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Johnny Depp and Toni Colette to star in movie of Sweeney Todd directed by Tim Burton

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#4

re: Johnny Depp and Toni Colette to star in movie of Sweeney Todd directed by Tim Burton

Source? Here's the latest status as far as I know:

SWEENEY TODD [DEVELOPMENT]

In 1997, a book entitled Sondheim on Music: Minor Details and Major Decisions by Mark Eden Horowitz was published. In it, Sondheim is quoted in saying that Tim Burton was very interested in turning SWEENEY TODD into a movie musical.

In June 2003, however, Variety reported that Steven Spielberg was interested in mounting the film version for DreamWorks.

Just a month later, Variety then reported that Sam Mendes would direct a film adaptation with Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald producing, also for DreamWorks. They also confirmed that the Burton-led project fell through.

In February 2004, Scamp Films again announced it planned on bringing Stephen Sondheim’s SWEENEY TODD to the big screen. John Logan (‘The Aviator;’ ‘Gladiator’) was named to pen the screenplay. Sam Mendes, who co-founded Scamp, was still rumored to direct the project.

In March 2005, the Daily Mail newspaper reported that Russell Crowe was “mulling over” whether or not to accept the title role also known as “the demon barber of Fleet Street.” As for Mrs. Lovett, Emma Thompson, Imelda Staunton and Toni Collette were “in the mix” of possibilities.

In January 2006, MovieMusicals.net reported that Tim Burton was once again set to direct the film after Mendes dropped out of the running, opting to direct JARHEAD instead. Johnny Depp was announced to star. Later in June, Variety confirmed and also announced that the project would move forward faster than expected, since Burton’s RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT was sent back into development.


"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle

Updated On: 8/7/06 at 03:17 PM

#7

re: Johnny Depp and Toni Colette to star in movie of Sweeney Todd directed by Tim Burton

For what it's worth, Imdb says that it's in pre-production and that DreamWorks has it fast-tracked with Burton and Depp on board (Collette isn't mentioned).

"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie [http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/] "The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney
#12

re: Johnny Depp and Toni Colette to star in movie of Sweeney Todd directed by Tim Burton

Toni Collete is my top choice for Lovett, and has been since I heard of the movie some time ago. No one is official other than Depp and Burton, though.
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
#15

re: Johnny Depp and Toni Colette to star in movie of Sweeney Todd directed

"IMDBPro"

Is that the one where you PAY for misinformation?

"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad

"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)

Updated On: 8/7/06 at 08:15 PM

#20

re: Johnny Depp and Toni Colette to star in movie of Sweeney Todd directed

Johnnyas Sweeney is a really bad choice. People will be way too into his "good looks" than into the plot or story line. Soon, we will have young girls going ot see Sweeney and acting like HUGE fans, just because Mr. Depp is in it. COuld this be the downfall for Sweeney?
"Broadway is a very special place, filled with very special people, people who can sing and dance, often at the same time! They are a different people, a multi-talented people, a people...who need people...and who are, in many ways, the luckiest people in...the world." --Spamalot
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<< Me and Norbie. I look icky becuase I was FREAAAAKKKIIINNNGG out.

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