Beyonce In Talks to Lead Disney's 'Aida', Source Says
Filed under: Music & Musicals, Casting, Deals, Disney, RumorMonger, Fandom
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Yes, I'm a Sopranos fan like you and I think the same thing every time I hear this particular musical mentioned. Anyway, Jim Hill, who has a lot of knowledge of goings-on at Disney, is reporting that the Mousehouse is pushing forward with plans to take the Tony-winning Broadway musical (adapted from the Verdi opera of the same name) to the big screen. For those who haven't seen Aida, it's a tale set in ancient Egypt, revolving around a love story between an Egyptian Army captain named Radames and one of his female Nubian captives, Aida. The play is completely unseen by me, but I've heard once or twice from people who've seen it that it's very cinematic.
Jim Hill says the Disney movie offices are "abuzz lately with the news that Walt Disney Studios is seriously thinking about turning DT's earlier production, Aida, into a big budget movie musical. And just who would play the title role in the film version of this Elton John musical, you ask? Would you believe Beyonce? The Mouse is reportedly in talks with this pop diva, trying to convince Ms. Knowles to make Aida her follow-up project to Dreamgirls." Hill also reminds us that Disney bought the rights to a storybook version of the Verdi opera way back in 1990 for the sole purpose of using some of its ideas as grist for a feature film. This all makes sense to me -- I'd expect to hear about a firm deal sooner rather than later, especially considering how well Dreamgirls was received by the public.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-10-2007 @ 3:07AM
Jessie Smith said...
please spare us the drama of this wanna be diva, I am so very sick and tired of this overated, over exposed, chick for goodness sakes all these talented women out here that can sing without exposing themselves and shaking their a** and disney picks her for this role big mistake she can't even act.
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7-10-2007 @ 6:10AM
AndreaRTT said...
Come on! Guys, i am a great fan of Aida and the original cast of broadway, and i think that the original Aida of the stage should be honored and have the chance to act her characther also in the movie, as has been done for Rent! Beyonce is not an actress, it`s just a singer! Go Heather Headley, the real Aida of Elton John!
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7-11-2007 @ 1:51AM
Nina said...
You've got to be kidding.
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7-16-2007 @ 3:34PM
Jessica said...
Please let this be 2-D not live action!
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7-16-2007 @ 6:01PM
Cory said...
I kind of like the idea of Beyonce in this role. I don't know why people keep saying she can't act.. Her acting in Dreamgirls was very real and very believeable.. I guess people just don't like how much recognition she gets for what she does.. but when it comes down to it, she is an amazing singer and could definately pull it off vocally... she is a very believeable actrice... and she's pretty enough too..
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7-26-2007 @ 7:04PM
Allie Neal said...
Beyonce is an amazing singer. However, she is not as great as an actress and I am tired of seeing amazing parts being change around for her. She didn't even fit the part for Deana in Dreamgirls and how and why would they get someone so pale to play AIDA. She doesn't fit the part at all. Heather Headley DESERVES that role. I must say ever since seeing her performance I've been a die hard fan of hers. I don't understand why Hollywood is so partial to Broadway stars. Aida is is an ethopian woman. Whoever plays her should be strong, dark, and soulful. Had they said "we are considering B for Amneris" I could understand that. However, talks of putting Jessica Simpson as Amneris also makes me want to tear my ears out. All of these half-witted pop satrs are going to make this movie crap when it has the potential to be bigger than Phantom of the Opera and Cats!!!!!!!!!!
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8-16-2007 @ 2:18AM
IAN P said...
AIDA- Heather Headley
RADEMES-Will Chase
AMNERIS- Beyonce Knowles
NEHEBKA- Tamera Mowry
MEREB-Taye Diggs
OTHERS I DON"T KNOW?
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8-17-2007 @ 6:43PM
Brannon T. said...
I personally really like it when unknowns play a role like this! I also think the part of Radames should go to Neil Haskell from So You Think You Can Dance! He looks perfect for the part and I know he can act! I'm pretty sure he can also sing! For Aida, go for someone new! I don't really want to see a big pop star doing a role like that!
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8-26-2007 @ 6:24PM
Bill said...
Heather Headley, definitely. If they want to lead with a star, let Hugh Jackman take on the role of Radames.
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8-29-2007 @ 9:41AM
Casowe87 said...
Is someone on crack, Beyonce cannot play Aida!!! Aida is a Nubian Princess. Ancient Nubia is in modern day Sudan. Those people are extremely dark skinned. Kelly Rowland could play better Aida than she could. What in the hell is wrong with disney. Beyonce should play the Egyptian because she is the one who fits that part the best, the part of Amneris that is. Heather Headley or Kelly Rowland should play Aida not Beyonce. I like Beyonce, but her playing an African Princess, who lived in Africa 4,000 years ago is sickening. And what's this talk about Jessica Simpson being in it. How can a blue-eyed White Chick play an Ancient Egyptian Princess who live 4,000 years ago in Africa. Disney needs to be realistic, everything does not revolve around white-skinned people. White people weren't even living in Africa 4,000 years ago.
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