Hugh Laurie for Higgins?

[Plum]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 9:12pm

I had to post this because it's a brilliant idea - apparently Emma Thompson, who's writing the screenplay for the new My Fair Lady film, thinks that Henry Higgins should be played by Hugh Laurie.

Thoughts?

Variety interview Updated On: 12/18/08 at 09:12 PM

[timote316]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 9:18pm

He'd be brilliant.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 9:20pm

I absolutely agree a hundred percent. Hugh Laurie is an amazing actor, and he's quite the musician too. He would be fantastic. I hope she can use her female powers of persuasion to take on the role.

[kec]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 9:44pm

That I'd like to see...

[Plum]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 9:44pm

Plus he has the right accent, which is a huge point with My Fair Lady. I really don't want to see an American star trying to fake RP when so much in the story centers on how the characters speak.

Of course, Eliza should be a singer and they cast Keira Knightly, so what do I know.

[scaryclowns223]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 9:50pm

That is an incredibly brilliant idea. I couldn't imagine anyone better-suited to the role. I hope he lands it.

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 9:52pm

Wow. This had never even crossed my mind, even though I'm kind of a fan of My Fair Lady and absolutely love House and Hugh Laurie. But what a brilliant idea. Him with his natural voice and mannerisms work for Higgins' basic character and seeing him portray Gregory House as such a nuanced individual makes me have no doubt that he'd be perfect for the role. I'm going to start crossing my fingers now.

And if Keira is actually Eliza (I know reports have said she is, but I doubt everything movie-related, especially concerning musicals until I see a trailer) I can actually picture her and Laurie having great chemistry.

[wonkit]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 10:17pm

Yes, please.

[jenna2]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 10:49pm

I wasn't totally sold on this remake idea before, but that is an idea I would love to see.

[humbugfoto]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 10:49pm

Oh my! That is just....breathtaking! Inspired! I'd actually go see that.

[MCfan2]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 10:51pm

I still loathe the idea of a remake and hope it gets shot down.

That said, I think Hugh Laurie would make a magnificent Higgins . . . on the stage.

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 10:54pm

Hugh Laurie is PERFECT for this. Amazing actor, perfect at accents, and he can sing (not really needed for this role, but it is a nice perk).

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 10:54pm

That would be AMAZING.

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 11:25pm

YES to Hugh Laurie! NO! to Keira Knightley!

[tellybox]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 11:32pm

Freaking inspired casting with Laurie. This has incredible potential.

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 11:35pm

Agreed about Keira. Vocals aside, I don't think she'd be equal to Laurie in terms of acting ability.

Updated On: 12/18/08 at 11:35 PM

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 11:39pm

Great casting idea. I hope the studio doesn't push for a bigger name.

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 11:43pm

Hugh Laurie is a HUGE name right now. One of the most respected actors on television.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 11:46pm

I'm not arguing that he isn't a well respected actor. He is. I just worry that he's not considered a box office draw.
Updated On: 12/18/08 at 11:46 PM

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 11:53pm

Hugh Laurie is an amazing choice. Keira Knightley, not so much. I think I'm more interested in who they'll get to do the vocals, since (I'm assuming) she can't sing it.

[Plum]

Posted: 12/19/08 at 12:03am

I just worry that he's not considered a box office draw.

Laurie's pretty recognizable at this point because of the popularity of House, not just domestically but internationally. But you're right; he's not any kind of proven box office draw in film - he's only had a supporting role in Street Kings since House started.

And that's what worries me, too - that they'll stick someone vastly inappropriate like George Clooney in there or something. (Clooney's lovely, but I don't want to see anyone faking the all-important accent and he's too conventionally suave for the role anyway.)
Updated On: 12/19/08 at 12:03 AM

[defyingonbroadway]

Posted: 12/19/08 at 12:28am

Brilliant choice, but it's a shame about Keira. I think she's a good actor, but it is a musical, and I don't think Marni Nixon would want to do all of the vocals again.

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 12/19/08 at 1:47am

Is Keira Knightley confirmed or is that still just a rumor?

[Plum]

Posted: 12/19/08 at 1:54am

The Variety article says that she's signed. That could be bad fact-checking, but I haven't heard any other names rumored for the role, so I'm taking that at face value.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/19/08 at 6:30am

I don't think Knightly would be a horrible choice, who else would you suggest...and yes, I think they need names for the box office. (I have no idea if she can sing, though.)

As for Laurie...as soon as he became successful here he was international. He'd been a domestic star for years in the UK for YEARS before hitting America in House.