The Scorecard Review news
News: Two more actors are joining the cast of Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. The first is Samuel L. Jackson, whose involvement has been expected for quite some time. The other is Gerald McRaney, best known from HBO’s “Deadwood” and on “Major Dad” as John D. “Mac” McGillis.
Thoughts by TSR: Django Unchained, Quentin Tarantino’s follow-up to Inglourious Basterds, is my most anticipated film of 2012. I made it known I was less than enthused when Jamie Foxx was announced for the title role, but I’ve since grown on the idea of Foxx playing the freed slave out for revenge on his evil plantation owner. Every other casting decision has been spot on. Leonardo DiCaprio is set to play the aforementioned plantation owner, Christoph Waltz will play a German bounty hunter who assists Django, and Kevin Costner will also be involved in a villainous role.
It’s also been expected that Samuel L. Jackson would be re-teaming with Tarantino in a major role for the first time since Jackie Brown. Variety has confirmed his involvement and I could not be more excited. Jackson will play Stephen, a slave and “right-hand man” to DiCaprio’s sadistic plantation owner. I’m thrilled Jackson is back with Tarantino, but even more pleased that it’s in a role that has a chance to be as great as this one.
Variety is also reporting that veteran actor Gerald McRaney is in talks for an unnamed role in the film. McRaney played George Hearst in HBO’s “Deadwood” and is also known for starring in the television show “Major Dad.” I imagine McRaney will play an antagonist in this film, and if so he’s just another excellent villainous casting decision. So far, Tarantino has done a great job filling the major roles. If he manages to populate the film with reliable actors like McRaney in secondary roles, then we have every reason to be excited. Django Unchained is expected to start shooting this November with the release date set for December 25, 2012. Merry Christmas.