Why Did Jonah Hill Turn Down a Role in Transformers 2?
As you may recall, not too long before the announcement came that Jonah Hill had been hired to write a 21 Jump Street movie, there was also some talk that he had been cast as Shia LaBeouf’s sidekick in Transformers 2. A few days later, it was reported that negotiations between Hill and Dreamworks had broken down, and just like that, he was officially off the project.
But what really happened there? Did Hill demand too much money? Was there a scheduling conflict? Well, as a scooper for IESB claims, Jonah Hill was totally on board right up until he actually read the script. That’s when he decided to walk away from the project and never look back.
“Apparently, Jonah was more or less offered the part in the room, but then had to go into Bay’s office to read the script – because it’s so super top secret and the plot is so extra-specially complex, you know. Jonah sits down, opens the script. The character of the chubby sidekick is named “Jonah.” How perfect. Jonah reads 20 pages of the script, puts it down, and silently walks out of the room. Wants no part of it. Next thing you know, his reps call Bay, he’s off the project.”
So what does this mean? Was the script so bad that Jonah Hill didn’t want to associate himself with it? Or was the role just not something he felt was right for his career? I realize this is all hearsay, but with the endless hype and speculation surrounding the second round of Michael Bay’s giant f’n robots, I thought some people might find it interesting. Personally I wouldn’t doubt that the script was atrocious, and I also think well-known actors would be wary about stepping into a movie like this. After all, the CG characters are the obvious stars of the show here… what does Jonah Hill have to gain, other than a paycheck?
Comments (11)
I am sooo glad Jonah is not degrading himself by being part of the continuously growing colossal shit pile that is Michael Bay’s Transformers series. One can only begin to imagine the drivel that is the Transformers 2 script.
Posted by Matt on June 16th, 2008The story has got to be even more laughable than that of the last movie, for somebody not to even want to finish it. And, my god, the first movie was so very intelligence-insulting. Why would you not just melt all the deceipticons down after defeating them? Why would you give Shia Labouff the cube so he can try and out run the evil robots? Questions like this boggle the mind. Aside from the special effects that were very good. The rest of the first movie sucked big sweatty balls and I don’t see a single reason why the sequel should be any better (with or without Jonah Hill.)
more for the money hungry machine.
Posted by cronenfly on June 16th, 2008I must admit the first movie sucked balls! It’s no wonder Jonah didn’t want to be involved with the 2nd. Besides when has a Bay script been any good? Can anyone say cliche’?????
Posted by 1138 on June 16th, 2008I have a confession; Transformers enjoy sucking big, sweaty balls.
And the special effects were one of the worst parts of the first one.
Posted by Steven on June 16th, 2008Steven said “And the special effects were one of the worst parts of the first one.”
To me they were the best parts and everything else suffered from scrip epicization syndrome.
I have a feeling it wasn’t the quality of the script so much as the nature of his character. There were probably fat jokes inherent to his character’s every action which hasn’t been the case in his Jew Tang Clan films. I’m sure Jonah Hill would like to get laid more or just have self respect and playing characters who are written as fat and stupid won’t help.
A pairing of Jonah Hill and LaBeef does seem perfect though. They look and sound similar enough to even play brothers.
Posted by Ryan on June 16th, 2008Yes, it will be interesting to which funny fat guy will decide to swallow their pride and take on that sidekick role in his place.
Posted by Sean on June 16th, 2008Jonah said he didn’t do it because he felt he was ready action or more serious roles and wanted to stick with comedy for another few while.
The thought of him sticking his nose up at Transformers 2 due to it sucking wouldn’t stop him because lets face it, he acted in such comedies such as Evan Almighty and Accepted.
Posted by Robert(wolf) on June 16th, 2008Jonah said he didn’t do it because he felt he wasn’t ready action or more serious roles and wanted to stick with comedy for another few while.
The thought of him sticking his nose up at Transformers 2 due to it sucking wouldn’t stop him because lets face it, he acted in such comedies such as Evan Almighty and Accepted.
Posted by Robert(wolf) on June 16th, 2008If this is true, Jonah Hill is one of my new favorite actors. Transformers was shit, a sequel probably will be as well, and the fact that someone out there is willing to walk away from it despite the guaranteed bank based on the fact that it’s no good restores just a tiny bit of my faith in mankind.
Posted by Rian on June 16th, 2008Jonah Hill is a fat pig, who despite being almost 25, acts like an immature 13-year old w/ no social skills. Seriously, watch his interviews.
Posted by job on July 25th, 2008Money must be not a concern if he can turn down the opportunity. Then again, in 90% of cases, part twos of anything usually bomb into the toilet (MIB II, Starship Troopers II, etc).
Posted by Baychuk on July 25th, 2008Leave a Reply