Danny Strong, writer of the upcoming The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 & 2 and actor on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, is taking on one of Hollywood’s most iconic musicals – Guys and Dolls.
“The Strong hire marks the first real creative momentum on a project that long has captivated Hollywood. Years ago, it looked like Harvey Weinstein was getting the rights, with his Chicago exec producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron producing the film,” writes Deadline. “Thesps from Russell Crowe to Vin Diesel, Hugh Jackman and others all tossed their hats into the ring to play the leads. Trouble was, Jo Loesser, the widow of songwriter Frank Loesser, never found a deal to her liking and declined to sign over the rights until years later.”
The musical was originally on Broadway in 1950 and was adapted to film in 1955. It starred Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra and Vivian Blaine. Back in April, we heard this remake might star Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. And frankly, we kind of liked the that idea.
Besides Mockingjay, Strong has also recently worked on HBO’s Game Change, Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol, and Lee Daniels’ The Butler. No word yet on just what direction this remake will take – will it stick closer to the stage show, the film, or perhaps modernize like Annie?
(via Deadline)
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