Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx Swap Roles in Law Abiding Citizen

Posted by Robin Ruinsky (robin@filmschoolrejects.com) on October 20, 2008

Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx

Law Abiding Citizen, the Gerard Butler vehicle had been stumbling a bit of late. Frank Darabont, of The Green Mile fame, quit the film. The start date and locations kept changing. But it now looks like the project is finally coming together and in some interesting ways.

The latest news on Law Abiding Citizen comes from Cinematical. They report that F. Gary Gray has officially signed on to direct the film. And in an interesting twist the roles played by the lead actors have been swapped.

Gerard Butler, who is also producing, was cast as the assistant district attorney who is the target of a vigilante, who was to be played by Jamie Foxx. But it’s being reported the actors have switched roles. Butler will take on the role of the vigilante to Foxx’s assistant district attorney.

There’s no information if the rest of the story has stayed the same. The plot had Butler’s character turn vigilante to seek revenge on Foxx’s assistant DA who brokered a plea agreement with the murderer of the vigilante’s wife and daughter.

It’s good news for Evil Twins, Butler’s new production company, to have the film back on track with a new director, the casting of Foxx and a start date of December.

What do you think about the role reversals? Should they also undergo some sort of race-change, a la Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder?

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Teresa

I personally would have liked to see Gerry play a lawyer. But playing a vigilante also suits him. I'll go see it just to see him. Jamie Foxx is also a good actor. He is an excellent choice and can wait to see these two together on screen.

Sheryl

This will be interesting to see Gerry take on the role with the bad element in it. I think he will run away with the part and cause us all to sit up and take notice. I am behind this movie and can't wait for it to hit the theaters. I saw RNR and love it. Foxx and Butler will make a good pairing for this film.

Larke

I think this gracefully sidesteps the tired cliche of the down-trodden black man getting even or taking revenge on the establishment. No doubt, this has been the truth many a time, but it is quite a stereotype that just might play better with the roles reversed as they stand now. Looking forward to this one.

I'm a Chick too, guys

Yeah, I'm certainly interested to see how Gerry pulls this one off.

Also, abs.

michelle

It looks to me that Jamie Foxx negotiated for the lead role as the DA in the film and got it. Since Mr. Butler is also a producer of the film, it looks like he agreed to switch roles to ensure Mr. Foxx's participation in the film. I'm sure Mr. Butler is very capable of playing the role of vigilante, but I can't help but feel that role will be somewhat limiting if they follow the present plot description.

Securing Jamie Foxx for the movie is GREAT news for Mr. Butler the Producer but not as good news for Mr. Butler the actor. In the end, I think both actors will deliver and give us a good movie which I am looking forward to seeing.

Nekky

Gerry Butler it will be necessary to try to play a role in a new fashion. All the last work -are good. But no more.
And the name of film not attractive.

Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx Swap Roles in Law Abiding Citizen

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