Arguably one of the best works of American literature may be next up for a big screen remake. Director Baz Luhrmann has hinted his next project may be an adaptation of “The Great Gatsby”. Though Luhrmann claims a final decision hasn’t been made, a script has already been prepared. The director/screenwriter estimated he will decide within four to six weeks whether or not Gatsby will get the green light.
Luhrmann is no stranger to reworking literary classics. In 1996, he directed Leonardo DiCaprio and Clare Danes in Romeo + Juliet keeping the dialogue in its original Shakespearean iambic pentameter. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Gatsby has been adapted to movie form several times in the past, most notably in 1974 starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, which was nominated for two Oscars and four Golden Globes. The acclaim of previous versions gives Lurhmann high expectations to live up to; especially following the flop of his last project, Australia.
When huge projects like this are in development, you can be sure everyone has an opinion on who should be cast in each role. With such iconic characters as Gatsby, Daisy, Nick and Jordan to be filled, it would be a dream role for any young actor or actress.
Right now, early casting rumors floating around suggest Leo is the preferred Gatsby and Amanda Seyfried as Daisy. Leo’s draw is undoubtedly understandable as his last half dozen movies have been both critically acclaimed and hugely profitable. Seyfried has had her fair share of commercial success with recent films like Mamma Mia! and Dear John.
Of course right now everything is speculation since Luhrmann still hasn’t decided whether or not he will move forward on the project or go in another direction, possibly a musical with Slumdog Millionaire composer, A.R. Rahmann. If his previous work is any indication of what might be in store for a remake of “The Great Gatsby”, fans can expect a uniquely shot cinematic masterpiece with rich detail and lots of star power.
