Tuesday, November 11, 2008

update on the My Fair Lady remake

While I still haven't heard anything set in stone and announced officially, it seems to be a widely assumed fact that Keira Knightley is signed to play Eliza Doolittle in the upcoming film remake of My Fair Lady. Information is still scarce, and no other cast has been announced (though wildly speculated on), but now IMDb has a development page up for the film, with a release date of 2010. You have to have a Pro account to see any details, and I don't really feel like paying to get one piece of information, but Keira's page also has one developing project on it, which I'm betting is MFL.

While doing some wandering on the Internet, I found that Wikipedia has collected some more information. Supposedly, actress Emma Thompson will be writing the screenplay (longhand, with a fountain pen), and it's to be a somewhat updated version of the classic film and play. Even more startling is the persistent rumor that Brad Pitt and George Clooney were looking to produce the movie together, as they have worked together many times before, but had a huge falling out over the fact that they both wanted the plum Henry Higgins role. What's more, some are saying that Brad wanted partner Angelina Jolie as Eliza! I'd say to take all these rumors with a grain of salt or two, but it still makes for interesting news, no?

Hopefully we'll get some more concrete news before too long, and can then focus on the long wait 'til production photos, trailers, and the film itself. Has this new information made anyone feel better -- or worse -- about the remake? Also, what are your views on redoing this role so famously? Audrey herself wasn't immune to criticism when she was cast, despite the fact that Warner Bros. thought Julie Andrews was too unknown to star in the last great film musical, so how will Keira and her career hold up after trying to fill the shoes of two such memorable women and their versions of Eliza Doolittle?

12 comments:

Aubrey said...

Seriously? Keira Knightley to REPLAY one of Audrey Hepburn's most well-known roles? Ew. I don't really like Keira Knightley anyway. Especially for the role of Eliza Doolittle. I'm literally disgusted right now. And if she does end up playing that role, I will not be going to see the movie. I don't think they should remake it all! It's perfect the way it is! And I can't think of anyone who would play Henry Higgins as well as Rex Harrison. Let it be, people! Let it be!

Jessica said...

I agree that it doesn't NEED to be redone, but if it is going to be then I guess Keira can give it a try. I don't really see her in that role, but better her than Jennifer Love Hewitt. :) If they are going to keep the film set in London, I hope they stick to British actors. I love Clooney and Pitt, but not in this movie.

Anonymous said...

I don't think that MFL should be remade at all! But since we're on the subject of remaking films, has anyone else noticed that remakes are all that Hollywood seems to be making nowadays. If they want to remake a film, why don't choose a bad one, that way they can change it around to make it better than the original. MFL is a classic! Hollywood should leave the classics alone. Let them be and come up with something ORIGINAL for a change!
By the way, I completely agree with jessicaj Kiera Knightly seems like perfect casting (if the second choice is Jennifer Love Hewitt)! :)

Anonymous said...

Uggh. I would curl up and die if Angelina got the part of Eliza. Not that she's a good actress... Kiera would be better. I really want to see the remake. I heard somewhere that they wanted to remake B@T and have Alexis Bedel as Holly, but I would rather have MFL than Breakfast at Tiffany's!

Anonymous said...

it will be hard to top the first one. if they do it, i just hope it isnt TOO bad!
xxo
Zoe

Anonymous said...

I think Keira K. is fantastic. But I did get a bit shocked when I heard she was going to be in this...? I can't picture it immediatly. But when I thought about it a while, it seems quite right. I mean, can't think of anyone better!?! She's talented, british, and usually plays, whats-it-called, "historical" characters. AND she can sing she has shown! :D Though, she did say singing scared her alot, so its weird if shes gonna star in a musical then. :P But IF they're gonna make it again i think she is THE BEST way to go.
THO, I agree, they dont REALLY need to remake it at all!! :)

Anonymous said...

I have no problem with Keira K playing Eliza, but updating? Brad or George as Henry H? Calls to mind the Yanks' wretched English accents in Coppola's "Dracula." Sorry, too many Brits can do him better. And as for Audrey not being "immune to criticism" in the original, as a matter of fact she was reviled for daring to take the role. Prevailing thought at the time was that Julie A's Oscar for "Mary Poppins" was more of a reaction than an accolade. Wouldn't be surprised if the vicious backbiting and criticism shortened her film career by several movies.

Unknown said...

EW! Is all I have to say. There is NO good reason to remake a classic like MFL. Classics should NOT be remade. Can you imagine a remake of Gone with the Wind?!?!?!?! Does anyone remember the remake of An Affair to Remember? Love the actors in the remake, but thought way less of them for agreeing to remake a classic. If Hollywood has run out of ideas and feels the need to remake movies, stay away from the classics!!!!!

cyndi said...

no angelina jolie! no no no!

ugh.

Amber said...

I'd like to see George Clooney or Tom Hanks playing off Mr Higgins.I'm really upbeat about the movie remake,though i'm not quite sure if the remake would be as gumptious as the original movie.
Keira Knightley for Eliza seems to be an inspired folly as they say,"What is life but a series of inspired follies?"

maggie said...

i love love love love angelina as much as audrey but no! i can see natalie portman be the next eliza mostly because she looks like aud. i agree with all of the posters no one should do a remake of a "classic audrey movie" or any other "old hollywood movie"
ex: SABRINA!

Nathan & Hilary said...

I don't think any of Audrey Hepburn's films need to be remade. You can't replace her.
But Hollywood will remake whatever they can...so, if I had to choose someone to play Eliza, it would be french actress, Audrey Tautou. Not only does she share Audrey's first name, she's built just like her, and look similar.
I think Natalie Portman could never play Eliza, neither could Kiera Knightly or Angelina Jolie(even though I love her).