I have a feeling this would be cast with Hollywood types and not Broadway types. And they'll just auto-tune the life out of any singing so it almost won't matter how good of a singer someone is.
Stand-by Joined: 6/13/14
Let's be realistic here. They'll probably go with a recognizable name here for box office draw. Look at what happened to Jersey Boys.
Broadway Star Joined: 7/12/07
If this doesn't get made for a little while, what about Melissa Benoist as Carole? she comes from a theatre background and was on Glee. She is about to be the star of the new Super Girl show with Jeremy Jordan. If that blows up she could have huge appeal.
Updated On: 3/23/15 at 11:31 AM
I would love to see Benoist as Carole. She's the right age and would sing it beautifully.
Let's be realistic here. They'll probably go with a recognizable name here for box office draw. Look at what happened to Jersey Boys.
You mean how 3 out of 4 Seasons were mostly known for their stage work and not (yet) that recognizable?
But sometimes, even a star-studded cast can't bring enough people into the theatre. Look what happened with Rock of Ages.
Broadway Star Joined: 7/12/07
Rock of Ages was also horribly adapted to the screen...
I'm just saying that just because you're famous, doesn't always guarantee a box office hit. Though I think what also hurt Jersey Boys at the box office was the lack of buzz surrounding the film.
As for Beautiful, I think it would be a good idea to have Carole King played by an unknown surrounded by a supporting cast of more recognizable actors.
JERSEY BOYS failed for many reasons, not just one. Personally, I think that as soon as Clint Eastwood was brought in, all chances of the movie being remotely watchable were lost. I can't imagine a director who is more disconnected for the kind of energy that a film like this needed. The casting did give the movie a "cheap" feel to it that it never overcame.
BEAUTIFUL needs a director who can make those numbers work cinematically. The whole thing may look deceptively easy since there are almost no "book songs," but making songs about people sitting and writing music cinematic will be a challenge. What's funny is that the staging of the show relies on cinematic conventions (the montages, the close ups, the quick transitions) much like JERSEY BOYS and DREAMGIRLS did before it.
I find that girl from GLEE to be completely forgettable. I sure hope I don't have to see her play King. Someone on another site suggested Lauren Ambrose, who is also older, but God she'd be incandescent...maybe she can replace Chillina Kennedy (in my dreams)?
Hitfix has a list of casting suggestions with as mixed a result as these lists usually carry. For every inspired suggestion like Lady Gaga, there's a Heather Morris. Their list: Emily Blunt (I really do wish they cast an American actress), Sara Bareilles, Heather Morris (just no, no GLEE cast members please), and Lady Gaga.
Who the Hell Is Going to Play Carole King?
Here's My Casting Choices:
Carole King: Jessie Mueller
Gerry Goffin: Miles Teller
Cynthia Weil: Emma Stone
Barry Mann: Josh Hutcherson
Genie Klein: Diane Lane
Don Kirshner: John Cusack
I like your suggestions, Jeffrey. I almost feel like Teller would look too young opposite Mueller but I don't know either of their ages. I'd switch Hanks for Cusack, who always comes across as an asshole.
Broadway Star Joined: 7/29/12
Sara Bareilles hands down, no questions. She still reads young enough, but they'd have to start filming in the next 1-2 years.
"I almost feel like Teller would look too young opposite Mueller but I don't know either of their ages."
Mueller is only four years older than Teller (they even share the same birthday believe it or not).
I could only think of Lady GaGa to play Carole. I LOVE your suggestion to cast Emma Stone. She has the dramatic chops, the earthy feel, raspy voice, beautiful blue eyes, and the edge that Carole had at 16 to storm her way into the male dominated music business. Anna Kendrick can play Cynthia Weil. Who can play the male leads?
^I personally think Emma Stone seems more like a Cynthia to me.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/16/06
Miles Teller would be better as Barry Mann than Gerry Goffin Amanda I think vocally Anna Kendrick would be more suited to Cynthia Weil than Emma Stone,
I could only think of Lady GaGa to play Carole. I LOVE your suggestion to cast Emma Stone. She has the dramatic chops, the earthy feel, raspy voice, beautiful blue eyes, and the edge that Carole had at 16 to storm her way into the male dominated music business. Anna Kendrick can play Cynthia Weil. Who can play the male leads?
I would love to see Elisabeth Moss play Carole King.
Oh my God, Carlos Alberto. That is simply genius. The search is over.
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