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Nicole Kidman isn’t fans first choice for role in new biopic

The star’s upcoming role is shrouded in controversy with fans calling out Kidman’s transformation into one of Hollywood’s most-loved icons.

Poppy Taylor
2 min read
April 30, 2021 - 12:57PM
Nine Perfect Strangers trailer starring Nicole Kidman (HULU)

Fans are unhappy after the first pictures of Nicole Kidman as late comedian Lucille Ball have appeared online.

The actor is set to play the comedy icon in an upcoming biopic titled Being The Ricardos alongside Javier Bardem who will play Lucille’s husband, Desi Arnaz.

Lucille Ball and husband Desi Arnaz were TV comedy icons in the 1950s.
Lucille Ball and husband Desi Arnaz were TV comedy icons in the 1950s.

Paparazzi photographed the two actors on set in Los Angeles. Nicole, 52, channelled the I Love Lucy star with a striking red wig.

But the new photos have sparked controversy on online, with some fans concerned as to whether Kidman is the right fit for the iconic role. Many questioned the likeness between Kidman and Ball.

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Nicole Kidman is set to play Hollywood star Lucille Ball in a biopic. Picture: Getty Images
Nicole Kidman is set to play Hollywood star Lucille Ball in a biopic. Picture: Getty Images
Javier Bardem will play Lucille Ball’s husband Desi Arnaz. Picture: EPA/Facundo Arrizabalaga
Javier Bardem will play Lucille Ball’s husband Desi Arnaz. Picture: EPA/Facundo Arrizabalaga

Some fans have also taken issue with Spanish actor Bardem playing Arnaz, who was Cuban-American:

Earlier this year, Kidman shared her excitement about transforming into the Ball.

“I was like, ‘Yeah, I would love to give it a go,’” Kidman told Variety. “With Aaron’s words and his direction and Javier… that’s kind of a wonderful prospect too, you know. But yikes, off we go. Give it a go. Try my best – see if I can do it.”

When the casting was first announced earlier this year, fans were initially sceptical, particularly among Debra Messing fans – who noted the actor’s portrayal of Ball in a Will and Grace episode as proof she would do justice to the iconic comedian.

Ball and Arnaz’s daughter, Lucie Arnaz, even spoke out on Facebook in a bid to calm fans down and defend the casting of Kidman. She reminded fans that it is the story of her parents Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, not the characters they portrayed on screen.

Lucille Ball starred in comedy I Love Lucy.
Lucille Ball starred in comedy I Love Lucy.

The film’s director Aaron Sorkin defended the film’s casting decision in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.

“I think that the people thought that we’ve cast them as Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. The film takes place during a production week of I Love Lucy – a Monday table read to Friday audience taping, with a whole bunch of long flashbacks which are telling the story that got us here – and because there’s a table read, there are rehearsals and then there’s tape night, we do see moments of them being Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. But mostly they are playing Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball. And they’re going to be fantastic… These are two of the greatest actors ever.”

Being The Ricardos focuses on Ball’s life with Arnaz who she married in 1940 and divorced in 1960. They had two children.

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/upcoming-movies/nicole-kidman-isnt-fans-first-choice-for-role-in-new-biopic/news-story/ecc0ee88b30c2623cefe5f76d357a2d2