"Jackass" prankster Johnny Knoxville and "Saturday Night Live" favorite Andy Samberg are on the shortlist to play Moe and Larry in the Farrelly brothers' version of "The Three Stooges."
Their third partner in crime will likely be Australian comic Shane Jacobson, rumored to be cast as Curly, The Wrap reports.
This trio marks a major shift in direction for the film, which initially had Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn and Jim Carrey slated for the iconic roles. (What?)
It goes without saying that this new shortlist makes better sense, since these comics are more in line with the slapstick spirit of the original stars.
Knoxville, in particular, is a natural fit for the movie since he and his "Jackass" cohorts are the closest thing to contemporary Stooges we can recall.
In fact, Vanity Fair's profile of Knoxville and the "Jackass 3-D" team was entitled "The 3-D Stooges," and even included a photo of Knoxville as Moe—a mere coincidence? We think not.
Though nothing is formally confirmed just yet, word on the street is that advances have been made, representatives have been approached and discussions have taken place.
If all goes well, they could start shooting as soon as March 14.
Now the only question that remains is how they'll top that midget bar fight.
