Is Irish thespian Colin Farrell being lined up to play iconic Black Sabbath frontman and reality TV star Ozzy Osbourne in the forthcoming biopic that's supposedly close to production? That's the latest unsubstantiated, pie-in-the-sky casting rumor making the rounds at the moment, anyway.
“Colin drinks, he smokes, he womanizes. He's just a sleeve tattoo away from being a real rock star," a spokesperson apparently told the Irish Times having not followed Farrell's career for years or being aware of his sobriety. “At least Colin and Ozzy are on the same page when it comes to using four-letter words!”
Osbourne had previously squashed other casting rumors noting that he didn't "want a Johnny Depp or someone from the Hobbit films [to play him]. I want someone who knows Birmingham." Could Farrell the Irishman then be the compromise Osbourne is after? He's definitely an interesting choice who, along with Depp, is probably one of few actors in that age-range that could do the larger-than-life Osbourne justice.
If the project does ever get up and running though, Osbourne noted his own plans for casting with "something like an X Factor audition." Sounds like a money spinning reality MTV show waiting to happen; shame.
Whoever plays Ozzy Osbourne in the upcoming biopic about the legendary rockstar needs to embody the drinking, womanizing, drug-abusing and partying lifestyle Osbourne will always be remembered for. I’m looking at you Colin Farrell. In addition to the partying attributes, The Oz needs a versatile actor who can produce a laugh and take a complicated role seriously. Still looking at you Colin. The Irish Times (via The Playlist) is reporting a rumor that Farrell will play The Godfather of Heavy Metal in the upcoming movie.
Say what you want about Farrell’s extracurricular activities and somewhat shady celebrity past, but the guy is a versatile actor. He’s shown as much in movies like In Bruges and Crazy Heart that when he embraces a role, the sky is the limit. Actually, now that I’ve heard this rumor, I’m having trouble picturing anyone else playing the role. (Even though I said before Russell Brand should be the go-to guy).
Whoever ends up playing Ozzy, the biopic – if done correctly- has the makings of a cinematic tour-de-force of bingeing, rocking, cursing, sexing and just general debauchery. Even though this is just a rumor, Farrell has been warming up for years.
