Article from the Hollywood Insider

Friday, February 27, 2009

Excerpt from "Rumors and Speculation":

Here' a little tid bit from of all places, Dallas, Texas. I know what you're saying, nothing noteworthy happens in Dallas, but this reporter has it on good authority that 20th Century Fox is working on an ultra-secret, mega block buster motion picture due out in 2012. My understanding is the studio has been trying to keep this particular project under wraps because its already 20 million over budget and has gone through 4 directors, and not just any directors, we're talking Scorsese, the Coen Brothers, and Tarantino.

What movie could justify this sort of controversy, to attract and then run off some of the greatest directors of our time? Well the answer appears to be wrapped up in the subject matter and the little known actor that has been chosen to play the lead role. The movie, "The very early years of Jacques Custeau" seems straight forward enough, if a little underwhelming. The actor in question, one Thomas Elliot, seems to be the root of the issues. His bizarre antics on the set and demands for extravagant perks have beguiled directors and costars alike.

No one is talking on the record, but I've been able to get some details from inside sources and exclusive shots from one of the scenes. One stage hand said that Thomas never speaks between takes, is constantly dosing off in the middle of scenes and keeps the entire crew waiting while he "takes meditation" in some sort of futuristic sleep chamber.

I tried to do some background on Thomas, but turned up more questions than answers. Thomas has no film credits to his name. I mean none. Despite that he still has a reputation that rivals the greats. George Lucas is on record as saying that he would work with Thomas in a second. "Oh, he's an actor's actor. I've heard he can be difficult, but I think I can channel him and we could do great things. If you talk to him, tell him I said that. He won't return my phone calls."

The church of Scientology has even weighed in on him. A spokesman told me that Thomas is not associated with the church in any way, but based on what he's heard, Thomas is just the kind of person they are looking for and has an open invitation to join.


One of our spies was able to sneak on the set during filming at great peril and snapped off these 3 shots.

What I think you're looking at is a scene where Thomas plays Jacques Cousteau experimenting with different scuba gear as a very young child.

In the last 2 photos, Thomas reportedly spotted our camera man. Thomas quickly covered up and was whisked off the set and our spy was run off by a team of security guards.

As I learn more, I'll be sure to update you on what promises to be one of the most intriguing characters since Michael Jackson. The movie will most likely go straight to DVD.