In the case of Jason Bateman, we were sent a scoop via a thoughtful reader who swore he had the casting verified. However, since it seemed so out of left field, we first wanted to see if we were on to something, then, wanted to see if it was going to hurt anything by posting it if we WERE. We can assure you, were the rumor true that Bateman was cast in “Zack and Miri”, Kevin would absolutely have told us when we could break the scoop – When the time was right, papers were signed, deal done, etc. We run the risk of hurting a great film, and possibly even losing our jobs (and this site) in the process when we run stuff that isn’t finalized yet.

Ok, that out of the way, here’s a few bits and pieces from Kevin’s recounting of the Jason Bateman casting rumor, which started with that little e-mail from us and eventually ended up, well, all over the place:

…I never thought to simply say “It’s not true” to anyone but Brad at News Askew. Jason, however, was asked and did have an answer for Peter Sciretta over at SlashFilm. Then, over at Mtv’s Movies Blog, Shawn Adler threw up a link to the SlashFilm article, but it kind of insinuated that Bateman had passed on “Zack and Miri.” So I called Shawn to clear it up and asked him to adjust it on their site.


However, in case folks are still unclear, I’ll second what Bateman said: no, he’s not Zack in “Zack and Miri Make a Porno.” We never asked him and he never read it. He was a great idea for Zack, as Bateman’s a genius who drops performance clinics in even small roles (”Smokin’ Aces”, the upcoming-but-gonna-be-retitled “Quebec”), but like I said: I wrote the role for someone specifically, and that specific someone’s the only guy I’ve ever sent the script to.

As always, see the full blog for more detail on this. Just another tale of how one little rumor can get blown way outta control.

Dear Kevin,


I’ve been traveling back and forth between festivals so I’m sorry I have not been in touch. Your new script is quite disturbing and challenging, a departure from what I’m used to reading from you. I’d like my brother to take a look and get his thoughts.


All my best,


Harvey

This certainly indicates interest and, as Kevin goes on to note, these guys haven’t been ones to shy away from controversial and different projects. Could “Red State” have the big W logo popping up before it on screens next year? We’ll keep ya posted.

If you have NOT seen the beauty of this store, we URGE you – Get out there and pay it a vist before it’s gone! The design of the place is way cool, and the props, some of which we assume WILL make it to Stash East (but not all, of course) are a fan’s dream. We’ve only been inside a few times, and are even feeling like we need to get there one last time before she goes the way of the internet cafe. The Red Bank store will once again become the only Jay & Silent Bob’s Secret Stash on the planet, and dare we say, a place you must all come and visit. Not because it’s going away, but because there’s just something in the air when you’re there. All that Red Bank history, so close — We never get tired of our trips into the joint.

A few snips from Kev’s words on the matter:

“…I don’t like turning over the retail aspects of View Askew to anyone but family. Walter (who I’ve known for almost twenty years) runs the Stash East. My brother Don runs the Online Stash (which Bryan ran for years before giving it up). And after two failed attempts with non-family managers at the Stash West, I was elated to get a key member of the inner circle back in charge of the Los Angeles operation. But that key member reached the end of his patience with the gig some time ago, and has wanted out for awhile. And even though that stinks for me, Bry’s been goodly enough to stick around Stash West far longer than he wanted to.”


“…And while Stash West was always a nice little earner, it’s never been anything close to the earner that the Red Bank Stash is. The east coast Stash sits in the cradle of the View Askewniverse – Monmouth County, New Jersey – so it’s always been the more popular of the two stores. You can visit it en route to see the Quick Stop, or Jack’s Music Shop (from “Chasing Amy”), or any of the other locations we’ve shot the flicks at back home. Westwood Stash never had that going for it. Sure, it had a shitload of props from the flicks on display (like Stash East); but at the Jersey store, you can really immerse yourself in View Askew by taking a five minute ride and buying Gatorade in the actual Quick Stop. If the store was earning twice what the Red Bank store earned, I’d start manning the counter myself. But while Stash West turns a nice profit (albeit a small one: the Westwood rent is double the Red Bank rent), it’s just not worth the effort if one of the key figures in our operation’s not gonna run it anymore.”

Be sure to check out Silent Bob Speaks or Myspace for a selection of photos taken during the historical events held there. And if you’re anywhere close — Do not MISS that October 1st signing, where you’ll not only get to meet Kevin, and get a fantastic book signed — You’ll also get 50% a selection of cool swag. Rest in peace, Stash West – We hardly knew ye, but we sure loved ye.