A few weeks ago we chatted a course of movies to off & on Broadway musicals to movie musicals, in reference to the upcoming Mean Girls musical movie. In the article I mentioned Little Shop of Horrors being one of the two main examples that sprang to mind. Behind the scenes at the time there was rumbling of that property getting another big screen tab. Well, now things have fully bubbled over, as it looks like Greg Berlanti’s take on the story, has gone and snatched itself “America’s Ass”, to play a pivotal role.
Exclusively broken by The Hollywood Reporter, Captain America himself, Chris Evans, is in talks to play sadistic Dentist Orin Scrivello. In Frank Oz’s 1986 adaptation, the part was memorably embodied by Steve Martin. It’s the kind of highlight reel work most people dream of. Given Evans’ inclination to both make fun of himself and have fun with whatever role comes his way, this is perfect casting.
Here’s the plot of movie/musical/movie-musical, care of THR:
“Little Shop is the story of Seymour, a meek florist who works at the aptly named Skid Row Florists, where he is under the thumb of the owner, Mr. Mushnik, but where he also is secretly in love with Audrey, who also works at the struggling shop. Seymour becomes a celebrity when discovers a venus flytrap-looking plant he dubs Audrey II, but his life becomes disastrously complicated when the plant demands to be fed human blood, and then eventually people themselves.”
Tossing Evans into the cast just keeps upping the appeal of the remake, even if it doesn’t fully justify the need. Also circling the lead parts are Taron Egerton (as Seymor) and Scarlett Johansson (as Audrey), although there’s no sign as to how close their deals are. The only officially signed actor is Billy Porter (Pose), who will lend his vocal talents to Audrey II.
What do you make of all this, dear readers? Is Little Shop of Horrors a classic that shouldn’t be touched? If musicals get Broadway revivals all the time, should films follow suit? What do you think about Evans strutting in a leather jacket, pompadour hair (if they keep it period) singing “Dentist”? Do they get Bill Murray to reprise the patient role? Tell us your thoughts and hopes, down in the comments. Make it rhyme, though.
Since Little Shop of Horror is in the “negotiations” stage, anything could happen. Yet looking at the names they want attached, it feels like they might get their way. Whichever way they lean, they need but answer one very pressing question, to fully win us (at the site) over: “Will Audrey 2 be fully CGI, practical or a combo?” If you even wonder why that matters, you definitely need to rewatch the 1986 version, asap.
