Will Justin Timberlake Try And See If His Luck Is A Lady In A Big Screen Musical?

According to a British Tabloid, It looks as if Justin Timberlake might be testing his luck in the new film adaptation of the Broadway Musical, "Guys and Dolls" which will be directed by Guy Ritchie. (Snatch, Revolver, RocknRolla)

The tabloid reported that Ritchie and Timberlake shook hands over whiskey at a British pub on June 29, with Timberlake committing to star in this updated remake. Jason Statham, a frequent collaborator with Ritchie, is also rumored to be connected to the project.

Justin has been displaying his acting chops in the last few years by appearing in a few different films. (Alpha Dog , Black Snake Moan, Shrek the Third and The Love Guru.) Guys and Dolls might just be a good fit for the Mega Pop Star who rose to his superstardom with the popular "Boy Band" NSYNC.

The original film version of the stage musical Guys and Dolls (which features music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows) was released in 1955 and starred Marlon Brando as Sky Masterson, and Jean Simmons as Sarah Brown. Frank Sinatra was Nathan Detroit and original Broadway star Vivian Blaine brilliantly played the role of Adelaide.

Broadway Musical Nut Recommends: Guys and Dolls


The most recent Broadway revival, starring Craig Bierko, Kate Jennings Grant, Oliver Platt and Lauren Graham, closed this past June 14, 2009. I saw the revival in '95 with Nathan Lane as Nathan Detroit, Faith Prince as Adelaide and Ernie Sabella (brother to my voice teacher David Sabella, in NYC and also known as the voice of Pumbaa in the Disney animated film, The Lion King...love ya Ernie!) as Nicely Nicely. I really enjoyed it but didn't think there was great chemistry between the two leads. Tom Wopat had taken over as Sky Masterson at that point, but I forget who the female lead was. Hmmm...need to jog my noggin or dig out my box full of playbills!

Ok....back on track. Justin. Ohhhhhh Justin. Having seen a few of his most recent "comic" performances in The Love Guru and his viral video hit with Beyonce on SNL as a "Single Ladies" dancer (laughed 'til I cried), I'm guessing he's being cast as Detroit. I don't really see him as a "Sky" type. But, hey...I didn't really see him dressing up in a leotard, tights and heels either. Disturbingly funny.

Regardless of which role Justin Timberlake takes on...or doesn't, here's hoping this new film version is a worthy retelling of a great Broadway Musical Classic and not some strange Ritchie disaster (Swept Away...Revolver...you get the picture). One would almost venture a guess that if Ritchie had tackled this a few years ago while he was still married to Madonna, that he might have cast her in the film as say...Adelaide? After all...she's played the ditzy blonde bombshell before, and even Eva Peron in Evita. *ahem*

This blogger will now refrain from any "Madonna Poor Acting" rants, and save those for another entry.

Good Musical Nut. Good Girl. * sly grin*

So what do YOU think? Chime in and post your comments! Do you think Justin would be good in Guys and Dolls? Think Ritchie will do good or crash and burn with this one? Tell me now!

The Broadway Musical Nut

www.broadwaymusicalnut.com