Hugh Jackman to Play Max in Sunset Blvd. Film?

By: Jul. 25, 2005
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER
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Sydney Confidential has reported that Hugh Jackman will appear in the upcoming Sunset Boulevard film--as Max Von Mayerling.

Glenn Close is likely to repeat her Tony Award-winning role as washed-up silent screen diva Norma Desmond in the movie musical, while Ewan McGregor has been tapped for Joe Gillis, the jaded screenwriter who becomes something of a housepet to her. Jackman, who was reportedly considered for the role of Joe (which he played in Australia), "is expected to be playing the part of Max von Mayerling," Norma's mysterious butler. George Hearn won a Tony Award for his performance as Max.

London's Daily Telegraph previously reported the probable casting of film/stage star Close and McGregor, who is currently dazzling audiences as Sky Masterson in the Donmar Warehouse's staging of Guys and Dolls. The film, which will be co-produced by Austin Shaw, is slated for a Christmas 2006 release.

Sunset Boulevard, based on the classic Billy Wilder film, features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, book and lyrics by Christopher Hampton and Don Black. The show had its world premiere at London's Adelphi Theatre on July 12, 1993, opening on Broadway at the Minskoff Theatre on November 17, 1994 with Close, Alan Campbell and Hearn again recreating their roles from the Los Angeles production and Alice Ripley joining the cast as Betty Schaefer. The Broadway production opened with (what was at that point) the highest advance in Broadway history ($37.5 million in ticket sales), and won the 1995 Tony Award for Best Musical.



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