Pick a Better Choice for Norma

It's a hard question. I agree Glenn is too old (her voice is certainly not what it once was, and it was always a decent singing voice--not a great one), but if you got someone 50 (Norma's age), would she look too young? It would be nice having the resonance of an actress who is over the hill, but not THAT over the hill. If you even got Michelle Pfeiffer (who could sing it), it would seem insulting to Glenn to say 60 is not too old but 70 is.

Maria Callas.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

70 is yesterdays 50

Patti, of course!

Billie Eilish

You cunts had better answer wisely.

Nathan Lane

Donald Trump. It's his favorite movie.

If she weren't so feeble, I'd say Liza Minnellis should be on the "to be considered" list (with a good director to channel the kookiness into the more dramatic intensity so that it doesn't come off as complete camp)

Maybe Bernadette Peters, who has that silent movie star look and could probably sing it, but she would need a good director to help her with the more intense scenes.

I thought we were gunning for younger than Glenn?

Thank God that cabaret singer is dead so we won't have to listen to her caterwauling on the screen.

Toni Collette

Renee Zellweger

Madonna

Agree with R10, Bernadette Peters looks like she belongs in the 1920s and could sing the role. Not gonna happen though. Meryl will end up getting the role!

Juliane Moore. Seriously!

Sharon Stone.

Second for toni collette

Sheridan Smith!

Can’t really see Toni Colette saying “we had faces in those days”. Maybe the makeup crew could make that work.

Angela Bassett.

Vintage Bernie.

Renee?

Liza could still do it. Just change it so that the character is in a wheelchair. It would be more realistic.

And it would be a nice bookend to her movie career. And lets be real, Liza is Hollywood when it was glamorous and awe inspiring.

Julie Christie.

Norma Desmond is only 50. All these bitches are too old.

Do you know who's 50? Jennifer Aniston. Jennifer Connelly. Heather Graham. Winona Ryder.

Doesn't seem right, does it?

Cher

Is it so hard to look at the Tony winning women from the last 10years and find one 45-55

Annie Lennox.

[quote]Can’t really see Toni Colette saying “we had faces in those days”. Maybe the makeup crew could make that work.

With good styling and lighting, Toni Collette would be fine. Plus, she can act and sing.

I second Connie Toilette

Toni Colette is not a movie star. Renee Z has some career momentum thank to Judy and the Oscar. CZJ does TV movies, they'd never raise the money on her name.

Sharon Stone, Julianne Moore are both 55 but no idea if either could sing the songs.

Say what you will, CJZ could do it, even if she is 37.

Close is too old and broad jawed and high forehead to do it now. If they're going to cast a geezer, it might as well be Streep.

Three years ago:

Again Glenn Close has FIRST RIGHT REFUSAL on the movie, and the penalty payout would be in the MILLIONS

We are not talking a measly 1 or 3 million, but high high up there in the millions

sorry ^

I'll bet first refusal had a time limit. No lawyer worth his salt is going to grant that in perpetuity, for fear you had a moderately voiced 70 year old plotting her best actress win at last.

[quote]Renee Z has some career momentum thank to Judy and the Oscar.

Renee Z is a terrible actress. Her Judy Garland was ridiculous and nothing like the real Judy. She's not commanding enough to be Norma. Can you see her confronting Joe when they first meet? "You there! Why are you so late?"

[quote] No lawyer worth his salt is going to grant that in perpetuity,

Andrew Lloyd Weber was desperate to have Glenn open on Broadway, and Glenn knew it. She wasn't stupid NOT to have this in perpetuity

But Renée does crazy in her sleep.

Madonna, if she hadn’t fucked up her face and actually had the ovaries to play a washed up, gigolo-obsessed has-been who didn’t have what it took to be a modern movie star. I think it could have finally been the perfect movie role for her and a much better “third act” for her career than this excruciating final tour.

Gaga or sam smith

Madonna is beyond stitled. Norma cannot be stilted.

Colton can sing.

Faye, of course! Give her a second chance to play the role!

It's such a shitty score, just bag the whole thing. NO ONE can succeed with it.

Over the hill diva? Madonna, of course.

If they do make a movie of it, they should junk the score apart from Norma's songs. Even the title song is redundant.

J Lo -- 50 and fabulous!

Dolly!!

Sunset Holler starring Dolly Parton

[quote]Even the title song is redundant.

It's not high art, but I actually like it.

Dreams are not enough to win a war, Out here they're always keeping score

Beneath the tan, The battle rages

Smile a rented smile, fill someone's glass

Kiss someone's wife, Kiss someone's ass

We do whatever pays the wages

-------------------------------------------------

L.A.'s changed a lot over the years,

Since those brave gold rush pioneers Came in their creaky covered wagons

Far as they could go, end of the line, Their dreams were yours, their dreams were mine

But in those dreams were hidden dragons

Cate Blanchett

Michelle Pfeiffer

Gloria Swanson was perfect choice because it was her return to Hollywood. Patti LuPone was perfect choice because she can play dramatic role and sing a high score. ALW just wanted to put all blame on her when his score turned out to be weak. Norma for the movie musical should be a star making a come back and being able to sing the original score, not the lowered score made for Glenn and other Normas. And she should be around 50-55.

R21 Angela Bassett.

...because it makes so much sense to cast a Black actress as a famous silent film star.

Forget this silly show. They should do a movie version of "Aspects of Love." I think I'm the only one that likes that show, but it really is a good story.

R56 ALW approved Diahann Carroll, who did it to rave reviews.

Mariah Carey would be good. She can act, and she can sing the score.

Mary J Blige in terms of raw emotion is the closest thing to Judy Garland we have today. And an Oscar nominated actress.

Who would be incredible, but they'd never do it because she's not "bankable" is Lisa Stansfield. Great voice, and features that would have belonged in a silent movie.

Taylor Dayne is another one that would kill it.

Stevie Nicks for the win.

[Quote] Patti LuPone was perfect choice because she can play dramatic role

????

I never quite understood parts of Sunset Boulevard. Norma Desmond is a recluse who everyone has forgotten. Yet, when it comes time to get Joe new clothes, those salesmen are hopping around like they are serving Queen Elizabeth. How do they know she's going to pay for it all.

Donna Murphy can dub me. You'll never know!

Hahahahahahaha!

Norma is wealthy, is she not?

Patti LuPone could do it with a few alterations to the script. Maybe add a stair lift for the mansion scenes?

"I never quite understood parts of Sunset Boulevard. Norma Desmond is a recluse who everyone has forgotten. Yet, when it comes time to get Joe new clothes, those salesmen are hopping around like they are serving Queen Elizabeth. How do they know she's going to pay for it all."

Because she's Norma Desmond. Forgotten as an idol but not forgotten. Think any star from 25 years ago, today. No longer getting fan mail but everyone knows she has money.

[quote]Norma is wealthy, is she not?

How do they know? She hasn't been out of the house in 20 years. Max does all the buying.

If she pulls up in Rolls Royce they can do the math.

R64 oh my you gave me a good laugh. Can you imagine her coming down the stairwell in that thing to deliver, "I'm ready for my close up?"

Olivia de Havilland as Norma

Clint Eastwood as Max

Betty White in the Alice Ripley role

Michael Douglas as Joe

R57 I love this one. Forget POTO, she is much better as Rose. Aspects had its problems but hopefully it will be filmed.

This could be Debra Winger's comeback

Why does Norma need to be 50. Just needs to seem old and unfuckable.

In "Aspects of Love" I love the song when they arguing over who gets Rose. "No, she'd be far better off with you."

And then the lovely "Mermaid Song" with the little girl.

R72 Because in 1949/50 an actress over 30 was old and forgotten.

[Quote] Just needs to seem old

Richard Madden?

[Quote] Because in 1949/50 an actress over 30 was old and forgotten.

Tell that to Miss Joan Crawford!

....

Miss Lindsey Graham

I can go from Dolly Levi to Norma Desmond in one costume change.

I think I can put this argument to rest. We need to consider the one actress who has musical theater experience, who can do high drama as well as light comedy. The one who is famous enough to bring in the PBS crowd. The name on everyone's lips is

I*M*E*L*D*A

Imelda would certainly sing it better than Bette and Glenn. But she's unlikley to stoop to ALW.

Does Glennie's "in perpetuity" contract specify which role she is to play? Perhaps she could do Max? Or the dead monkey?

r82 -- Sorry, Madonna's already spoken for the part of the monkey .

Since people lip-synch to either their own vocals (or mainly in the past) to vocal ghosts like Marni Nixon, Glenn could just lip-synch to some of her better already recorded vocals, perhaps sweetened with someone else electronically if necessary. She's great in the role acting-wise.

I think I'd rather see Imelda Marcos than Imelda Staunton.

[quote]Glenn could just lip-synch to some of her better already recorded vocals

Sort of like my Grandma's driving. In her first wreck, only ten died.

Glenn's Norma will be on the level of Lucy's Mame.

Yeah, Michelle Pfeiffer.

AS LONG AS they use all the studio wizardry in the world to beef up her ordinary singing voice!

Because she's around the right age, she can sing enough, she is and was beautiful enough to make you believe that they had faces then, and she is an absolutely terrific actress. She can do sexy, she can do vulnerable, she can seize your attention like any diva, and hoo boy can she do batshit crazy.

Sadly, Michelle's stock ain't that high these days.

Well, if Pfeiffer is being considered, then I want Daryl Hannah in consideration.

Norma is deranged not aspie.

Darryl Hannah could never act, and to put it politely, she hasn't aged well.

Sheena!

[quote] How do they know she's going to pay for it all.

They saw her car.

Simone Kleinsma

Susan Boyle [italic]IS[/italic] Norma Desmond!

Dusty Springfield!

[quote]Because in 1949/50 an actress over 30 was old and forgotten.

Tell me about it.

Anna Faris for Norma. Those big eyes are perfectly suited to silent film. If she needs help with the vocals, call Donna Murphy.

Grace Jones

James Corden. He would look fab in a caftan. And he has a tv show and a Tony.

And can play an older woman convincingly

I thought ALW was onto something a couple decades ago when he started producing video/DVD versions of his productions as staged. They should do that with this.

Anyway, it's so niche... after CATS this past Christmas, who'd bankroll Glenn Close squalling like one?

If she could sing, Tiffany Haddish

Lady Gaga!

[quote] Renee Z is a terrible actress. Her Judy Garland was ridiculous and nothing like the real Judy. She's not commanding enough to be Norma. Can you see her confronting Joe when they first meet? "You there! Why are you so late?" -Judy Davis

If you thought that was bad, then you should check out the 1978 TV movie [italic]Rainbow[/italic] about Judy Garland’s early years as played by Andrea McArdle. You’ll be begging for Renée back.

[quote]then you should check out the 1978 TV movie Rainbow about Judy Garland’s early years as played by Andrea McArdle.

I saw it when it first came out. Even my 13 year old self thought Andrea McArdle sucked as an actress. "Wooden" was being kind.

R188, "hoo boy can she do batshit crazy."

I can only think of Batman Returns. Has she done something bashit crazier?

Cher! She has the voice and the acting talent.

Isn't Sutton Foster moving into that age bracket? She can certainly deliver a song.

R67 ...we have a car. Not one of those cheap things made of chromium and spit but Isotta Fraschini. Have you ever heard of Isotta Fraschini? All hand-made. It cost me twenty eight thousand dollars.

Jane Fonda.

Diana Ross

At least she's the right age for that.

LIly Tomlin

[quote]"Wooden" was being kind.

Except that Walt Disney's animators brought more life and energy to the animation of Pinocchio.

Wait 5 years and winona would be perfect. She and Gwyneth can duke it out. Mariah would be amazing too. She looks a bit like a silent movie star with her doll face.

[quote]Glenn's Norma will be on the level of Lucy's Mame.

She could only aspire to such heights.

I think we all know who the real choice should be. Musical theater experience. The correct age. Can play intensity. Box office draw. Experience as a young star.

With one look, I'll ignite a storm

My face will adorn every jock's dorm

When awards are given out

There will be no doubt!

LucyMAME still isn't as bad as those two clunkers you made in 2018, R118.

Jessica Lange.

Norma Shearer, dubbed by Streisand, in a hologram.

Sally Field dubbed by Christine Ebersole

She'd never do it, but Angie would be PERFECT, I could also see Michelle Pfeiffer playing it well too.

A lot of the suggestions for a "better choice" seem to overlook the fact that Norma Desmond is a singing role.

[quote]She'd never do it, but Angie would be PERFECT

Lansbury? She's 105 years old.

Having someone 50 do this now wouldn't make sense to the majority of today's audiences.

Glenn lucked out that she is now old enough to look 1950's 50.

[quote] Glenn lucked out that she is now old enough to look 1950's 50.

She does look like Dwight Eisenhower, doesn't she!

Gloria Swanson sings "Those Wonderful People" from an announced musical version of "Sunset Boulevard" in which she was to star but that was never produced.

Jennifer Hudson. After the success of CATS, the public will demand she play Norma.

I’ve been preparing for this role since the late 80s, you fags!!!!! Nobody does delusional, hyper sexual, and slightly insane like People Choice Award winner, MISS Brendad Ickson!

[quote]Lansbury? She's 105 years old.

Anything to keep a crappy Rob Marshall movie from being her cinematic swan song.

[quote]Nobody does delusional, hyper sexual, and slightly insane like People Choice Award winner, MISS Brendad Ickson!

Sssh! You might wake the Tami Erin troll!

Patty Lupone IS and ALWAYS will be the one and only Norma. Fuck you Andrew!!

Patti...sorry, autocorrect

Petula Clark could have done it if they'd done it 20 years ago.

Even 20 years ago, Petula Clark would have been 67.

Is she any less ludicrous a suggestion than Angie?

Kylie Minogue. Gorgeous and proud of being in her fifties. She's done some good work in small films. You'd have to surround her with big box office stars in all the other parts to get it bankrolled but she'd play the hell out of it. She loves Old Hollywood.

No one wants to see Pet Clark.

No one wants to see Kylie.

No one wants to see Glenn.

Larry David.

I saw Petula Clark do it in London. She played it too girlish and never reached the point of batshit crazy enough to fire a gun.

In some interview years back, Pet herself thought Barbra Streisand should do it.

Could Bette Midler pull it off?

How about Cher?

Gloria Estefan would make a great Normacita Desmond.

[quote]Could Bette Midler pull it off?

No, she doesn't have enough gravitas for the role. With her performance, everyone would be thinking Carol Burnett did it better.

[quote]How about Cher?

Not the right voice type. Cher always had too much vibrato in her voice, which wasn't that noticeable with pop and dance music. Plus Cher always sang like a howl (I don't know how else to describe her style). It just doesn't work for this musical. Back in the day, she probably would have done alright with Evita and could probably play the Narrator in Joseph, but Sunset Boulevard needs a stronger voice (which even Glenn Close couldn't produce).

Perhaps Janet Jackson? Surely she has one great movie in her . . .

[quote]Plus Cher always sang like a howl (I don't know how else to describe her style).

This does it better than words ever could:

Debby Boone

Bjork could do it.

Olivia Colman is coming for it, G!

No one wants to look at that face for two hours.

Olivia Colman sang in London Road. It was not pleasant. No way she could play the role unless she was completely dubbed.

[quote] Debby Boone

Only if Toni Tennille is busy.

Glenn can do a cameo like Chita in Chicago and Loretta Devine in Dreamgirls. Actually they should have Glenn and Patti play Daisy and Violet Hilton.

When Norma returns to the studio to sing "As If We Never Said Goodbye" Daisy and Violet could be the receptionists that greet her and direct her to the correct soundstage.

Glenn should play the other female waxwork.

Nicole Kidman -- she's the right age, actually looks like a movie star, can act and sing.

Kristin Chenoweth and Jane Krakowski are also the correct age and would sing the hell out of the role, but they're not movie stars, alas.

Audra McDonald. 50 this year, and she definitely has a face.

Only trouble is, she's too good for that Lloyd Webber shit.

Reba. She wore the Carol Burnett Norma costume at the Kennedy Center Honors.

I like Glenn. But would prefer a man.

R162 You're in luck because she is one.

Bebe Neuwirth, or Frances Ruffelle. But neither of them are bankable.

R159, Kidman is actually the PERFECT age, look, type, etc, but I don't know if she could train herself to sing that score. But, if she could, they should just do it with her.

R3, C Z-J would work as well for that matter.

And, R1, Michelle Pfeiffer

Out of those three, Kidman has the most good-will and box-office cache right now. Pfeiffer is working more these days and seems to be building up to a comeback.

It’s not a comeback R165, it’s a RETURN!

Do not know why people think that Norma MUST be in her 50s. The script doesn’t need to say her age outright. She just needs to be an older women.

If you really care that she need to be 50 then just cast Idina Menzel. She is almost 50 and she can sing. The thing is, it would not work because 50 does NOT mean the same thing now that it did back in the 50s. Shit, even Golden Girls now seems ridiculous when you think that they are 50 in 2020 terms.

Glenn is fine for the roll. She did it on Broadway. She IS the right age. And in a film, the voice is not as important. She isn’t live singing. She can do as many takea as she needs.

Vacation was on and I was thinking Christie Brinkley (not for Norma) is now as old as Bea Arthur and Betty White were during the fourth season of Golden Girls. CRAZY!

Anyway, why I think Kidman was a great suggestion is because she is obviously past her "prime," but she still has some sexiness and glamour to her, and still craves to be in the thick of the limelight. She just happens to be in her 50s. I guess you could say the same about Helen Mirren. Maybe she should play Norma. Can she sing? Is Judi Dench available? How about Betty White? Is this a comedy or a drama? Who's directing? Let's be real: this film is probably not getting made. Too expensive. Maybe if Hillbilly Elegy is a huge hit and wins Close the Oscar, they'll finally go ahead with this.

A former STAR in need of a comeback?

Dawson

R103 Yes, after Cats no studio will touch Sunset. ALW would need to compose few Broadway mega hits to become bankable again. But after Sunset which was a modest hit he has composed flop after another. He hasn’t been able to bring them on Broadway. They run few months in West End and close. A new movie after Cats with 70-year-old star? No way.

If an Amazonian like Kidman is being considered, then so should Allison Janney.

[quote]Glenn is fine for the roll.

Fine for the challah, because if she tries that part at this age with that voice, she's got chutzpah!

[quote] And in a film, the voice is not as important. She isn’t live singing. She can do as many takea as she needs.

Her voice was never great, it was always passable. She could never have created the role, the voice just wasn't there. Live or not, this is a musical, sung through - the voice matters a great deal. She is 72... even the great voices change with age... her's never was... she could do seven years of takes and she will never be up to the demands of the score and if you're going to do it, it should be done properly. Her time has passed.

Of course she could have created the role. Alterations would have been made to the score.

Yeah, you always want to aim low for the opening of a new work.

You'd have been a triumph in the business. Any business, really. What instincts.

[Quote] Yeah, you always want to aim low for the opening of a new work.

[Quote] You'd have been a triumph in the business. Any business, really. What instincts.

By that logic, Carol Channing should have been ousted from "Hello, Dolly!" before the tryout, never mind Broad Way.

The better choice for Norma? Some prefer Callas. Some prefer Sutherland.

But I prefer Sills.

Carol Channing had roles tailored to her unique talent. She was regarded as a great comedienne, not a great singer. She got lucky. It's a lousy comparison. Norma was created by LuPone, who could actually [italic]sing[/italic] the part. Close gargled her way through it with the benefit of fixed weaknesses from the original London production. Her casting was probably down to realization that the show needed the goose of a big name to create buzz in the U.S. It sure wasn't down to her singing.

r167

Her age is stated in the musical as 50 when Joe is singing to Norma but I can't remember if her age is in the movie though

If they use Glenn Close, who is obviously not fifty, they should move the story to the 1970s. There could be a huge contrast between the ostentatious faded glamour of Norma and her era with the vulgarity and a Hollywood that's trying to be cool and put out gritty films. Or if they go with someone else slightly younger, they could put it in the slick early sixties, the later 1960s with hippies and men on the moon.

And while I recommended Michelle Pfeiffer for Norma above, I'm also fine if they go with someone a bit older than fifty. Because one of the problems with the original film was that Norma looked so great for fifty, and William Holden looked old before his time. Standing together they looked like a middle-aged couple, not an older woman and a younger man.

And if Lansbury created Norma, the role would have been tailored to her voice. So, what's your point? You must be terribly disappointed that Glynis Johns was cast as the lead in "A Little Night Music." Where are the belting or high soprano notes in "Send In the Clowns"? They "aimed low" by casting Johns, I guess.

Was Betty Buckley better as Fran in "Promises, Promises" than Jill O'Hara? The former had a big, belty voice. The latter didn't. I guess O'Hara was a washout...

[Quote] Because one of the problems with the original film was that Norma looked so great for fifty, and William Holden looked old before his time. Standing together they looked like a middle-aged couple, not an older woman and a younger man.

Disagree. Swanson looked odd, as she should have. And she continued to look odd in the years following.

Sorry, R181. I can't compete with a PhD in Theatre Queen. You tend to your precious world. Glenn Close is sheer perfection. The most legendary range since the frogs croaked last summer. Don't spit tea on your caftan over me.

In the movie Joe says something very close to the lyric: nothing's wrong with being fifty, unless you're acting twenty.

Figuring on DeMille's lyric 'if you could have seen her at seventeen, when all of her dreams were new'.... I always assumed she was born sometime in the late 1980s or 1900...

R179 It is sung near end of the musical. R180 Norma was a star of silent era, her return movie Salome will be a silent movie. The big song in the first act is named With One Look and shows how one look is worth a thousand words. You can’t put it to 70s. R181 Angie, Julie Andrews, Liza, Meryl all were interested with the original role in London but ALW chose LuPone after her triumphant performance at Sydmonton.

I'm available.

[Quote] Glenn Close is sheer perfection. The most legendary range since the frogs croaked last summer.

Nobody has claimed that. But if it makes you feel better for your inability to argue a point, then carry on...

Girls! Girls! Neither of you are pretty!

I don’t think Close is too old at all. I think she’s actually pretty perfect for the role considering that the story is about a faded star who got too old to land the roles she wants as a gorgeous narcissistic leading lady. Why is this a character best for someone in her fifties, especially today?

Glenn Close is a great actor. She also has had very noticeable cosmetic surgery to stave off signs of aging and yet she doesn’t have a pretty face. That, too, I think is perfect for a Nora Desmond of our times. When the camera closes in, we’ll see Close’s sure-to-be-convincingly demented expression beaming through a face that is at odds with her vision of herself.

I think Nicole Kidman could also play the role perfectly, except that she is probably too narcissistic to stomach the inevitable comparisons between her real persona and the character and scrutiny of that one scene. I would love to see Kidman do a totally crazy old lady a la Baby Jane, though. Actually, Kidman in the Joan Crawford role and Close in the Bette Davis role might actually be on par with the original since Kidman could add more nuance than Crawford did.

They should cast Lisa Rinna and reset it at the Bravo Clubhouse with AndyCohen as Max.

With an Oscar in each hand, I think Renée Zellweger is coming for Glenn Close* and for SUNSET BOULEVARD.

It doesn't matter how poorly Renée sings because the score is pure shit. Do any adapting and electronic sweetening necessary, as there is no musical integrity to protect in the awful score. It's ALW shlock to sell to the unwashed masses. Renée has two Oscars, is the right age, is suitably quirky, and her career is hot right now. All that remains is to lock down the deal and break the news to Glennie's agent.

Sorry, Glennie. Buh-bye!

* Who famously has NO Oscars. None!

Nearly 200 responses to discuss the casting of a movie that will never be made, at least not for the big screen.

Zac Efron for Joe?

I can argue a point R187. What I can’t argue is the encyclopaedic trivia of a shut in who commands ancient no names like Jill O’Hara. I dare say you were at original opening night of Antigone, too.

With Hugh Jackman as Norman

[quote]It doesn't matter how poorly Renée sings because the score is pure shit.

Well there’s that, too. Don’t tell Jill O’Hara. She’s warming up.

[Quote] What I can’t argue is the encyclopaedic trivia

Then counter with some examples of your own... but you can't, because all original works involve compromise. If someone is cast to originate a role and the creatives are invested in that performer, they will tailor the part to the performer. That's not a controversial claim.

Kidman is boxoffice poison and has a thin, weak voice

Juvenile insults don't bolster your case,R194, and certainly don't make you appear any more intelligent. A lot of theater fans with a rudimentary knowledge of Broadway history over the past 50 or so years know who Jill O'Hara is, even if you don't. Ignorance of the past is not a virtue, even if you think it is.

The O’Hara family don’t even remember Jill was in a Broadway show.

Most of the O'Hara family was in that damn Broadway show.

Jill was one of the most talented singers ever. She also had a lot of pain and struggle throughout her life. Despite that, she had a good heart, which is hard to encounter on Broadway. At a time when gay people were oppressed beyond belief, they identified with Judy Garland and forgot about Jill O’Hara. But so did her family.

Jennifer Garner would ROCK THIS!

Do we really need a movie version of this shitty show??

You wanna talk forgotten bombs?

Jennifer Garner is in her church choir. Hmmm....

[quote]R3 Catherine Zeta-Jones

Entirely too young.

And she will tell you that.

I don’t necessarily think that the failure of Cats will kill this or other movie musicals. Cats had its own unique problems, mainly the CGI used to make humans into cats. It didn’t fail because of the music. It failed because it was nightmare inducing.

[quote]But I prefer Sills.

Great idea! A woke "Sunset Blvd." Douglas Sills IS Norma Desmond!

I think the actress' age does matter. Norma is 50 in the 50's. The story doesn't take place today when 50 is more of just a number, it takes place at a time when a woman at 50 was finished and that is one of the main points of the story.

Nicole Kidman could probably carry the role but she has been playing all her parts the same way lately - restrained, whispery, unexpansive. I'm not sure she'd be able to let loose enough to play histrionic, crazy Norma. And who wants to pay the price of a movie ticket to go see Nicole Kidman these days?

If the movie were to be made now, the general audience will need to see someone closer to Glenn and M's ages in the role.

Having someone actually in their 50's would not make sense to a wide audience because fifty now looks like JLo, Jennifer Anniston, etc. Dumb audiences wouldn't get why Norma's, "old."

Obviously Janet Jackson needs to do this role. Not only is she the most fantastic actress available she would sing the hell out of it! She also has a built in audience that would make this the biggest box office ever!!!!

R212 She doesn't have the acting chops for it.

R213 is being a PRESSED hunty.

Janet's six Oscar wins says otherwise!

[quote]Obviously Janet Jackson needs to do this role. Not only is she the most fantastic actress available she would sing the hell out of it!

She'd whisper-coo the hell out of it, anyway.

[quote]R208 I don’t necessarily think that the failure of Cats will kill this or other movie musicals....

I fear differently.

[bold]#ThanksCats

Madonna is ready for her close up

I’d take Madonna over Glenn in this part, frankly.

Just cast Olivia de Havilland and dub her with Catherine Zeta-Jones. Problem solved.

James Marsden would be really fine as Joe. Plus, he has a box-office hit now with "Sonice the Hedgehog".

Sonic, that is.

Ellen Burstyn, Shirley MacLaine, Kim Basinger...

...Meg Ryan.

Let Sonic the Hedgehog play Norma Desmond in this shitty musical.

[quote]Annie Lennox

I don't know about Norma, but if they ever decide to revive "Victor/Victoria", Annie would be perfect. I know she's long in the tooth, but she's younger than Julie and Liza were when they played the role onstage.

I feel like Sela Ward could give an interesting performance, but her surgeries have worked out too well to pull of delusional convincingly without a lot of makeup.

At this point Meg Ryan is ready for many things, but a close up is not one of them.

R198 Kidman is no longer box-office poison. Lion was a hit and that was due in part to her. She began to rehabilitate her image, and Big Little Lies (sure, a "TV" series; but streaming is now the bridge for film and TV) cemented the reevaluation of her career, winning all the lead awards for her performance in its first season. She also had roles in Paddington ($250M WW), Aquaman ($1B WW), The Upside ($100M), and Bombshell ($55M and awards player). She didn't drive their success but certainly got to take part in it. And the industry loves her. She got a Globe nod for Destroyer, and three SAG nods just this last year, and ticked all the boxes just three years ago with Lion. She is no longer considered box-office poison.

R210 Her performances have been varied lately, hardly "the same" at all, if you consider everything she has done recently. Her turn in Destroyer was the grittiest role she had ever taken and sold the shit out of it. Whatever restraint she displayed was in service to the role, but it was quite explosive as well. And with Bombshell, she offered a pretty nuanced imitation of Gretchen Carlson, even though there are few similarities between them. She's quite wild in How to Talk to Girls at Parties.

Why not Lindsay Lohan? Make it about Linds'/Norma's return to music. They could do some club remixes of Norma's solos, like they did for Madonna in EVITA.

Lohan is 33. And it would be too meta since she is batshit crazy. Too tragic.

Lohan may be 33, but she doesn't read as 33.

Kidman got the box-office poison label from her list of failures starting in 2004 to 2008: Stepford Wives, Bewitched, The Golden Compass, the huge bomb The Invasion, and finally Australia as the nail in the coffin. Trading on her name recognition as a "leading lady" (even though she never firmly established herself as an individual box-office draw like Julia Roberts or Sandra Bullock), they were all considered failures. She had no more high-profile projects with her as a leading lady and was considered box-office poison going forward. She did a lot of stinkers, but once she took on more character-based roles, she began her comeback. Lion marked her return. Big Little Lies reestablished her as one of the best actresses of her generation (there were many think pieces at the time). Paddington, The Upside, and Aquaman, were something new for her: actual hits. Sure, she wasn't lead, but she had large enough roles in them all that she was used in the promotion to sell the films.

*rasp*

*hack*

Mister DeMille, I’m SOMEBODY GET ME A FUCKING COKE HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO ASK!!! GOD YOU KNOW WHAT I’VE HAD IT I HAVE HAD IT I MEAN GUYS YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU GUYS BUT JESUS CHRIST DO YOU HAVE TO TREAT ME LIKE A FUCKING *sobs* AN EXTRA DO YOU EVEN FUCKING KNOW WHO I AM OPRAH GAVE ME MY OWN SHOW. I HAVE A SINGLE OUT A HIT SINGLE AND

I’M SORRY *sniff* Mister DeMille can I just run to my trailer? I just *sniff* I have to pee and it’ll take literally 30 seconds OK? Thanks guys thanks for understanding.

I think we're over looking the most obvious choice for the role. She has name recognition and is the star of the hour. By the time they start shooting, she'll be in LA. She has fans on both sides of the pond.

R228 must be the president of the Nicole Kidman fanclub. Bombshell bombed hard. No one saw Aquaman because of her. The ads for The Upside didn't even mention her.

R235 Try reading comprehension. Also, not president. Not even a member. Just fact-checking dummies on DL.

"She also had roles in Paddington ($250M WW), Aquaman ($1B WW), The Upside ($100M), and Bombshell ($55M and awards player). "

All ensemble pieces, R198. She cannot carry a movie alone to financial success.

“She cannot carry a movie alone to financial success.”

Good thing movies are practically never one-woman shows.

R237 You can try reading comprehension as well. Damn.

Or time to get that bifocal prescription changed.

I’m still rooting for Jill O’Hara.

I’m still rooting for Jill O’Hara.

R238 Sunset is. It’s all about Norma.

A Sunset movie would almost certainly cast Hugh Jacman as insurance.

Hugh's almost old enough (and possibly game enough) to play Norma, even as Norman.

And Flo as Betty.

Why cast Jackman when we’ve already got somebody who can barely sing?

Wait I mean -aw, fuck

LOLZ

Sela Ward?

Some of you certainly throw out some interesting names. I'm sure a studio will jump to back a film with some of them!

How about a Richard Simmons type as Norma? It will give it a Law & Order "plucked from the pages of..." freshness.

Frances McDormand?

You know Frances McDormand could pull it off.

Frances has crazy down

Can Ivana act?

I vote for Betty White.

It’s such a tired vehicle, it needs a new spin.

Can’t believe the Jessica Lange troll hasn’t taken over this thread. He must have died.

I’ve been worried about the line of her throat.

They could use that aging technology they used for "The Irishman" in reverse and cast Amy Adams as Norma. She can sing, too.

How bout Norm Desmond with Mel Gibson.

Brooke can sing!

And she’d work cheap!

Wow! R129, thanks for sharing that video. I never knew that Gloria Swanson could sing so well, she would have been great in a musical version of anything. She really did get robbed of the Oscar for her work in Sunset Boulevard.

Hugh Jackman as Norman Desmond, a reclusive former lifestyle/fitness guru

This will be my comeback vehicle. I can sing, I know you all loved me in Beyond the Sea

Jodie Foster! But only if they let her sing, "My Name is Tallulah."

So did I R261

“My dick is not small! It’s your iPhone screen that got small!!”

The Cockgobbler in: SUNSET BOULEVARD, WEST HOLLYWOOD

Why has nobody mentioned Linda Lavin??????

[quote]Why has nobody mentioned Linda Lavin??????

For reasons well known to R267.

Mariah Carey. But she wouldn't do it. But she could with a good director.

Mariah Carey as a rich older woman with a toyboy? Not believable.

This would be a perfect role for Miss Erica Kane!

We all know Hugh Jackman is Norma Desmond.

Pink's a better choice for Norma.

Norma Rae Desmond.

Faye Dunaway!

Perfect story as is, you know. But, how about we give it some modern favor, you know what I mean? Like set the whole story in a stripper club where Nor-low is the hottest ass around, you know what I mean, yet she’s like still unsure if she wants to be doing this at 75, you know what I mean?

I'll wait for the Lavarious Slaughter version.

If Jackman plays it, it will be as Norma. It’s time.

Funny how this pointless thread just keeps going and going . . .

Olive Deering would have been a great choice if SUNSET BOULEVARD had been remade in the early 1960's.

A little late for Olive now, though.

She would have made a great Carlotta Campion, too!!!

Sissy Spacek

Another vote for Bernadette Peters. Oh yeah, they're will be a push for Meryl. PLEASE NO!!

Did Bernie's movie "Everything's Coming Up Roses" ever get released?

All the other 'suggestions' have been fun to read, except that of Glenn Close. But Bernadette Peters is obviously the only great bit of casting that can be done here. "Dames at Sea," "Mack and Mabel," "Pennies From Heaven," all attest to her unique suitability for 1) musicals, 2) set in the early days of Hollywood.

And as we're talking a movie, not a PBS stage broadcast, Bernie is out. OUT.

Peters is just a year younger than Glenn Close. And she’s the wrong type for the character ... who’s not supposed to be an aging Shirley Temple.

Let's just agree to disagree --- and hire Bernie Peters for the part. She's perfect.

Steve Martin for Max?

Glenn's "Sunset Boulevard" has the same chance of getting made as Babs' "Gypsy."

They will never be made, but Data Loungers will always have opinions about them.

Looks like we have a new type of Bern Outer on these boards!

Melanie Griffith

Madonna..Madonna.....Madonna.....

R290 while I don’t think Glenn’s Sunset Blvd is getting made, It still stands a much greater chance than Babs’ Gypsy. Glenn was just Oscar-nominated and is working steadily. She’s also easier to work with and won’t be picky about the director.

You know I missed Mr Lee J Cobb in Death of a Salesman, I missed Mr Marlon Brando in A Streetcar named Desire. I am not about to miss Mr Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard

Tracey Ullman

Andie MacDowell, dubbed by Glenn Close. It worked once...

Me!!!!!

Well, there is supposedly a film version of "Follies" that announced...

Imelda has signed on as Sally.

I heard it's either Kamala Harris or Amy Klobuchar. Harris rocks the turbans, but apparently Amy's shooting/mad scene was terrifyingly real.

The most important quality is how the actress will sing the last note of "With One Look."

Glenn Close tends to sing "With one look, I'll be maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay." I'm left wondering, "Did I fall asleep? Who the hell is May?"

It's gonna be may? Re-team Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake!

Olive Deering! Now there's a name from the dusts of time. I'm sure she must have been the one De Mille was porking when he got tired of Julia Faye.

Olive Deering was talented

I thought Glenn did a great job on Broadway - totally believable as a "has been."

Olive Deering was once married to Sean Penn's father.

She'll be May -- May McAvoy, Al Jolson's co-star in "The Jazz Singer".

LINDA EDER.

She could kill this, vocally.

But she can't act.

I think the score is harder than the demands of the role.

Close can't sing. I'm so tired of sitting through movie musicals where actors croak out their notes.

Gaga.

[quote] I thought Glenn did a great job on Broadway - totally believable as a "has been."

Indeed! Dear Glenn always shines in roles that are not much of a stretch for her. Mannish women, spinsters, that sort of thing.