Josh Gad Hinting a Book of Mormon Return??

[Call_me_jorge]

Am I just reading too much into this post or is there an actual possibility?? If they do end up back in the show, it will be unusual to the least. It certainly wouldn’t be the same as when Matthew and Nathan went back into The Producers or when Bette returned to Hello, Dolly! I could also seem this being about them being in the film, if it were animated. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3une82nYdZ/?igshid=1nbwq6zt44r1h

[VotePeron]

Was there a box office boost when Billy Porter and Stark Stans rejoined Kinky Boots? I would totally love to see Gad and Rannels do Mormon again, but I'm wondering if it'll have an actual payoff.

[JBroadway]

The Instagram post comes across as just a playful look down memory lane. I think if he were hinting at a return it wouldn't be quite so blatant. 

That said, it would be great if they did return! They've both had such great careers since Book of Mormon. I'd bet there would be a noticeable spike in sales. 

[Miles2Go2]

I saw BoM on Broadway (via SRO) after both had left the show. I’ve now seen it again (last year) on tour (and loved it even more) and would love to see it with these two in their original roles.

[UncleCharlie]

What possible sense would it make for him from a career standpoint to come back to the show now? Unless, it's a one off for charity or something like that.

[ModernMillie3]

Clearly just joking and yes, you are reading way too much into it. It would be a huge step back career wise since he's been starring in movies for years. 

[JBroadway]

I mean, to be fair, I can't imagine this HURTING his career. I don't think he's quite famous enough for this to be beneath him yet, especially since it's still the leading role in a major Broadway show - not like he's returning to some bit part. And if he just wanted to do a 1-month run or something like that, just for old times sake, he wouldn't have to be turning down film roles for it.

I'm not saying I think it's going to happen, I just don't agree with the last couple posts saying it wouldn't make sense. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

I started to write a post about the 10th Anniversary approaching in 2020...but then remembered that the 10th will be in 2021, so way too early to start thinking about that.

They were too old for the roles then and are definitely too old now!

[LizzieCurry]

I was at his last performance (as well as Andrew Rannells'), and I can see them maybe singing You and Me But Mostly Me at a benefit now, but coming back for the whole show? Probably not.

[VotePeron]

I’m a massive, massive fan of Gad, but his career has not nearly taken off like Billy Porter’s. He’s yet to really land a huge, awards-worthy or superhero-franchise type role. I do not think it would be beneath him to do Mormon for a few months.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

VotePeron said: "I’m a massive, massive fan of Gad, but his career has not nearly taken off like Billy Porter’s. He’s yet to really land a huge, awards-worthy or superhero-franchise type role. I do not think it would be beneath him to do Mormon for a few months."
 

I mean, he's worked a lot more than Billy Porter. Two major Disney hits (Frozen and Beauty), two [failed] sitcoms (The Comedians and 1600 Penn), second-lead in a Kevin Hart film, a mix of studio films and indies, voiceovers, and he's developing films/TV shows as a producer. Rannells has had a similar career (though he's slightly above Gad because he's cemented himself as a fun talkshow guest who can go on and talk about anything). Gad probably means more to the general public ("Olaf and LeFou) than Porter, who is only beginning to take off now (5+ years after his Tony win) because of Pose.

Neither needs to go back into Mormon, but...who knows. Perhaps they're finally going to film it, or perhaps Scott Rudin has some other idea up his sleeve.

[Miles2Go2]

Before Frozen opened on Broadway, he was asked on a talk show about playing Olaf on stage and he basically stated that It was beneath him at this point in his career to dress up as a snowman on Broadway. Of course, as I understand it (haven’t seen Frozen on Broadway), Olaf is a puppet operated by an actor/puppeteer so possibly he was correct. But my main point is that he does seem to be quite conscious of whether a career choice represents a step-back for him or not. So as much as we want them back on Broadway in BoM, they probably wouldn’t do it. By the way, I’m not dissing Gad for saying what he said about playing Olaf. We all consider if career choices are a path backwards or forward. It’s just usually actors are not that transparent when dealing with the media as he was in that interview.

[Miles2Go2]

I wondered about them either filming the stage production (ala Newsies) or maybe live television (ala Rent, Grease, etc...), or an actual movie. I’d say only the first option makes any sense though. It’s too risqué for live Network tv. A movie would seem like it would be challenging (as so many stage to film adaptations are) to do well. Even with the filming of the stage production, I’m not sure it makes sense as that would possibly seem to detract from new audiences wanting to see it on Broadway/tour. Of course, I suppose it could also ignite more interest.

[UncleCharlie]

VotePeron said: "I’m a massive, massive fan of Gad, but his career has not nearly taken off like Billy Porter’s. He’s yet to really land a huge, awards-worthy or superhero-franchise type role. I do not think it would be beneath him to do Mormon for a few months."

He's not become a huge star but he's working steadily in movies and TV be it acting or voice. There's absolutely no reason to return to the same role he left 7 1/2 years ago. He proved he can do it. There's nothing further to be gained from it other than a paycheck. And according to Celebrity Net Worth, his is about $12 million so he ain't hurtin' for cash. 

Going back to do the same role that launched your career 8 or 9 years ago is like moving back home after you've been living on your own. It's safe and secure and nice that mom will be doing your laundry again but definitely not the picture of how well your career is going that you want everyone else to see.

[JSquared2]

I promise you -- no one outside of this board and the Broadway stan community knows who Josh Gad is.  

[JBroadway]

JSquared2 said: "I promise you -- no one outside of this board and the Broadway stan community knows who Josh Gad is."

 

It's true that people on this board frequently over-estimate the fame of our own beloved Broadway stars, but in this case I do think Gad has broken out and gained SOME mainstream notoriety. If only for Frozen and Beauty and the Beast. At worst, I'd say he's someone who people look at and go "oh yeah, that guy! I know him!" at best, I'd say a small-but-considerable subset of the public genuinely knows who he is. Moreso than your average Broadway star, but less so than your average TV star. 

I doubt his name could keep a Broadway show afloat, but given his roots in Book of Mormon, I'd bet his return to the show could generate some publicity and sales if it were marketed well. Especially since Book of Mormon still a popular show. 

[BrodyFosse123]

Like countless actors, he is indeed recognizable but not by name. You say “Josh Gad” or “Andrew Rannells” and most people have no idea who you’re talking about. You show a photo, and it’s instant recognition.

[Valentina3]

He could be a fun King George III...

[ACL2006]

Maybe in a very limited return (6 weeks? 8 weeks?).

[VotePeron]

JSquared2 said: "I promise you -- no one outside of this board and the Broadway stan community knows who Josh Gad is."

Thank you! Again - zero hate to Josh. But saying his TV/Film career is more successful than Billy Porters is just something I disagree with. 

[Call_me_jorge]

I agree a return to the stage production is highly unlikely. Though, I can see the two of them participating in a film adaptation. Especially if it were animation. I’d love them to do this in the same vain as Team America with the puppets.

[Dave13]

Not sure why some of you are dismissing the possibility. This Instagram post could be a joke, but it also looks serious. As someone else mentioned, why not a limited run? If each has an open window in their schedule, why not? Even if it’s not for the money, I am sure it will be fun.

[Plannietink08]

I agree. Outside of the theatre community I don’t think many people will have connected Olaf, LeFou and that guy from Book of Mormon being the same person. 

Besides, Gad has made various comments on posts about coming back to the show. There’s another post where he says he might surprise everybody and jump on stage. I doubt he really means it. 

[greenifyme2]

... but they’re really old, right?

[AEA AGMA SM]

Call_me_jorge said: "I agree a return to the stage production is highly unlikely. Though, I can see the two of them participating in a film adaptation. Especially if it were animation. I’d love them to do this in the same vain as Team America with the puppets."

With the way they like to experiment with different forms I actually think The Book of Mormon done in traditional hand-drawn animation would make for a brilliant film (and allow both Josh and Andrew to reprise their roles without having to worry about them looking too old). There are a number of fan-created animatics on Youtube that show the potential the property has as an animated film.