Liza Minnelli as Norma Desmond? Nope.

BWW posted an article debunking the rumor that Liza was in talks to play Norma in the film adaptation. First of all I never heard this rumor (recently) and secondly thank god because I dont think she could play it. But since it has come up who do yall think would be a good Norma in a film adaptation?

Updated On: 9/25/13 at 04:44 PM

I completely agree, Norma is supposed to be in her late 40s early 50s

I think Cher should play Norma Desmond if Sunset Boulevard gets made into a film, I think she would sing the hell out those songs lol

I don't see why people are getting their knickers in a twist about Liza. I love Liza. Many of you out there love Liza. But Liza is not the Liza of 10-20 years ago. She does not have the voice for such a demanding role as Norma Desmond. Catherine Zeta Jones is an inspired choice. How about Liz Callaway? She has played the role and has a phenomenal voice. It will not happen, but she'd be an excellent choice. P.S. I don't think Cher or Sarah Brightman. I'll be very honest here....both have overdone faces.

---

To me it's either Sarah Brightman, Catherine Zeta Jones or Cher to play Norma.

I think it's funny that anyone thinks Liza could play anyone but herself at this point. And she doesn't even do a very good job of that anymore. Same goes for Cher.

"What about the rumored choice of the past 10+ years Barbra Streisand."

There is no way that Streisand would be considered a silent movie star. "With One Look" would be a joke. Streisand as "the girl next door or the love that you hungered for?" Never.

---

People have to look at Norma Desmond and think, "Has-been." I think that CZ-J is too young. Even if Norma Desmond is supposed to be in her late 40's or early 50's, people looked older then - they may really have aged faster. I like the idea of Meryl Streep or Glenn Close - didn't one of them play the role on stage? Sarah Brightman is probably too young, too. What about Madonna? I'll bet she could pull it off.

I don't know how old the narrator is supposed to be, but I just don't think a young guy would get sufficiently grossed out by a bombshell such as C-ZJ, and that's important to the story.

---

Does anyone know how old Gloria Swanson was when she played it in the film?

Thanks for the info! Well, I have no opinion on the casting here, but it does seem that Liza is too old, not to mention that she has a problem getting insured, from what I hear.

Ha!

I would think that Glen Close would be the person to film it...considering her rank in Hollywood and her experience in the role.

I actually have never thought of Cher in the role, but I think it would be a great chance for her to do a serious role on film again. She would need some make-up to age her more (sounds weird when talking about a woman who is 65+) but her "over done" face may be something useful when trying to show Norma's attempt to regain her youth.

I, of course, think that they should try to get LuPone to do it but that won't happen--too many burnt bridges on ALW and LuPone's parts. However, it would be a fabulous publicity stunt, she could really pull the singing/acting off, and it would give LuPone her first real role in a big-time movie. I know it is basically out of the question--but with her reviving "With One Look" in concerts recently, a boy can wish.

ABZ-J

Anyone but Zeta-Jones.

---

Updated On: 9/25/13 at 11:02 AM