Anne Hathaway to Play Judy Garland on Stage and Screen
Filed under: Drama, Casting, The Weinstein Co.
Bride Wars might have been a terrible, gut-sickening diversion to an otherwise promising career, but it looks like Anne Hathaway is getting back on track. The Weinstein Company has announced that they've grabbed the film and stage rights to Gerald Clarke's biography Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland, and Hathaway has signed on to star in both adaptations.
The biography is the result of hundreds of interviews and information held within Garland's own unfinished and unpublished autobiography, and covers everything "from her tumultuous early years as a child performer to her tragic last days." This includes, of course, her struggle with addiction after being filled with drugs to control her weight and productivity -- a notion which should ring quite relevant in today's thin-obsessed society.
Right now, there's no word on which will come first, the stage production or film, but either way, it's a neat idea -- one that definitely reflects Garland's own career in both arenas. And Hathaway -- she's certainly the most fitting big-name actress looks-wise, although it will be quite interesting to see what they do with her voice. When you're dealing with an icon as big as Garland, with such a distinct and powerful singing voice, I would hope they'd let that remain. I'll just have to find some ruby slippers and make a wish...
What do you think of this casting decision? And, now that Judy is set, who will they get to play Mickey Rooney? Also, here's a bit of trivia: What other actors or actresses signed to star in a stage and screen adaptation right from the get-go?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-23-2009 @ 11:16PM
Max Power said...
"A notion which should ring quite relevant in today's thin-obsessed society."
Sorry to break it to you, but America is at record levels of obesity. I'm thinking we can't be obsessed enough at this point.
-Max
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3-23-2009 @ 11:22PM
Monika said...
In normal, everyday life, sure. But Hollywood is still thin-obsessed, to startling degrees. Both behind the scenes and the viewers that watch.
4-24-2009 @ 5:41PM
Debby said...
ummmmmmmmm......you're pretty mean. But I don't believe the obesity problem is as bad as it's made out to be because the BMI is a flawed, 100 year old standard. My husband is supposedly overweight at 6'3 and 210 lbs. and I'm not buying it.
The BMI is more ridiculous than the old weight charts, at least those accounted for male/female, frame size. The BMI says that women have to get to a size 8/10 or they are obese. That is sick. I don't believe that a size 10 person is going to get health problems from weight.
obsessing about weight can make a person gain more weight and make them unhappy. what good is that? You'd better move to another country if you hate fat people.
3-24-2009 @ 12:22PM
Astin said...
I imagine they'll just dub Garland's voice over Hathaway's for the movie. Jamie Foxx does a great Ray Charles impression, even singing, but they dubbed him.
As for the play, I think there's a bit more leeway in live theatre. If Anne can pull off a decently powerful voice and carry a tune, she might get away with it... unless it's a musical.
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3-25-2009 @ 3:07PM
Cannen said...
There is a skit in SNL where she plays Mary Poppins and sings. She is actually quite good. Also, there is another one where she is on stage with some people and is singing. You would be very surprised. I think she could fill out the roll perfect.
http://www.tvsquad.com/2008/10/05/saturday-night-live-anne-hathaway-the-killers-videos/
5th video down.
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4-24-2009 @ 5:52PM
debby said...
no, no, no. Anne Hathaway is a light soprano! That is not Judy Garland!
3-27-2009 @ 3:51PM
Jenn said...
I am a pretty big Judy Garland fan. And to be honest I have been writing a screen play for this book for years. And these bastards stole my idea. However, I think Anne is a good choice. She definitely has the Garland eyes going for her. There is however a height issue since Anne is about 5'8 and Judy was hardly 5'. I'm excited for this. But you're right, they should keep Judy's voice as it.
PS.
Did everyone just forget about Judy Davis' portrayal of Judy Garland? It was fantastic!
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4-07-2009 @ 12:02AM
MARILYN STOTTS said...
JUDY DAVIS DID NOT PLAY JUDY GARLAND. JUDY DAVIS BECAME JUDY GARLAND. DAVIS CAPTURED GARLAND COMPLETELY INCLUDING HER MANNERISMS AND HER CHARACTER. I DO NOT THINK ANYONE CAN MATCH DAVIS' PERFORMANCE AS JUDY GARLAND. DAVIS WAS BORN TO BE JUDY GARLAND. JUST THINK WHAT THEY HAVE IN COMMON. THEY ARE BOTH OUTSTANDING SINGERS AND ACTORS. ALSO NOT ONLY DO THEY SHARE THE SAME FIRST NAME, THEY ARE BOTH LEFTIES AND SMOKERS. i CERTAINLY WISH ANNE THE BEST OF LUCK GIVING JUDY GARLAND THE HONOR SHE DESERVES
4-07-2009 @ 6:37AM
Jenn said...
ok.. no need to shout.
4-17-2009 @ 10:18AM
hayley said...
i think the me and my shadows film was enough.
it will just be a repeat of that.
i'm a fan and i just think let Judy rest in peace,
no more portrayal's etc.
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4-18-2009 @ 7:53AM
Tony said...
I have read the book. I have seen/own the Judy Davis movie.
I am elated to hear of this production. This will be a wonderful honor to/for Judy Garland. IF Ann Hathaway succseeds in this roll, it will create another gay icon. I am curious to know if the children of Judy Garland, liza Minnelli and Lorna Luft/Joey Luft will be asked to participate in the film. I am looking forward to watching this production unfold.
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5-18-2009 @ 8:41PM
davidian said...
By far the best actress to play Judy would be Helena Bonham Carter. She would be an awesome Judy, she is so like her. Also her spouse Tim Burton is a diehard Judy fan, so who better to direct her in this role.
Anne Hathaway is too tall and too glamourous. Judy Davis was OK, but she didnt look that much like Judy, Helena would be the best.
Its time that somebody portrayed this icon in a real movie (not a TV movie like the Me and My Shadows effort).
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6-17-2009 @ 12:41PM
ben said...
Any actress portraying Judy Garland is attempting a dicey situation: Garland is such an icon of the 20th Century (and beyond!) and such a familiar face, voice and presence. Diana Ross (yuck) could portray Billie Holliday successfully because no one really could remember what Holliday looked like. Ditto Streisand's turn as Fanny Brice. But Garland casts a far greater shadow. Judy Davis was a fine Garland and I'm glad that TV movie was not so much based on Lorna's whiny what-about-me book but on Judy's life. I do hope, though, that in this new project, they use Garland's vocals.
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