ROTTEN TOMATOES: Robert Downey Jr. To Lead In The Soloist

Robert Downey Jr. To Lead In The Soloist

Downey to play reporter opposite schizophrenic ex-violin prodigy, played by Jamie Foxx

by Tim Ryan | August 28, 2007

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It looks like Robert Downey Jr. may be cultivating a mini-career of playing journalists. First it was Zodiac, and now Variety is reporting that Downey will join the cast of The Soloist, playing a reporter who discovers a homeless violin virtuoso, played by Jamie Foxx.

Downey will play L.A. Times columnist Steve Lopez, who finds Nathaniel Ayers (Foxx), a homeless man whose schizophrenia derailed his music career. After Lopez writes a column about Ayers, the two become close friends. Charlotte's Web screenwriter Susannah Grant penned the script, based upon Lopez' column and books. Shooting is slated to begin in January.

Downey has a lot on his plate these days; He stars as the titular hero in Jon Favreau's Iron Man, and is also in the cast of Ben Stiller's ensemble comedy Tropic Thunder.

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(1-6 of 6 posts) | Reply

LEAVES writes:
on Aug 28 2007 07:14 PM

I heard that they're considering changing the name to Resurrecting the Champ 2.

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Freakling writes:
on Aug 28 2007 11:49 PM

My thoughts exactly.

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jacog writes:
on Aug 29 2007 05:00 AM

Plaf! If THAT's the kind of thing they wanna do, I'd rather see a biopic on Wesley Willis. Except his story is more of a homeless schizzo guy getting himself out of the gutter, and getting tons of fans and a cult following.

Rock over London... Rock on Chicago... Wheaties, the breakfast of champions.

(Reply to this)

OAKTREELIVE writes:
on Aug 29 2007 10:50 AM

This really sounds exactly like that movie, with a violoinist instead of a boxer.

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stevegilpin writes:
on Aug 29 2007 11:03 AM

Yeah, it does sound like Resurrecting the Champ 2, but I have to say: Robert Downey is unstoppable right now! Between Zodiac, good night & good luck, Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang, as well as A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints, Downey is the man! His performances have been really amazing in the last couple years. I hope Iron Man turns out well, and the Soloist has potential.....maybe?

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criddic writes:
on Aug 29 2007 04:38 PM

Why does the homeless man have to be a talented genius? "Caveman's Valentine" was about a schizo who played the piano, too. The reporter angle is similar to "Resurrecting the Champ." I don't like seeing the same idea repackaged so many times in just a few years. Try something original, Hollywood!

(Reply to this)