Director Andrew Dominik’s Netflix biopic ‘Blonde’ has already made huge headlines. The film stirred controversy surrounding a relative unknown Ana De Armas’ being cast as the iconic actress, as well as the material with a “fictionalised telling” of Marilyn Monroe’s journey through a series of very abusive relationships. De Armas was announced to play Norma Jean in 2019, with the film originally set for a 2021 release date. The film has since been pushed back to a September 23rd 2022 release.
Dominik selected De Armas after almost a decade of trying to cast the lead role. Jessica Chastain and Naomi Watts had reportedly been attached to the film, which has been in development for 12 years. The film, also starring Adrien Brody (from ‘The Piano’) as Arthur Miller is an adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates’ 2000 book of the same name. Bobby Cannavale and Julianne Nicholson also star as figures in Monroe’s life.
Marc Rosen, president of entertainment at Authentic Brands Group (ABG), which owns the Marilyn Monroe Estate, said of the adaptation: “Marilyn Monroe is a singular Hollywood and pop culture icon that transcends generations and history. Any actor that steps into that role knows they have big shoes to fill. Based on the trailer alone, it looks like Ana was a great casting choice as she captures Marilyn’s glamour, humanity, and vulnerability. We can’t wait to see the film in its entirety!”
Actor Brad Pitt has also said how Ana de Armas transformed the ‘Blonde’ production. “She is phenomenal in it,” Pitt went on to say: “And that’s a tough dress to fill!”
ROCKS RATING: ****
