Broadway Boop-Oop-a-Doop

Move over, little mermaid: the original Queen of the Toons herself, Betty Boop, is coming to the Great White Way.

Broadway.com reports that Max Fleischer's feisty flapper will headline her own musical, featuring a score by 15-time Grammy Award-winner David Foster, come the 2010-2011 season.

Naturally at this stage, no casting has been announced, but I would say the leading lady role is between Sutton Foster (who has the look) and Kristin Chenoweth (who has the voice).

Disney Loads Up on Some Depp

Disney seems to like what the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy has done for their coffers, as they've recruited the movies' Academy Award nominated star, Johnny Depp, for not one, not two, but possibly three future films.

First up is no big surprise: he'll don the chapeau of the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's upcoming Alice in Wonderland redo. Then there's the no-brainer, a possible Pirates 4. But the real surprise is Depp's casting in the long rumored about update of The Lone Ranger. No, he won't be the Masked Man of the Wild West, but his faithful companion Tonto! This one just got a whole lot more interesting, kimosabe, especially since they would (should) have to get an actor of equal stature to play the title character. Christian Bale immediately comes to mind, but he may be overloaded on franchise flicks of late.

In more Disney news, Cars 2 has been moved up from 2012 to 2011, while none other then Oprah Winfrey has joined the cast of The Princess and the Frog; she'll voice the mother of the title character (the princess, not the frog).

Join the Club

Well, if 9 to 5 can do it, why not The First Wives Club? Playbill.com reports that The First Wives Club – A New Musical will premiere next summer in San Diego before heading to Broadway.

Based on the 1996 film comedy starring Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler, the new tuner will be directed by Francesca Zambello (currently represented on the Great White Way with Disney's The Little Mermaid) and include songs by the legendary Motown songwriting team of Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland and Eddie Holland.

With the Zambello/Mermaid connection, I wouldn't be surprised to see Sherie Rene Scott cast as one of the lead ex-wives, particularly as Hawn's character. And her Dirty Rotten Scoundrels co-star Joanna Gleason would be perfect in the Keaton role. As for the Midler part, how about the original Broadway Mamma Mia! herself, Louise Pitre.

Hackford Goes to Tenn

Perhaps I spoke to soon; the recent announcement that Taylor Hackford will helm a film about the life of legendary playwright Tennessee Williams officially confirms that gay biopics are indeed all the rage.

Hackford (who received an Academy Award nomination for directing the Ray Charles bio Ray) will direct Tenn, a look at the "formative years of playwright Tennessee Williams, whose dysfunctional family life fueled some of his most acclaimed stage works". Williams' legacy includes such stage and screen classics as A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Suddenly Last Summer, all of which use gay subject matter to fan the flames of their scandalous plots.

Producer Michael Ohoven likens the script to his other gay biopic, Capote. Like that Truman Capote bio, Tenn will rely heavily on whoever is cast in the leading role. Actors should be falling over themselves to get a crack at the complex and fascinating Williams, even more so considering the track record of Tenn's makers -- both Jamie Foxx and Philip Seymour Hoffman won Oscars for their respective films. All I have to say is, "Peter Sarsgaard, get your agent on the line now".

Flash Forward

The new Flash Gordon movie seems to be moving along nicely; screenwriters Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless have been brought onboard to do the script. The duo are also working on another classic character reboot, Dracula Year Zero, as is director Breck Eisner; he is remaking The Creature from the Black Lagoon.

Meanwhile, back on Mongo: it's time to do a little Armchair Casting. There are plenty of strapping hunks out there for the title character, from Ryan Reynolds and Channing Tatum to Paul Walker and (my personal choice) Chris Evans. Maggie Gyllenhaal could be a smart and sassy Dale Evans, with Ben Kingsley along as Dr. Zarkov. As for Ming the Merciless, it will be hard to beat Max Von Sydow's over-the-top performance in the 1980 camp classic version; maybe Terrence Stamp, Frank Langella, or how about Christopher Lee? And another Lord of the Rings alum, John Rhys-Davies, would be a hoot as the high flying Vultan.

Sound off with your choices in the comments section below.

Sam J. Jones as Flash Gordon (White T-Shirt) Alex Ross 7-Inch Action Figure, complete with Mongo-lian football, available from EntertainmentEarth.com

Osage on Film

August: Osage County, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning play currently on Broadway, is on its way to the screen. Tracy Letts will adapt her script, a darkly comic drama about an explosive family reunion.

No director or casting has been set at this time, although there are several juicy parts among the dysfunctional Oklahoma clan, chief among them the vicious, pill-popping matriarch Violet Weston. The role won Deanna Dunagan Best Actress awards from the Tonys and Drama Desk, and is currently played by Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons. Might I suggest Judy Davis for the movie?

Let's Do the Time Warp Again

With a jump to the left and a step to the right, MTV has announced they are remaking the movie that defines the terms "cult film", "audience participation" and "midnight movie classic", The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Original RHPS producer Lou Adler is heading up the remake, which will use the original story and score by Richard O'Brien, plus possibly a few songs from the original stage production ("Superheroes", "Once in a While") that were cut from the final 1975 movie. No director has been attached as of yet.

As expected, die-hard Rocky fans are up in arms (there is already an online petition protesting the new film), but I'm curious to see how they would do it ... and with a budget this time. Casting would be key, most especially for the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania immortalized on stage and screen by Tim Curry.

If I were making the decisions, I'd pick Alan Cumming for Frank; anyone who has seen his Cabaret Emcee would agree. For Brad and Janet, how about the Enchanted couple themselves, James Marsden and Amy Adams. O'Brien could be Riff Raff again if he's up to it; if not, perhaps Raúl Esparza from the 2000 Broadway revival. His co-star, Dick Cavett, would return as the Criminologist, while Magenta and Columbia could be the totally Wicked pairing of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. As in the stage RHS, Eddie and Dr. Scott would be played by the same person: Jack Black. And as for Frank's ultimate creation, Rocky himself? Why, Cheyenne Jackson of course; he is the perfect man and, as luck would have it, he has played the role before.

Hopes are for a Halloween 2009 release, so we'll likely hear more soon.

UPDATE: In a curious development, Richard O'Brien claims no connection to -- or support of -- this remake. Additionally, although it at first appeared to be a theatrical release, new reports are indicating that it will be aired on television, which may effect the casting (in other words, strike out Marsden, Adams and Black from my dream cast ... sigh).

There Will Be Blood

With all the booty that the Pirates of the Caribbean movies hauled in, it's a wonder that we aren't knee deep in pirate movies by now. That's about to change though with an upcoming remake of the classic swashbuckler Captain Blood. Apparently, this redo has been in the works for over a decade, but the ship will now set sail shortly with director Phillip Noyce (The Quiet American) at the helm.

As for who will play the good captain and his lady fair, perhaps they'll go for a pair of unknowns like they did the first time: the 1935 Academy Award nominated original (itself a remake of a 1924 silent) did make stars out of Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland after all. On second thought, take a look at Flynny above, and maybe you'll agree with me that Christian Bale could fill his shoes.

Boys in the Hood

Illustration by Pete Emslie

The Rat Pack hits the Great White Way: a stage adaptation of the 1964 movie musical Robin and the 7 Hoods is aiming for a 2010 Broadway bow.

Casey Nicholaw (Tony nominee for Monty Python's Spamalot and The Drowsy Chaperone) will direct and choreograph the new tuner, which will feature the movie's Academy Award nominated score and song "My Kind of Town". Rounding out the tune stack will be more hits from the Sammy Cahn/James Van Heusen songbook, including "Come Fly with Me" and the Oscar winning "Call Me Irresponsible" (originally heard in the Jackie Gleason comedy Papa's Delicate Condition).

The original film, a Robin Hood tale updated to the age of Prohibition, starred Rat Packers Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. (along with Bing Crosby, Peter Falk and Victor Buono), so casting is key to catch that ultra-suave vibe. Naturally, Harry Connick Jr. immediately springs to mind for the Sinatra role.

Two Times for Lady

The classic movie musical My Fair Lady, which won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture of 1964, will be remade.

Co-produced by London stage icon Cameron Mackintosh, plans are underway for the new version to be filmed on location and with a script that will incorporate more of George Bernard Shaw's original play, Pygmalion. Reportedly, this will allow for more insight into the character of Eliza Doolittle, possibly to counter the misogynistic tone of the Lerner and Loewe original for modern movie audiences.

No director or casting has been announced, although co-producer Duncan Kenworthy states that they are "currently in discussion with a major international star to play the role" of Eliza. Any thoughts on who could play the new Eliza? (Catherine Zeta Jones?) And how about Henry Higgins? (Hugh Jackman?)

UPDATE: The "major international star" in question is ... Keira Knightley. But can she sing? OK, sure, that didn't stop Audrey Hepburn ...

The Puppet Master

Jim Henson, creator and performer of the Muppets (those are all his characters pictured above), was a childhood idol of mine almost on a level with Walt Disney. The original Muppet Show was a must-see in my house, and the first two Muppet Movies are unheralded movie musical classics in my (slightly biased) opinion. His unexpected death was a blow that the Muppet empire has never quite recovered from (he never would have let them do this, for example).

So this sure is interesting news: a Henson biopic is currently in the works. Budgeted at $30 million (that buys a lot of felt), producers are hoping to land a name director (Penny Marshall is mentioned) and cast. Might I suggest Guy Pearce as the puppet master (and no, not this kind of puppet master)?

Yentl Yen

If you have ever had a hankering for a stage version of the movie musical Yentl, you may be in luck: in a recent interview with Playbill.com, the film's Oscar-winning songwriters Alan and Marilyn Bergman mention that just such a project is in the works.

Of course, it is doubtful that Miss Stage Fright herself, Barbra Streisand (who won a Golden Globe for directing the film), would return to the role of a Jewish girl who disguises herself as a boy to enter religious training and ends up falling in love with her pal Mandy Patinkin but winds up married to Amy Irving (whew). Might I suggest a certain Broadway diva who could certainly belt out a mean "Papa, Can You Hear Me?": Linda Eder.

Oh, and by the way, Barbra: how about that Yentl DVD already?

Oprah Returns to Purple

Television, publishing, politics ... Oprah Winfrey appears on the brink of taking over the world. To all her other titles, you can now add movie musical producer. Reportedly, the big O let it slip the other day that she wants to turn the Broadway stage version of her own film debut, The Color Purple, back into a movie.

Oprah famously came to the rescue of the tuner back in its pre-Broadway days when she come aboard as a producer; thus the title is officially Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple (I bet Alice Walker was thrilled with that). No further details at this time on another movie, but that won't stop us from contemplating the next actresses to fill the roles played by Oscar nominees Whoopi Goldberg, Margaret Avery and Oprah herself in the original Steven Spielberg film.

It doesn't take much to connect the dots through three obvious choices: as Celie, American Idol's Fantasia Barrino is a frontrunner simply because she is currently playing the role onstage already (through next month, at least). From there, Idol's most successful alum, Jennifer Hudson, is a good fit for Sophia (Oprah's role), while her Dreamgirls co-star Anika Noni Rose is a natural as Sug Avery (but Oprah, please; no Beyoncé). Sure, they're all a tad on the young side, but remember that we could be waiting awhile for this to all happen.

Click here to buy The Color Purplemovie on DVD from Amazon.com.
Links via BroadwayWorld.com and Imdb.com.

DC Comics Presents

Well, it seems that DC Comics is finally catching up to Marvel when it comes to movies based on their classic superheroes. (Gee, do you think this had anything to do with it?) In addition to the highly anticipated (and much rumored about) adaptations of the Justice League of America and Watchmen titles, three of their most popular characters will soon be flying onto a movie screen near you:

In response to fan demands, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson will likely don the tights and cape of the villainous Black Adam in Shazam! No word yet who will be his do-gooder doppelganger, Captain Marvel (a lot of people want this guy ... and I don't blame them), but The Nines' John August is slated to script it.

Green Lantern has always been a personal fave of mine (could it be because his power is based solely in his jewelry?), and the feature version just got a director in Greg Berlanti, who also produces Brothers & Sisters ... does this mean Matthew Rhys has an inside track to play the emerald ring bearer?

Fellow JLA-er and color-coded crime fighter The Flash (a.k.a. The Scarlet Speedster) will also be zooming onto the big screen, with direction from Wedding Crashers helmer David Dobkin. This leads me to believe it will be the cocky Wally West version of the hero, so Ryan Reynolds: call your agent.

Links via YouTube.com, MTV.com, Imdb.com and HollywoodReporter.com.

Sharpen Those Claws

And save the date: May 1, 2009. That's when Hugh Jackman will be back in fightin' form as the star of the now officially titled X-Men Origins: Wolverine. (Expect the Magneto solo pic to follow suit, title-wise, any day now.)

Jackman will be joined by director Gavin Hood (Rendition) and possibly Liev Schreiber as the younger William Stryker (played by Brian Cox in X2: X-Men United) when filming begins later this year. Locations will include Jackman's native Australia, as well as New Zealand and New Orleans, fueling rumors that Gambit, a fan fave in the comics, will make an appearance. Other mutants, both new to the series and others already seen in the main trilogy, will reportedly make appearances in the spin-off, so the idea of Gambit, a renegade who can control kinetic energy, is not far off.

Taking a seat in the official Movie Dearest "Armchair Casting" Barcalounger, I'll throw a name out there that was mentioned back when it was rumored that Gambit would be in X-Men: The Last Stand: Josh Holloway. As every Lost fan knows, he certainly has the southern bad boy charm the role requires. Reportedly, Holloway turned down the part before it was cut from that film, but maybe a larger role in this one could entice him to pick up the cards and take a chance.

Links via Variety.com, Imdb.com and Wikipedia.org.

Boldly Going ...

J.J. Abrams' big screen reboot of the Star Trek franchise is getting more cast members ... and more interesting.

It has taken awhile, though. Back at Comic-Con, Zachary Quinto (Heroes) was confirmed as the new Spock, and Leonard Nimoy was also attached to the project. Soon after, Anton Yelchin (Alpha Dog) was cast as Chekov (originally played by Walter Koenig). Then ... nothing. That is, until last month's announcement that Zoe Saldana (Guess Who) would take over the com from Nichelle Nichols as Uhura.

Now, the casting is really shaping up. On the heels of Aussie hunk Eric Bana netting the villain role (name: "Nero" ... does he fiddle?) comes news that Simon Pegg (Shaun of Shaun of the Dead) and John Cho (Harold of Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle) have landed the roles of chief engineer Scott and helmsman Sulu, respectively, the parts originally played by James Doohan and George Takei, (even more) respectively.

I have to say, Pegg is an inspired choice. He's English (which actually puts him closer to Scottish then Doohan, who was Canadian), but he should be able to pull off the accent or, well, he wouldn't have been cast. And he'll certainly be able to handle the humor the role requires. I'm just trying to imagine him with black hair ...

Of course, that leaves two huge roles left to fill: Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy. Chris Pine is the name currently circling through the rumor mill for the good captain. Recently, Pine has appeared in Smokin' Aces and Just My Luck, but I remember him as Anne Hathaway's dreamy prince in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Considering that Bana is the only real "name" in the cast, I have a feeling that the part of "Bones" will go to a more well known, seasoned actor. Gary Sinese has been mentioned, but that may be wishful thinking by the same people who actually think Reese Witherspoon would play Nurse Chapel.

Links via Imdb.com, Variety.com, MTV.com, UK.Reuters.com and HollywoodReporter.com.

Challenge of the Super Friends

With the supposed end of X-Men, Watchmen well on its way to reality, and rumblings of an Avengers movie, what about the big screen adaptation of the big daddy of all super-groups, the Justice League of America?

Warner is rumored to be all hot over the script and wants to start filming as soon as January with Road Warrior's George Miller at the helm. The problem lies with the future solo projects of the two superstar heroes who lead the group. If the JLA film is fast-tracked, it could push back Bryan Singer's Superman: The Man of Steel and the third Christopher Nolan Batman movie.

Then there is the question of the involvement of Brandon Routh and Christian Bale. Both are contracted for three films total, one of which could be an ensemble picture. Routh should be no problem, but Bale has publicly nixed the whole idea. Could the Caped Crusader be recast?

On the other hand, Ryan Reynolds has come out and said that he would love to don the red tights and yellow boots of super-speedster The Flash. He certainly has the look and cocky attitude the role calls for (for further proof, see this video of the above linked interview).

As for other "Armchair Casting" ideas, I'm still all over the idea of Evangeline Lilly as Wonder Woman, and her Lost co-star Josh Holloway is perfect for Green Arrow. Supposedly, Green Lantern will be the John Stewart incarnation, and who better then Taye Diggs? Paul Walker would look good all wet as Aquaman. Not sure if Hawkman is in the mix, but how about Jason Statham, who (if they stick to the original costume) would be pretty much bare-chested for the entire movie. I could handle that.

Let's hope Warner is able to work out all the kinks of this deal so we can see what is sure to be the ultimate superhero flick.

Links via IESB.net, Imdb.com, ObsessedWithFilm.com, MoviesBlog.MTV.com and Wikipedia.org.

"Race" Relations

If you were like me when I was a kid, you totally wanted to be Jonny Quest: living a life of adventure with your best pal Hadji, pet dog Bandit and your two gay dads.

OK, I didn't pick up on that gay subtext between Dr. Benton Quest and "government agent"/constant companion "Race" Bannon back then, but by the time "Race" was voted the "number one TV mom" by the Cartoon Network a few years ago, it was all pretty clear to everyone what was going on.

All you have to do is watch the opening credits to detect the sexual chemistry between the two - watch for what appears to be a furtive kiss from "Race" thrown in Dr. Quest's direction at about the 1:23 mark. Besides the jammin' theme music, I also dig the casual vibe the whole gang is groovin' on while riding along in that jet plane, as if they were merely driving to Sunday brunch in the family station wagon.

It is doubtful that the upcoming live action movie version of Jonny Quest will include any overt references to the secret love between BQ and "R"B, it being Warner's hope for the next family-friendly Harry Potter-type franchise. Knowing Hollywood, they'll probably give "Race" a girlfriend or even - gasp! - make him a woman! Perish the thought.

Which brings us to the next session of "Armchair Casting": Lord of the Rings' Sean Bean is sufficiently daddy-ish for Dr. Quest, and can't you totally see Oz's Christopher Meloni rockin' a white crew cut as "Race"? Hadji will likely be an unknown (well-versed in martial arts, I'm sure) as will Bandit. As for Jonny himself, how would Zac Efron look as a blonde?

In other retro-toon news:

• In the wake of Transformers comes Voltron.
• Speed Racer gets Christina Ricci as a girlfriend.
• And - could it be? Jason Statham as G.I. Joe? We are so there.

Click here to purchase Jonny Quest - The Complete First Seasonon DVD from Amazon.com.

Links via Imdb.com, YouTube.com, Variety.com, AfterEllen.com and Cinematical.com.

Hammer Time!

Something tells me that Robert Downey Jr. is not in that Iron Man armor (pictured). Isn't it ironic that, for the most part, they cast all these big stars in these superhero movies only to cover their faces with masks (Spider-Man), make-up (half the X-Men) or just CGI 'em (Hulk).

One superhero that doesn't wear a mask is Thor - although he does get to wear a little winged hat. Stardust director Matthew Vaughn has signed-up to direct the movie, which, you will be happy to know, will need a tall, muscle-bound, golden-haired hunk for the title role.

I can just see the casting notice now:

"WANTED: Built, blonde Norse God, no previous experience necessary. Must look good in long hair and a cape and not speak with a lisp (dialogue will include a lot of "thee's" and "tho's"). Please bring your complete measurements and a current headshot. Prop hammers will be provided."

Any guesses who will don the mantel of "The Mighty Thor"? How about ... Channing Tatum?

And in related superhero news, AfterElton.com wonders if Watchmen's gay hero will make it to the screen.

Links via Imdb.com, Wikipedia.com, Variety.com, MostBeautifulMan.com and AfterElton.com.

Priscilla, Queen of Broadway?

At first glance, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert may not appear to be the ideal choice for a stage musical. Sure, musical numbers abound in the film fave, but these are drag queens, so the songs are all lip-synced. And who wants to hear "I've Never Been to Me" sung by a dude in a dress?

Alas, the producers of the hit Australian stage version came up with the perfect answer: cast three "divas" to belt the disco classics. Add three fabulously coifed and coutured men to play our heroines Mitzi, Felicia and Bernadette (the roles originally played onscreen by Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce and Terence Stamp). Then have the boys lip sync to the live singing. It is a very theatrical conceit that works, if the big "I Will Survive" number (seen here on the Aussie version of Dancing With the Stars) is any indication.

Fans may also want to take a look-see at the official site of the production from down under, where you can play the "official" Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical game. Yes, I said game. You maneuver the big silver bus through the Outback, picking up stray stilettos and hormone pills (!) while avoiding wandering wombats and kangaroos. All the while, a medley of 70's hits is blaring in your ear, so you may want to turn down the speakers while your driving. I swear, it is the gayest game since "Mystery Date".

As would be expected, there is now talk that Priscilla may pack up her bus for Broadway, following in the footsteps of fellow Aussie export, The Boy from Oz, another musical gayer then most.

Which leads us to "Armchair Casting- Broadway Edition": what three Broadway "divos" do you see as the leads? I would say Gary Beach was born to play Bernadette. Beach has donned drag in The Producers and La Cage aux Folles, so why stop him now? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Click here to purchase The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Deserton DVD from Amazon.com.
Links via Imdb.com, YouTube.com, PriscillaTheMusical.com and Towleroad.com.