Keck's Exclusives: James Franco as Jack Tripper?
Feb 7, 2011
by William Keck


After having fun at the Sundance Film Fest with a "Three's Company"-themed art installation, unpredictable Oscar host and Lead Actor nominee James Franco is getting more serious about plans for his favorite '70s sitcom.



"When we were accepted to Sundance, we didn't have the series rights, but then the 'Three's Company' estate contacted us," James reports.

"At first they were opposed to it, but then they saw what we did and loved it. So they are now talking to us about developing a 'Three's Company' feature film and an off-Broadway play."

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Kecks-Exclusives-James-1028947.aspx

I like James Franco...in this odd way, and he is a good actor, but he's NOT meant to play Jack Tripper. I do respect his obsession with Three's Company, though.

There's one Jack Tripper and that's John Ritter, period.

Franco kind of creeps me out, personally. I hope they don't go ahead with this project, but either way, the original will be the version everyone remembers.

I agree that John Ritter WAS/IS Jack Tripper, but if they were ever to remake TC, they should get John's lookalike son, Jason, to play Jack.

Keck's Exclusives: Jason Ritter Would Consider Playing Jack Tripper if Recruited by James Franco
Feb 10, 2011
by William Keck


As I first reported last week, Oscar host and nominee James Franco is in talks with the "Three's Company" estate holders about developing the 1977-84 sitcom into a feature film and Broadway play — possibly with a dramatic take, after presenting this unusual concept as an art installation at the Sundance Film Fest.

Though James is envisioning himself in the lead role made famous by John Ritter, some of you told me you can see only one man in the iconic lead role.




"I think the obvious choice to play Jack Tripper is Jason Ritter," wrote vyw1218, whose comment was seconded by Praktikalmage.

"No one can replace John Ritter," wrote tmw, "(but) Jason Ritter would be the best choice."





Well I just got off the phone with the handsome star of NBC's "The Event", and it sounds as though Jason would indeed be game to the swinging legacy begun by his genius father, who passed away 2003.



"Oh my God; wow. That would be super bizarre," says Jason, who cameod alongside Franco in the 2006 Nicolas Cage film, The Wicker Man.

"It would put me in Bizarroland — as surreal as it could possibly get. Apparently, James' thing is 'Three's Company' read seriously, and that would be an amazing challenge — in a lot of ways. Emotionally and spiritually and all that.

But hey, I would never say 'no' to anything. I'm open to the idea and am touched to think that readers would think of me for that."





And Jason has one suggestion that could make this project even more bizarre:

"If the tone is dramatic, do we go for really dramatic actresses?," he asks. "I think Meryl Streep could play a great Chrissy!"

http://ww.tvguide.com/News/Kecks-Exclusives-Jason-1029096.aspx

That's great that Jason is touched by the fans' campaign to get him to play Jack. I think it would be wonderful should that ever happen.

It would be great to see Jason Ritter follow in his fathers footsteps and play Jack Tripper. And Meryl Streep as Chrissy? Why not! She can play any role and do it well!