There is something almost inevitable about the possible on-screen romantic pairing of America’s sweetheart Meg Ryan and Pretty Woman star Richard Gere. While the deal has yet to be finalised – both stars are currently tied up promoting their latest movies and wrapping current projects – the plan is for the couple to team up in a romantic comedy.
Wedlocked, scheduled to start lensing in the spring, focuses upon two divorce lawyers who find their marriage is in difficulties. Desperate to save their relationship, they end up visiting a therapist who fingercuffs them together for 48 hours.
The humorous romance movie is one less explored by the Buddhist actor than by his prospective co-star. Meg has built her reputation on feel-good tales such as When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless In Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, and has even joked about her love affair with the genre. “I’m a compulsive romantic comedy actress,” she says. “There must be a support group out there for those of us who love doing these movies.”
For James Mangold, the director of her latest effort Kate and Leopold, a time-travel romance starring Hugh Jackman, Meg’s choice of roles couldn’t be better, however. “Meg is so good at romantic comedies and they’re not an easy genre. It’s unfair that she’s criticised for choosing roles which show her to her best advantage.”
Meanwhile, Richard is toying with a very different comic medium – that of cartoons. The Autumn In New York actor recently completed an episode of The Simpsons. The popular show includes his cartoon character calling for the freedom for Tibet.
“Richard has suggested that if the episode were shown in China or Hong Kong it would be a real morale boost to the people of Tibet,” says the show’s producer Al Jean.
Meg’s latest effort Kate And Leopold hits cinemas in the US on Christmas Day and in the UK a month later, while Richard will next be seen on screen in The Mothman Prophecies, out on March 1 in the UK and January 25 in the US.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
