Broadway Star Joined: 7/29/12
^ I agree. I wasn't even thinking 2018 at the EARLIEST (for filming).
Joseph Gordon Levitt as Pippin? I know he sings and was in consideration for the Guys and Dolls big screen adaptation, but I don't know his range. It's a tough part, so I'm intrigued to see who they go with. I also feel like they announce that movies are happening and they never come to fruition, so I always take it with a grain of salt.
Liza as Berthe, perhaps? I'd almost rather see Liza than Babs.
Also, realistically, how old should Pippin be? This is a project I wouldn't mind seeing a boy band member in (like Liam Payne, Harry Styles, etc.) compared to other movie musicals.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/25/14
IMO the best way to go for casting is:
LP- Usher...he can sing, dance, and he is the Leading Player; his godfather is also Ben Vereen which could make a good story. He is also the one name that they would need on the poster, and they would make a ton of cash!
Pippin- Unknown or Broadway Star
Berthe can be a cameo role with a big star like Johnny Depp as the Wolf
Not sure why but I think a Male Leading Player would work better on film. Usher was my first thought also. How big of a Name is Taye Diggs? He was my 2nd choice.
Updated On: 1/1/15 at 01:04 PM
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/25/14
^Because the LARGE female names who could play this role seems to be down to Beyonce', Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry. In my opinion, they all would not go a good job. The best out of that group would be Beyonce', but she would probably to a serviceable job.
Which is why I think the best choices in my opinion would be: Usher (talented, Ben Vereen connection, and could pull of the suave and mystery), Justin Timberlake (talented could possible act really well), Taye Diggs (could do all of this, but he may not be the big name producers will be looking for to sell the film, because the leading player will be the face that sells the film)
Updated On: 1/1/15 at 01:16 PM
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/25/14
My idea of how to make this at least somewhat cinematic would have it cut from the "stage Pippin" and the "real Pippin". The story will take place as the "real Pippin" story, but the musical numbers would cut over to the players performing exaggerated, theatrical representations of what they really were/are (like in the stage show). Think: the film versions of "Chicago" and "Cabaret"
Example: "Glory" would basically play out exactly like it did in the filmed version of Pippin, except, it would start out looking like a real war fighting scene, then the LP, and the players would perform the song (with cuts and fades back and forth). I think this could prove to be creepy and effective, and maintain the same tone the stage show had.
Is this confusing? I could explain more of my idea in-depth if I get a specific question.
I repeat: NICOLE. SCHER. ZINGER. Leading. Player. Please!!
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/24/09
Oh man I would love if this was Taye Diggs' big return to film and musicals. Oh man. Also love the idea of Liza as Berthe hahah but really they won't go wrong with that casting; there are just too many good options.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/2/14
Again im gonna say Julie Andrews for Berthe. IMO she has enough star quality to pull off the role with the likes of Liza and Babs. I wouldn't be surprised if they approach Idina for some part in the show. She's become quite popular.
I cold see Idina as Catherine. I doubt they would cast her though.
Broadway Star Joined: 7/29/12
Julie Andrews as Berthe...I would see the film 1000 times.
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/18/12
Taye Diggs as the LP will cause Glory and maybe a few other songs to be significantly lowered.
I too feel that this film will do better with a male leading player.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/2/14
I know Julie can't sing like she used to (her botched surgery) but she could definitely pull off Berthe. Plus it would introduce her to all the younger kids who have no idea what a legend she is. I'm gonna campaign for her now.
I can almslt guarantee that Berthe will not be a sweet old dear in the original mode, but will be a vivacious and fit senior like in the revival. Darling old ladies have no cultural cache unless they are bitchy like Dowager Countess Grantham.
Julie Andrews as Berthe is nothing short of perfect and it can be like a comeback film for her if she is cast.
Broadway Star Joined: 7/29/12
I really hope they consider Julie Andrews. She hasn't done anything since 2010, and maybe for a reason, but it would be so wonderful to have her on the big screen again, especially not in an animated role.
I feel as if they're going to try and cast a female LP before they cast a male LP. I can't think of too many big male names for the LP (other than Usher) who have the charisma, acting chops, and pipes for the role.
Featured Actor Joined: 11/12/12
I would LOVE P!nk as LP! I was watching a filmed version of her Truth About Love tour the other night and was saying how amazing she'd be in musical theatre. Plus, I think she appeals to a broader demographic than some of the other names mentioned.
I'd really like an unknown as Pippin though.
Meryl Streep as Berthe
Catherine Zeta Jones or Idina as Fastrada
I never found the story of Pippin to be all that compelling. It's the presentation of it that makes it interesting to me. If you strip the music AND the theatrical concept(s) out of it, the story alone is kinda boring.
As a film, it's going to be even harder to make a success, and it will need a few big box office names to get butts in seats.
Usher sounds great for the part, but has no previous box office hits in movies. Pharrell Williams would be in the same boat.
And because of the age of the characters (a young pippin surrounded by mostly older people), it also makes casting current "box office names" a challenge.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
Darling old ladies have no cultural cache unless they are bitchy like Dowager Countess Grantham.
Tell that to Betty White.
Betty White has some bite to her. She's never called on to be sweet, cute or quaint.
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what happened with this?
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