Studio:
Miramax Films.
Production Company:
Unknown.
Project Phase: In Development.
Who's In It:
Goldie Hawn (Roxie Hart, outta there?); Charlize Theron (Roxie Hart, in there?); Madonna (Velma Kelly); Kevin Kline (Billy Flynn, Unconfirmed);
Pam Grier (Matron 'Mama' Morton, Unconfirmed).
Who's Making It:
Nicolas Hytner (Director); Wendy Wasserstein (Screenwriter); Fred Ebb, John Kander (Musical Score); Fred Ebb (Lyricist); Marty
Richards (Producer); based on the musical by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, which was in turn based on the play
Chicago by Maurine Dallas Watkins.
Premise: When Roxie Hart kills her boyfriend and tries to setup her husband for the crime, it not backfires so she takes the fall herself, but it's great for her career.
Release Date: 1998?
Comments: None.
Rumors: Unknown.
Scoop Feedback:
[Page draft submitted by 'Widgett'.]
February 2, 1998... This project has quite the history, since talk of it hitting the big screen far predates the recent success of the Tony-winning Broadway revival. As many as twenty years ago, it was mentioned around Hollywood as a possible film adaptation. Before his death in 1987, Bob Fosse himself was kicking around the idea, and even met with Madonna twice in regards to her involvement; he remarked that he would "win her an Oscar." Miramax gained the rights to the film project sometime before the revival.
Fast forward to the present day, and it's all a big mess. The only two names attached to the project at present are Hawn and Madonna. Rosie O'Donnell was the only other name close to certainty, the studio was eyeing her for the role of the prison matron, but since filming is to take place this summer, Rosie would rather spend the time with her children. She is off the project and both Bette Midler, and more recently, Pam Grier, have been mentioned as possible replacements.
John Travolta has expressed interest in playing the lawyer, Billy Flynn, but his representatives have said more than once that he is in no way involved.
As for other possible cast members, many have been mentioned, including but not limited to Barbra Streisand, Nathan Lane, and Joel Grey. As for a director, although Rob Iscove has been sighted in reports more than most, also discussed at one time were Herb Ross, Alan Parker, David Fincher, and Nicholas Hytner. No director has been confirmed at present and the project seems to be dragging its way out of development, although spoken of highly by those in Miramax, who promise it still will see the cinema soon. [Scoop tastefully keyed in by 'Widgett'.]
February 8, 1998... The London Times reports that Nicholas Hytner has been tapped with the directorial duties. [Scoop provided by ZENtertainment, 'Widgett'.] October 1, 1998... Since I am just going down the list, I read on Playbill Online that Wendy Wasserstein (The Object of My Affection) will be penning the screenplay of Chicago. The previous screenwriter is out and she is in. She also worked with director Nicholas Hynter on The Object... so this is a pretty reliable scoop. Also, Kevin Kline is now rumored to be considering taking on the role of the suave lawyer, Billy Flynn and the word on the street is that he'll be the next star to sign. Another possible cast addition, Pam Grier as Matron "Mama" Morton. But that is still way unconfirmed. [Scoop provided by 'Snopjo']
November 23, 1998... Latest news: "Director Nicholas Hynter has fired Goldie Hawn from the cast of Chicago. She has been replaced with Charlize Theron of Celebrity and Mighty Joe Young. Hynter has never liked Hawn, he thought she was too old:53. Theron is 23 and a fresh face. This could lead to big problems with the movie because the producer, Miramax's Harvey Weinstein, always wanted Hawn for the part. [Scooped by Joseph Botten.]
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