to bond with his teenage daughter.
It comes after James revealed he once auditioned for a role in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, but it didn’t go very well.
The comedian and TV star told Joshua Horowitz that he auditioned for the role of The Hobbit and Frodo’s best friend, Samwise Gamgee, but didn’t receive a definitive call-back.
Failed Audition: It comes after James revealed that he once auditioned for a role in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, but it didn’t go very well. The role of Samwise went to American star Sean Astin, 51 (pictured)
“Not good,” James said of auditioning for Joshua on his Happy Sad Confused podcast, with the role of Samwise eventually going to American star Sean Astin, 51.
“Every single person in London auditioned for Lord of the Rings, everyone, and I auditioned for Samwise…” James said.
“I did the accent and everything… Mr. Frodo!” he cried.
James said he and two other friends called in and got a call back before never hearing from casting agents again.
“Every single person in London auditioned for Lord of the Rings, everyone, and I auditioned for Samwise…” James said
“Two of my other friends went in,” James said.
“And then we all got called back the next day, and then we got called back the next day, and after that none of us got called back,” he said, laughing.
When asked if he still loves the films despite not getting the part, he said, “No, I really enjoyed that.”
Sean Astin, Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd all landed roles as the four main hobbits in the hit series based on the work of JRR Tolkien.
Stars: Sean Astin, Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd all landed roles as the four main hobbits in the hit series based on the work of JRR Tolkien
When asked if he still loves the films despite not getting the part, he said, “No, I really enjoyed this one.”
James is best known for his work on the hit sitcom Gavin and Stacey, which co-wrote and starred with Ruth Jones.
Known for his carpool karaoke skit, he later appeared in musical films including 2019’s Cats, which was panned by critics and shot at the box office.
James, meanwhile, is ready to leave The Late Late Show, telling his close friend Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show that he will “fail dramatically” in the final episode because he “won’t cry”.
He added that he will “miss the show very much” – which will wrap up in Spring 2023.
The ‘Ocean’s 8’ actor admitted filming the final episode will be anything but easy. He said: “My intention, which I think I will fail dramatically at, is just not to cry the whole hour, which I think I will be.”
Moving on: James is now ready to leave The Late Late Show, telling his close friend Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show that he will “fail dramatically” in the final episode because he “won’t cry”.