Somebody tell us, what inspires these dude directors of today to want to make, er, re-make musicals? The THR’s Steven Zeitchik reported yesterday on his Risky Biz Blog, that “(500) Days of Summer” director Marc Webb is in active negotiations to helm a remake of the ’70s rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway show was made into a seriously hairy, hippie, and totally groovy movie in 1973 by the great and uneven, Norman Jewison (see also, “Moonstruck,” “Fiddler on the Roof”). The story follows just how much of a total bummer Judas Iscariot was during the last year of Jesus’ life. Every line is sung, everyone has beards, wears tight pants and baggy tops, and (spoiler) Jesus dies in the end.
Webb already has “Age of Rage” lined up at Fox Searchlight. That film is described by THR as “Children of Men” meets “Lord of the Flies.” Superstar is supposedly a passion project of Webb’s and THR’s Zeitchik speculates that Webb will bring his indie-pop style to the project (no!!!) much like Jewison brought the style of the 70’s to the original adaptation (indie rockers, fire up your Rolodex now!)
It’s also speculated that Webb’s feel-good, musical number in ‘(500) Days’ may have gotten him in the initial meeting with Superstar’s producer, Marc Platt (see also, “Rachel Getting Married,” the upcoming “Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World” and “Nine”). This could be an interesting project to watch in development if Webb indeed signs on. Fantasy cast? How about Anne Hathaway as Magdalene, Joaquin Phoenix as Jesus, and Tunde Adebimpe (TV on the Radio, “Rachel Getting Married”) as Judas? No, seriously. – Andrew Hart