Looks like Rob Marshall's INTO THE WOODS Film Is Gonna Happen Sooner Rather than Later — Page 7

Les Miz is a musical, yes, but it's also an 18th-century classic novel. When was the last time one of those adaptations made $200 million at the box office?

Into the Woods has a much better chance of success, depending on the way it's produced, because the subject matter is very popular right now. In order to make it work for movie audiences, they'll have to spend some money on it, though. The art direction, costumes, and special effects will have to be first-rate.

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I actually disagree, particularly with the Paramount/Marvel superhero films of the past few years. I think they mix "blockbuster" with subtle and sublime moments. I've been re-watching them these past few days (Iron Man 1 & 2, Captain America, Thor, The Avengers), and I think they strike a pretty wonderful balance of "epic" with "small moments" that are both very well done.

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Please keep Catherine Zeta-Jones as far away from the Woods as possible.

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I think Anne Hathaway or Amy Adams might make a good Baker's Wife. I think Anna Kendrick should be Cinderella.

@Jordan: Helena Bonham Carter for the Giantess, obviously.

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Forget CZJ, and the fact she can actually sing! Keep Helena Bonham Carter far, far away from this! Sweeney Todd anyone? she sucked all the fun out of Lovett! Pretty much anyone could've done a better job!

I've often wondered if it was Tim Burton that actually sucked the fun out of Mrs. Lovett. I've seen Helena in tons of things and she can be as big and brassy as anyone. She must have impressed Sondheim enough, too, cause he signed off on her over some pretty talented women who auditioned (Bernadette Peters, Toni Collette, etc.). I feel like Burton sucked a good majority of the humor out of the movie and made Helena whisper every damn line for no reason. I didn't get that. I think she said it wasn't a very good experience on the set. Maybe she called him out on his ideas?

Anyway, as for Into the Woods, I'd be fine with Meryl. She's not ideal, but she'll do. The Witch is the star role for some reason and she'll fill the requirement. I'd prefer Charlize Theron or Michelle Pfeiffer, but what are you gonna do?

Who is going to save it? It has to be saved! Save it! Who can save it?

I also still very much like the idea of Bette Midler as the witch.

Jordy, you can't fathom the idea of Hudson as the Witch, but you think Bette Midler ...??

I like Addison's take on Howards Baker's Wife's End.

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The thing about Charlize Theron, Bette Midler, Angelina Jolie, Glenn Close and Meryl Streep is that they have played (or are about to in the case of Jolie) witch types in iconic movies/roles. I'd love for Marshall to bring in someone who can offer their own take on the role, someone who can bring a fresh take on the part rather than pulling from bag of tricks that have been used before to what might end up being much more successful effect. I adore Catherine Zeta Jones' acting in CHICAGO and find her singing voice in that film to be spectacular (sweetened vocals or not, who cares?), Velma is a villain but not a Witch, I'd love to see her tackle the Witch in this film. Someone who'd never ever get cast in a million years but who'd have a hell of a time with the part is Isabella Rosellini. Also, can we just have the cast that was supposed to be back in the 90s? Cher must play the Witch, she just has to.

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"What is wrong with Marshall? I keep reading sarky, negativity against him."

Personally, I just find him very mediocre. He *always* (IMHO) makes a beautiful stage picture, but if there's any substance under that image, you can bet your bottom dollar it's not due to any craft or smarts on Marshall's part.

I feel like, with vocal training, Kate Hudson could be an interesting Witch. I also think that there is no way that Logan Lerman and Anna Kendrick cannot play Jack and Cinderella. And Sarah Hyland for Little Red!

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