Justin Timberlake and Zac Efron are reportedly both eyeing the lead role in the big screen adaptation of the hit musical, “Memphis,” which recently took home four Tony awards, including the statue for Best Musical.
The NY Post (via THR) reports that both Timberlake and Efron have been spotted at recent performances, with speculation building that both want the lead role of 1950s DJ Huey Calhoun in the story based on real-life DJ Dewey Phillips who dared to spin black music.
While no formal announcement of a movie has been made, talks are apparently already happening with reps for Oliver Stone confirming he has met with with the show’s writers Joe DiPietro and David Bryan with an interest to direct the film. It might seem at first glance to be an odd choice, but Stone is no stranger to music-based films (“The Doors”) and certainly the race-based setting of the story would be right in the director’s wheelhouse of controversial subject matter.
This is all very early and preliminary but expect “Memphis” to draw some considerable talent as it goes through the hoops to get made into a feature film.
A movie musical helmed by Oliver Stone? At first glance it may seem like a bit of an odd choice, but what the hell, I'd definitely go see it. I only have one request: please cast REAL actors!
someon can explain why Justin Timberlake as actor.
Neither of these two have the pipes for the role…as least as it was on Broadway. I swear if Beyonce ends up in the running for the female lead I will die a slow death. All we need is a Justin Timberlake and Beyonce movie. Efron I think is too young for the role. But seriously, why is JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE now the go to guy for film roles now. What films has he opened? What great, amazing performance has he given…and if I hear another person bring up "Alpha Dog" or his stints on SNL I grt a gun and shoot someone. Neither of those proves he can LEAD a film, nor were they great dramatic performances.
Justin Timberlake is a perfect fit for the film.