Idina Menzel Originally Turned Down BEACHES Remake: 'I Didn't Want to Set Myself Up for Failure'

As BWW has previously reported, Broadway's Idina Menzel will star in a reboot of Garry Marshall's 1988 tear-jerker BEACHES for Lifetime. The FROZEN star will take on the role of CC, originated by Bette Midler in the film, and will perform the iconic songs "Wind Beneath My Wings" and "TheGLORY of Love." In addition, Menzel will record several other songs specifically for the project, which will be produced by Denise Di Novi and Alison Greenspan. The TV film is set to premiere in 2017.

This week, the Tony winner spoke with Attitude and explained why she originally felt that taking on the project could amount to "career suicide." "I said no to doing the film a few times because I love Bette Midler, I love the original movie and I didn't want to set myself up for failure,", she says.

"I usually like to originate things and not walk in anyone's footsteps," she continues. "It's hard to make that work. But there's a generation that's never heard of Beaches and the character of CC is so rich I felt I could bring a different side to her."

What ultimately helped her decide to take on the iconic character was her belief that the film could have a totally different significance in today's world. "In the context of what our struggles are as women now, there's more to explore. Which made me feel OK about potentially attempting career suicide doing it".

Menzel's new self-titled album drops this Friday, September 23rd. Asked about plans for a future LP, the actress reveals that she may like to explore her rock 'n roll side. "Maybe the next one could be Nine Inch Nails meet Evanescence," she said. "I have that side to me but no one in my life is going to give me the chance to do to".

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos