Clint Eastwood wants former Jersey Boys to star in movie version

http://www.deadline.com/2013/06/clint-eastwood-eyes-stage-talent-for-jersey-boys-movie-at-warner-bros/


"EXCLUSIVE: Don’t be surprised if Clint Eastwood is asked to host next year’s Tony Awards; he’s positioning himself to be that popular with the legit crowd. Eastwood is prepping to direct the movie version of Jersey Boys for Warner Bros. Instead of the Hollywood tradition of chasing screen stars, I’m told Eastwood is looking to cast the main role in the movie with the actors who are onstage every night in the various Jersey Boys stage shows all around the world."

I have never cared for Jersey Boys but I would be interested to see what Clint Eastwood does with it. Not sure if casting Broadway actors is the right way to go for this one though.. hmm..

This is the way to go.......the boys need to be extraordinary harmony singers at first.

Also, it makes the story a lot more believable if they are not too well known.
Leave the other roles to big names, not the 4 boys.

We live in a time where people are constantly craving new things, new people, new stars. No one really cares for certain big names anymore, as there are just too many celebrities nowadays. Having 4 extremely well singers (indeed, 4 of the theatre Jersey Boys) will make them stars and it will take the movie to a much higher level. It's all about the real quality.

I would have bought Les Miserables on Blu ray if it had an astounding singing Javert. I will not buy it now. It just lacks the quality to last. Names are too time and place bound...it's true quality that counts and that's what will stand the test of time.

Updated On: 6/11/13 at 03:50 PM

"We live in a time where people are constantly craving new things, new people, new stars."

We do? Do people crave those things or is that what people are force fed?

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I haven't heard anything about the movie because I have no sources. But my guess would be John Lloyd Young is gonna be Frankie. For the other parts I can't guess. Although I always thought Grant Gustin (Sebastian on Glee) would always be a decent choice. But jdsnyder88 please tell us something about the casting!

I think it would make the most sense to at least bring John Lloyd Young back as Frankie. And I'm jumping way ahead of myself, but if he goes on to win an Oscar, he'll join the small list of people who have won an Oscar and a Tony for the same role.

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Updated On: 7/12/13 at 10:41 PM

"We live in a time where people are constantly craving new things, new people, new stars."

Yes. A movie based on a musical based on the story of a 1960 musical group. NEW NEW NEW.

Oooooh, Russell Crowe as Frankie Valli. I like it.

I should know better than to engage Dave19, but even if one accepts that Russell Crowe's singing was so bad it sank the film- and I for one say it did not- that does not mean that the solution was "cast an unknown and make a new star."

Think of the fairly famous actor-singers with rich voices and imposing but nuanced presences. Victor Garber and David Bowie both could have sung the role respectably, even masterfully, as well as acting it well. Would they have acted it as well or better than Crowe? I find it hard to judge, because the film's portrayal of Javert differs quite strongly from the stage musical. It would, however, have been undeniably good- at least as good, if not better, than taking an unknown to "make a new star."

Young / Piazza / Bergen / Lomenda (?)
http://variety.com/2013/film/news/graham-king-clint-eastwood-eye-jersey-boys-1200563806/

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Curious about this film too. Clint is interesting for the type of musical it is.

Wow I think this would be great. I've seen JLY and Michael Lomenda and I think theyre both perfect for this. Michael is my favorite Nick. Bergen looks alright but I haven't heard great things about him as Bob but still cool. Piazza actually looks like a great Tommy. I'm really excited about this. If this movie is done well, it could be a mega hit. Does anybody know how true these reports are.

Does anybody think they could do this Les Mis style and have them sing live. I know that's a lot for Frankie to sing but I think it would make it more realistic.