In an interview with local author Daniel Side, by reporter Danielle Edis from the Binbrook Post, it was revealed that Ryan Reynolds is being considered for the role of Jake Bennett.
Danielle Edis for the Binbrook Post – March 2022
Thought you should know, I found out that Ryan Reynolds is being considered for the role of Jake Bennett in EXPEDITION BORNEO. In interviewing local author Daniel Side, he let it be known that Reynolds is his first choice for the coveted role.
EXPEDITION BORNEO, a modern day journey quest, could be described as a romantic adventure, along the lines of The African Queen, staring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn.
Danielle: Let’s get right to the rumor we have heard. We saw a post that you would like Ryan Reynolds to play the role of Jake Bennett in your latest novel EXPEDITION BORNEO.
Side: That’s correct.
Danielle: Who bought the rights to make the movie of your novel?
Side: No one has as of yet.
Danielle: No one has? And yet you have it out there that you want Ryan Reynolds to star in a movie version?
Side: Yes.
Danielle: Isn’t that putting the cart before the horse?
Side: Perhaps, but someone asked me who I would prefer to play the role. I answered.
Danielle: Why Reynolds?
Side: A number of things. First, he’s Canadian, as am I. Let’s keep it in house. He seems like a really great guy, with this relaxed, natural sense of humor. And you can’t ignore the philanthropy work he and Blake do. I’d like to work with him.
Danielle: That’s it? He’s a nice, funny Canadian guy?
Side: Well no. Wouldn’t we all like to see Ryan Reynolds in a charismatic, macho role? Give us something to look forward to? And I’d like to salvage his career.
Danielle: His career? It seems to me that he’s doing okay lately. Free Guy. Red Notice had the biggest Netflix opening ever. And now The Adam Project.
Side: Yeah, I know I know. Like I said, he’s a funny guy. I loved him in Definitely Maybe and The Proposal, a couple of his earlier films. A terrific comic actor. But I’d like to see him back in a serious role. He’s had enough light, buddy roles lately. I’m sure that the role will appeal to him, giving him a break from the tongue in cheek, light adventures that he has been drawn to recently. I think Ryan’s ready for a more serious adventure picture that will introduce a new classic character to film.
Danielle: And you think the lead role in EXPEDITION BORNEO is what he needs.
Side: Yes. It’s a great character, in an exotic setting, during a time when the global world was in peril. It’s a classic adventure story with heroism, romance and enough danger to keep the audience on the edge of their seats: a modern day journey quest; a new age African Queen or King Solomon’s Mines. We’ve had plenty of over the top super heroes from the comic universes. About time for a regular guy rising to the challenge. Indiana Jones is a good example.
Danielle: Okay, so have you contacted him yet?
Side: No.
Danielle: Why not?
Side: He seems to like social media. If I send him a letter, tucked in a copy of the book, I doubt he’d ever get it. So hopefully he’ll hear about it through social media.
Danielle: And do you think he’ll respond?
Side: I hope so. It’s a complex role. He has the acting chops and he isn’t afraid of a physical role. He looked great in Blade Trinity, but that was ten, fifteen years ago. Let’s face it, he’s not getting any younger. When’s the last time he took his shirt off in a movie? He would make a great Jake Bennett: a brave, loyal, stubborn smart ass. I hope I don’t have to go to his buddy, Hugh Jackman, although he would be excellent as well.
Danielle: Any choices for the female lead?
Side: Coming up with someone to fill the role of Katherine Brockman might be a little harder, although I would like to keep it all Canadian, eh, and snag Rachel McAdams.
When pressed if he might change his mind and approach Reynolds, Side just smiled.
