Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star

[Jordan Catalano]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#1

Posted: 2/5/10 at 1:35pm

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Todd_Graff_Set_to_Direct_Damn_Yankees_Film_Carrey_Gyllenhaal_to_Star_20100205

[greensgreens]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#2

Posted: 2/5/10 at 1:45pm

I so wish they'd do a retro piece instead of modernizing it. I think a LOT of the material and characters just won't stand up to the test of time without coming across as incredibly sexist. I am inclined to believe that some very clever commentary and insight could be made relevant to our contemporary time while the piece remains set in the "olden days."

[Jordan Catalano]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#2

Posted: 2/5/10 at 1:47pm

Twenty bucks says Katie Holmes will be playing Lola.

[Eris0303]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#3

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:01pm

If they're updating it does that mean the team will no longer be the Senators? The team moved from Washington to Minnesota and became the Twins in 1960. The new Washington Senators moved to Texas and became the Rangers in 1971.

So, if they're following "real" baseball they would have to keep make it team in the American League East. That leaves us with the Orioles, Blue Jays, Rays, and the Red Sox. I wouldn't be surprised if they made them the Red Sox to build on the already standing rivalry but the Orioles make sense because they're not the "gem" of the division.

There is a Washington team but they're National league and don't play the Yankees as often (if at all) as teams in the AL East.

"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".

[PalJoey]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#4

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:04pm

He did a great job with Camp.

[dihope0914]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#5

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:10pm

The casting makes me cringe.

I can't see Jim Carrey doing Applegate justice.....he needs subtlety and sophistication.

And isn't Jake Gyllenhaal a little old for Joe Hardy?

[ljay889]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#6

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:11pm

I really don't see an update working.

[Jordan Catalano]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#7

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:12pm

Gyllenhaal in a baseball uniform (or hopefully even a scene with Gyllenhaal in a locker room) is more than enough to get me into the theater.

[CapnHook]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#8

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:15pm

Lola could be ANYONE in a modernized version. Queen Latifah, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Amy Adams, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige, Britany Spears -- ANYONE.

"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle

[greensgreens]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#9

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:16pm

Yes - Gyllenhall in a locker room will definitely get my butt in the seat.

However, I have a really good feeling about Jim Carrey stealing the show with this one - I don't think he's interested in doing all his mugging and childish humour anymore. This is a really great role where he can still have fun and clown around a little bit - but he can also start a transition to more mature comedy and even more serious 'acting' as the role would require at times. At his age, it's really the right career move and for the role, I think if he attacks it the way I'm hoping for, it's going to be a winner!

[Q]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#10

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:22pm

"doing Applegate justice.....he needs subtlety and sophistication."

Like Jerry Lewis.

*cough*

[PalJoey]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#11

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:28pm

And isn't Jake Gyllenhaal a little old for Joe Hardy?

No.

[dihope0914]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#12

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:31pm

Who said Jerry Lewis was a good Applegate?

Speaking of cringing!

My Applegate standard is Victor Garber.
Updated On: 2/5/10 at 02:31 PM

[BroadwayBound115]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#13

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:31pm

I wouldn't be surprised if Penelope Cruz was Lola. She is enough to get me into a theater!

[SonofRobbieJ]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#14

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:37pm

Cruz would be terrific. As would Beyonce. Or even Ms. Jennifer Lopez (remember when she was so very good in Out of Sight???).

I could also see Anne Hathaway doing it justice. And Carey and Gyllenhal are absolutely ideal for this.

[ljay889]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#15

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:43pm

But doesn't Lola "fake" being latina? I am sure they could always change that to make it work with a latina actress.

Catherine Zeta-Jones could be an extremely sexy Lola.

[CapnHook]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#16

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:50pm

I would expect that many, many, many liberties will be taken so choices one would normally make for the musical may no longer apply as this film is a whole new ballgame (...GET IT?!)

"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle

[madbrian]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#17

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:54pm

I could see Hathaway as Gloria Thorpe.

"It does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are 20 gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket, nor breaks my leg." -- Thomas Jefferson

Updated On: 2/5/10 at 02:54 PM

[SonofRobbieJ]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#18

Posted: 2/5/10 at 2:58pm

How 'bout Toni Collette as Gloria Thorpe? Or Anika Noni Rose?

[Eris0303]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#19

Posted: 2/5/10 at 3:15pm

I could see Ana Gasteyer as Gloria

"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".

[Kad]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#20

Posted: 2/5/10 at 3:37pm

I wonder how much the music will be changed. Let's face it, the most of the music as it is now is hardly fitting for a modern adaptation.

"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."

[madbrian]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#21

Posted: 2/5/10 at 3:40pm

Gasteyer would be a perfect choice for the stage, but I don't know about for film.

"It does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are 20 gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket, nor breaks my leg." -- Thomas Jefferson

[noradesmond]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#22

Posted: 2/5/10 at 3:42pm

I love this show. YEARS ago I worked as an apprentice on a summer stock production with Rita Moreno as Lola, Gary Collins as Joe and Jonathan Harris as Applegate. I feel in love with the show then.

I hope the movie comes to pass and the casting sounds terrific but I am concerned about the "modern take" being discussed. This is a product of the 50s and should stay firmly rooted there or it won't work.

[ljay889]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#23

Posted: 2/5/10 at 3:42pm

Gasteyer was announced for the Summer Stars production, but was replaced by Megan Lawrence.

[Jon]

Todd Graff Set to Direct 'Damn Yankees' Film; Carrey & Gyllenhaal to Star#24

Posted: 2/5/10 at 3:42pm

"Baltimore Orioles" scans correctly to replace "Washington Senators" in the lyrics of the opening number. Plus, Meg and Joe Boyd could still live in Chevy Chase.