GUYS & DOLLS MOVIE CONFIRMED

[CapnHook]

Posted: 12/10/03 at 9:14pm

This is old news from February - just learned about it, however, so for those who have also not heard:

HOLLYWOOD, California (Variety) -- After resuscitating the big-screen musical with "Chicago," Harvey Weinstein is ready for an encore.

Miramax Films is negotiating a "Guys and Dolls" rights package for a remake that will be produced by Storyline Entertainment partners Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, the duo that served as executive producers of "Chicago."

The tap dance to secure multiple rights components for the stage musical-turned-movie is nearly complete.

Zadan and Meron held pieces of the necessary rights, and Miramax secured the final component, the original short story on which the musical was based, "The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown," from newspaperman Damon Runyon's estate.

The producers had the blessing of composer Frank Loesser's widow, Jo Sullivan Loesser, and Samuel Goldwyn Jr., who held rights because his father made the original film. In all likelihood, the Goldwyn name will be on the new picture as Goldwyn will be involved in a producing capacity.

Zadan and Miramax confirmed that they were hoping to strike a deal that would turn "Guys and Dolls" into their next musical collaboration, even as they look at other projects.

Zadan said they aim to keep intact much of the rather large support team that made "Chicago."

"The great thing about a musical like 'Chicago' is the amount of people you get to work on it, it's like three movies rolled into one. You're hiring a dance troupe, choreographer, a music department, and the elements to make a dramatic film as well."

Agencies have begun to buzz about casting possibilities. "A lot of actors are coming forward who we never knew were capable of singing and dancing," Zadan said. "After 'Chicago' and 'Moulin Rouge,' they're going to their agents, saying, 'Hey, put me in a musical.' ... The musical is no longer defined as a niche area."

All of this is a result of the accolades and commerce earned by "Chicago," which received 13 Oscar nominations and is about to cross the $100 million mark in the United States. The soundtrack just went platinum.

Miramax and the producers feel that "Guys and Dolls" has similar potential, even though it's a comedy. It shares a gritty period setting, colorful characters and the benefit of some popular stage tunes.

"Guys and Dolls" centers around Nathan Detroit, the organizer of the oldest established floating crap game in New York. He challenges fellow gambler Sky Masterson to a bet that he can't make the next girl he sees fall in love with him.

The music and lyrics were penned by Loesser, and the 1955 film starred Frank Sinatra as Detroit, Marlon Brando as Masterson and Jean Simmons as love interest Sarah Brown. Classic tunes include "Luck Be a Lady" and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat."

Zadan and Meron previously made the TV musicals "Gypsy"; "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella"; "The Music Man"; and "Annie," which marked the directorial debut of Oscar-nominated "Chicago" director Rob Marshall.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/10/03 at 9:25pm

This edition should make the Sinatra/Brando version look like a classic. I can definitely wait for this one - until the next ice age

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 12/10/03 at 9:28pm

I heard that Vin Diesil is campaigning to play Sky in this movie...someone please, kill me now.

[MyNameInLights]

Posted: 12/10/03 at 9:30pm

Kitzarina, I'll kill you, but only if I get to kill myself after. Vin Diesel? Who is he trying to kid?

[Bway_Mill_Fan]

Posted: 12/10/03 at 9:32pm

yes i heard that too. and nicole kidman.

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 12/10/03 at 9:35pm

While I love Nicole Kidman, I'm not a huge fan of her voice. She was great in Moulin Rouge, but the more I listened to the CD, the less I liked her voice. *shrugs* Honestly, I can't think of any major Hollywood people I would cast. Megan Mullally would make a great Adelaide though.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 12/10/03 at 11:38pm

ooooh please please put Megan as Adelaide!! =)

[PennyLou]

Posted: 12/10/03 at 11:48pm

I feel that my High School version that we put on last year will be better then this movie. I'm not looking forward to it at all.

[NomoreDisenyorALW]

Posted: 12/11/03 at 12:37am

The first movie butcherd the play Period.

Vin Disel as Sky that has to be a joke....

[kec]

Posted: 12/11/03 at 7:43am

Wasn't Hugh Jackman being considered for one of the lead roles -- maybe Sky Masterson?

[Belasco07]

Posted: 12/11/03 at 8:09am

I don't know if I can stand a GUYs and Dolls without Stubby Kaye!

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/11/03 at 8:33am

The word "remake" resonates for me like the word "revival." More often than not, both reflect a limited vision, a reluctance to find and develop brand new material, and ultimately, zero risk taking. This project is almost like redoing "Sound of Music."

Say what you will about "Moulin Rouge" -- Baz dared to start from scratch; few have the courage to even think of doing so.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 12/11/03 at 12:39pm

First of all, the article does not "confirm" that the film is going to be made only that there is intrest in making it. I doubt it will ever be done.

Secondly, no need to fret about the absence of Stubby Kaye. Lia Delaria will fill his shoes "Nicely".

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/11/03 at 2:44pm

My question is....Why not a musical that has not already been made into a film? There are zillions to choose from. I've heard that the same producers of Chicago are also interested in Pippin. Not the best choice, but more original than doing Guys and Dolls again. I wish Tim Burton was still attached to the Sweeney Todd project. I thought he was a brilliant choice as director for that show.

What musical would you like to see made as a film that has not been done previously?

My choices:
Ragtime (if they could rework the book)
The Secret Garden
Once on This Island (I think it would make a brilliant animated film)
Promises Promises (as a 60s period piece)
Parade
Grand Hotel

[A_Boy_From_Oz]

Posted: 12/11/03 at 4:50pm

As if the first movie didn't suck enough.....there are many more musicals that deserve a movie adaptation than this turkey.

[BroadwayBaby3]

Posted: 12/11/03 at 5:13pm

I read in a magazine that Nicole Kidman and Vin Diesel are going to be in it. I kinda hope not.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 12/12/03 at 11:09am

I think TAMrMcC (Eric McCormack) would make a terrific sky Masterson!

[sparky310]

Posted: 12/12/03 at 11:35am

MEGAN M. AGREED..she would be absolutly brilliant

[broadway86]

Posted: 12/12/03 at 3:58pm

I can see:

Sky Masterson - HUGH JACKMAN
Nathan Detroit - STANLEY TUCCI
Adelaide - MEGAN MULLALLY
Sarah Brown - LAURA BENANTI or REBECCA LUKER (who else?!)
Nicely Nicely Johnson - DANNY DeVITO

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/12/03 at 4:05pm

I agree with broadway86 casting for the most part. I could also see Hank Azaria as Nathan Detroit (actually I could see anyone as long as it isn't Nathan Lane) and either Susan Egan or (the opposite end of the spectrum, but I think it could work) Mary Stuart Masterson as Sarah Brown. Danny DeVito is an inspired choice for Nicely Nicely and I think he would also make an excellent Nathan Detroit. Here's a good one - Taye Diggs as Sky Masterson.

[Elphie]

Posted: 12/12/03 at 4:19pm

Nicole Kidman as who?
There is not Satine role in this movie. Well maybe for Sara, but I dont know- I love Moulin Rouge and Nicole very much, but I think that she should stay along the dramatic movie career than get involved in all the musicals. Find new talent!
Why not take people from Broadway to play some roles?

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/12/03 at 4:40pm

To give credit where it's due, Nicole Kidman has proven herself to be a pretty versatile actress (and she went through a lot to prove it), so the idea of her playing Sarah Brown is not far-fetched. But I do agree it would be nice to feature new talent, or if they have to get a bankable star, surprise the non-Broadway crowd with established stars that can actually sing and dance as with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 12/13/03 at 2:52pm

Golly guys, I've told u b4 Vin actually comes frm the theatre & did local musicals as a kid. MY concern is that I've heard his ego has blown "sky" (HA HA) high & that will not work on this kinda set. Talent maybe but ego uhuh. LOVE the idea of DeVito but he may be too old.

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 12/14/03 at 10:18pm

yes I agree they changed a couple of the songs and that just ruined it, we did it in high school and even though I am partial, (I was Nathan Detroit) I felt it was better than the movie. The only good thing about the movie is they kept some of the fosse choreography.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/15/03 at 11:42am

son_of_a_gunn_25 - Not sure about the film, but the original Broadway Guys and Dolls was choreographed by Michael Kidd.