Patton Oswalt makes every film he's in better. Period. Not only is he a brilliant stand up comedian with a nerdy streak a mile wide, but he's been fantastic in a number of supporting roles on the big and small screen. When he finally got a chance to play the leading man, in 2009's Big Fan, he gave a performance that I considered to be Oscar worthy, although it was mostly ignored. He was just snubbed again for a scene stealing turn opposite Charlize Theron in Young Adult, but whether the Academy recognizes him or not, producers do. Which is why he keeps snagging key roles in some great films.
Variety reports that Oswalt is now circling a supporting gig in the remake of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, to star and be directed by Ben Stiller. Taking it's cues from the 1947 Danny Kaye classic, which was based on a James Thurber short story, the film follows a sad sack pushover who daydreams an exciting, fantastic life for himself, which causes problems when he returns to reality. Kristen Wiig will play one of Mitty's co-workers and his dream girl, while Shirley MacLaine is Mitty's mother. Oswalt's role is said to be that of an eHarmoney rep who helps Mitty create an online profile.
If you saw last night's trailer for Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, you probably noticed Oswalt in that as well. He'll be seen next in that film on June 22nd.
