Are you ready for another 'Vacation' with the Griswolds? UPDATED with choices for Rusty
Posted Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 10:34 AM Central
Last updated Monday, July 25, 2011 at 11:16 AM Central
by Tim Briscoe
Looks like the Griswold family is packing its bags, readying another big-screen trip. The Griswolds, headed by patriarch Clark (Chevy Chase), have already given us some great memories, beginning with the 1983 original National Lampoon's Vacation.
This time around however, it's son Rusty who will be heading the clan. According to the L.A. Times, the film will have Rusty all grown up, taking his own family on a road trip. Scribes John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (writers of Horrible Bosses) have just finished a second draft on the script.
Rusty will take after his father, of course. "The thing that made the first film so successful was Chevy Chase and just how likable Clark was, and Rusty will have a lot of similarities to him," Daley said to the L.A. Times.
The writers said the goal is to have Chase and on-screen wife Beverly D'Angelo make appearances at the end of the film.
While I'm a little apprehensive about a reboot of a beloved comedy, I do see a lot of promise with this project. They really can cast any actor for Rusty. Part of the humor of the films is that Rusty was played by a different kid in each one. Continuity doesn't dictate who they grab for this movie.
On the other hand, the actor has enormous shoes to fill. Chevy Chase owns Clark Griswold. His son will need to have the same ability to play a lovable doofus. That will be a big challenge for the producers. Similarly, you've got to have the spawn of Cousin Eddie in this new movie too, right?
What actor do you think would be a good adult Rusty Griswold? I'm not completely convinced but John Krasinki might have the stuff to pull it off. Maybe even his Office co-star Ed Helms. Send in your suggestions. We'd love to hear them.
No word yet on a possible release for this Vacation film. The L.A. Times says studio New Line is eager to get started.
Everything Old Is New Again
I didn't realize until I posted this that we reported on this project way back in 2009. At that point it was not much more than a rumor. It actually seems like it's going to happen now. Plus, it gives us a chance to ruminate on the possible cast. So, again, send us your picks.
The more I think about it, the more I like Krasinski as Rusty.
Rusty Picks
We've received a few submissions on who should play Rusty in this new Vacation film. Longtime friend of the site Eric suggested Jim Parsons, famous for playing "Sheldon" on The Big Bang Theory. He also pointed out the Rusty connection with his TV co-star Johnny Galecki. He played young Russ in Christmas Vacation.
Speaking of TV stars, Jason picked Chuck lead Zachary Levi and Psych star James Roday for the role. I think those are both good choices but Roday may not be as recognizable.
Reader Jose Manuel put forth Zach Braff. As he said, Braff was once rumored to play Fletch in a prequel. It certainly would be fitting for him as the successor of another of Chevy Chase's famous roles.
Perhaps the best suggestion, I think, was from Cive (maybe he meant to type Clive?). He offered up Jason Sudekis for the role. Sudekis certainly is hot property these days and would be an excellent Rusty. The writers would probably pick him too since he stars in their movie Horrible Bosses.
I even tapped my website cohort John for his choices. He picked Jason Lee and Johnny Galecki for the position.
He wasn't the only one to favor former child stars who played Rusty in the earlier movies. Mark Z. emphatically said it should go to Rusty Griswold original Anthony Michael Hall.
That got me thinking. Maybe the producers should tap all the Rusty alumni. In order that would be Hall, Jason Lively, Galecki, and Ethan Embry. Give them each 20 minutes to play adult Rusty in new movie. Don't offer up any explanation, just have them change out. That would be a movie I'd pay to see.