Edward Scissorhands Movie Remake in the Works?

No doubt about it, English actor and Twilight star Robert Pattinson's career has taken off, earning him millions of dollars at the box office and a coveted spot on both People Magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive" and Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People" lists. Best-known for his role as Edward Cullen in the film adaptations of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight novels, Robert Pattinson had already scored with the critics for his role as Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. His recent appearances on the talk shows and queue of upcoming feature film roles only solidify Robert Pattinson's place as one of the biggest movie stars in Hollywood and the world over.

Actor Robert Pattinson: Comparisons with Jude Law and Johnny Depp

It was only a matter of time before English actor and Twilight star Robert Pattinson was compared to the likes of actors Jude Law and Johnny Depp. Here he is hitting it big in his mid-20s, like Jude Law and Johnny Depp before him. But, the latest rumor puts Hollywood's favorite on screen vampire and heartthrob in the starring role of Tim Burton's classic Edward Scissorhands.

Edward Scissorhands provided young actor Johnny Depp with a breakout role and one that would secure his place among the best actors of his generation. Edward Scissorhands provided a nice platform for Depp to show off his acting chops, range and talent. In thinking about Robert Pattinson in this same Tim Burton role, it makes perfect sense. The two appear similar for being young actors who have chosen their parts wisely, blazing their own trails distinct from their peers. Both Robert Pattinson and Johnny Depp have that electric quality that defies description, something that would be important to bring to a remake of Edward Scissorhands. The question is: would an actor who played a vampire in the recent Twilight saga films be able to step inside a role that is so closely associated with Johnny Depp? Time will tell.

Edward Scissorhands: The Remake

In Edward Scissorhands, award winning director, producer and artist Tim Burton created a cinematic fairytale to explore the bizarre among the mundane. The first part of Edward Scissorhands is a rather satiric and funny take on suburban America as Edward gains credibility through art only made possible because of his scissor hands. Once shunned, Edward finds acceptance. Eventually, Edward turns his eyes to Kim, but the townspeople who initially embraced him turn against him. As a result, the film is both funny and sad, akin to Carrie before it, filled with teenage possibilities, angst and danger. As a result, Edward Scissorhands ends on a gothic note.

Not every film is amenable to a remake or sequel, for that matter. Edward Scissorhands just might be a one-of-a-kind flick that could only have been made around the time that it was released. Johnny Depp personifies the quirky and misunderstood Edward Scissorhands and anyone who follows him will likely be compared.

While Robert Pattinson would certainly be able to handle the role, the inevitable comparisons would flow. And, it seems like Robert Pattinson would carry the role in much the same way Johnny Depp did before him without bringing a new dimension to the title role.

Who Should Have the Title Role in Edward Scissorhands?

If producers decide that a remake of Edward Scissorhands is possible and would be accepted by the film-going audience today, I believe they may want to cast against type this time. Why? Because casting against type may be the only way to break the spell Johnny Depp has over this particular character. Casting against type, someone like Zac Efron (High School Musical) or Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 Days of Summer) could handily assume the role of Edward Scissorhands. Both of these talented, American actors share a youthful, wide-eyed nature which would be interesting for Edward Scissorhands to project. Both have developed their acting chops enough to carry a film of this magnitude. Each has enjoyed a broad audience, including teenage film goers too young to remember the original movie made famous by Johnny Depp in his prime.

But, what if producers are looking to share the same qualities that Johnny Depp brought to the role and movie with a whole new generation of filmgoers? Then, both France's Louis Garrel (The Dreamers and Ma Mere) and Britain's Robert Pattinson (Twilight) could provide this remake with the same intensity that Johnny Depp brought to the role. These young actors both share youthful looks and wisdom beyond their years. Both would bring a dark, intensity to the role of Edward Scissorhands. Finally, both can carry a film of this size and already enjoy a huge fan base in their home countries and around the world.

Who's on the shortlist to co-star in Edward Scissorhands? Kristin Stewart (Devil Wears Prada and Twilight) could ably handle a supporting role in the Edward Scissorhand's remake, as could Nova Scotia's Ellen Page. Both have an impressive number of feature films under their belts and would bring an interesting dimension to the role of Kim, Edward's one and only love interest.

RESOURCES

Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Yahoo! Movies

Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Internet Movie Database (IMD)

Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Teach with Movies

Film Review - Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Starpulse

TMZ Productions, Inc.
www.tmz.com