I had to post this because it's a brilliant idea - apparently Emma Thompson, who's writing the screenplay for the new My Fair Lady film, thinks that Henry Higgins should be played by Hugh Laurie.
I absolutely agree a hundred percent. Hugh Laurie is an amazing actor, and he's quite the musician too. He would be fantastic. I hope she can use her female powers of persuasion to take on the role.
"What a mystery this world. One day you love them and the next day you want to kill them a thousand times over." The Masked Bandit in THE FALL
Plus he has the right accent, which is a huge point with My Fair Lady. I really don't want to see an American star trying to fake RP when so much in the story centers on how the characters speak.
Of course, Eliza should be a singer and they cast Keira Knightly, so what do I know.
Wow. This had never even crossed my mind, even though I'm kind of a fan of My Fair Lady and absolutely love House and Hugh Laurie. But what a brilliant idea. Him with his natural voice and mannerisms work for Higgins' basic character and seeing him portray Gregory House as such a nuanced individual makes me have no doubt that he'd be perfect for the role. I'm going to start crossing my fingers now.
And if Keira is actually Eliza (I know reports have said she is, but I doubt everything movie-related, especially concerning musicals until I see a trailer) I can actually picture her and Laurie having great chemistry.
I wasn't totally sold on this remake idea before, but that is an idea I would love to see.
Call the understudy / I can't go on tonight / I'm drinking with my buddy / I'm getting good and tight / Before they raise the curtain I'll be higher than a kite / So call the understudy
I can't go on tonight
Hugh Laurie is PERFECT for this. Amazing actor, perfect at accents, and he can sing (not really needed for this role, but it is a nice perk).
David walked into the valley
With a stone clutched in his hand
He was only a boy
But he knew someone must take a stand
There will always be a valley
Always mountains one must scale
There will always be perilous waters
Which someone must sail
-Into the Fire
Scarlet Pimpernel
Hugh Laurie is a HUGE name right now. One of the most respected actors on television.
David walked into the valley
With a stone clutched in his hand
He was only a boy
But he knew someone must take a stand
There will always be a valley
Always mountains one must scale
There will always be perilous waters
Which someone must sail
-Into the Fire
Scarlet Pimpernel
Hugh Laurie is an amazing choice. Keira Knightley, not so much. I think I'm more interested in who they'll get to do the vocals, since (I'm assuming) she can't sing it.
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I chose, and my world was shaken- So what? The choice may have been mistaken,
The choosing was not...
"Every day has the potential to be the greatest day of your life." - Lin-Manuel Miranda
"And when Idina Menzel is singing, I'm always slightly worried that her teeth are going to jump out of her mouth and chase me." - Schmerg_the_Impaler
I just worry that he's not considered a box office draw.
Laurie's pretty recognizable at this point because of the popularity of House, not just domestically but internationally. But you're right; he's not any kind of proven box office draw in film - he's only had a supporting role in Street Kings since House started.
And that's what worries me, too - that they'll stick someone vastly inappropriate like George Clooney in there or something. (Clooney's lovely, but I don't want to see anyone faking the all-important accent and he's too conventionally suave for the role anyway.) Updated On: 12/19/08 at 12:03 AM
Brilliant choice, but it's a shame about Keira. I think she's a good actor, but it is a musical, and I don't think Marni Nixon would want to do all of the vocals again.
The Variety article says that she's signed. That could be bad fact-checking, but I haven't heard any other names rumored for the role, so I'm taking that at face value.
I don't think Knightly would be a horrible choice, who else would you suggest...and yes, I think they need names for the box office. (I have no idea if she can sing, though.)
As for Laurie...as soon as he became successful here he was international. He'd been a domestic star for years in the UK for YEARS before hitting America in House.
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