And they say: 'New Line Cinema is playing ball with Jim Carrey and Jake Gyllenhaal on "Damn Yankees," attaching both actors to star in a contemporized film transfer of the classic musical. Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel are set to write the script. The musical is being produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, the duo behind New Line's musical "Hairspray"; a sequel to that film is in the works.'
'"Damn Yankees," which bowed on Broadway in 1955 and won seven Tony Awards, focuses on Joe Boyd, a happily married middle-aged man whose devotion to a hapless pro baseball team prompts him to make a Faustian bargain with the devil to help the team. He's transformed into slugger Joe Hardy, in exchange for Boyd's soul. Boyd can break the deal, but the deadline occurs during the World Series. For good measure, the devil engages Lola, a gorgeous lost soul, to seduce the slugger and seal his fate. The plan is for Carrey to play the devil, and Gyllenhaal to play Boyd. It's the first musical for each.'
'The producers tried but struck out on a version of "Damn Yankees" five years ago at Miramax, where they made "Chicago." The rights lapsed after Harvey Weinstein exited that studio. After two years of rights negotiations, "Damn Yankees" is moving forward with Toby Emmerich's New Line. The trick is finding a balance that retains the show's classic tunes like "(You Gotta Have) Heart" and "Whatever Lola Wants," while injecting a contemporary feel on a musical that is firmly rooted in the 1950s.'The intention is to get a script from Ganz and Mandel before meeting directors, and actresses who'll want to play Lola.'
Early days but maybe the time will come when we'll be dancing and singing along with Jake in the theatres. So, how about Anne Hathaway for Lola?
Stay tuned!
Pictures from IHJ.
30 comments:
Morning everyone! What a great way to start a day - Jake news! And who knows, maybe this film will even come out...
So, who do we think would make a Lola? I'd love it to be Anne Hathaway - that girl can sing.
Oh man, you just said exactly what I thought :O
It'd be really lovely to see Jake and Anne together again <3 Anne was really great in her Oscar performance. Lola or Meg, it doesn't really matter, though I really want to see her as an seductress ;)
And wow~ Jake in a musical. I just re-watched Moulin Rouge! this Valentine and couldn't help wondering how Jake would be like as Christian (I think Ewan McGregor did a brilliant work, but being a Jake fan... :P)Jake has a great voice which shouldn't be wasted and what could be more perfect than a musical?
Anyway, as this stage, it is too soon to say anything. We wouldn't know if it will come true or not, but it won't hurt dreaming, right? ;)
Hi Nezuko! Anne was sensational at the Oscars...
It doesn't hurt dreaming at all - Variety's a good source. Although, of course, there's always the chance that this won't work out (I mean look at what's going on with the Moon Project and we've not heard about Namath in a long time), but it's good to dream. We need a movie!
Ooh, my word is fling :D
And I wouldn't mind spending a couple of hours in a cinema watching Jake singing and running around playing baseball in tight clothing - me shallow?
Just this morning, after the Jamie Foxx vid, I was wishing we could have a new film.
Good morning, wet dark!
Wonderful news! I'm happy with the news, because it is something new and different from everything he did.
Anne Hataway? Good choice!
Beautiful, talented and has chemistry with Jake.
Have a great day!
:):):)
Oh how I would love to see him moving around on the big screen singing and dancing (and maybe in tight baseball pants)?! Just a thought. It does make me long for this production to be live on stage instead of the big screen. though. But we'll take what we can get!
What a wonderful idea - Jake and Anne together again! We surely know how good she would be in a musical based on her wonderful performance at the Oscars!
This is all fun stuff but I would much rather get solid info on all his other projects before thinking about something new (like you said - what about J.N. and the Moon? And how about an official date on Brothers and is Nailed even going to be released at all)? *heavy sigh*
We wait. And wait some more.
Have a great day all!
WOW!!!!!! That's all I'm able to think.... ;-) :D
Great news!!!!! Thanks :-*
Hi Monica! We're definitely due a musical and I think Jake would love it. I imagine it could be fun filming with Jim too :D Ann would be great!
Hey BBMISwear :D All day since hearing this news - which does make me happy - I can't help being reminded that it is way too long since we had a film out and I'm desperate to hear dates for Nailed and Brothers. But yeah, I'll take what I can get! If Jake keeps filling this pipeline of projects, who knows, maybe one of these days, one may actually come out!
Hi Ania! My pleasure! It is good news :D
In my head I'm already buying the CD soundtrack!!
I'm both exhilerated and terrified!!!! I think Jake will kick ass in a musical. I even think Jim Carrey is perfect to play the Devil. But the thought of who they might pick for Lola, the Seductress gives me nightmares!!! Britney Spears? Jennifer Lopez? I think they will go for a particular demographic with this and they will pick someone who can bring in that demographic.
Actiually, wouldn't it be great if they picked Jake's Donnie Darko fantasy, Christina Applegate? She's already done a Broadway musical and has proven herself. Emmy Rossum is a good idea, too, but she won't bring people in. Plus she isn't the "Lola" type.
Hey ANon :D Some very interesting ideas there - and I'm with you with the terror thing. Christina Applegate would be a good choice. I adore Emmy Rossum and she can obviously sing but, as you say, she's not the type. OMG, Britney??!! That would be a shock...
It's interesting wondering what the demographic would be for a new version of an old musical - are they going for the Mamma Mia crowd? A young crowd? Or Jake's crowd - us :D (not that we're not all young, of course... ;D)
Jake in a musical?? All my dreams are coming true! and Anne Hathaway would be a perfect choice in my opinion!!
Keep in mind, who ever they pick has to deal with the fact that neither Jake nor Jim Carrey are professional singers. They will train and do well, but they will not have the range or the adabtibility a professional has. So who ever they pick will have to blend well, and "duet" well with both of them. Also, the role is demanding as far as dancing. So the person will have to be really good all round.
Hi Nicole! Good to see you :D I agree about Anne.
Hmmmm, interesting Anon - I woud have thought that, because Jake and Jim aren't professional singers, they would get someone similar for Lola - I'm thinking like in Mamma Mia. I don't know the musical at all, so I have no idea how demanding the songs and dances are. I would say the lovely Emmy is just too 'polished'. I would say a bright young thing such as Gemma Arterton but obviously not her. Interesting!
I don't know why the same thought didn't occur to me after I read the Variety article. I'll echo your nomination for Anne Hathaway to play the role of Lola. Really, it's a no-brainer; she and Jake have terrific chemistry and after her turn at the Oscars there are probably many folks in Hollywood looking to take advantage of her newly discovered skill. Come to think of it, the same goes for Jake after he let it rip at SNL.
Yay! A new project! :D
I'm totally not a musical lover but I've seen some good one in my life and Jake and musical seems to be a good match.
Plus I like Jim Carrey a lot, he's still an underrated actor IMO.
I'm not so sure about Anne as Lola though, they need someone who's more of Penelope Cruz type I guess, less subtle and more impudently seductive. Just my opinion, of course.:)
But yes, those are fantastic news!
Jake busy making movies (that are gonna make it to the theatres, eventually) is always great news!
A great week-end to everyone. :)
Well this is just further confirmation that Jake definitely likes to take risks and challenge himself. It could be a complete disaster.
Hmmm Jake in a musical? Definitely got mixed feelings about this. When they work, they are brilliant but when they don't, film musicals can be dire. Chicago was awful, Moulin Rouge has a very particular audience demo. I agree Jake is likely to want to do a musical - didn't he say he could sing but not dance - and I think Jim Carrey can do anything he puts his mind to...but baseball? That doesn't translate well! Who would have heard of 'Damm Yankees' outside the US? Even the non musical Namath thing has zero likelihood of international success. And baseball uniforms are not attractive, like oversized pyjamas with ugly lumps! I'll go along with the idea cos I think its very Jake, but I do think it is a bit of a gamble.
When Jim Carrey does fun movies, they always make money. I also don't recall a single instance when one of his movies didn't make it to theatres. (I, too like the notion of Jake being in movies that we can actually go see!)
Jim Carrey is also "bulletproof," in that he has made some serious movies that were complete disasters, but they don't seem to affect his appeal. All in all, it's a good match-up.
Lola will have to have really good chemistry with Joe. If you analyze the casting for both "Hairspray" and "Mama Mia," you can see the formula for the demographics. Good Lord! I hope they don't pick one of the "teen favorites!" Tho, actually, a Zack Efron would have done well with the part they gave to Jake. I'd just much rather see Jake do it. I'm more "Mama Mia" than "High School Musical!" LOLOL!
Tdigs, I think Jake will look outstanding in a baseball uniform.
I actually think he will be quite sexy in a baseball uniform.
Also, baseball is a hugely popular sport in Japan and the entire of South America and the Carribbean. I have no notion of it's popularity in Europe.
I should think with Jim Carrey and Jake, it will do very well internationally. I think the people doing this movie have worked all that out.
I jus LOVE musicals!!! And I'm glad Jake finally got to do one. :) Anne would be great as Lola, but I'd rather see Amy Adams in that part...
Hi everyone! Ooh, some really good comments - keep them coming. I'll be back shortly but I must agree that, to my mind, a baseball film is not assured of an audience outside baseball-playing areas - just as I've always had little interest in the Namath project - but a Jake and Jim partnership (with a suitable Lola), and a musical to boot, could be just the kind of thing to cross these bridges.
Interesting comparison with Hairspray.
I would very happily see Jake in any movie right now! But I like how Jake challenges himself and I think a musical must be challenging.
Wow! How fantastic would that be, Jake in a movie with Jim Carrey and a musical!!! I really hope this happens. To see him sing and dance and be funny....swoon.
Happy Friday everyone!
I don't like musicals at all, except maybe Rocky Horror Picture Show :) But I am quite sure Jake will have fun doing it, since he seems to be a big musical fan. And good news for him.
But can we have Brothers this year first? :P
btw, I love this set of B&W pictures! Sensual!
Back home for the weekend :D Good to see all of you! Glad you like the pics, Winterbird - one of my favourite sets. Waves to everyone!
Hmmm, Amy Adams is an interesting choice. I've not seen a High School Musical and I can't say I'm that keen to - but I did enjoy Moulin Rouge and Mamma Mia - I've still not see Hairspray. I always like to see producers and/or directors choosing our Jake :)
OMG what great news! I love the idea of Amy Adams or Anne playing Lola, I love them both. And I was so excited about the image of Jake singing and dancing that I hadn't even tought of the tight baseball uniform! Yum! And a soudtrack we could buy? That would be heaven! Imagine having a singing Jake always with you in your MP3 player...Fantastic!!!
Olympia
Hey Olympia! I know, thoughts of that tight uniform will soon follow once the idea of seeing Jake sing and dance has settled!
Ooh, my word is Icast - hmmm :D
Amy Adams is a good choice (Anne definitely as well!), I watched part of the "Enchanted", she was rather lovely and she can sing - in the musical way :)
I remember Edward Norton was in a musical by Woody Allen, it doesn't seem so bad to me. I am slowly warming to the idea of Jake doing this, the premise of the story seems interesting, at least not like old-fashioned love story kind.
I must confess I've always avoid watching Moulin Rouge, I don't like Baz Luhrmann's movies at all. But then, maybe if he has cast Jake, it would have been different... LOL.
Yay, at last some excellent news. Thank you WDW.
Jim Carrey is a most excellent actor and Jake will be at the feet of the master comedian. Jim is definitely underrated, he can break your heart and make you laugh at the same time. Did you also know that Jim had a big hit record in the UK about 10 years ago? It was a remake of a song 'Somebody to Love'. I think it was from the movie 'The Cable Guy' with Matthew Broderick (another underrated excellent film IMHO). It was a spoof but his voice is amazing. And if you think Anne can hold a note you should hear Jim...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thIG5oa4tkQ
He can rap and he's got the moves... a complete natural - but I bet he works his @ss off to be so natural.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BTJ_n9Oqs0
I predict this will be one of the most fun environments Jake will have ever worked in. Whoever thought to bring these two together should receive the biggest hugs and kisses forever. Can you tell I'm pleased :DDD
Now.....the female lead.......?
A musical! I was in one once, but I kind of sucked. :)
BTW that 3rd B&W pic of Jake is luminous and delish.... Oh, and I've just about forgiven you for the nose pick pic.... just don't do it again ;D
Hi there! Just been out for dinner and now watching Get Smart - Anne is so funny in this :D
Hey Winterbird :D I've not seen Enchanted. OMG I have to say I'm not grabbed by the idea of Edward Norton in a musical... Moulin Rouge would have been great with Jake but he was definitely too young then, I think.
Hi Sheba! That's so great to get some more background on Jim - I enjoyed Truman and Eternal Sunshine but otherwise I'm not that familiar with him - I had no idea he could sing and dance! I really agree that this would be a great work environment for Jake. Chuckling at the nose pick pic :D You don't like it? I'm glad these beautiful pictures make up for it!
Hi Bandgeek! Me too :D Can't wait to see Jake up there singing - sigh...
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