Broadbent OUT Walken IN as Wilbur and Grey Gardens Rewrites Afoot

[Barihunk]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 5:01pm

Harry Haun got some juicy scoop at last night's Kiki and Herb opening. Christopher Walken is apparently playing Wilbur in the "Hairspray" film and Doug Wright talks about rewrites to Act 1 of Grey Gardens in preparation for their Broadway bow...
Playbill

[pab]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 5:15pm

Christopher Walken Steps in as Wilbur Turnblad in "Hairspray" Movie

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 5:36pm

When did Billy Crystal drop out?

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 5:36pm

I don't think Crystal was ever official.

[JoMarch]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 5:38pm

Thank God we were spared Billy Crystal and his incessant "Aren't I so funny?" mugging. Good for Walken.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 5:40pm

I'm not unhappy in the least.

I think Walken would fit in much better.

I'm surprised Shankman didn't cast Steve Martin.

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 5:53pm

I can see this as a good thing.

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 5:59pm

I like the idea of him in it more than Broadbent, simply because I think think the contrast between Edna and Wilbur will be better. Hopefully Walken's oddball manner will just make the whole thing funnier rather than be distracting. William H Macy would've been a good choice too I think.

Also, what the hell is going on in your avatar Foanatic? And how can I get in on it?

Updated On: 8/16/06 at 05:59 PM

[thevolleyballer]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 6:12pm

Oh my gosh. My mouth opened in shock when I read that Walken would be Wilbur! That's terrible casting! Walken is too confident, and speaks too sporadically, for such a character as Wilbur! Definitely an interesting choice...

[broadway86]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 6:50pm

Very interesting. I love Walken, but I wonder what this will look like...

[mateo]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 6:51pm

'Tis an odd odd thing!


Ironically I was watching Batman Returns yesterday with both Walken and Pfeiffer and said to myself... "Why isnt walken in Hairspray?'


so odd.


I also have a feeling Kathy Griffin might be in this (Prudy?)... just a weird feeling I have, since she was at the Step Up premiere.. and Adam Shankman produced it.

[WalkOn]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 9:06pm

Walken is creepy.

[Rose_MacShane]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 9:09pm

That clinches it. Now I'll definitely be seeing it!

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 9:37pm

"Walken is too confident, and speaks too sporadically, for such a character as Wilbur! "

Who says? Who says what "Wilbur" must be?

And besides the fact that Walken is an actor who can play against type if asked.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 9:38pm

Christopher Walken looks more like he could be Tracy Turnblad's GRANDFATHER before being her father. And before you all start whipping out the birthdays, he's 63 -- which isn't THAT old. But I'm just saying he LOOKS kind of old to have a teenage daughter. But then again, Dick Latessa was 72 when he played Wilbur (but nonetheless looked liked Tracy's grandfather then as well). I liked the ideas of Steve Martin or William H. Macy. But the aim here seems to be about getting "names" from every genre to make for the biggest possible audience. I have no doubt that Shenkman will pull a performance out of Mr. Walken that no one would have expected. I like when actors are cast against type, as long as it works in the end.

Updated On: 8/16/06 at 09:38 PM

[mateo]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 9:41pm

I am sure Travolta and Walken's dance duet will be a highlight.

Those two can seriously move.

and when they kiss.... well if that doesnt win MTV's Movie Award for 'best kiss,' then I dont know what will.

[gustof777]

Posted: 8/16/06 at 10:43pm

I still say Walken would be a great Sweeney for the movie!

[HereNowhere]

Posted: 8/17/06 at 1:03am

Walken as Wilbur will certainly make for one fun set to work on.

[Color and Light]

Posted: 8/17/06 at 2:06am

I think Walken will be great, and he has a decent-enough singing voice. At least, from what I remember of his appearances on Saturday Night Live.

At least we won't be seeing Mr. Crystal's mug in the part. Phew.

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 8/17/06 at 2:16am

Alright, I'm DEFINITELY seeing this now. Walken is my shepherd, I shall not want...

[alterego]

Posted: 8/17/06 at 2:33am

Christopher Walken? What a pity.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 8/17/06 at 2:55am

I had the great fortune to work with Walken on a film. He'll be brilliant! Strange, funny, creepy. Wilbur all the way. Not the same as Latessa, but Travolta is no Harvey!

That combo will surely be fun. And put the spray in all of our hair...

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 8/17/06 at 9:14am

Hm, I just can't imagine Walken playing the fun-loving Wilbur. Oh well, I'm still looking forward to it.

And I also thought Billy Crystal was official. I thought they listed him. Was he even offered the role?

[Adam Chris]

Posted: 8/17/06 at 10:36am

I guess I was one of the few that was actually looking forward to Billy Crystal.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 8/17/06 at 10:52am

DREAMGIRLS film casting - in every way, so very right.
HAIRSPRAY film casting - in every way, so deadly wrong.