Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem in talks to play Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz in Aaron Sorkin film
Honey, they're ho-ome.
Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem are in negotiations to portray Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in a film about the beloved TV (and real-life) couple, EW has confirmed.
Being the Ricardos is written by Aaron Sorkin, who is also attached to direct the film for Amazon Studios and Escape Artists. Deadline Hollywood first reported the news.
The film is said to take place during one week of production on the iconic sitcom I Love Lucy. Beginning with the Monday table read and following Desi and Lucy through the Friday audience filming, Being the Ricardos delves into a point of crisis in their lives that challenges both their careers and their marriage.
Though not specified or confirmed, it seems likely given Sorkin's fascination with politics and the exercise of power that the script will focus on an incident in 1953 when Ball met voluntarily with the lead investigator for the House of Un-American Activities Committee regarding the fact that she had registered to vote in 1936 and listed her party affiliation as Communist. Ball explained that she had only done so at the insistence of her socialist grandfather, but had never been a member of the Communist party.
Arnaz famously greeted the audience before the taping of episode 68 to address the accusations against Ball, quipping, "The only thing red about Lucy is her hair, and even that is not legitimate."
Exploring Ball's life on screen has been on Sorkin's mind for some time, and Cate Blanchett was previously attached to the role. If Sorkin indeed directs, it will mark his third venture behind the camera, following Molly's Game and The Trial of the Chicago 7.
This wouldn't be the first Old Hollywood star on Kidman's resume: She previously portrayed Grace Kelly in 2014's Grace of Monaco. Ryan Murphy has also expressed a desire to explore a Vivien Leigh biopic with her.
Bardem's potential casting could raise eyebrows, given that he is Spanish and Arnaz was Cuban.
The next question on our minds: Who will play Fred and Ethel Mertz, a.k.a. William Frawley and Vivian Vance? John Carroll Lynch, we'd like a word.
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Writer-director Aaron Sorkin's biopic offers a behind-the-scenes look at Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz during a week of production of I Love Lucy that sees their careers and marriage put at risk.
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