Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz are undeniably one of the most iconic old-Hollywood couples. Not only were they a pair on-screen in their classic sitcom I Love Lucy but they were a family off-screen, too.
Now, it seems their story may come to life for a whole new generation of audiences in an upcoming film directed by Aaron Sorkin. The actor’s in talks to play the couple includes Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem.
Now, fans are weighing in on the controversial choices.
*I Love Lucy* is the definition of classic television.
The series, which ran from 1951 to 1957, was played in practically every household in America. This family-friendly but endlessly hilarious show proves you don’t have to be crass to make people laugh.
The show starred then-married couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, and their friends Vivian Vance, and William Frawley, who played married couple Ethel and Fred Mertz.
The hijinks and hilarity kept fans entertained for 180 episodes, spread out over six delightful seasons.
As fans of Lucille and Desi will know, the pair had a tumultuous relationship that ended in divorce in 1960.
The pair had two children together, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., and included Lucy’s pregnancy into the series.
Needless to say, fans felt connected to the couple and were devastated with their split.
Now, it is being reported that Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem will play the iconic couple in an upcoming film directed by Hollywood heavy-hitter Aaron Sorkin.
According to Deadline the movie, titled Being the Ricardos , will follow a week on the set of I Love Lucy “starting with a Monday table read through an audience shoot on Friday. Ball and Arnaz will face challenges that could end their careers and their marriage.”
Aaron has already written the screenplay and will direct the film for Amazon Studios and Escape Artists.
Among the list of executive producers is the pair’s children, Lucie and Desi Jr.
While there is a lot of initial buzz about the film, some fans aren’t thrilled with the choice of cast.
The fans were mixed, to say the least.
“Nicole Kidman doesn’t have the facial mobility to play Lucille Ball. Let’s start there,” tweeted one fan. “You can absolutely hate me for this but I FIRMLY BELIEVE NICOLE KIDMAN SHOULD NOT PLAY LUCILLE BALL IN ANY MOVIE OK?????” tweeted another.
In fact, many fans were calling for Debra Messing to play Lucille instead.
What do you think of the casting choice? Let us know in the comments below!
h/t: Deadline
Last Updated on January 12, 2021 by Anastasia Ross