I really want Bertie to reprise Trunchbull. They’re honestly gonna have a lot of trouble finding a mainstream actor who can do the part justice, so he could be allowed to do it, especially if they have other big names attached. I’d love to see Michelle Williams as Miss Honey. And while I’m not a big fan, I think Sacha Baron Cohen could be a perfect fit for Mr. Wormwood. Anyone else wanna see Mara Wilson as the librarian?
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
dramamama611 said: "I'm fairly certain (I've been looking into the show) that amateursare given the choice to cast the role male or female."
I'm pretty sure you're correct. If I recall, they also said they were open to the idea of a woman playing the part in the Broadway production if the right actor came along. I was always led to believe that they were mostly concerned about the height and finding someone who could also tower over the adult actors who played the older school children as well as the actual kids. I actually thought Missi Pyle could have been a potential Trunchbull on stage, as she would have that towering presence (she's 5'11" according to Google, so easily over 6' with some lifts/heels) and has never shied away from playing those "grotesque" roles.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/24/11
EmeraldOzian said: "I think somebody more along the lines of Colin Firth will be eyed for the lead. It's a predominantly British smaller budget production think Bridget Jones/Everybody's talking about Jamietype casting. I'd love to see Emily Blunt as Miss Honey she would be perfect for the role probably even equally as good for Mrs Wormwood. Dare I even suggest Kendrick as Honey?"
I assume you mean Anna Kendrick. And Anna Kendrick can do anything.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/15/07
I don't see why it wouldn't be a woman on screen. Gwendoline Christie, Miranda Hart are both over 6 ft tall so I doubt it would be that impossible.
Even if they went with a shorter actress on film it's easier to cheat angles and use old school film tricks from apple boxes/trenches and forced perspective. Ian McKellen isn't actually feet taller than the actors who played hobbits after all.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
Very much agreed, the height is a non-issue for film. Hell, look at how long Hollywood was able to hide the fact that Tom Cruise is only 5'7" (and probably even shorter than that, it wouldn't surprise me if he's been rounding up to that)
It's not just the height. It's a mix of factors: the grotesque physical appearance and eerie androgynous voice; the British tradition of cross-dressing for comedic and frightening purpose; and (at least on stage) the bizarre feats of strength and athleticism the character is required to perform.
nasty_khakis said: "I don't see why it wouldn't be a woman on screen.Gwendoline Christie, Miranda Hart are both over 6 ft tall so I doubt it would be that impossible."
I absolutely love the idea of Gwendoline as Trunchbull, absolutely inspired idea!
I'd love Miranda Hart but can she sing well enough?
I actually expect it will go to some one like Emma Thompson ( see her NAnny McPhee look) and has a fairly good name recognition and she can sing.
If it's not Bertie Carvel, I'd like to see Douglas Hodge as Trunchbull.
Understudy Joined: 10/18/16
If Trunchbull is a female actress then Dot Marie Jones would be amazing in the part.
Lee Evans would be a great Mr. Wormwood but I am guessing they might cap some of the actors ages at 40 for the parent roles.
I don't think they'll necessarily look for a good singer for Trunchbull probably someone who will moreso act the part. I can't recall the role being a hard vocal part weren't most of her songs spoke song.
Owen22 said: "EmeraldOzian said: "I think somebody more along the lines of Colin Firth will be eyed for the lead. It's a predominantly British smaller budget production think Bridget Jones/Everybody's talking about Jamietype casting. I'd love to see Emily Blunt as Miss Honey she would be perfect for the role probably even equally as good for Mrs Wormwood. Dare I even suggest Kendrick as Honey?"
I assume you mean Anna Kendrick. And Anna Kendrick can do anything."
I think she’s wrong for Miss Honey vocally. She’s a good singer, but her voice doesn’t really work with Soprano music.
Anyway, I could maybe see Renée Zellweger being fun as Mrs. Wormwood.
I assume you mean Anna Kendrick. And Anna Kendrick can do anything.
If anything means singing nasally and terribly then............sure.
This show is perfect for a movie. Looking forward to it.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/31/12
darquegk said: "It's not just the height. It's a mix of factors: the grotesque physical appearance and eerie androgynous voice; the British tradition of cross-dressing for comedic and frightening purpose; and (at least on stage) the bizarre feats of strength and athleticism the character is required to perform."
Maybe Pam Ferris can reprise her role
Can Keala Settle do a British accent? Having seen her do Madame Thenardiers in the Les Miz revival years ago, I think she could make a good Trunchbull.
Pam Ferris in the original film was only 5’7”, so I think they can make any actress of any height work with the right camera angles.
Pam Ferris is also 71 and unless she wears prosthetics she will just look scary old not scary scary.
Leading Actor Joined: 9/16/13
If they could make Imelda Staunton look tall then she could play the role and she can sing too.
I could see Emily Blunt as Mrs. Wormwood too
Delete. Doubled.
Updated On: 1/18/20 at 11:41 AM
I could see Delaria. But she has little or no name recognition other OITNB.
. Is that enough? We Know she can sing. She is actually on about 1/2 inch taller than Staunton. so Lifts?
While I like Dawn French she is even tinier not even 5 feet. BUT why not Jennifer Saunders? She is about 5 ft 6in with lifts easily 5 ft 10 in. She can look so wonderfully mean.
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