The Three Stooges (2012 film)

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The Three Stooges is an upcoming slapstick comedy film based on the early to mid-20th century comedy shorts of the same name. It was produced, written and directed by the Farrelly brothers and co-written by Mike Cerrone. It stars Chris Diamantopoulos, Sean Hayes, and Will Sasso.

After over a decade and casting problems, principal photography took place from May to July 2011. The film is scheduled to be released on April 13, 2012. The film is rated PG for slapstick action violence, some rude and suggestive humor including language by the MPAA rating system.

Synopsis

While trying to save their childhood orphanage, Moe, Larry, and Curly inadvertently stumble into a murder plot and wind up starring in a reality TV show.

Cast

• Chris Diamantopoulos as Moe Howard
• Sean Hayes as Larry Fine
• Will Sasso as Curly Howard
• Jane Lynch as Mother Superior, a nun who runs the orphanage the trio grew up in
• Larry David as Sister Mary-Mengele, a nun who runs the orphanage
• Brian Doyle-Murray as Monsignor Ratliffe, a head catholic priest who authorizes the orphanage's shutdown
• Sofía Vergara as Lydia, the main villain who wants to exploit the Stooges
• Jennifer Hudson as Sister Rosemary
• Lin Shaye as Nursery Nurse
• Stephen Collins as Mr. Harter, the trio's adopted father
• Carly Craig as Mrs. Harter, the trio's adopted mother
• Craig Bierko as Mac, "one of the heavies trying to exploit the Stooges"
• Kirby Heyborne as Teddy
• Isaiah Mustafa as Moe's Hip Executive
• Dwight Howard as Himself
• Kate Upton as Sister Bernice
• Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi as Herself
• Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino as Himself
• Jennifer "JWoww" Farley as Herself
• Ronnie Ortiz-Magro as Himself
• Paul "Pauly D" DelVecchio as Himself
• Samantha Giancola as Herself

Development and Writing

Conundrum Entertainment's Bradley Thomas became attached to The Three Stooges around 2000 with Columbia Pictures. In March 2001, Warner Bros. bought the feature rights from C3 Entertainment and Peter and Bobby Farrelly became involved. They along with co-writer Mike Cerrone completed the script in mid-to-late 2002 and began shopping it. In 2004, with no talent being attached to the project, their rights expired and it was acquired by First Look Studios and C3 Entertainment. In November 2008, MGM boss Mary Parent picked up The Farrelly's Warner Bros. scripts and the rights from C3 Entertainment, and was given a budget of $40 million with a release date of November 20, 2009. In March 2009, after struggling with casting delays, the release date was pushed to 2010, but the filmmakers still did not have a cast set. In November 2010, MGM filed bankruptcy and the following month the project was taken over by 20th Century Fox in hopes to have released the film on March 14, 2011.

The Farrellys said that they were not going to do a biopic or remake, but instead new Three Stooges episodes set in the present day. The film will be divided into three segments with a stand-alone story, each being 27 minutes long. The Farrelly's aim to receive a PG (Parental Guidance) rating from the MPAA, while still incorporating physical comedy. The Farrellys have also said it would have "non-stop slapping, more in the tone of Dumb and Dumber than we've done. Our goal is 85 minutes of laughs in a film that will be very respectful of who the Stooges were. It's by far the riskiest project we've ever done, without question, but it is also the one closest to our hearts."

Casting

In March 2009, Benicio del Toro was in talks to play the lead role of Moe Howard, but then later dropped out. He was replaced by Chris Diamantopoulos in April 2011. Hank Azaria was considered for the part. Sean Penn was already set to play Larry Fine but dropped out to concentrate on his charitable efforts in Haiti. Sean Hayes was chosen to play Larry. Jim Carrey was set to play Curly Howard and gained 40 pounds for the role but ultimately dropped out because of not wanting to endanger his health gaining 60 to 70 pounds. The role went to Will Sasso. Johnny Knoxville, Andy Samberg and Shane Jacobson were all on the short list to play Moe, Larry and Curly, respectively.

In December 2010, Richard Jenkins was in talks to play Mother Superior in the film. In February 2011, Cher was considered but Jane Lynch secured the role.Larry David plays another nun in the film called Mother Mengele. Sofía Vergara was cast as Lydia. Stephen Collins was cast as Mr. Harter and Carly Craig as his wife, Mrs. Harter. The cast of Jersey Shore (Nicole Polizzi, Michael Sorrentino, Paul DelVechhio, Jennifer Farley, and Ronnie Ortiz-Magro) will have cameos in the film.

Filming

On a reported budget of $30 million, principal photography started on May 9, 2011 in downtown Atlanta, Georgia and wrapped on July 20, 2011. Scenes were shot at the Fairlie-Poplar Historic District around 5 Points Sports Building on the corner of Peachtree St., Edgewood Ave., and Decatur St. on the evening and night of May 13 and wrapped the next day. On May 26, filming took place at Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta. Other locations included Piedmont Park and Colony Square. In June production moved to Cartersville and shot scenes near Woodland High School. After the cast of the Jersey Shore arrived on July 18, 2011, they shot scenes at the Atlanta Civic Center. During the last two days of filming, scenes were shot at an Ansley Park home.