Producer Scott Rudin (It’s Complicated) wants Angelina Jolie for his Cleopatra, quoted as saying a remake is in development “for and with” Jolie in mind. [USA Today via The Playlist]
In 1963, Joseph L. Mankiewicz (All About Eve) lost complete control of production on the film, which then starred Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Rex Harrison as Cleopatra, Marc Antony and Julius Caesar, respectively. At that time, Taylor and Burton were the iconic Hollywood relationship of the moment, marrying several months after the film’s release.
The final product ran over 3 hours, none of which play well together. It’s a complete mess of a thing, to be watched now as an impressive Hollywood cautionary tale.
Even still, Rudin’s bought the rights to Stacy Schiff’s Cleopatra: A Life. Schiff’s dream casting for Marc Antony: “Brad Pitt.” But of course, isn’t that everybody’s? Brangelina are the Burton/Taylor of our day, reconciling and breaking up within a day in the tabloids.
I can easily see Jolie playing this role. In fact, I think she’d be perfect for it and I can see a possible Oscar in her future. But let’s not forget the same was said for Taylor, who received anything but an Oscar nom for her turn as the murderous Egyptian queen.
If they are really going to go ahead with this film they have to do it right. High production values, all star cast, lavish set pieces, the whole deal. It’s got to be epic and big. I’m sure with Jolie on board the film will start to gain traction soon enough.
Would you like to see a remake of Cleopatra? Will it succeed this time around?