Rob Marshall to Direct ‘Guys and Dolls' Remake: Can He Reclaim His Musical Glory?
For movie lovers, the name Rob Marshall conjures up a blend of anticipation and skepticism. His 2002 musical Chicago was a cinematic triumph, bagging six Oscars, including Best Picture. However, since then, Marshall's filmography has been a bit more uneven—critically panned projects like Memoirs of a Geisha, Nine, and Into the Woods have left fans wondering if his Chicago success was a one-hit wonder. Now, Marshall is returning to familiar territory with his latest assignment: directing the highly anticipated Guys and Dolls remake for Sony's TriStar Pictures.
Originally offered the project back in 2003, right after the release of Chicago, Marshall initially turned it down, perhaps sensing the weight of expectations that comes with adapting such a beloved property. The new adaptation comes after director Bill Condon, who was initially attached to the project, stepped down to work on Kiss of the Spider Woman with Jennifer Lopez. With Marshall at the helm, this remake will draw inspiration not just from the 1955 classic starring Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra, but also from Damon Runyon's original stories about gamblers and gangsters.
While the original plans for the film included Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in lead roles, they have since left the project, leaving the casting wide open for new talent. As Marshall steps into this production, he faces the challenge of delivering a fresh take on Guys and Dolls while honoring its iconic history. Will he be able to revive his musical magic, or will this remake join the ranks of his less successful ventures? Time—and the box office—will tell.
