Game of ThronesfavoritePeter DinklageandThe Magnificent SevenactressHaley Bennettare set to star inCyrano, a musical based onCyrano de BergeracthatJoe Wrightwill direct for MGM. The duo previously played Cyrano and Roxane in a stage version of the classic tale that was performed off-Broadway last year.
Erica Schmidt, the veteran writer-director and stage actress who is also married to Dinklage, wrote the script, which is based onEdmond Rostand’sCyrano de Bergerac.She also wrote the libretto, while The National’sAaron DessnerandBryce Dessnerwrote the music, with lyrics by The National’sMatt Berningeras well asCarin Besser, who has contributed to many of the band’s songs.
Deadlinebroke the news, reporting thatBrian Tyree HenryandBen Mendelsohnwill co-star in the film, which will be produced by Working Title’sTim BevanandEric Fellner, as well asGuy Heeley. The package was put together by CAA Media Finance, which brokered the deal with MGM. No word on when production is expected to start.
Cyrano de Bergeracfollowed a soldier in the French army who is a gifted poet and musician. He also has a very large nose that makes him self-conscious, and prevents him from expressing his love for his distant cousin, the beautiful Roxane. Tired of hiding his true feelings, Cyrano decides to write her love letters under the guise of a dashing new recruit named Christian who has trouble speaking with women.
Gérard Depardieu,Anne BrochetandVincent Perezstarred in a 1990 version that many consider the definitive adaptation of the play. I remember seeing that film as a young kid and quite liking it, to the extent I could understand what was actually going on. I obviously haven’t seen the stage play with Dinklage and Bennett, but I can see how he’d be a great fit for the role.
Dinklage won four Emmys for his turn as Tyrion Lannister onGame of Thrones, and he’ll soon be seen oppositeRosamund PikeinJ Blakeson’s crime dramaI Care a Lot. As for Aaron Dessner, he recently teamed withJack AntonoffandTaylor Swiftto produce the latter’s new album Folklore.
Bennett delivered one of best performances I’ve seen all year inSwallow, and she’ll soon be seen in a pair of Netflix movies –Antonio Campos' thrillerThe Devil All the Time, andRon Howard’s dramaHillbilly Elegy. Netflix is alsoin negotiations to acquireWright’s latest movie,The Woman in the Window, which co-stars Henry. TheAtlantastar will also soon be seen inGodzilla vs. Kongand Marvel’sThe Eternals. To watch the trailer forThe Woman in the Window,click here.
