Stephen Root continues to be one of the hardest working character actors around. Although he is best known for prominent roles in movies like Dodgeball, Office Space, or on TV's “News Radio”, Root is a constantly working actor with minor roles in many other films like Jersey Girl and Just Friends. It’s roles like those that make Root a commodity directors like to return to, which is exactly why he continues working. It’s those quirky roles like Milton Waddums that make Root a memorable face for fans.
The Hollywood Reporter announced today that Root will be reteaming with The Coen Brothers for their upcoming western-thriller No Country for Old Men. Root previously appeared in O Brother Where Art Thou and The Ladykillers, so obviously his working relationship with the Coen Brothers has become pretty solid. Root joins the project along with Woody Harrelson, although what exactly the role of either actor will be is unknown at this time.
No Country, which deals with the battle between good and evil and how chance and choice shape one’s destiny, is based on a Cormac McCarthy novel. The film will star Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, and Javier Bardem, who are now joined by Root and Harrelson.
While details are few, I’m a big enough Stephen Root fan to be excited about the movie regardless of the size of his role. After all, his 3 minutes of Just Friends were probably the best moments of that film, so if he can shine in a piece of junk like that, imagine what he can accomplish as he continues to work with the Joel and Ethan Coen.
