Question: what combines the best bit from Crazy Rich Asians, Moulin Rouge, Mama Mia, The Devil Wears Prada, Big Little Lies, The Late Late Show, Ariana Grande’s latest album and Glee?
Ryan Murphy’s new film, that’s what.
It sounds like a hot mess when I put it like that^ but I’m almost certain it will be a cinematic masterpiece. The film takes Tony-nominated stage musical The Prom from the stage to the screen with a stellar cast who have starred in at least one of the above movies.
Meryl Streep will star alongside Awkwafina, Nicole Kidman, James Corden and Ariana Grande. No biggie.
For the uncultured among you who scrunch your nose at the thought of a musical I have four words for you: Zac Efron in Hairspray. If Zac thinks musicals are cool then they’re damn cool. If you won’t trust me maybe you’ll trust those baby blue eyes and biceps the expert.
According to reports, the musical movie is set to start filming in December for a fall 2020 release in cinemas and on Netflix.
The basic plot of The Prom is as follows:
Four Broadway actors past their prime travel to the fictional conservative town of Edgewater, Indiana, after reading about a lesbian student who was not allowed to bring her girlfriend to high school prom. They want to help, but mostly they want to soak up the good press and be relevant again.
The four oldies will be played by Meryl (AKA The Queen), James, Nicole, and voice and stage actor Andrew Rannells.
Awkwafina will play the group’s publicist which is honestly inspired casting. Imagine Awkwafina trying to manage your life? It would be one hilarious, colourful, slightly unhinged mess.
The lesbian student is yet to be cast but I have my vote on Tessa Thompson or Brie Larson- someone from the Marvel universe because that seems to be the only fandom this movie hasn’t tapped into and it would be a shame to miss the opportunity.
Because the casting isn’t good enough, Ariana won’t just star in the film she’s also set to produce the soundtrack.
Basically, this movie is going to be cinematic perfection.
Could this be the film that finally does the impossible? Could this be the one that appeals to everyone?
It has star power and brings the best bits from a range of movies: a world of knowledge and skill with Meryl, a little bit of sizzle thanks to Nicole, good humour from the genius that is Akwafina, bad humour in James, and absolute beauty in Ariana.
The only people that might not enjoy it are musical haters but they’re not the kind of people i want in my life anyway.
Like I said, four words: Zac Efron in Hairspray.