Grabbing the post-'Ring' brass ring
| • | 'Rings' hero escapes blockbuster syndrome |
By Susan Wloszczyna
USA Today
Hired for a relative pittance to toil for at least four years in three movies, the cast of "The Lord of the Rings" can't afford to turn down free advice. These career tips come from New York magazine columnist Anne Thompson, E! Online's Ted Casablanca, Teen People's Laura Morgan and Adam Sternburgh of fametracker.com.
Sean Astin
"Rings" role: Steadfast hobbit Sam.
First post-"Rings" film: Drew Barrymore's bodybuilder brother in "50 First Dates."
Current status: Sidekick.
Advice: "I could imagine him following his mother Patty Duke's footsteps and ending up on TV," Thompson says. "He is very likable and funny." Says Morgan: "He doesn't need a career like a Ben Affleck. He just needs good material."
• • •
Viggo Mortensen
Post-"Rings" film: A long-distance rider in the desert adventure "Hidalgo," which opens March 5.
Current status: Supporting player turned eye-pleasing lead.
Advice: "He has a shot at being an action star if he chooses well," Thompson says. "He is a bit quirky and may pick more idiosyncratic roles. But the door is clearly open." Sternbergh says, "I can see him becoming a Harrison Ford type. He has the charisma. But once you are the next Harrison Ford, it's hard to go back."
• • •
Liv Tyler
Post-"Rings" film: Girlfriend to Ben Affleck's single dad in "Jersey Girl," which arrives March 19.
Current status: Ethereal beauty whose previous hit was the 1998 disaster flick "Armageddon," also co-starring Affleck.
Advice: "She definitely has the look and personality to do mainstream romantic comedies," Morgan says. "Meg and Julia are over. We need a brunette."
• • •
Elijah Wood
Post-"Rings" film: With Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," due out March 19.
Current status: Child actor all grown up.
Advice: "Of the hobbits, Wood will be the one to pull himself out and distinguish himself from 'The Lord of the Rings' because he already had an identity before," Casablanca says. "I just want him to get a tan." Says Sternbergh, "It would be smart for him and the other hobbits to do some supporting roles to get them re-established as humans who wear shoes."
