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Attention TV showrunners: Are you willing to work with Charlie Sheen?
If so, call producer Joe Roth. The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed a TMZ report that Roth has hatched a plan to cast Sheen in new series based on the 2003 movie Anger Management. Roth’s company made the original movie and is in talks with Lionsgate to come aboard as financier and distributor of the show, which would then be pitched to a major U.S. broadcaster. Sheen has committed to do the series if it comes together. But a key sticking point, sources tell THR, is finding the right A-list showrunner to write the script, get the pilot made and ultimately to work out a smooth relationship with the star.
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Sheen is currently suing his former boss Chuck Lorre, the co-creator and executive producer of CBS’ Two and a Half Men, for $100 million for allegedly engineering Sheen’s firing from the show.
The plan would be for Sheen to play a reworked version of the Jack Nicholson character from Anger Management. He would be an ex-jock who becomes a counselor to people caught up in the criminal justice system while dealing with his own anger issues.
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Roth is best known as a former studio executive turned film producer. He worked with Sheen previously on five movies, including two of the actor’s biggest successes, Major League and Young Guns.
After the difficulties Sheen had on Two and a Half Men, Roth is said to be focusing on finding a top showrunner who could work with Sheen. That person would be expected to pen the script for the pilot and oversee production. If all goes well, the hope is to have the pilot ready early next year in time to be considered for fall 2012. Sources say there will be no approach to networks until at least after the Lionsgate agreement is made.
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Roth, who has run major studios as well as his own companies, is currently busy producing Snow White And The Huntsman for Universal. Roth was not available to comment for this story. Lionsgate declined to comment.
Email: Alex.BenBlock@thr.com
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