Collider is reporting that Broadway star Alex Brightman will portray Saturday Night Live legend John Belushi in a film about the late comedian’s life. The movie will be directed by David Frankel, who previously helmed The Devil Wears Prada, Marley & Me and Collateral Beauty. Brightman, on the other hand, is best known for his work on the stage in Beetlejuice and School of Rock. He’s an energetic, popular Broadway presence and, based on looks alone, feels right for the part of Belushi.
Brightman
This is a project that’s been kicking around Hollywood for awhile now and promises to be far, far better than the other John Belushi biopic, 1989’s Wired, a movie that was destroyed by critics and disavowed by all those who knew Belushi. That movie starred none other than Michael Chiklis as a deceased Belushi who reviewed his life and fame in the company of a guardian angel. Yeah, it was different. Family and friends of Belushi lambasted the film and it is considered one of the worst movies of the 1980s. Frankel’s biopic is sure to be much, much better.
Plus, this Belushi biography is being endorsed by the comic’s widow, Judith, who will serve as an executive producer. The script apparently features a whole slew of cameos from Belushi’s peers, including Lorne Michaels, Gilda Radner, Al Franken, Jack Nicholson and more. I wonder who they can get to play them. Dan Aykroyd would obviously be a supporting character in the film and apparently comedian John Mulaney has been offered that role, though there is no indication if he’s taken it.
Belushi’s story is a sad and sadly common one: he was a massive talent who became a huge success but was plagued with substance abuse issues that cut his life way, way too short. It’s sad to see all that Belushi accomplished in just 33 years and know he had so much more potential. Tragically, it’s a tale that’s been repeated by multiple other comedians including Chris Farley, who enthusiastically cited Belushi as a major influence on him. I hope that the story of Belushi is told faithfully and really drives home the message that fame and success don’t protect people from the demons that haunt them. Hell, sometimes it makes those demons stronger. This Belushi biopic should be an honorable representation of the man but it should also be a cautionary tale.