LIBYA – Multiple reports out of Tripoli have indicated that former Punk’d star Ashton Kutcher is in ‘late stage’ talks to replace Colonel Gaddafi as leader of Libya.
Recent events appear to have put an end to the Libyan ruler’s multi-decade run as the firebrand, but lovable dictator. This after a NATO backed rebel uprising have left him “seriously considering other career options,” according to reports.
Kutcher is widely expected to be unveiled as the country’s new leading man in a matter of days, and is said to be ‘stoked’ about the prospect of joining one of the longest running regimes in Africa.
‘My most challenging role yet’
The news of Gaddafi’s departure may not have been a complete surprise, following NATO leader Anders Rasmussen’s insistence “the audience had grown tired of seeing the same formula recycled for 42 years.”
Rumors of a potential vacancy had prompted frenzied speculation over Gaddafi’s replacement, with former Liberian dictator Charles Taylor reported to have pulled out of 11th-hour negotiations over “creative differences”.
NATO sources close to the negotiations have so far played down the news of Kutcher’s appointment to replace the autocrat and part-time Lionel Richie impersonator. The delay to make an official announcement is thought to be due to ongoing debates over how the current leading man would be killed off.
However, Kutcher is a prolific tweeter and had earlier hinted on Twitter he had the role, when he said: “What’s the square root of a lunatic?” (answer: Colonel Gaddafi).
New direction
Gaddafi spokesman Moussa Ibrahim clarified that Kutcher would not be a like for like replacement, but would play a new character that moves in to Gaddafi’s palace grounds.
Despite a lack of experience in world politics, NATO officials say Kutcher’s track record of taking over from mentally detached character with a loose grip on reality would serve him well in the crucial bid to improve the ratings of the regime in Libya.
Although Ibrahim did express his fears that a Libyan regime without Gaddafi would not be the same:
“A Libya without Gaddafi is like a gun without bullets: A lot more appealing perhaps, but much less fun to watch.”
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