Jackman Film Role Rumors

[jo]

Slight correction - I meant HAPPY TALK, not DITES MOI, for Bloody Mary's whimsical song.

Re Lt. Cable casting -- I think if Aaron Tveit appeared with his normal hair ( not the Enjolras curls), as he did in Catch Me If You Can -- he really would make a good choice. He has the serious mien, can portray romantic well, and can really sing YOUNGER THAN SPRINGTIME.

Jo

[marymagdalene]

Of course, when they did the One-Night-Only Concert performance of "South Pacific" at Carnegie Hall a few years ago, they had Reba McEntire as Nellie, Brian Stokes Mitchell as Emile, and Alec Baldwin (YUCK!) as Lt. Billis...

I got the CD and DVD only because it has Brian Stokes Mitchell and Reba McEntire... It would take a LOT to come close to Brian Stokes Mitchell, but I think Hugh would be the only one who could come close, or even surpass him... :o

www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rodgers-hammersteins-south-pacific-in-concert-from-carnegie-hall/10971750?ean=602498535851

www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-south-pacific-in-concert-from-carnegie-hall-reba-mcentire/11197509?ean=603497163120

[karppool]

I actually liked Alec in that role - thought he was funny - BUT, Danny Bursten (sp?) was great onstage. Kelli O'Hara would be a great choice for Nellie, if she's as good onscreen as on the stage (I thought she was the best/most appealing Julie Jordan I'd ever seen, in the recent PBS version). Matthew Morrison, while a good singer, left me cold when he appeared onstage in SP at Lincoln Center. Agree Aaron would be a great choice.

[jo]

Never mind the main subject of this report ( on the tweet of an Aussie official deriding AUSTRALIA - and Baz, Nicole and Hugh) - but what is interesting is the film offer that is on the table for Hugh!

www.perthnow.com.au/news/national/queensland-film-industry-boss-left-red-faced-by-tweet-deriding-australias-biggest-stars/story-fnii5v6y-1226654047306

Excerpts :

The gaffe is all the more embarrassing as Screen Queensland and the Newman Government have spent months trying to lure the producers of a blockbuster movie starring Jackman to shoot the film here.

The Hollywood heart-throb has been lined up to take the lead role in the $100 million The Sea Hawk.

Premier Campbell Newman and then-Arts Minister Ros Bates met representatives from Los Angeles-based independent film company Beacon Pictures in Brisbane in October and outlined millions of dollars available in incentives.

The Courier-Mail understands a decision is expected within two or three months.

Sounds like a swashbuckling adventure story ( ala Errol Flynn) -- I am all for it!!

EDIT: As it turns out, there was a film in the 1940's of the same name with Errol Flynn in the lead - adventure in the high seas! LOL! Could this be a remake? Errol Flynn originally came from Australia! Or could it be a biopic based on the life of the devilish Mr. Flynn

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sea_Hawk_(1940_film)


Jo

[birchie]

May 30, 2013 9:42:38 GMT -5 jo said:

<snip>
www.perthnow.com.au/news/national/queensland-film-industry-boss-left-red-faced-by-tweet-deriding-australias-biggest-stars/story-fnii5v6y-1226654047306

<snip>
The Hollywood heart-throb has been lined up to take the lead role in the $100 million The Sea Hawk.

<snip>
Sounds like a swashbuckling adventure story ( ala Errol Flynn) -- I am all for it!!

EDIT: As it turns out, there was a film in the 1940's of the same name with Errol Flynn in the lead - adventure in the high seas! LOL! Could this be a remake? Errol Flynn originally came from Australia! Or could it be a biopic based on the life of the devilish Mr. Flynn

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sea_Hawk_(1940_film)

I remember that film from back when it was on TV in the 60s maybe...That would be a fun role for Hugh and would be a perfect vehicle for reuniting him with Rachel Weisz! smiley-hug006 While there have long been talks about a Flynn biopic, and Hugh would be the perfect choice, $100mil sounds rather high for a biopic unless they're talking about Australian $s which could be less in American $s. (don't know exchange rates there) I'll be interested in hearing more about this and what comes of it.
Sue
Jo

[jo]

Reposting this excerpt from the UK Daily Mail interview conducted in connection with the publicity for THE WOLVERINE --

Later he played Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady – though he was scarcely out of short trousers and Rex Harrison was 56 when he defined the role in the 1964 movie.

Now 44, Jackman is ready to play Higgins once more.

‘Someone came to me about playing the part recently. The one problem you have is that there is something pretty creepy about Henry Higgins. I mean, a 44-year-old bachelor grooming a young woman? Weird, very weird. Mind you, I would still love to play him.’

Hugh did mention in the sneak peek feature on SUNRISE ( due out on Australian TV on Monday, July 15) that he has had some "interesting offers", to which Deb said that his long break takes priority.

I wonder if this is one of those? No mention as to whether this would be for the film remake, which has been reported as forthcoming or for a stage revival which has also been mentioned?


Jo

[mamaleh]

I really hope he didn't turn down the Higgins role. As Shaw wrote it, and as it was later adapted for MY FAIR LADY, Higgins is supposed to be a respected, renowned phonetics teacher. In those days it was common for well-established gentlemen to forge relationships of whatever kind--platonic, teacher-student, even romantic--with young women out of societal expectations and economic advantage. I think he's wrongly viewing it through the prism of modern-day sensibilities. Higgins is such a wonderful, multifaceted role, and he's exactly the right age to do it. Much as I loved "sexy Rexy" as Higgins, he was far too old, especially in the movie version. I can see turning down a standard drama or a rom-com, but MFL is iconic. I hope that was not the case.

Ellen

[jo]

I think he's wrongly viewing it through the prism of modern-day sensibilities.

I have not read "Pygmalion" but it is the original template for the characterization of Prof Higgins and his creation, Eliza.

In this day and age when even the very innocent scenes between Valjean and little Cosette ( in the woods and in the carriage) have drawn some skepticism as to propriety ( " Isn't it creepy? Weird? Not in this day and age can such tenderness be shown and not be questioned, between an old man and a very young girl new acquaintance!") - it is not surprising that Hugh may be expressing what contemporary audiences might misinterpret in that relationship. Of course most of us grew up with 56-year old Rex Harrison as Prof Higgins and thus it was sometimes not easy to understand how the dewy-looking young beauty, Eliza, can get attracted to him ( when there is a Freddy who is young and handsome, comes from impeccable family credentials, and CAN sing!! LOL)...I guess the premise is that creations fall in love with their creators.

Maybe he has not closed the door yet? Besides, that won't be ready till maybe the next year - you know, when he is between the readings and the tryouts for Houdini. LOL!

Rex will be a real difficult act to follow - because he is the typical English curmudgeon of a posh English gentleman. But it can be a real challenge to Hugh Jackman, descendant of English migrants to Australia, and gap year teacher at Uppingham, Rutland ( albeit his tender years)...Besides, didn't Chris Jackman raise them in many English cultural traditions. Hugh even loves cricket (which only the Brits, Aussies and subcontinentals understand). Plus filming Les Mis with an English creative team and crew and in English locales must have rubbed off something on him. I wonder how he will manage the accent ? He was very credible as the Duke of Albany!!

Btw, is Keira Knightley still up for the role of Eliza or has she given it up? If it ever becomes a teaming of Hugh and Keira -- William Goldman will be over the moon!

Or has Anne Hathaway become the new dream Eliza for CamMack?


Jo

[klenotka]

Jul 14, 2013 8:44:05 GMT -5 jo said:

In this day and age when even the very innocent scenes between Valjean and little Cosette ( in the woods and in the carriage) have drawn some skepticism as to propriety ( " Isn't it creepy? Weird? Not in this day and age can such tenderness be shown and not be questioned, between an old man and a very young girl new acquaintance!") - it is not surprising that Hugh may be expressing what contemporary audiences might misinterpret in that relationship.

That´s just sick. Who said that? Why these days, everything has to be (unhealthy) sexualized and some paraonics look for problems where are none? Honestly, if someone can see *this*, you can tell his mind already works in a weird and wrong way. I would have never thought it! Geez, people are insane...

As for My Fair Lady - I don´t want Hugh near it. Maybe on the stage but not in the movie. Even as a new adaptation, people would still think of it as a remake. It is like that everytime when a successful adaptation of a book or a play already exists and they try to make a new adaptation (see The Great Gatsby).
I think if Hugh should take a musical, than something original (as Les Miz was in its own way) or make original movies. I think Prisoners is a great way how to start his "post-Oscar nomination" career.

[jo]

Some feedback of that nature on YouTube / filmsites which featured those scenes ( in the woods, when Valjean asks the little girl her name...and when he sings Suddenly to her). Maybe it is not so much the desire to make smart-alecky comments but a few did repeat what some parents regularly caution their kids ("Do not talk to strangers!!"). Too many Amber alerts happening for comfort! Ironically, PRISONERS deal with such a modern-day horrible event.

Re MFL - I am ambivalent,too ( because I think there are other musicals that I like better ) but like all other remakes, there could be a window for a fresh look and interpretation.

[jo]

PRISONERS will solidify the newfound impressions of Hugh's acting ability ( after Les Miserables) and while THE WOLVERINE is expected to continue to prove his box office draw, there are early indications that fans might be in for a surprise as to the quality of the movie. A few filmsite critics/bloggers who were invited to a special screening seem to hardly be able to contain their excitement about newfound expectations from an XMEN movie. Someone say that it is "the best superhero movie in years" ( I have quoted some of what he wrote, including a lengthy discussion of the factors that make the movie special on the thread on The Wolverine -- he abhors everything about Origins, on the other hand).

I think people are beginning to accept that variety and versatility are now marking the film career choices of Hugh Jackman. People are no longer surprised when he makes a choice on the next project, although most would still identify him with action/thrillers ( as some classic leading men in the past were also identified with ) and an occasional musical ( because of the theatre side of his career).

It is a balancing act when he chooses the next one -- good script/creative vision and box office appeal!

[birchie]

Jul 14, 2013 12:16:17 GMT -5 klenotka said:

<snip>

As for My Fair Lady - I don´t want Hugh near it. Maybe on the stage but not in the movie. Even as a new adaptation, people would still think of it as a remake. It is like that everytime when a successful adaptation of a book or a play already exists and they try to make a new adaptation (see The Great Gatsby).
I think if Hugh should take a musical, than something original (as Les Miz was in its own way) or make original movies. I think Prisoners is a great way how to start his "post-Oscar nomination" career.

I agree, I hope Hugh doesn't do MFL! There are so many better possibilities. I think Hollywood is now going musical crazy and, most likely, it's not going to be pretty. They already have weird cast choices for a remake of Annie and even the new movie versions of Into The Woods &...I forget the other one...have cast choices that leave a lot to be desired. I think Hugh should wait till the dust settles on these and see where it all shakes out before committing to another movie musical. Who knows, maybe if Houdini is a hit on Broadway they'll make a movie out of that. I for one would welcome that as long as Hugh was in it! The only remakes I'd like with Hugh would be Guys & Dolls or South Pacific. As for a new movie musical for Hugh, I'd love to see one based on the life of Gene Kelly!
Sue

[rmtndew]

I've never seen 'My Fair Lady' so I don't know if a remake would be a good idea, but there's enough musicals on Broadway that haven't been movies yet to pick from before remaking another. Just a bit of Googling popped up these lists from Wikipedia - List of musicals A - L and List of musicals M - Z. Obviously not all of them would be suited for Hugh. They'd have to be weeded down. But that's still a big list of options and with that many ideas they shouldn't even be considering a remake. I don't like that that's Hollywood's go-to to make money. I want something new.

- Alicia

[jo]

My Fair Lady won the Oscar Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and a host of other Oscar awards in 1964. It was also a much-admired stage musical. It is based on George Bernard Shaw's PYGMALION and the musical score was written by another famous songwriting team, Lerner and Lowe ( whose CAMELOT score remains one of my top favorites to this day).

There was a very successful revival of the show at the West End a few years back, produced by Cameron Mackintosh. I guess that explains why he is keen to produce both a Broadway revival and a possible film remake. I am surprised that Hugh is being considered for the role of Professor Henry Higgins because it is a very quintessential Englishman role. Maybe it is because Hugh is of British descent, was raised in a British/Australian household, has proven musical chops ... and he did charm many new fans as the Duke of Albany

Jo

[klenotka]

Jul 15, 2013 9:29:37 GMT -5 birchie said:

Jul 14, 2013 12:16:17 GMT -5 klenotka said:

<snip>
I agree, I hope Hugh doesn't do MFL! There are so many better possibilities. I think Hollywood is now going musical crazy and, most likely, it's not going to be pretty. They already have weird cast choices for a remake of Annie and even the new movie versions of Into The Woods &...I forget the other one...have cast choices that leave a lot to be desired. I think Hugh should wait till the dust settles on these and see where it all shakes out before committing to another movie musical. Who knows, maybe if Houdini is a hit on Broadway they'll make a movie out of that. I for one would welcome that as long as Hugh was in it! The only remakes I'd like with Hugh would be Guys & Dolls or South Pacific. As for a new movie musical for Hugh, I'd love to see one based on the life of Gene Kelly!
Sue

That´s very well said. I didn´t think about it that way. It is similar to Lord of the Rings situation, when after the successful adaptation, there were dozens of adaptations of other fantasy books, none of them really good or satisfying. Even Jackson himself had big problems with Hobbit.

That Gene Kelly thing has been on my mind for some time. Maybe not a direct biography but something similar to "My week with Marylin" which was refreshing retro movie and a biography at the same time (and a movie adaptation as well).

[jo]

I'm curious about the Mackintosh plans about My Fair Lady. It must have drawn interest when he was interviewed after the success of Les Miserables (much of the article is about Les Miserables) and asked about the potential of other musicals into Hollywood film projects. The article was published in April 2013 --

www.hollywood.com/news/movies/55006129/les-miserables-cameron-mackintosh-interview-my-fair-lady-miss-saigon-movie?page=2

Excerpts --

Mackintosh: I loved doing the original show with Howard Ashman, but David Geffen did the movie. It's certainly not a movie I would feel I've got anything to offer to. Or would I have time to do it. As you say, I've got things like Saigon, possibly Oliver! or My Fair Lady are more obvious for me to get involved with as movies.


In theater, revivals are commonplace. In movies, people cry afoul when a remake is announced. Will there be room for a Les Misérables remake in the future thinking along the lines of how theater functions or is this the definitive version?

Mackintosh: Well, when they come around to doing it I'll be dead [laughs], so it probably won't be my question to answer. But if I found the right cast would I do My Fair Lady now? Yes I would. Because as much as I thought the original film had some amazing performances in it. I remember thinking as an arrogant producer — I was in school when it first came out — but I remember being struck that it was a rather stage-y film. I felt it was like huge theatrical sets. I think you could do a much more modern, fluid film.

It could feel like a real place.

Mackintosh: Yes. I think that's one of the strengths of Les Misérables. You feel like you've been taken to a world.

Is My Fair Lady a movie that you're actively developing?

Mackintosh: Because I staged the two major revivals in the last 20 years. My heart is very close to My Fair Lady. But there were various rights problems which are being finely sorted out as to when it can be made and remade. In the old days, you only made one movie! It's only in recent days that the word "remake" has had any significant effect. In the time these musicals were sold to Hollywood, people didn't have any interest in the theatrical world. They didn't think there was enough money in it. Now it's the opposite. All the film companies want to get into the theater world. Probably because Andrew [Lloyd Webber] and I have made so much money in it!

These days, every movie is being turned into a musical, for better or worse.

Mackintosh:Yes, for better or worse. You know, the real question — and it's always a difficult one — is, is there any reason for a particular subject to sing. Do you gain anything form them singing? For most stories, they don't gain. But when you get it right, it's marvelous.

With My Fair Lady, which is based more on Gabrielle Pascal's film, which was involved as co-screenwriter. The musical is based on the film rather than the original Pygmalion play. Just like Oliver!, another show I'm closely involved in and own part of the rights, that's based on the David Lean movie rather than the Dickens novel.

Films have always been a source for material, because you have to adapt a book to a movie. So that step of adaptation is always helpful. It was actually a musical that inspired Les Misérables. Alain Boublil had never seen a stage version of Oliver!, he had only seen the movie. As he watched this revival of Oliver!, in January of 1978, as the Artful Dodger is singing "Consider Yourself," suddenly in his mind popped Gavroche. By the end of the show, he thought, '[Les Misérables] could be a wonderful musical.' So he rang Tod Michelle in Paris and said, 'I found our next subject.'

[birchie]

Jul 15, 2013 13:05:10 GMT -5 jo said:

My Fair Lady won the Oscar Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and a host of other Oscar awards in 1964. It was also a much-admired stage musical. It is based on George Bernard Shaw's PYGMALION and the musical score was written by another famous songwriting team, Lerner and Lowe ( whose CAMELOT score remains one of my top favorites to this day).

There was a very successful revival of the show at the West End a few years back, produced by Cameron Mackintosh. I guess that explains why he is keen to produce both a Broadway revival and a possible film remake. I am surprised that Hugh is being considered for the role of Professor Henry Higgins because it is a very quintessential Englishman role. Maybe it is because Hugh is of British descent, was raised in a British/Australian household, has proven musical chops ... and he did charm many new fans as the Duke of Albany

Jo

[jo]

LOL - one more proof that Hugh could be the quintessential Englishman -- He simply loves CRICKET!

Hugh Jackman‏@realhughjackman9h
What a test match!!!!! Love the Ashes. So close. Can't wait for lords.

In his busy schedule, he has found the time to attend one of the matches after the London premiere of The Wolverine.

I tried understanding the game...and even had an English friend record the first episode of SEED's TV docu on the Barmy Army - LOL - one time that a sport stumped me


Jo

[birchie]

Jul 15, 2013 19:55:45 GMT -5 jo said:

LOL - one more proof that Hugh could be the quintessential Englishman -- He simply loves CRICKET!

Hugh Jackman‏@realhughjackman9h
What a test match!!!!! Love the Ashes. So close. Can't wait for lords.

In his busy schedule, he has found the time to attend one of the matches after the London premiere of The Wolverine.

I tried understanding the game...and even had an English friend record the first episode of SEED's TV docu on the Barmy Army - LOL - one time that a sport stumped me


Jo

[hu4601]

Jul 15, 2013 19:55:45 GMT -5 jo said:

LOL - one more proof that Hugh could be the quintessential Englishman -- He simply loves CRICKET!

Hugh Jackman‏@realhughjackman9h
What a test match!!!!! Love the Ashes. So close. Can't wait for lords.

In his busy schedule, he has found the time to attend one of the matches after the London premiere of The Wolverine.

I tried understanding the game...and even had an English friend record the first episode of SEED's TV docu on the Barmy Army - LOL - one time that a sport stumped me :-S


Jo

He might have some competition in the VIP area on Thursday. The Queen will also be attending the Lords match.

[jo]

They've met

Remember when he and Tom Hooper were at a reception tendered by Her Majesty for British/Australians?






And maybe she won't remember -- but Hugh sang for her and the audience of HEY, MR. PRODUCER ( the concert tribute to CamMackintosh) -- introducing the character Curly and OKLAHOMA! to London before the show officially opened. I wonder if the Queen was eventually able to attend a command performance of the show ( The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret were avid fans of that revival)?


Jo

[mamaleh]

Jo, he also wished her a happy birthday around that earlier time. It was the Queen's Birthday holiday in Australia, of which she was completely clueless. So she expressed surprise at being wished a happy b'day. I remember that from an old, old interview.

Ellen

[jo]

I'm not sure if the mention of GALLIPOLI and a possible Hugh interest was discussed on this thread, but --

Re a remake of GALLIPOLI, here's what Russell had to say about his planned directorial efforts for his version ( to be called WATER DIVINER) --

www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/crowe-confirms-plans-to-direct-gallipoli-film-20130625-2ov6o.html

Crowe confirms plans to direct Gallipoli film

Date June 26, 2013


Giles Hardie
Entertainment Editor, smh.com.au


Russell Crowe has confirmed plans to make an overdue directorial debut with World War I drama The Water Diviner.

Russell Crowe has confirmed plans to make an overdue directorial debut with World War I drama The Water Diviner, after two previous efforts were scuppered by the media - but only if he can do it on his own terms.

''It was probably time [to direct] 10 years ago, but if you're engaged in making movies as a career then you have to work within cycles that come up,'' Crowe explains while promoting new film Man of Steel. ''The two previous times that the cycle has been right, we didn't get the production together before that cycle changed. Both times in fact, it was because some arsehole took to newspapers and prematurely announced what we were trying to do.


''So that's a massive pain in the neck when that happens and it's just happened again now.''


Despite the unwanted press attention, Crowe feels the pieces are falling into place for The Water Diviner, set in Turkey in 1919 in which an Australian father searches for his two sons, missing since the battle for Gallipoli.

''It's not that far away,'' he says. ''We have probably what others would describe as an embarrassment of riches in terms of how we can finance it, but every different person that you take money from has different rules and exceptions.


''I don't intend to make a film unless I have completely final cut. Unless I have absolute say over the cast and all of these things that other people think that they’re experts in, but they’re f---ing not.”

With principal crew such as a Director of Photography and a First Assistant Director locked in, the sticking point is the cast. “We’re engaged in this thing at the moment where you’re requested to cast to a menu. My vibe on that is I know what is required from each of these actors and I would choose to have a brilliant, breathtaking performance rather than somebody who is there for the convenience of a marquee [name].”

Crowe has made one creative decision though, he won’t be singing on the soundtrack. “I haven’t written any music that would be played in Turkey in 1919,” he laughs, holding up a CD entitled The Crowe / Doyle Songbook Vol. III. “I can guarantee you that none of those songs would appear on the soundtrack.”

But it looks like his planned film might have a slightly different focus from the original Peter Weir movie --

www.imdb.com/title/tt0082432/plotsummary?ref_=tt_stry_pl

www.imdb.com/title/tt0082432/synopsis


Jo

[jo]

Not exactly a film role rumor -- but

Drat it -- now I may have to be more sympathetic towards Novak Djokovic!

Tennis Panorama News‏@tennisnewstpn1h
Novak said he would choose Hugh Jackman to portray him in Hollywood, would choose to fly and teleport as super powers of choice. -JM

Novak, is the top-rated tennis player and will be top seed in the forthcoming US OPen at Flushing Meadows in NYC!

sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/20130819/us-open-mens-seedings.ap/

Hugh is supposed to play a mean game of tennis ( we only got a glimpse of it in DECEPTION) and Liev Schreiber confirms this. Check out Novak's photo from the link. The 6'2" Novak is from Serbia, speaks very fluent English, and loves to sing and dance ( actually jokes around or mimics people a lot).



BUT, I am a true-blue RAFAEL NADAL fan! However, while I think Hugh has many similarities with Rafa ( very nice person and very humble, great ass, wicked smile, probably the most muscular build among tennis players, long-term girl friend who is not a trophy girl-friend, loves musical theatre and sees Broadway shows when competing in the US Open, is a low golf handicapper, loves the ocean, both a favorite with Regis when they appeared on his show then) - Hugh does not look Castillian enough as Rafa ( who thrives living by the sea in Mallorca) ... smiley-happy082 smiley-happy082, if that happens though!

Btw, Rafa is second-seeded, having had a fantastic year of recovery ( 9 titles since February, after a 7-month layoff due to knee injury). He has just won back-to-back titles this weekend ( keeping me awake into the wee hours in the last two weeks while watching the live coverage - LOL!) - the last one in Cincinnati.

www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/231241.html

He can look as intense as Wolverine, huh


Jo

[klenotka]

Sorry, I am not Djokovic´s fan...from the top five, I prefer (besides our tennis player who just moved on the 5th spot yesterday ) Andy Murray. He became very likable and relaxed lately. But I am a big fan of tennis so I wouldn´t mind to see Hugh with a tennis rocket

And btw., we *reallly* need some film news. I hope Hugh´s refusal to host the Oscars (I am pretty sure he was asked) means that he will be filming something (and no, I don´t consider any Houdini related news as exciting news since that thing seems to be still far away, even with the latest rumours and it would also mean Hugh´s absence from the big screen for two or more years...*feels selfish*)