Judi Dench signed on for CATS film

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

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

Do cats even have races?"

Jellicle Cats are black and white

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

Whew! Crisis averted.

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

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

Yup, just like the musical x

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

To make money.

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

who cares

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

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