Brendan Fraser Is ‘William Tell’ In 3-D

Brendan Fraser is a charming guy that audiences like as evidenced in the success of the first two ‘Mummy’ movies (unlike the awfulness of the last one). But so often, he takes up the worst projects possible and taints his name with putrid stuff like ‘Furry Vengeance’. Now, he might have a chance at redemption in a major action movie.

Fraser has now been cast as the titular hero in  the historical family action adventure ‘William Tell: 3D’, says producer Todd Meyer. Tell is a folk hero in Switzerland and has quite an interesting story behind him as seen in this press release quote:

In the legend, Tell just can’t leave well enough alone.  The local potentate of the Hapsburg monarch, Hermann Gessler forces Tell to shoot the apple because he refused to bow before Gessler’s hat, erected in a town square.  Tell succeeds in cleanly (and safely) cleaving the fruit and wins his and his son’s freedom.  But Gessler asks Tell why he had two arrows is his quiver, and Tell replies he was going to shoot Gessler with the second if he’d missed.  Tell’s defiance of Gessler ignited an uprising against the Austrian government which led to the formation of Switzerland.   If confirmed, Paquin will play Zora, Tell’s wife and Schweiger will play Gessler.

Says Moyer:

“There is no other actor who is more perfectly suited to be the patriot and family man that is William Tell. Brendan was the driving force behind the movie being shot in 3D. He’s a witty, charming and very likeable action hero, and he really anchors the ensemble cast.”

I’d agree that Fraser works best in an action adventure atmosphere and this might be his key to the top ranks again. However, I don’t see that many good names attached to this as Nick Hurran will direct based on a script by Scott Reynolds. But the plot is compelling so maybe this could be something. Production begins very soon.

What do you think of Brendan Fraser?