I think Banderas is my choice too, ray... only because I don't think Clooney can "be Italian" enough. But he would guarantee a huge opening, and in many respects he would be a perfect Guido. I just don't know that we would buy him as "Guido."
Bardem is an inspired choice, and he can certainly carry a film... but he's about as "box office" as Eve Plumb.
George Clooney is almost too obvious as Guido...except for the Italian part.
I think after Banderas, Depp and Bardem are my favorite choices. You're right about Bardem though but I thought if they filled the movie with the likes of Catherine Z. Jones, Judi Dench, Ann Hathaway, etc. they could afford to cast Bardem. Really, at this point in Banderas' career I'm not sure he's even much of a draw. When was the last time he opened a successful movie? The only two that I think have some sort of audience guaranteed would be Clooney and Depp.
Some actors cast in musical movies aren't really in their "hot" moment though, Richard Gere in Chicago for example, he was pretty forgotten, but of course Chicago is an exception, I don't know if it would have done as well, if it hadn't won the Oscar. It sure deserved its success though.
I agree, muscle, and the same could be said about Travolta.
I think they want a movie star that's instantly recognizable, more than a "hot" star.
Of course, if they can have BOTH, they why not?
But Travolta hasn't been making blockbusters for many years now... but he still works all the time, and he's still a household name.
I think Banderas (who at least has the Shrek sequels to brag about) is a known "movie star" who could sing, act and be convincing as Guido Contini. He's easy on the eyes, the right age to be going through the midlife crisis... and he's charismatic enough (and then some) to carry this film.
He's my first choice.
Im totally going off topick, but you say he is easy on the eye, I find him as sexy as a cup of coffee.
I don't find him attractive at all.
You're certainly in the minority. I think Banderas oozes sex appeal, he's the ideal Guido Contini, IMO. We know he can sing the score, we know he can act it, we know he is a recognized actor, and we know he earned positive notices when he played the role on Broadway, why anyone else besides him is being considered for the role baffles me.
Im not saying he is not good for the role though, he'd be great!
Judi Dench as LaFleur? Really?
I suppose that would mean Folies Bergeres is cut unless Dench can pull off the accent?
They should replace it with a big "Pearlie" number in its place! Dench can do the Music Hall thing. Maybe they can all do the Lambeth Walk!!! Lillian Potter leading the way!
"Up in a balloon, boys! Up in a balloon!"
"Oy!!"
Oh besty, you're scaring me.
Okay, Besty, I'm on the phone and burst out in laughter after reading your comment.
I wonder what will happen with "Follies Bergeres," I mean the whole reason the number was written was because they got an actual Follies girl in the show. I doubt the number will make it into the film, the idea of ultra-British Dame Dench singing about being in the Follies Bergeres is just a bit odd.
Broadway Star Joined: 9/28/04
Careful, guys---we're straying pretty far off topic...
Featured Actor Joined: 3/8/06
As long as they can sing I don't care who they cast
Videos