Ever since we looked at the script a few months ago, we’ve been eagerly anticipating Alfonso Cuaron’s “Gravity,” a space-set adventure that’s had Robert Downey Jr attached to it for some time, and we get very concerned every time a few weeks go by without news; it’s an ambitious, experimental project, and one that Warner Bros could have very easily lost their nerve with.
Recent rumors initially suggested that Scarlett Johansson was close to signing on for the female lead (a role initially intended for Angelina Jolie, who walked after the studio wouldn’t pay her full fee), followed by a rather more gossipy report that “Green Lantern” and “Gossip Girl” star Blake Lively was chasing the role, despite Cuaron apparently being “dead set” on Johansson.
Well, it looks like there was some degree of truth to these reports, as Heat Vision have confirmed that both actresses have tested for the lead role of an astronaut who must find a way back to Earth. A decision is expected in the next few weeks. Additionally, Marion Cotillard tested at some point (as long rumored), but she appears to be out of the running.
It’s a huge role that requires the actress to be in almost every frame of the film, and neither have ever carried something of this size before. While we’re no haters of Johansson, we’ve been collectively very impressed by what we’ve seen in Lively, particularly in “The Private Lives Of Pippa Lee.” She’s also getting very strong buzz for her role in Ben Affleck’s “The Town,” and we feel she’d convince a little more as an astronaut. Although our pick? Donald Glover.
However, both have other commitments that would seem to get in the way: Johansson is in talks for David O. Russell’s “Old St. Louis,” which would shoot in October, while Lively is presumably committed to “Gossip Girl,” although it’s unclear what her obligations/scheduling are there. As such, it appears that the start date may move, with Heat Vision suggesting filming would happen early next year. However, with The Avengers set to film in February, presumably this would put both Johansson and Downey Jr out of the running? Jesus, it’s exhausting…
One other thing worth mentioning is that, over the development process, the character was changed to become a mother, fighting to get back to her daughter (something that wasn’t present in the original draft). With the much younger age of the two prospective actresses, it’s unclear whether this is still true, or whether Cuaron has reverted to an earlier draft.