Ricky Gervais May Be Coming Back to “Ruin” the Golden Globes Once Again
Perspective is a funny thing. About a year ago, it seemed like the entire entertainment community was up in arms over Ricky Gervais' supposedly inappropriate humor while hosting January's Golden Globes. We didn't think it was that big of a deal then, and especially after all the Oscar craziness this week, a few jokes about Hugh Hefner's age and Robert Downey Jr.'s former substance-abuse problems seem like old, old news. More proof that time heals all wounds: It's looking more likely the Gervais could come back and host in 2012.
That's what Deadline is saying anyway:
NBC has always wanted him back and Gervais in August announced that the network had invited him to return as the Golden Globes host. He confirmed that to Access Hollywood tonight, singling out the HFPA [Hollywood Foreign Press Association] as the holdout. "I think NBC wants me to do it, but [the] Hollywood Foreign Press have got to want me as well," he said. "It's their event. It's their party." The sides are talking, albeit informally, and Gervais recently dined with reps for both NBC and HFPA in Paris.
If Gervais did indeed come back for his third hosting gig, it wouldn't surprise us. For all the "uproar" Gervais created at this year's show, he's probably done more to keep the show in the public's consciousness than anybody who actually won an award at the event. (Of course, this is also helped by the fact that Gervais seems completely incapable of not talking about his Golden Globes hosting gig at every opportunity.) Deadline is reporting that "so far there is only one A-lister who is threatening not to attend if Gervais emcees," but a few defections might not mean as much to the Hollywood Foreign Press if they can advertize their show as being the return of the "controversial" Gervais as host.
Our only feeling about Gervais' return? Honestly, we're indifferent. We've loved the man for a long time, but watching him in the last year morph into the "Look at how dangerous I am!" guy has been pretty disheartening. (Seriously, he tweets stuff like this after Eddie Murphy stepped down as Oscar host.) You're not a roastmaster, man, you're the guy who came up with "The Office" and "Extras." OK, yes, your movie career has stalled, but clinging to this Golden Globes brouhaha for this long seems a little desperate and needy. Remember, sir, the Golden Globes need you -- not vice versa. Maybe even Johnny Depp will forgive you at some point....
Ricky Gervais & NBC Appear Ready For 3rd Golden Globes Stint: But Will HFPA Agree? [Deadline]
