Strange news out of the G.I. Joe camp this morning. It appears David Murray was unable to get his papers in order, and will not be able to enter the U S of A. Because of this, the studio had to give the role to someone else. OUCH!!! We get the scoop from our friends at IESB:
The IESB has received breaking news, a last minute change has been made to the G.I. Joe cast – Who to play Destro. A devastating blow has been dealt to David Murray, the actor set to star as Destro in the new G.I. Joe film. Seems he had unforeseen problems getting into the United States and wasn’t able to get a work VISA in time for the film’s start date of Wednesday February 13th.
Studio sources say Murray is a phenomenal actor with a great body of work and are disheartened that he was unable to get his immigration issues in order before the film was set to start shooting. Well, although the higher ups were dismayed that Murray would not be able to play the role, what’s a studio to do other than re-cast? Paramount Pictures has confirmed, the actor will no longer be in the film, instead they have given the role of Destro to Chris Eccleston.
Well, I know one man that is going to be drinking tonight. Holy rat heads Batman! I cannot even imagine how insanely bummed out the actor must be at this moment in history. If however, G.I. Joe is garbage…..could this be turned into good news? Will this unfortunate turn of events actually prove to be beneficial for Mr. Murray? I guess we will have to wait and see.
Chris Eccleston has been on Heroes and was Dr. Who for a season. He actually looks a bit more like Destro and has a decent resume for this sort of film. If a replacement had to be found; I think a good one has been obtained. International friends, I have not seen this man act in Dr. Who and/or Heroes. If any of you could please fill us in on your thoughts regarding this man’s abilities as a thespian – it would be greatly appreciated.
G.I. Joe begins filming this week and we will be following it closely; like a watchdog guarding the infant of our beloved master.
