Mike Myers Pens Austin Powers Musical, Starts New Movie
Mike Myers, renowned Canadian comedian, is writing an Austin Powers musical based on the fictional spy character he created more than a decade ago.
In addition to his theatre work, Myers is also set to be working on a fourth installment on the Austin Powers movie, set to be released sometime in 2013 or 2014, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The musical, which could be released sooner, will see Myers become a major part of the way the story is told. The 48-year-old film producer will be involved in various aspects of the show, from production to script writing, but the “International Man of Mystery” will be played by a different actor.
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Myers’ comedy genius will be supplemented by choreographer and director Casey Nicholaw, whose expertise was also recruited for the wildly popular “Book of Mormon” musical.
Instead of trying to retell the events that took place over the first three Austin Powers movies, Myers will turn the musical into a prequel, going backward instead of forward.
Throughout the films, Powers’ “mojo” - represented as a physical substance - consistently gives him the advantage. The play will explain exactly how the young spy gained his self-confident spy demeanor.
Burt Bacharach and Elvis Costello were commissioned to create the musical numbers. Bacharach made a cameo appearance in the Austin Powers movies.
As far as the film is concerned, Myers agreed to help write the script and reprise his role as Austin Powers. Currently, details about the possible plot are unknown, as the script is not yet complete.
Both productions are poised to become successful by building on the already-popular Powers series. The three movies in total made more than $676 million dollars, according to Box Office Mojo.
Moviegoers have not seen Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, Mini-Me and the rest of the zany characters since their last movie, “Goldmember,” in 2002. The series began back in 1997, but since 2011’s unprecedented amount of sequels - numbering 27 total this year - it is likely that the newest Austin Powers will do well in theaters.
