Mike Myers is bringing back Austin Powers for a fourth world saving adventure nearly 10 years after Austin Powers in Goldmember seemed to bring the series to a close. Hitfix is reporting that Myers has officially signed on for a fourth Austin Powers though no director or title has been chosen.
The big question now is: How long before we actually get to see the movie? Mike Myers has developed a reputation as a prickly perfectionist who takes comedy as seriously as others take Oscar nominated drama. Onion/AV writer Nathan Rabin captured Myers rep beautifully in his “My Year of Flops” article on Myers’ The Love Guru.
Mike Myers hasn’t been seen on the big screen much in the last few years. His most recent role was as a British Commander in Quentin Tarentino‘s Inglorious Basterds. Then, of course, there is his voice in the Shrek films which have been so successful that Myers really doesn’t have to work again unless he really wants to.
Can a new Austin Powers redeem Mike Myers star power following the failure of The Love Guru? Much will depend on the screenplay, which Mike Myers has written or will write himself, and the choice of a director. Jay Roach directed the first three Austin Powers movies and would be the logical choice once he finishes work on the HBO movie Game Change.
Austin Powers in Goldmember was a disappointment to me; especially the odd twist with Dr. Evil becoming Austin’s good guy brother; that was just weird. Goldmember wasn’t nearly as funny as the inspired original, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, nor was it as fanciful as the sequel Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, which featured what is probably the best performance of Heather Graham‘s career.
I can’t say my expectations for Austin Powers 4 are high; especially after The Love Guru, but I’ll remain cautiously optimistic.
How about you? Are you excited for a new Austin Powers?