Killing Them Softly director Andrew Dominik is gearing up to shoot his Marilyn Monroe biopic, Blonde, this August. Based on the novel by Joyce Carol Oates, the film was set to star Naomi Watts as the iconic actress. Now, however, Watts has dropped out, perhaps disillusioned with biopics after Diana got savaged by critics, and The Wrap is reporting that two-time Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain will step in to replace her.
Speaking about the film a few months back, Dominik revealed that there won’t be much dialogue and that Blonde will be more of an “avalanche of images and events” that “reimagines the inner, poetic and spiritual life of Norma Jeane Baker.” He said:
“Blonde‘s interesting because it has very little dialogue in it… My previous three movies have relied on a lot of talking and I don’t think there’s a scene in Blonde that’s longer than two pages. I’m really excited about doing a movie that’s an avalanche of images and events. It’s just a different way. It’s a different thing for me to do. And the main character is female. My films are fairly bereft of woman and now I’m imagining what it’s like to be one.”
While Watts seemed like an ideal fit for Marilyn Monroe, Chastain is a more-than-suitable replacement. She’s one of the most exciting actresses currently working in Hollywood, and stepping into a role such as this should give her some meaty material with which she can truly show off her large range.
Having Dominik behind the camera is a huge plus as well. Though under-appreciated, he’s one of the most interesting directors working today and his 2007 film, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, is considered by many to be a masterpiece. Throw in Brad Pitt’s Plan B backing the project, and all signs point to this one being something truly special.
Tell us, are you happy to see Jessica Chastain sign on for Blonde, or would you have preferred to see Watts in the role?