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Is Clint Eastwood Returning as Dirty Harry?
by Kevin Powers
March 20, 2008
Source: AICN
This one goes under the big rumor category. But given the substantial lack of information we brought you on the topic yesterday and the confirmed detail that Clint Eastwood is returning to star in and direct a fast-tracked film titled Gran Torino this year, we at least have to mention this. AICN apparently received an email from a guy, Kurt, who lives in North Hollywood, stating that someone from Village Roadshow Pictures approached him about buying his advertised 1974 Ford Gran Torino for the next Clint Eastwood movie. Could this be Dirty Harry 6?
"I recently advertised my 1974 ford grand torino classic original for sale in the local here, and within 24 hours had someone from Village Roadshow Pictures interested in having a look at it. He came. He wasn’t interested for numerous reasons (probably the modifications). He told me they were looking for the right car for a new Clint Eastwood movie.
He said it was a thriller about a killer that drives a certain torino. His 1972 Ford Gran Torino is the only thing the police have on him. A retired police lieutenant, one Harry Callahan, makes it his mission to track down the culprit when two young police officers, one Callahan’s grandson, are shot and killed by the guy."
I'm really skeptical of this news. First off, if it's true, that individual from the production company should be fired. Talk about spilling the beans on what is most certainly hot news. Secondly, would Eastwood really come out of retirement to reprise inspector Harry Callahan? Sly Stallone Eastwood is not. And while Stallone can rely on human growth hormones to get his 61-year-old body in shape for Rambo, I find it hard to believe that Eastwood, who will be 78 soon, can decisively return as badass Dirty Harry. No offense, but Eastwood was a bit long-in-the-tooth back in 1993's In the Line of Fire, where he played a secret service agent chasing John Malkovich.
Not only that, another Dirty Harry doesn't follow Eastwood's latest, acclaimed directorial work. Part of the speculation so far has been that Gran Torino will be fast-tracked for a December release this year to get in under the Oscar gun. The series is hardly Oscar-worthy. So again, would Eastwood really come out of retirement for this reason?
I'm thinking, no, but I obviously could be wrong. Gran Torino definitely speaks to the '70s-era Ford car, which is the same time period of the Dirty Harry series. However, it's been 20 years since the last film (The Dead Pool in 1988) and I would suspect, if the rumor were true, Inspector Callahan would be chasing down the killer in present day. So why would the killer drive a 1972 car? This all seems a bit fishy to me.
Lastly, Eastwood's character, Callahan, is a widower, so how can have a grandson? Sadly, I think this is all the work of fiction, and Kurt is probably enjoying see this story take off like a bullet out of Callahan's .44.
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14 Comments
1
I could see it happen, if they took it the level of Unforgiven, meaning taking the spaghetti western and putting a dose of ugly reality to it. Dirty Harry romanticized violence and guns, so it would make sense if Clint wanted to give it a similar treatment with a final, hard look at that genre. And you know what, he's still pretty much a bad-ass and could convincingly portray the character again.
Scott on Mar 20, 2008
2
@Scott - I really like that idea. The 'Unforgiven' of cop movies. Done right - and I think Eastwood could do it right - it could be an incredible movie, and Oscar bait to boot.
John Madden on Mar 20, 2008
3
He said the Guy told him "A retired police lieutenant, one Harry Callahan". That line alone sounds fishy. The Village Roadshow guy would have just said, retired cop or something to that effect. "I call bullshit". Don't get me wrong, I love Clint to death, but Dirty Harry was a character of a certain generation. Could he do it, Yes, but I can't see him running around firing a big ass gun at bad guys anymore. Maybe he can hold the gun with 2 hands.
Scorpio on Mar 20, 2008
5
Why else would this project be shrouded in secrecy, though? Clint Eastwood starring in a revenge movie as just some old-ass retired cop would not need to be kept under wraps. (IF that's what the movie is about.) Revenge movies are a dime a dozen. I'm not saying it's true, but the secrecy behind this lends is some small measure of credibility. If a guy from a movie company wanted to buy your car, of course you'd ask what the movie was about, and why shouldn't the guy tell him it's a Dirty Harry pic? If they wanted MY car, I'd give it to them for a song, just to be like, "THAT'S MY FUCKING CAR!!! HELLZ YEAH!"
Gordon on Mar 20, 2008
6
Yeah, it's such a good idea it will probably never happen. Maybe 10 years ago that concept could work well, but I have to agree he's probably past the Dirty Harry persona stage now. Still, he was quite physically capable in Million Dollar Baby, easy to forget the guy's almost 80.
Scott on Mar 20, 2008
7
I hope this rumor is true! He maybe up there in age but Clint is still Clint and I could see him pulling it off well!! With that said, cross your fingers and hop that it's true...
Chris on Mar 21, 2008
8
You know, they where working on the XBOX video game last year until it was canceled? The game thing could of sparked an idea!!
Chris on Mar 21, 2008
9
I hope this is true. Warner Bros hasn't denied the story. Usually when a BS story emerges, the studio or star issue a statement to deny it's true. Warner and Eastwood haven't done that yet. Some of you are making a big deal about Clint's age. Callahan obviously wouldn't be still a cop. The point of the story is that he's retired and his grandson is murdered, which makes him hunt for the killer. It doesn't need him running and fighting. A lot of the action in the Dirty Harry movies was him shooting the bad guys with his bigass magnum.
Simon on Mar 21, 2008
10
It's crazy, but I'm liking the idea more and more.
Scott on Mar 21, 2008
11
LIES... I seen an Interview with Clint Eastwood.. They have been asking him for years to do another Dirty Harry and he told them no.. And also said At his age what will he do.. Chase bad guys down the street in a walker.. Hardly.....
David on Mar 22, 2008
12
I think people might have thought the same thing back when Clint was in his early '60s and did Unforgiven. That movie didn't turn out too shabby. Certainly he wouldn't now be jumping rooftops chasing the bad guys, but I think if the right script came along that had the same kind of depth that Unforgiven had, I imagine Clint might show some interest. It's all speculation, of course. Chances are Gran Torino is something totally different.
Scott on Mar 31, 2008
13
"he wouldn't even be able to lift that cannon"
Curtis on Apr 12, 2008
14
Oh my god if this is true, it will MAKE MY DAY, and then some.
Gary on Apr 22, 2008
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