Yeah right.
So yesterday on the radio I heard they were remaking a very favorite of mine. My Fair Lady. I’m not sure because I didn’t look it up, even though I meant to, but I don’t think it is a modern adaptation. But the point of this story is this.
I heard on the radio that casting agents are pushing hard to recast the fabulous Henry Higgins, one of my favorite characters of all time. It’s not hard to have a soft spot for a character that retains the charactaristics that make him unique and different even after falling in love. When I was a kid I hated the end of that movie. But now I love it because it’s true to Henry Higgins’ character. We know he loves her, he knows he loves her and she knows he loves her. Who cares if he says it. I suspect he will eventually. He just needs to get his mind around the idea of saying it outloud and putting himself at that much of a disadvantage.
The original Henry Higgins was played by the indomitable Rex Harrison. Oh, how I love him. And Rex was a hottie as a young man. In fact, he wasn’t so bad as an old man.
Now I understand that the two men neck and neck for this part in remake are Brad Pitt and George Clooney. Oh, dear God, and I mean that as a prayer. Brad Pitt and George Clooney? Why not just cast Prince or a woman, instead?
I will admit that both look decently like Henry Higgins might. However, neither one of them are stellar actors. I submit to you Meet Joe Black and Batman. Ouch.
Why not use an English actor. What’s up with all the Americans? I have no desire to watch Brad Pitt butcher an English accent. He’ll need the same kind of lessons as Eliza Doolittle before he can do the part.
Here’s my suggestions for casting. I’m sure there are tons of English actors who would step up in a part like this. But allow me to suggest…
Colin Firth
Colin is a wonderful actor who, we already know, excels at acting imperious. I love him in almost everything he does and look, he’s English.
Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth is famous for his Shakespeare and he looks right too. He’s also famous for having once been married to Emma Thompson the nutty oracle reader in the Harry Potter movies among others.
Heck, I’d even suggest Sting
He’s an actor, he’s English, he’s freaking hot, and he’s old enough to be Henry Higgins. And he can sing.
I’m sure there’s a ton of people I haven’t even thought of. Got any suggestions? Ones that aren’t Brad Pitt and George Clooney?
AJ
Hm, well, I think I have to respectfully disagree about Brad Pitt. While he’s not my type, I actually think he’s a wonderful actor, especially in his grittier roles. Having said that, one can never go wrong with Colin Firth.
October 2nd, 2008 at 11:32 amHmm, I vote Colin Firth or how about Pierce Brosnan? Better till the guy who plays Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films? He’d be fab.
October 2nd, 2008 at 12:40 pmOh, Kenneth Branagh, definitely! He’d be awesome.
His film Hamlet is responsible for me first bleaching my hair! LOL
October 2nd, 2008 at 12:50 pmPierce Brosnan or Jason Issacs would both be wonderful choices Nell. I’m terribly fond of Jason Issacs by the way. He’s super hot.
I’ve heard that about Brad Pitt Feisty. But since I’ve never seen any of his gritty movies I really can’t say. But he sure doesn’t impress me in the things I have seen him in.
October 2nd, 2008 at 12:53 pmDon’t you just love Kenneth Portia? I love him in Much Ado About Nothing too. So awesome.
October 2nd, 2008 at 12:56 pmThey need to stop this madness right this instant. Do not make me drive across the country in a car I don’t have to put a stop to this…. BUT, my vote would be Rupert Everett
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:27 pmI thought of him too. And failing anything else I think he’d make an excellent Colonel Pickering. We can talk about the other people some other time but I have a vision that they’ll cast Anne Hathaway as the Eliza Doolittle character.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:30 pmDo NOT tell me they’re considering Brad and George. NO NO NO. Henry Higgins was not man candy like they are. He was erudite and cuttingly clever. He was snide and experienced. And he sang.
Now, granted, Rex actually spoke a good deal of the lyrics, but he did sing a little. I would accept Colin and Kenneth. Sting…hmmm. He’d have to screen test for me. I remember him in Dune and while his pretty much nekkie body was hot, his acting was forgettable. (Don’t get me wrong, though. I love the man’s singing and songwriting.)
I actually saw a stage production at the Hollywood Bowl of MFL and John Lithgow did an AMAZING job as Henry Higgins. AMAZING. Like, maybe even better than Rex.
IS it going to be a musical? I so love all the songs from that film/play. Yeah, I’m an MGM-type musical geek.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:32 pmHave any of you seen Mamma Mia!? If you have, then you know that Pierce Brosnan cannot sing. Colin Firth all the way. He has the look, correct age, charisma, wit, and he can sing.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:34 pmAll things considered, I’d rather have Colin Firth.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:47 pmI really like Colin Firth. He’s my choice! But definitely not CLooney or Pitt. Are they MAD?
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:11 pmColin Firth would be wonderful as Henry Higgins. He sang in Mamma Mia and also with Rupter Everett in The Importance of Being Earnest. His Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice is a great example of how he could play Prof. Higgins as someone we learn to love during the performance. He has a very wide following among female fans also. Its time Hollywood found that out, if they don’t already know.
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:50 pmColin Firth, of course!
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:54 pmColin Firth would be perfect. He has the plummy upper English accent required by the part. (Brosnan is Irish, Clooney American) He can sing (The Importance of Being Earnest, Mamma Mia & St. Trinian’s) and can dance production numbers (Mamma Mia). Over the years he has played many roles where he is both stuffy & loveable. To give a cold look with inner warmth shining through. What more could you ask?
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:58 pmI think Kenneth Branaugh would be ideal as Pickering. Also has the right accent to play an upper class Englishman & is stockier, like a military man, than Rupert. Branaugh & Firth were great together in A Month in the Country & Conspiracy & would probably enjoy working together again.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:04 pmJohn Lithgoe, huh Kate? That’s interesting. I never much considered him as a singer. All I can think of him as is goofy. My hubby submitted Christopher Walken for consideration but I think he’s too creepy although he did get his start on Broadway. I’m a huge musical geek too. Otherwise I wouldn’t care about this so much, lol.
Shanna, I haven’t seen Mama Mia. I didn’t know that Pierce Brosnan couldn’t sing. I myself went for choices of people I knew could sing. But that’s too bad he might make a good choice.
Marilyn, All things considered I’d rather have Colin Firth too.
Jen, yes they are mad. Do we even have to ask?
Jackie, I totally agree. Colin knows how to make us love a hateable character. Now there’s a skill.
Elena and Judellen, agreed of course. Who could ask for more.
Judellen, you make an extremely good point about Pickering being shorter and stalker although I’m sure either Branagh or Everitt could pull it off.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:18 pmCOLIN FIRTH, of course. He such a great actor, mesmerizing, magnificent, magical,handsome, manly. Perfect for this perfect man. None of the above american actors could possibly pull this off. What were they thinking?
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:19 pmCOLIN FIRTH is perfect!
although I also love Kenneth Branagh and Sting.
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:21 pmThere is only one man qualified for playing Henry Higgins:
COLIN FIRTH!
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:33 pmYeah, I’m not sure I could buy Clooney or Pitt in the role… not so much because of their talents, they just don’t suit the character. Too pretty. Kenneth Brannagh, I could see doing it, although I find him a little too pretentious for my tastes (tho, come to think of it, that would suit ole ‘enry.)
You know, I’d love to see Paul Gross in the role. His presence on stage is captivating, and he’s a brilliant actor. (He was the lead in Slings and Arrows, among many other things)
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:38 pmThe man to play this character:
Colin Firth!!!!!!
Let there be no doubt what so ever!!!!
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:04 pmThe one and only Colin Firth!
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:06 pmColin Firth could place this part of marvelously. Henry Higgins never really sang but he spoke and I think Colin could pull the cadence off very well, as well as his attitude!
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:21 pmColin Firth, hands down. End of discussion!
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:52 pmDefinitely, Colin Firth.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:54 pmColin Firth is the only choice!
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:21 pmColin Firth is the ONLY choice.
October 2nd, 2008 at 8:46 pmBrad Pitt - NO NO NO!!!
George Clooney - NO NO NO!!!
COLIN FIRTH - YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!
That man is the complete package! I agree that he and KB as Henry Higgins and Col. Pickering, respectively, would be great!
October 2nd, 2008 at 9:46 pmColin Firth would be amazing! He is such a versatile actor and would just slam-dunk the Henry Higgins role. He fulfills all the requirements mentioned above (can sing, is an excellent actor, can emote, etc.) AND he would keep my interest in this movie visually cuz’ he is more than easy on the eyes.
October 2nd, 2008 at 10:48 pmColin Firth, but of course! Colin can sing, and he could do a great talk/sing for the numbers as did the wonderful Rex Harrison. No one but Colin should play Henry Higgins!
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:25 amI would love to see Colin Firth play Professor Higgins. He’s a wonderful actor, he can sing and he is easy on the eyes. You need a Brit for this part, not Pit or Clooney!
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:29 amWhat about Jeremy Northam? He has a certain look; he’s English; and he can sing (see Gorsford Park where he played Igor Novello).
October 3rd, 2008 at 3:43 amFirst choice would be Colin Firth, but also would vote for Jeremy Northam.
It has to be Colin! “Mamma Mia!” has taken over half a billion dollars worldwide, so he’s already reaching a global audience. And he can do the stiff and pompous to meltingly vulnerable journey to perfection. Brad and George are just too Hollywood. And Emma Thompson is writing the screenplay (and she likes Colin!)
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:59 amColin Firth of course, he is a great actor , he can sing and he is so hot. Colin Firth is definitely the man for the job.
October 8th, 2008 at 9:16 pmI guess Colin Firth is winning this popularity contest, LOL. I have to say that I’m also a fan of Jeremy Northam Lynne. He would be a good choice as well.
AJ
October 8th, 2008 at 11:46 pm[...] So, AJ asked (and I’ll ask too) who would be your Henry Higgins (darn those double H’s. … [...]
October 9th, 2008 at 10:51 am[...] characters, colin firth, fans, super-stars, twilight In response to my friend AJ’s blog post HERE that got flooded with people sharing their love of Colin Firth when she discussed the upcoming [...]
October 13th, 2008 at 8:48 amColin Firth for sure! And while he’s working on that one, I wonder if he’d be interested in playing a 350-year-old vampire from ADDICTED…
Thanks for the update, AJ!
November 15th, 2008 at 11:20 amARE YOU SERIOUS???
Rupert Everett is THE henry higgins–there is no other…look at “Importance of Being Earnest” as Algie!!! Seriously…I really hope that he is asked for the role!
January 19th, 2009 at 7:38 pmI agree that Rupert Everett would be a wonderful choice. He was lovely as Algernon and honestly I’m not sure why he didn’t cross my mind when I first made the post. Thanks for the input!
January 19th, 2009 at 8:35 pmJEREMY NORTHAM singing in Gosford Park so reminds me of Henry Higgins. He is versatile, charming, can be a scoundrel if need be and would play Higgins wonderfully. Nothing against Colin Firth but Northam would be the perfect Higgins!
February 18th, 2009 at 9:22 pmI love Jeremy Northam. He plays an evil character and a hero so well. I know I’ve seen Gosford Park but I can’t recall the singing. I think he’d do well too.
February 18th, 2009 at 10:24 pm