Judi Dench signed on for CATS film

[Theatre Fan3]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 3:31pm

I'm really curious as to what this new CATS film has in store for us. The other day we learned that Idris Elba was in final negotiations to join the cast as Macavity ... Idris Elba In Final Talks To Join the Upcoming CATS Film ... and now we learn that Dame Judi Dench has signed on to play Old Deuteronomy ... Judi Dench Signs On To Play Old Deuteronomy in Upcoming CATS Film .... a role that has traditionally been played by a male.  Are they really trying to put a new spin on this?  Do we know if it is going to be live action or cgi/animated?  As far as Dame Judi is concerned it seems that fate has come full circle for her involvement in this show as she was set to star in the original London production as Grizabella but was forced to drop out due to an injury and in stepped Elaine Paige to take over.  I'm curious to know if anyone else knows anything more specific about this and what people think.

Updated On: 10/20/18 at 03:31 PM

[Catsbroadwayfan]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 3:39pm

I love Cats, it was my introduction to Broadway, I have seen the original production 3 times, the national tour twice, and the revival 4 times. Cats was my intro to these boards, I trolled to show people that not everything needs to be so serious and its okay to have some fun. I love cats, but this isn't exciting to me. This will become a colossal fail, heavily autotuned and have a modern day twist on it, im assuming. This is a horrible idea for a film.

[Elfuhbuh]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 3:48pm

Isn’t Old Deuteronomy traditionally played by a black man? I’m sure we’ll be hearing some words about this switch...

[Unknown User]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 4:15pm

Dame Judi Dench as "Old Deuteronomy" in "CATS"?   YES !!   Very exciting casting.

[NotTheComfyChair]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 4:40pm

Elfuhbuh said: "Isn’t Old Deuteronomy traditionally played by a black man? I’m sure we’ll be hearing some words about this switch..."

I hope not. The Deuteronomy for the first production, which was in London in 1981, was Brian Blessed. Very white and very loud.

http://catsmusical.wikia.com/wiki/File:London_Deut_Brian_Blessed.jpg

[morosco]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 4:51pm

Isn’t Old Deuteronomy traditionally played by a black man?

Do cats even have races?

[raddersons]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 5:21pm

morosco said: "Isn’t Old Deuteronomy traditionally played by a black man?

Do cats even have races?"

Jellicle Cats are black and white

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 5:35pm

“Do cats even have races?"

It’s 2018. I’m sure they have races and are now very opinionated on their sexual identities.

[sbflyfan]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 5:41pm

I never get tired of this promo image of Dame Judi as Grizabella. So haunting.



 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 6:16pm

This movie is going to be such an epic disaster.

[Elfuhbuh]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 6:42pm

NotTheComfyChair said: "Elfuhbuh said: "Isn’t Old Deuteronomy traditionally played by a black man? I’m sure we’ll be hearing some words about this switch..."

I hope not. The Deuteronomy for the first production, which was in London in 1981, was Brian Blessed. Very white and very loud.

http://catsmusical.wikia.com/wiki/File:London_Deut_Brian_Blessed.jpg"

Whew! Crisis averted.

That aside, is Old Deuteronomy gonna be a lesbian? You know, with the whole "buried nine wives" thing.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 6:42pm

I can no longer think of Dame Judi Dench without being reminded of Tracey Ullman's impression of her.  

 

 

[Impossible2]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 7:00pm

TotallyEffed said: "This movie is going to be such an epic disaster."

Yup, just like the musical x

[Loopin’theloop]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 7:38pm

Impossible2 said: "TotallyEffed said: "This movie is going to be such an epic disaster."

Yup, just like the musical x"

You might want to check the amount of money the stage production made or at least check the definition of disaster.

[sueb1863]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 8:36pm

The "nine wives" line will be changed, or they'll just drop that verse entirely.

The way this is shaping up, it's not going to be much like the stage show. Wouldn't be surprised if they drop a lot if not most of the score and focus on a brand new plot revolving around Macavity.

[Elfuhbuh]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 9:05pm

But without the music, what's even the point?!

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 9:32pm

Elfuhbuh said: "But without the music, what's even the point?!"

To make money.

[gypsy101]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 9:52pm

why does every casting announcement need a new thread

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 10/19/18 at 10:39pm

gypsy101 said: "why does every casting announcement need a new thread"

who cares

[Impossible2]

Posted: 10/20/18 at 10:52am

Loopin’theloop said: "Impossible2 said: "TotallyEffed said: "This movie is going to be such an epic disaster."

Yup, just like the musical x"

You might want to check the amount of money the stage production made or at least check the definition of disaster."

Since when has popularity ever equaled quality?

[Elfuhbuh]

Posted: 10/20/18 at 11:53am

CATS is a fun, creative show that really pushed the idea of family-friendly Broadway fare. (And I know some people on this board hate the idea of kids enjoying theatre, but I always think it’s great when people find their interests at a young age.)

That being said, this movie sounds like it’s going to suck. I don’t think CATS is something that can lend itself well to a non-stage environment, and these random changes they’re making are just plain dumb. Why does Old Deuteronomy need to be a girl cat? “Feminism”? “Girl power”? This just reeks of performative wokeness purely for the sake of it, honestly.

Updated On: 10/20/18 at 11:53 AM

[JP2]

Posted: 10/20/18 at 12:18pm

I don't know why so many posts feel so angry/serious. It's ****ing CATS. Who cares?

The cast is incredible so far and the music (for the most part) slaps. Not much else I can ask for... cause it's ****ing CATS.

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 10/20/18 at 12:27pm

One could argue that whenever Hollywood churns out another horrible, cringeworthy movie musical, the chances of higher quality, lesser known adaptations lessens.

It’s a shame that these films make a lot of money just because of the big stars in them, despite having terrible casting, signing, writing, and direction.

[SweetLips22]

Posted: 10/20/18 at 4:19pm

I have NEVER gone to a movie because of who is in it, it's the subject matter for me, and I will buy a ticket to see this new version of Cats.

[Loopin’theloop]

Posted: 10/21/18 at 1:58pm

Impossible2 said: "Loopin’theloop said: "Impossible2 said: "TotallyEffed said: "This movie is going to be such an epic disaster."

Yup, just like the musical x"

You might want to check the amount of money the stage production made or at least check the definition of disaster."

Since when has popularity ever equaled quality?"

It doesn’t in any way but a disaster indicates financial, unless one states otherwise