John Travolta has been given a Texas boot in the butt according to The New York Post Page Six. The actor was to have played the role of J.R. Ewing in the movie depiction of the TV series Dallas. The 13 season show spanned 1978 to 1991 and portrayed the oil and cattle ranching business through the lives of the wealthy Ewing family.
Travolta, up for a Golden Globe award for his supersized female role of Edna Turnblad in the film Hairspray, has been on the hook to do the Dallas film for two years.
Sources close to the project indicate that they have shifted gears and the slant will now be comedic as opposed to dramatic. The budget has been downsized and they are seeking Ben Stiller to replace Travolta. The project is slated for release in 2009. From the sound of things – don’t hold your breath.
We’ve included photos of Larry Hagman in his role as J.R. Ewing and Travolta in Hairspray on the next page.