HIS ‘SPACEY’ SURPRISE – CONFIDENTIAL:
TTHE PREMIERE of a little holiday movie, “The Man Who Invented Christmas,” was teeming with press due to one of its stars — Christopher Plummer — who it was announced last week will be refilming Kevin Spacey’s role as J. Paul Getty in the upcoming film “All The Money in the World.” Director Ridley Scott abruptly decided to reshoot “All the Money” after a tsunami of sexual harassment charges surfaced against Spacey. Plummer (photo), 87, told Confidential on Sunday that he understands the fascination around the abrupt and highly unusual recasting, but “I’m used to big roles and lots of words. I’m just trying to be as good as I can be in the part. “It fascinates me because it’s very clear and very wellwritten,” he continued. It’s actually a role that the “Sound of Music” actor is well acquainted with. He told reporters that “I was in contention (for it) a long time ago, so I was familiar with it.”
As to whether the unusually late reshoot is a good idea, the “Beginners” Oscar-winner demurred on answering that.
“I think it’s very sad,” he said. “Kevin is such a talented actor, terrifically gifted. It’s so sad, it’s such a shame, and that’s all I can say.”
Plummer has already begun to learn his lines and will be jetting off to Rome to begin shooting next Monday.
The film about the kidnapping of billionaire Getty’s grandson, which also stars Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Williams, is still expected to be released Dec. 22.
And as for “The Man Who Invented Christmas,” in which Plummer plays Ebenezer Scrooge, the Canadian-born star says he loved playing a cantankerous character — and is quite cantankerous in real life.
“If this (interview) goes on too long, you’ll find out!” he quipped.