Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk…Interesting Cast for Three Stooges Movie

If you’ve ever thought of Sean Penn as a wiseguy or a stooge, then you’ll think it appropriate that he’s been cast as Larry in the new Three Stooges movie.

Variety is reporting that Penn has joined the cast of “The Three Stooges,” a new MGM comedy based on the vintage film shorts of that knockaround trio.

The studio is also said to be in final negotiations with Jim Carrey, who will gain 40 pounds to play the rotund Curly, and is pursuing Benicio Del Toro (“Che”) to play the irritable Moe. The film is to be written and directed by Bobby and Peter Farrelly (of “There’s Something About Mary” and “Kingpin” fame), and is planned for a 2010 release.

The film will not be a biopic, but rather a comedy inspired by the Stooges’ MGM shorts, in which they first appeared in 1933.

The Farrelly brothers have been trying to get a Stooges movie off the ground for more than 10 years. Along the way, the Farrelly brothers courted George Clooney, Russell Crowe, Jeff Daniels and Larry David for parts. Johnny Depp was also reportedly in the running for Moe. Comedy purists are sure to cry foul that anyone would even attempt to recreate the original trio’s magic — even if those “anyones” are Jim Carrey and possibly Benicio del Toro.

In their prime, the Stooges displayed a youthful, almost juvenile energy that might be better served by a younger ensemble of comics. I’m no casting expert, but for my money, isn’t Jonah Hill born to play Curly? Couldn’t Seth Rogen do a great Larry? And wouldn’t Robert Downey Jr. make a great Moe?