Welcome to Rumorville! Here you can learn about casting news that’s about to break in Hollywood. These speculations might be only rumors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t follow the trail all the way to the audition room.
“The Little Mermaid”
We’re going back under the sea this week with even more rumors about the casting for Disney’s upcoming live-action “The Little Mermaid.” Two major stars are currently rumored for roles in the film, including the much-anticipated casting of Prince Eric. One Direction’s Harry Styles is reportedly in talks to play the prince opposite Halle Bailey’s Ariel. Additionally, Javier Bardem is circling the role of King Triton, Ariel’s father. Melissa McCarthy, Awkwafina, and Jacob Tremblay all remain in talks for their respective roles in the Rob Marshall–directed film. No casting team has been publicly attached yet, though Marshall has regularly worked with Telsey + Company on musical movies in the past.
“Babylon”
It’s likely Damien Chazelle will be teaming back up with a familiar face for his next project. Emma Stone is reportedly in talks to star in the director’s “Babylon,” which will take place during the transition from silent films to talkies and will feature a mix of real-life and fictional characters. Chazelle is also circling another big star: Brad Pitt, who can next be seen in another period piece, Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” Paramount and Lionsgate are reportedly vying for the project. Chazelle will write and direct. Chazelle has worked with different CDs on all his big films so it isn’t obvious who he will go to for casting this time.
“Cinderella”
In a recent interview on the U.K.’s “Good Morning Britain,” Andrew Lloyd Webber announced his contemporary musical version of “Cinderella” will arrive on the Great White Way next year, although no official announcement or timeline has been revealed. The story will reportedly have the title heroine falling in love with a man named Sebastian after Prince Charming has his own fling with a duke. “City of Angels” lyricist David Zippel will write the lyrics with “Killing Eve” writer Emerald Fennell penning the book. Keep your eye out for notices from Tara Rubin, Webber’s usual casting collaborator for Broadway.
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