Ryan Gosling to Star in and Direct a Remake of '80s Rock and Roll Movie The Idolmaker

RyanGosling300.jpgWhile Ryan Gosling promotes his stuntman action film Drive in Cannes this week, news has just broken that the Oscar-nominated actor will make his directorial debut with...a remake of the PG-rated musical drama The Idolmaker. That's what you were expecting, right?

Well, maybe not. The original 1980 film was loosely based on real-life rock promoter Bob Marcucci's experiences discovering artists like Frankie Avalon and Fabian. Ray Sharkey played Marcucci's surrogate and earned a Golden Globe for his performance. Co-starring Olympia Dukakis, Peter Gallagher and Joe Pantoliano, the film still holds a solid 86% on RottenTomatoes. Considering the success of recent musical dramas like Walk the Line, Ray, Dreamgirls, Country Strong and Crazy Heart , maybe Idolmaker is a smart reboot for Gosling's directorial debut.

Check out a clip from the original Idolmaker below and decide for yourself.

· Cannes: Ryan Gosling To Star In & Direct Remake Of 'The Idolmaker' [Deadline]



Comments

  • HwoodHills says:

    Is it still a period piece set in the 50's or an updated "current" music scenario?
    (C'mon, Movieline. I know "quick news" has diluted things but aren't details still important?)

  • pinkyt says:

    Wow, I had completely forgotten about this movie. When it came out, I (and all the other girls in my 5th grade class) thought it was the shit. Had a decent soundtrack, too (well, for 1980 and 5th grade - our standards were pretty low then).
    IIRC, Peter Gallagher played a teenager (his eyebrows were still awesome, though). I feel so old.
    Anyway, very odd choice. Perhaps we can expect as a follow up a remake of "Summer Lovers"? One can only dream...

  • JP says:

    Please no Beiber! Use one of the Jonas Brothers! Beiber can't sing! Timberlake would be good and have Gallagher play the role of Ray Sahrkey.