PLAYING Burns on the silver screen would be a dream role for most Scots actors.
And none more so than Gerard Butler, star of the US Christmas smash Dracula 2000.
Gerard is currently hanging out with the stars in Los Angeles. But he would jump at the chance to come home to play his hero in Clarinda.
He has fierce competition, though, from a line-up of other Scots stars, as well as American heart-throb Johnny Depp, who has also been linked to the film.
Gerard said he had spoken to Clarinda director Vadim Jean, but wouldn’t bet on his chances of landing the part.
He added: “Vadim is a good friend of mine. We’ve talked about it and he knows I would kill for the chance to play Burns.
“I would absolutely love to but how can I compete against Johnny Depp? The only advantage I have over him is that I am Scottish.” Clarinda is being produced by Highlander star James Cosmo.
He has stressed that the part of Burns is still open.
Cosmo added: “Nothing is set in stone at the moment. It’s up for grabs.
“There are quite a few famous names in the frame but nothing has been decided at all. Gerry is a nice boy and of course we could consider him for the part of Burns.”
Gerard, 30, was a trainee solicitor in Edinburgh until three years ago.
Since giving up the law he has landed parts in Dracula, Tomorrow Never Dies and One More Kiss.
He now has homes in LA and London.
Copyright 2001 Scottish Daily Record & Sunday Mail Ltd.