SOUND OFF Special Edition: I'm Your #1 Fan! Laurie Metcalf & 10 Terrifying MISERY Casting Suggestions

The hottest news of the week as far as plays for the new season are concerned is the surprise announcement that the mainstage adaptation of Stephen King's iconic best-selling novel and its subsequent Academy Award-winning feature film adaptation, MISERY, would be coming to Broadway with Hollywood headliner Bruce Willis and a new leading lady in place of the previously announced Elizabeth Marvel - no less than three-time Emmy Award-winning stage and screen notable Laurie Metcalf. Of course, Metcalf will be essaying the operatically dramatic role of the ultimate all-time uber fan Annie Wilkes in the tale of a writer rescued from a horrific car accident by his number one fan only to be trapped and tortured at her secluded cabin in the deep backwoods of Maine. Kathy Bates memorably took home a Best Actress Oscar for her turn in the 1990 film and acclaimed screenwriter William Goldman told me himself in our InDepth InterView about the new stage version of the story that he originally wrote the role in the film explicitly for Bates, as revealed in our exclusive 2012 conversation here. Surely, now is the ideal time to consider some spectacular dramatic actresses who just might be the right replacements should the run of the currently limited run play extend beyond Metcalf's involvement in the production - and Willis's, too.

1. Kathy Bates. The rare chance to see an Oscar-winning performance from a film live onstage is too delicious to pass up, especially if Bates were to deign to don Annie's frumpy frocks once again, even for a very limited run. After all, Anthony Quinn reprised his Zorba onstage years after he claimed top honors for the same role onscreen (National Board Of Review's Best Actor). The only foreseeable issue? The horror super-fans at the stage door could rival Annie Wilkes in the biggest fan category herself were this to actually happen.

2. Jessica Lange. Making a bold name for herself with an entirely new generation as a love-to-hate horror harridan of the highest order, Lange has ensconced herself with the Twitter set thanks to four years on FX's mega-hit anthology series AMERICAN HORROR STORY. With Lange returning to the stage in LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT next year, the timing could be right for MISERY to be her return to horror after that - and make a hell of a double-header out of her highly anticipated Broadway return, too.

3. Sally Field. Proving she could master the stage in a tricky and controversial play once before - no less than Edward Albee's Tony Award-winning THE GOAT - Field could potentially pull a Lange by returning to the stage to play the veritable walking horror show that is Annie Wilkes by the end of the story. After all, the singing nun herself playing an unhinged ax-wielding ex-nurse is almost too rich for words.

4. Glenn Close. Between her portrayal of the unforgettable psychotic in stalker classic FATAL ATTRACTION and the murderous, cold-as-ice Patty Hewes on DAMAGES, Close has shown she has a knack for complex and bitterly frosty personalities with a nefarious predilection. Plus, MISERY would offer the opportunity for one of the most compelling dramatic actresses alive to truly sink her teeth into something allowing her to unleash the special brand of ferocity only she can command, especially palpable and electric when experience onstage.

5. Cybill Shepherd. Willis's famous onscreen collaborator and rumored off-screen foe would make the MOONLIGHTING reunion the reconvening event of the year for TV fans and entertainment enthusiasts around the world were it to happy. Nevertheless, given the reportedly icey relationship between the twosome, an onstage re-teaming seems unlikely - but, what a gorgeous and undoubtedly gruesome Annie that Shepherd would undoubtedly be. Likelihood? Dicey!

6. Annette Bening. The recognizable stage and screen star would likely characteristically imbue the role with a certain air of intelligence heretofore unseen in the part were she to consider taking it on, while stretching herself playing a downtrodden and disturbed individual unlike any she has played before, as well. Having shown her considerable mettle in other Broadway productions not too long ago, a return to the Great White Way would be welcome and wonderful - as would original choice for the leading male role, Warren Beatty, who also happens to be Bening's husband. What a pair with flair!

7. Sissy Spacek. Having already committed a celebrated Stephen King pseudo-villain to screen once before in Brian De Palma's seminal celluloid adaptation of CARRIE, a return to the realm of the king of the horror would be a cause celebre for horror buffs - especially were it to be in a play as intimately rendered as this one. Bonus Paul Sheldon suggestion? Her CARRIE co-star John Travolta, who has not played Broadway for nearly 40 years.

8. Sharon Stone. Willis's co-star from ALPHA DOG would be a delectable selection to portray the off-kilter character of Annie, while the chance to take on a decidedly down-and-dirty part such as this would unquestionably surprise fans of the actress's generally glamorous personage both onscreen and off. Yet, the real question remains: does she have the chops for eight shows a week in a two-hander like this? MISERY could be a hell of a debut if so.

9. Angela Bassett. Another AMERICAN HORROR STORY alumni with an indescribable fierceness all her own, Bassett would command the stage as the nurse with a major chip on her shoulder and crack in her psyche. Would she be willing to thrill and terrify Broadway while still maintaining her ongoing AHS duties, though? Well, perhaps first we should see about her co-star, Ms. Bates.

10. Uma Thurman. The PULP FICTION headliners together at last live onstage would be a selling point of major import and international interest in and of itself, although the impossibly rich character of Annie Wilkes could very well be made outright magical were Thurman to show off her unmistakably weird and wonky side, while also allowing for a slowly building characterization marked with the determination and quiet strength she copiously displayed in KILL BILL. Hmm, what would be the most suitable sequel title to the follow-up were the reunion of the Tarantino standouts to actually take place? My vote: MAUL PAUL.

Photo Credits: Warner Brothers, etc.