Burt Reynolds in “Champs”

Archerd: Burt Reynolds disabled
By Army Archerd, Daily Variety Senior Columnist

HOLLYWOOD (Variety) – BURT REYNOLDS is in a wheelchair for his entire role in “Champs” for WB. He plays a racecar-team owner, injured in a race. He says, “I’m the slowest in the fastest sport in the world.”

Director RENNY HARLIN says he has the added challenge of directing two helmers who star in the pic: SYLVESTER STALLONE and REYNOLDS. STALLONE also scripted and is a producer along with HARLIN and ELIE SAMAHA.

HARLIN admits JOHN FRANKENHEIMER’s 1966 ``Grand Prix” was a classic car-racing pic, and he spoke to FRANKENHEIMER for advice before starting.

HARLIN said, “I’m going to try not to embarrass myself. I’m trying to make the ‘Matrix’ of race car movies.”

He says today’s technology will make it possible to convert the film to life like no other. F’rinstance, a periscope camera that sees exactly what the driver sees, from steering wheel onward, and digitally-created car crashes impossible for even the most daring of stunt drivers.

Toronto allowed “Champs” to use its inner city race route; in fact, HARLIN was talking to me between takes from the track, in the middle of the city. Toronto is very happy to cooperate with film companies (especially one budgeted at $70 million). “Champs” is only one of several U.S. companies currently filming up there. HARLIN says hotels and restaurants are filled with Hollywood filmmakers.

HARLIN wants us to know that STALLONE has fine-tuned this script, as he had “Rocky.” For many years, SLY‘s told me of his ambition to make a race car film. And yes, STALLONE drives (180 mph) on camera. But HARLIN claims, just as “Rocky” was not about boxing, “Champs” is not about car racing; it’s a drama about people who are driven (you should pardon the expression).

In addition to STALLONE and REYNOLDS, the ensemble piece stars TIL SCHWEIGER, KIP PARDUE, ROBERT SEAN LEONARD, STACY EDWARDS, GINA GERSHON and CHRISTIAN de la FEUNTE — and young model ESTELLE WARREN who was spotted by HARLIN on GQ‘s May (un)cover, which proclaimed her “The Next Big Thing.” HARLIN agrees.

Craig Zablo