Is The NEXT TO NORMAL Movie Still Happening?

[Jordan Catalano]

I haven't heard anything in a long time and wasn't sure if this one went in the way of IN THE HEIGHTS.

[qolbinau]

Was it ever happening?

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Heh, that's what I was gonna say, qolbinau.

[qolbinau]

Also, I've said it 10000 times but the role belongs to KATE WINSLET and no one else.

[aasjb4ever]

I know Rob Reiner expressed interest in adapting it around when it was closing, but there hasn’t been much talk…if at all…since then.

[Jordan Catalano]

I had thought (and maybe I'm wrong) that Robert Downey Jr. said he was definitely doing it.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

I thought Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey were writing an original movie musical starring Robert Downey Jr, not NEXT TO NORMAL.

[steven22]

I'd love for this to happen...ASAP...Kate Winslet would be a great Diana

[TheGingerBreadMan]

I hope not.

[GlindatheGood22]

Connie Britton would also be a great Diana, if she can sing.

[Wildcard]

I had Naomi Watts in my head when I watched the show. Not sure if she can sing though.

[Jordan Catalano]

I was thinking more Nomi Malone.

[ChanceEncounter]

Connie apparently does her own singing on Nashville.

But you're all crazy if you think it should be anyone but Toni Collette

[Jordan Catalano]

It'll sadly never go to Toni.

[someone.else's.story2]

Naomi Watts could act the hell out of it! Intriguing idea!

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

I'd love to see Toni Collette play the role on stage, it'll never happen just practically speaking (there won't be a revival any time soon obviously), but while I think she'd be fantastic she has already played something along those similar lines in US OF TARA. Diana is not the same character, but some of the issues explored in NEXT TO NORMAL were explored in that show, I'd love for someone who hasn't "gone there" yet to get a crack at it to come up with something completely unexpected, Winslet and Watts would be perfection. I know Naomi Watts often talks about how she gravitates towards really intense roles, she'd match Ripley in terms of emotional complexity, but I can't imagine her having an interesting, let alone powerful, singing voice. That'd be a huge problem casting the film for me, I know Ripley got a lot of backlash for her singing but I was thrilled with the raw vocal performance she gave the night I saw the show. Not sure what Hollywood actress could match that in a movie musical.

[Owen22]

Is there anyone there connected to a producer who could suggest someone pitch this musical to HBO?

During the late 90's HBO held onto the rights of both Jelly's Last Jam and Sondheim's Assassins to create their typically lauded, signature TV movies out of them. They both fell by the wayside.

I think NTN would be perfect for them. Plus they have the Kate connection from Mildred Pierce (though I agree, Toni Collette=Diana--maybe even Showtime which hosted Toni's sitcom).

[Matt Rogers]

[Bettyboy72]

Last I heard Madonna owned the rights and wants to play Diana.

[qolbinau]

Really? fuuuu

[fingerlakessinger]

I'm hoping that is a joke.
Cuz if not, that is not one, but TWO amazing leading roles she will have butchered on the big screen.

[Jordan Catalano]

Yeah, she really wasn't that good in A CERTAIN SACRIFICE.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

It should be Amy Adams. With Anna Kendrick as Natalie.

[fingerlakessinger]

Point taken. Let me rephrase that. MUSICAL leading ladies lol

[Jordan Catalano]

Well I disagree. I thought she was fantastic in DICK TRACY.

[fingerlakessinger]

Wait...is she really attached to the project?