One of the points of comedy is to shock a laugh out of you by digging into sensitive subjects but, like anything, there’s probably a limit to just how sensitive it gets. Will Ferrell certainly thinks so, as he has declined a part as President Reagan during his later years.
After reports surfaced on Wednesday that comedy veteran Will Ferrell was planning to star in, and produce the political comedy, it generated no small amount of anger. The movie revolves around Reagan’s later years and his struggles with Alzheimers. Many, including Reagan’s family, are infuriated at the movie’s planned comedic take on the former President’s condition.
Whether Will Ferrell was seriously considering the role or not, the seasoned actor has decided to not do it. According to pagesix.com;
“A spokesperson for Will said, “The REAGAN script is one of a number of scripts that had been submitted to Will Ferrell which he had considered. While it is by no means an ‘Alzheimer’s comedy’ as has been suggested, Mr. Ferrell is not pursuing this project.”
Who, if anyone, will take up the role now is unclear, although it looks like the project now has an uphill struggle with all of the negative publicity it has gathered.