Sunday, May 5, 2013

Casting news heats up for "Into the Woods"

As expected, casting rumors abound for Rob Marshall's upcoming adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's musical Into the Woods.  The latest is that Tony award-winning actress Nina Arianda is in talks to portray The Baker's Wife alongside James Corden's Baker.  The two were both involved in the table reading that took place last fall.  In general we can probably consider anyone who participated in that table read to be in consideration for a role, but unless there is specific news of an individual, I'm not going to include them in my casting list.

I hadn't realized this last year, but evidently last spring Emma Stone had met with Rob Marshall to discuss a role in the film.  I imagine she'd be up for either Little Red Riding Hood or Cinderella.  She was recently spotted chatting up James Corden at a comedy event.  Stone however may possibly encounter a scheduling conflict as she is expected to begin filming a new Woody Allen film in France this summer.  Again, only time will tell whether or not any of these folks will be officially cast.  Thus far:

The Witch: Meryl Streep (confirmed)
The Baker: Johnny Depp (rumored)
                   James Corden (rumored)
The Wolf:  Johnny Depp (rumored)
The Baker's Wife: Nina Arianda (rumored)



9 comments:

  1. Has anyone seen the musical on stage? Is it very good? And how big is the Witch's part? I hope they expand it with a new song so Meryl is at the centre of the ensemble.

    Can't wait to see those SAG nominations rocket for Meryl with a possible 3 "best ensemble" noms in the next 2 years plus best actress gold too! :)

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    1. If you have Netflix instant, currently they have a production with most of the original Broadway cast. It's very good. The witch can likely be considered lead depending how they want to play it, and who plays the Baker's wife (usually a lead too). Sondheim is writing a new song for the film so if it happens to be for the Witch, that would likely push Meryl to definite lead if she has more screen time with the new song.

      I'm also very much looking forward to all the awards buzz she'll be part of over the next two years. I love that stuff.

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  2. So do I jeff, at this point I just love Meryl adding to her records and making it so much harder for anyone to surpass her.
    Kate Winslet was gunning for her record for a while but hasn't been in contention for years.
    Just like Jessica Lange in the 80s!

    What I dream of is a grammy for the Into The Woods soundtrack (she should have won before for some of her other noms)...then for Meryl to get back on stage and take broadway and even the Westend by storm and complete her collection with a Tony!

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    2. The ever-elusive EGOT. If anyone can do it, Meryl can. She's halfway there.

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  3. There are so many plays I wish she had been in. Helen Mirren here in London was wonderful..perhaps they'll make a Margaret Thacher play at some point for M? haha!

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    1. I think Meryl likes that filming movies isn't as time consuming. However, I imagine she'll do a run somewhere within the next five years. Again though, she's probably at the height of her popularity as far as box office clout, so she basically gets to pick whatever she wants, so maybe movies will continue to be her thing for quite some time. Fine with me...then we can watch them over and over!

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  4. Jeff, the first trailer for August Ossage County will be released tommorow morning on Good Morning America at 8 am east coast time I can't wait am so excited. Ken

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    1. I retweeted Weinstein's announcement last night! Can't wait to see it!!

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