In an unexpected melange of not one but two recent stories, Hollywood Reporter informs us that Anil Kapoor, who achieved worldwide acclaim as the smooth-talking show host in ‘Slumdog Millionaire,’ has just inked a deal to be a featured performer in the next, undeserved season of Fox’s dire drama, 24.
Already a legend in his home country, having starred in more than 100 Bollywood films, Mr. Kapoor will play a Middle Eastern leader visiting the US on a peacekeeping mission, and has clearly prepared for this forthcoming foray by securing a management deal with the good folks at ICM.
I’ve said for some time that 24 is at least four seasons over its prime, and this news only proves it. Mr. Kapoor is a fine actor, but the decision by Fox to use a star from its Oscar-winning hit to revive a once dynamic drama that is now getting hosed is proof that such fears have foundation.
I wish Mr. Kapoor great success in this venture. With 24′s recent ratings retreat, he’ll need more than a life-line to pull this one off.
