Who should tune in, turn on, play Timothy Leary?

Miramax (the new one) is developing a Timothy Leary biopic, based on an upcoming biography of the acid-promoting counterculture icon. You may recall, Leary himself was no stranger to the silver screen (though his last role before his 1996 death was “Hot Dog Gawker #2” in this video game). But most of us, I’m sure, are familiar with his fine work in We’re All Devo.

Who’s capable of taking on such a role? Especially if Val Kilmer is officially disinvited to apply? (The blogfather would like to extend that disinvitation to Keanu Reeves.)

For my money, I’d like to see Tom Cruise as Leary. He’s got the wild-eyed messianism down pat, though I’m not sure how he’d feel about the better-living-through-chemistry theme. But if Cruise turns it down, I say go straight to Denis Leary. Think about it: “Leary as Leary.” That’s about as far as I’ve thought it through.

How say you? Who should play the good doctor? I hear Miramax is offering the role to anyone who’s “holding and willing to share.”

addCredit(“Timothy Leary: Robert Altman / Retna Ltd.”)