Abracadabra Posted August 2, 2022 Posted August 2, 2022 Quote Amy Winehouse biopic “Back to Black” is close to securing its lead. Multiple sources tell Variety that Marisa Abela, one of the stars of HBO and BBC drama “Industry,” is a frontrunner to play Winehouse. It’s believed Abela is in discussions, though the role isn’t yet locked in and a small group of other actors are also believed to be in the mix. As previously reported, the role was always intended to go to a newcomer, and producers have been keen to hire a fresh face rather than go down the pop-star casting route. The scene-stealing Abela plays the privileged but troubled Yasmin Kara-Hanani in the sexy, London-set financial thriller “Industry,” which returns next month for Season 2. The 25-year-old British actor also starred in Sky TV series “COBRA” and appears alongside James Norton in the crime thriller “Rogue Agent” (previously titled “Freegard”). She also appears in the forthcoming drama “She Is Love,” opposite Haley Bennett and Sam Riley. A 2019 graduate of London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), Abela recently joined the cast of Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” although, like most things relating to the movie, the specifics of her role are still unclear. Abela — whose background is Maltese, Libyan, Russian and Polish — is of Jewish heritage, which has been important to the creative team behind the movie, in order to be as authentic as possible to Winehouse’s own background. The Brighton-born actor hasn’t been known as a singer in any of her film and TV credits so far, but her RADA profile indicates that she can indeed sing, and is an alto — a lower vocal register that’s in line with Winehouse’s own extraordinary range. “Back to Black” is directed by “Nowhere Boy” helmer Sam Taylor-Johnson. A script for the movie, written by Matt Greenhalgh, has been circulating, and casting has been underway for some time. The film is believed to be a passion project for Taylor-Johnson, who was a close friend of Winehouse’s. Greenhalgh previously collaborated with Taylor-Johnson on “Nowhere Boy” and also wrote “Control,” the critically acclaimed biopic about the late Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis. European studio Studiocanal is producing with Alison Owen and Debra Hayward alongside Tracey Seaward. https://variety.com/2022/film/global/amy-winehouse-movie-casting-marisa-abela-1235327197/
Sugar-Rush Posted August 2, 2022 Posted August 2, 2022 Doesn't quite resemble Amy, but then again I can't think of anyone who did.
Protocol Posted August 2, 2022 Posted August 2, 2022 The choice of director dooms this project. Also the insistence on having her sing in the movie is a red flag. They should be pulling a Bohemian Rhapsody where they insert Amy’s actual singing. No one can replicate her voice.
Hector Posted August 2, 2022 Posted August 2, 2022 Interesting choice. I love Industry but I am surprised at this choice. I don't fully see it but makeup and prosthetics can do wonders.
Morissette Posted August 2, 2022 Posted August 2, 2022 Epic fail on the casting. I wonder if Lauren from 5H auditioned for this role. She looks so much like Amy.
Bloodflowers. Posted August 2, 2022 Posted August 2, 2022 They are ruining Amy's legacy with this mess. Anyhow, they better show how Amy was inspired to create Stronger Than Me and F Me Pumps aka her two magnum opuses
toanythingtaboo Posted August 2, 2022 Posted August 2, 2022 (edited) It's deffo right that an English actress plays the part, and I respect the insistence of them being Jewish. But I wouldn't cast this based on them being able to sing like Amy, however speaking like her is essential. Not really seeing it for Marisa tbh - she didn't give us much in Industry (although she was likeable)...and from memory she was more Mediterranean/Middle Eastern looking curvy bombshell than the pale petite and thin look that Amy's best known as. But...presumably she's killing it in the auditions. Edited August 2, 2022 by toanythingtaboo Typo
ctlp27 Posted August 2, 2022 Posted August 2, 2022 She's so great and magnetic in Industry (one of the most underrated-overlooked show right now, go see it). Interesting choice.
Phaunzie Posted August 2, 2022 Posted August 2, 2022 She looks too clean for Amy who had more grit to her. Plus, another biopic Jesus, let's this girl rest. It is enough that the industry led her to an early grave, no need to use her corpse to gain more money.
Gui Blackout Posted August 2, 2022 Posted August 2, 2022 1 hour ago, Morissette said: Epic fail on the casting. I wonder if Lauren from 5H auditioned for this role. She looks so much like Amy. Why do people keep pushing this girl's name? She may resemble Amy, but this is a movie. They are looking for actors.
jdanton2 Posted August 2, 2022 Posted August 2, 2022 15 minutes ago, Gui Blackout said: Why do people keep pushing this girl's name? She may resemble Amy, but this is a movie. They are looking for actors. some of the songs she has released have a very soulful sound . with a good acting coach she could probably do well in the role.
HASHTAGPOW Posted August 5, 2022 Posted August 5, 2022 If it’s not Victoria Justice, we don’t want it
FreeXone Posted August 5, 2022 Posted August 5, 2022 Ive seen way better...she must have done something amazing in the casting cause girl what?!
Hurem Posted August 5, 2022 Posted August 5, 2022 This role has Gaga written all over it, but I understand why they wouldn't want such huge name playing Amy. Abela doesn't resemble Amy in the slightest and I think look is very important when it comes to biopics.
Johnny Jacobs Posted August 5, 2022 Posted August 5, 2022 Ew the lady gaga requests Im so glad they're going for someone less known but the director still ain't it
♚ PRiNCE HiGH ♚ Posted August 6, 2022 Posted August 6, 2022 On 8/3/2022 at 7:24 AM, Morissette said: Epic fail on the casting. I wonder if Lauren from 5H auditioned for this role. She looks so much like Amy. This!!!
est. in 90s Posted August 6, 2022 Posted August 6, 2022 Mess This biopic is so unnecessary. The 2015 doc was excellent and should have been left at that. I feel like Amy wouldn't have wanted this.
shelven Posted August 6, 2022 Posted August 6, 2022 5H stans have wanted it to be Lauren Jauregui for years and I really can't unsee it. She looks SO much like Amy in certain pictures and from certain angles.
fridayteenage Posted August 6, 2022 Posted August 6, 2022 they've said all along they really want someone british and jewish. stop suggesting fancasts who are neither.
Mr.Link Posted August 6, 2022 Posted August 6, 2022 I would prefer if they did a Janis Joplin biopic. There’s a lot to tell about that legend. The choice is eh. At least it’s not an overrated pretentious “actress” hungry for validation by force feeding her face to Hollywood.
Leptine Posted August 6, 2022 Posted August 6, 2022 Meh, but then again the director of '50 shades of grey' is doing this so it doesn't really matter anyway.
noonbob Posted August 6, 2022 Posted August 6, 2022 On 8/2/2022 at 11:17 PM, Bloodflowers. said: They are ruining Amy's legacy with this mess. Anyhow, they better show how Amy was inspired to create Stronger Than Me and F Me Pumps aka her two magnum opuses Let's not forget You Sent Me Flying, In My Bed and Take The Box.
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