Now that Dustbingate, after its long and tortuous seven-year journey, has made it to Hollywood, a new controversy is breaking out around the film project. In the UK city of Hull amongst those gallant thieves, who now fancy themselves as movie moguls and who nicked John Prescott’s dustbin in 1998 -or trashcan for any American readers, and started the whole thing, a question of historical proportions is being asked, and which may have implications for Hollywood for years to come. Should Prezza play himself in the movie? Is the question being asked.
Ian Newton, the leading dustbin thief in 1998, has already sent the script to Ricky Tomlinson having earmarked him for this most difficult of dramatic roles. Now one of the lads, Matthew Parkes has come up with what he thinks is the brilliant idea of offering none other than Prezza the man, the opportunity of playing himself. “The part itself could be difficult dramatically for John Prescott, as it calls for a moody, foulmouthed, overweight politician who can get nothing right,” says Ian Newton.
"My only lingering doubt is, could Prezza pull it off,” added Ian.
Others have serious doubts too and have made their feelings plain on the issue, and then there is what to say to Ricky. “We could always offer him one of the bigger parts,” says Mark Metcalf, a shareholder in the project. The last thing we want is a punch up on the set between Ricky and Prezza, both former union shop stewards, over who gets the biggest dressing room.”
Whatever the lads decide to do any contract offered to John Prescott will be watertight and it will be made clear to Prezza that he cannot look forward to any perks once on the set. “A catering van for his own exclusive use will be totally out of the question. Though we may be able to run to a chauffeur driven Jag to make sure he gets to the set on time, though he will have to share it with Tony Blair who has also yet to answer his curtain call request for a cameo in the movie. Ian added.
There are also some technical difficulties in reaching Mr Prescott to make the offer. It could also be quit difficult to approach Mr Prescott with the offer, said Ian, “he is surrounded by bodyguards and I have also heard on the grape vine that he is going to ring my neck. you see already showing indications of an artistic temperament.” So negotiations about his fee could be quite difficult.
There is though a general consensus amongst the five Hull dustbin thieves that it can do no harm, if asked from a distance, whether Prezza will do it. As one of the crew who wishes to remain anonymous and healthy said. “He can only say yes or smash your head in.”