NEWS
Johnny Depp to play Jackson?
15 January 2008
Johnny Depp would love to play Michael Jackson in a movie about his life.
The 44-year-old actor was said to have based his character Willy Wonka in 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' on the eccentric singer - who was cleared of child molestation charges in 2005 - and has joked he would be willing to portray the reclusive star if the opportunity arose.
He told BANG Showbiz: "I have heard that I based Willy Wonka on Michael Jackson before, but no, that was not my plan, I wish I had thought of that though.
"But there is still time to play him. He might get up to his old tricks again and maybe there will be a TV movie about him!"
Johnny - who stars as a murderous barber in 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' - also revealed he had no intention of sounding like David Bowie in the musical film.
He added: "I wouldn't ever dream of attempting to channel David Bowie because he is one of my heroes. But if there is a similarity it wasn't intentional. It's a nice compliment though."
The 44-year-old actor was said to have based his character Willy Wonka in 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' on the eccentric singer - who was cleared of child molestation charges in 2005 - and has joked he would be willing to portray the reclusive star if the opportunity arose.
"But there is still time to play him. He might get up to his old tricks again and maybe there will be a TV movie about him!"
He added: "I wouldn't ever dream of attempting to channel David Bowie because he is one of my heroes. But if there is a similarity it wasn't intentional. It's a nice compliment though."