Rob Marshall's INTO THE WOODS Film: Sooner rather than later?

[CHOOKA2]

It matters not a toss who we think should be in this proposed movie[that's why it is so much fun]-if it's going to be made there will be so few general public who will want to see this,no matter what 'big star' is in it--even Hugh Jackman won't/couldn't save Les Mis.

[best12bars]

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.

[Addison D.]

Part of the genius of the show for me has always been the splendid mix of the silly--"How uneasy I feel"--and the truly sublime. I don't think of Hollywood as having a lot of patience with subtlety and nuance when crafting 'blockbusters'. I would hate to see 'Into the Woods' filmed as a cartoon-ish romp OR strictly as a heavy-handed morality tale.

[best12bars]

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.

[Addison D.]

I'll confess to being the worst kind of Hollywood critic. My skepticisim is based on an infinitesimally small sample--I rarely consume blockbuster movies. Of the films on your list, I've seen only 'Avengers'--which I enjoyed, largely because it DID hold more than one kind of emotion in balance. Understanding the need to address both the macro and the micro is one of Joss Whedon's great gifts.

I surely hope you're right B12B. Nothing would make me happier than to be able to enjoy a really satisfying interpretation of one of my Core Shows.

[PalJoey]

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

[inlovewithjerryherman]

She's too old now, but Nikki Blonsky would have been a very strong Little Red.

I'd love to see Hilty play the Witch.

Samantha Barks would be a lovely Cinderella.

[pinoyidol2006]

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.

[Jordan Catalano]

Actually, I'd like Julie Andrews for the Giant.

[Phillytheatreguy10]

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!

[shiksagoddess3]

Jennifer Hudson for The Witch.

[ComingUpRoses2]

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?

[Jordan Catalano]

"Jennifer Hudson for The Witch."

On what planet would that ever, in any way, be considered a good idea?

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

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

[Jordan Catalano]

Mara Wilson can save it.

[Jordan Catalano]

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

[Addison D.]

I was thinking Helena Bonham Carter for the role of the headstrong, young English girl from a good family who is determined to do things her own way and--though she learns valuable lessons about the importance of family and friends along the way--triumphs in the end.

[best12bars]

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.

[Jordan Catalano]

I don't think Hudson is a good enough actress and I know that with the right director, Midler can be phenomenal.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

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.

[My Oh My]

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

Jennifer Hudson as the witch? This happens every time people begin with the "who will be cast" thing, they go for the most painfully obvious, mostly those who've already done a movie musical. How about looking at others who haven't? The same tiny pool of names are always mentioned.

[EricMontreal22]

"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.

[Jordan Catalano]

The problem is that Marshall is on record saying that he does not think movie musicals work unless the songs are all imagined by a character like in CHICAGO or NINE. He doesn't believe in lettin a character just sing, it has to be some sort of a "dream sequence" and THAT is the problem. That, and NINE was one of the worst musicals of all time and that Shit on one of the great musicals of all time.

[Brave Sir Robin2]

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!

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Logan Lerman for Jack is the best thing I've heard all week. YES PLEASE.

And I like the idea of Bette as the Witch!

[ComingUpRoses2]

Bette was truly awful in Gypsy, but as the Witch, I could see her hammy acting working pretty well. She was a hoot in Hocus Pocus. I just don't know if she's pretty enough. You really need someone movie star gorgeous for the part, IMO.

Isabella Rosellini is a fascinating idea from an acting/beauty standpoint, but I'll never forget her singing in a version of Red Riding Hood with Craig T. Nelson from the 80's. She was pretty terrible. With some auto tune she could sound passable, but not up to par for the Witch, even with different keys.