One of innumerable franchises currently in the early stages of a reboot/remake treatment is the Perry Mason series, which really exploded in popularity when Raymond Burr portrayed the title character in a 1950s TV show version (based in part on Erle Stanley Gardner’s original novels). Robert Downey Jr. is producing the new PM movie and reportedly intends to portray the eponymous investigative lawyer onscreen.
It makes sense then that Downey and his fellow producers would employ a lawyer-turned-screenwriter (in the form of Marc Guggenheim) to script the new Perry Mason film, which will be based on an original story about the character as co-conceived by Downey and the president of his Team Downey banner, David Gambino.
Guggenheim (as THR mentions in its scoop) practiced as an attorney in Boston before he started writing for and co-running such TV shows as Law & Order, CSI: Miami, Eli Stone, and FlashForward. He’s also well-known as a DC Comics author, having penned The Flash comic books in recent years; he also received screen story credit for the Green Lantern movie and is both executive producing and co-writing CW’s upcoming Green Arrow TV series (titled Arrow).
That’s all to say: Guggenheim’s transition from writing superhero stories for the comic book medium to that of film proved quite bumpy (to say the least). To what degree that bodes poorly for his ability to go from penning captivating legal drama for the small screen to the big screen – that’s mostly a matter of opinion right now. Guggenheim will be receiving an assisting hand from Downey on the Perry Mason creative process which should help.
RDJ is planning to become the new Perry Mason
Downey’s tentative plan to also portray the new cinematic incarnation of Perry Mason makes his involvement with the project a bit of a mixed blessing. Not because the beloved actor seems like a bad fit for the part, mind you, but because it’s arguably overdone territory for him. After all, even someone as talented as RDJ can only offer so many clever variations on the “sharp-witted and arrogant rebel” character before he starts running in circles.
On the other hand – it’s the very idea of Downey portraying Mr. Mason that makes this reboot appealing to many a moviegoer, especially those who are not really familiar with Burr’s iconic performance as the character from back in the day. Plus, the new Perry Mason flick also has the potential to offer a more nuanced iteration of Downey’s go-to screen persona, especially when compared to the flatter versions featured in the most recent Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes movies.
-
We will continue to keep you posted on the status of the Perry Mason reboot as more information is released.
Source: THR
‘Anchorman 2′ Trailers Tease the Return of Ron Burgundy’s News Team [Updated] 
Hugh Jackman Reveals Summer Start Date for ‘Wolverine 2′ 
‘Walking Dead’ Season 3 Preview Reveals The Prison & Michonne [Updated] 
‘Iron Man 3′ Begins Production; Secures Increased Budget 
Loading ...
sigh. no. just….no
this might be better if it was set in the sixties, but the way it is now…. no.
and we already know that green lantern was epic crap, so thats one big strike against this movie already. plus RDjr is a good actor, but i dont think he would fit this role very well imo.
This “reboot” is doing nothing more the “Perry Mason” name familiarity. Downey as Mason? Puhleeze.
‘This “reboot” is doing nothing more than trading on the “Perry Mason” name familiarity,’ is what I meant to say.
Pity this site doesn’t have any editing/formatting tools.
Sidney Lumet would have been perfect for this, perhaps someone like Danny Boyle, Frank Darabont or Milos Forman could make this work
Wow! That’s a diverse bunch of directors; nothing at all in common, as far as I can tell. Not to mention that Sidney Lumet is dead.
What is it about these four directors that caused you to associate them with this film?
Lumet was the greatest at crime dramas, police dramas and courtroom dramas. thought I was clear in my post in the past sense may he RIP.
Something the other three has in common, they are an actors director they really know how to get the best out of their actors and how to make small scenes between two or a few actors be the most intense thrilling or magical moment one can experience. they can make small scale drama feel grand and amazing in their hands
Green Lantern writer?! OMG. That film was such utter crap. Hollywood sucks.
It makes sense that Downey and his fellow producers would employ a lawyer-turned-screenwriter (in the form of Marc Guggenheim) to script the new Perry Mason film.
Lawyers can write of experiences and history.
The story to be based on an original story about the character as co-conceived by Downey and the president of his Team Downey banner, David Gambino will be notable.
Jennifer C. Warren
As someone who’s been watching the original Perry Mason series (on MeTV) for quite a few months now, I think Mr. Downey, Jr. could play the part.
Ms. Schaefer, the character of Perry Mason isn’t exactly an “arrogant rebel” as portrayed by the original series, so Mr. Downey, Jr. has the chance to stretch his wings a bit in the “sharp-witted” character genre.
mac :]
That’s good to hear – though, I kind of suspect Perry Mason will be portrayed as a bit more arrogant, with RDJ playing him. I could easily be wrong, of course.
Also, just FYI – it’s Mr. Schaefer.
Since many have made that mistake (including myself), it might be a good idea to change your handle to Mr. Sandy Schaefer.
Mr. Schaefer, my apologies. I figured I had a fifty-fifty chance. Thank you for correcting me.
I’m really hoping that Mr. Downey, Jr. doesn’t go too off the creative rails with the character of Perry Mason – his (and the scriptwriters’) portrayal of Sherlock Holmes was abominable to this old fangirl.
mac :]
How in the world is RDJ going to play a platypus? I mean he is great as Iron Man but even for him, a platypus is a stretch. Who will play Perry’s arch nemesis? Maybe Jacquin Phoenix? Anyway good luck RDJ.
is it just me or RDJ has gone from coke head to a sell out?
I mean Ironman ? OK. It was pretty good,RDJ was charming and he did need a mainstream success.
Sherlock holmes? anyone even barely acquainted with the character knows this movie was wrong and RDJ made no mysterie about his intent to play the character as long he could (meaning “as long as I can grab money”). You want to put a modern twist? go the BBC way.
but now Perry Mason???? is he already planning the end of one of his “franchise” and is looking for another cash cow?
I used to like him quite a bit but now he’s more of a turnoff and I probably avoid his movies.