In a move that has fans of both cinema and theater buzzing, Zendaya is reportedly in negotiations to star in the upcoming remake of Guys and Dolls, directed by Rob Marshall. The classic musical, which first premiered on Broadway in 1950 and was adapted into a beloved film in 1955 starring Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra, is set to be revived for a new generation. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Guys and Dolls is poised for a comeback, with Zendaya potentially leading the charge.
A Storied Legacy
Guys and Dolls holds a hallowed place in musical theater history. Based on Damon Runyon's short stories, it weaves tales of gamblers, showgirls, and unlikely romances in 1930s New York City. The original Broadway production, which opened in 1950, ran for 1,200 performances and clinched five Tony Awards, including Best Musical (Wikipedia – Guys and Dolls). Critics hailed it as a masterpiece, with John McClain of the New York Journal American calling it “the best and most exciting thing of its kind since Pal Joey.” The 1955 film, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, starred Marlon Brando as Sky Masterson, Frank Sinatra as Nathan Detroit, Jean Simmons as Sarah Brown, and Vivian Blaine as Miss Adelaide. Its iconic songs, like “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat,” remain cultural staples.
The musical's enduring appeal lies in its blend of humor, heart, and catchy tunes. It's been revived multiple times, including notable Broadway runs in 1992 and 2009, and its 1955 film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry for its cultural significance (London Theatre Direct). A remake, however, is a bold move. Can it honor this legacy while carving out a new identity?
Zendaya's Star Power
According to reports, Zendaya has been offered the main role, likely Sarah Brown, the missionary who falls for the charming gambler Sky Masterson (Fiction Horizon). Known for her dynamic performances in Spider-Man: Homecoming, Dune, and Euphoria, Zendaya brings a unique blend of acting prowess and musical talent, honed in The Greatest Showman. Her involvement could be a game-changer, drawing younger audiences to a story that's nearly a century old. If Guys and Dolls is the holy grail of musicals, Zendaya might just be the knight in shining armor to bring it back to life.
Zendaya's busy schedule, including Euphoria, The Odyssey, Dune: Messiah, and a supporting role in Spider-Man 4, suggests filming might not start until 2026. Her commitment to this project, if confirmed, signals its priority in her career trajectory.
Rob Marshall at the Helm
Rob Marshall, the director behind the Oscar-winning Chicago (2002), is set to direct (Variety). Marshall's debut earned six Oscars, including Best Picture, but his subsequent musicals—Nine, Into the Woods, Mary Poppins Returns, and The Little Mermaid—have faced mixed reviews. Critics often praise his visual flair but question his narrative choices. His experience with large-scale musicals makes him a logical choice, yet some wonder if he can recapture the magic of Chicago. The script, penned by John Requa and Glenn Ficarra (Bad Santa, Crazy, Stupid, Love), promises a fresh take, but details remain scarce.
A Troubled Development History
The Guys and Dolls remake has been in development for over a decade. In 2013, 20th Century Fox planned a version starring Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but it stalled after the Fox-Disney merger (Broadway.com). In 2019, Sony's TriStar Pictures acquired the rights to Runyon's stories, the Broadway musical, and the 1955 film (Variety). Bill Condon was attached to direct in 2021 but left to helm Kiss of the Spider Woman with Jennifer Lopez (Variety). Now, with Marshall directing and Zendaya in talks, the project is gaining momentum.
| Development Milestones | Details |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 20th Century Fox plans remake with Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Project stalls post-Fox-Disney merger. |
| 2019 | TriStar Pictures acquires remake rights to Runyon's stories, Broadway musical, and 1955 film. |
| 2021 | Bill Condon attached to direct but later departs. |
| 2024 | Rob Marshall takes over as director; project enters pre-production. |
| 2025 | Zendaya reportedly offered lead role; other actors rumored for male leads. |
Casting Speculation
Beyond Zendaya, rumors swirl about the male leads, with names like Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, and even Vin Diesel in the mix (World of Reel). These are unconfirmed, but the star-studded list underscores the project's ambition. Other potential cast members, like Timothée Chalamet, Austin Butler, or Rachel Zegler, have been floated due to their musical credentials (AV Club). The casting choices will be crucial in balancing star power with authenticity.
Opportunities and Challenges
A Guys and Dolls remake offers a chance to reintroduce a classic to new audiences. Zendaya's star power and musical background could make it a hit, especially among younger viewers. Recent movie musicals like La La Land (2016) and The Greatest Showman (2017) prove the genre's viability, with global box office hauls of $447 million and $435 million, respectively. However, remakes of beloved properties face scrutiny. Fans of the original may resist changes, and Marshall must avoid the pitfalls of overly safe or overly radical adaptations. The mixed reception to recent musicals like Cats (2019) serves as a cautionary tale.
| Recent Movie Musicals | Box Office (Global) | Critical Reception |
|---|---|---|
| La La Land (2016) | $447 million | Widely acclaimed |
| The Greatest Showman (2017) | $435 million | Mixed but popular |
| Cats (2019) | $74 million | Panned |
Historical Context
Guys and Dolls is part of a broader trend of musical remakes. The 2010s and 2020s saw revivals like West Side Story (2021), which earned critical praise but underperformed commercially, and The Color Purple (2023), which garnered Oscar nominations (Laminute.info). These projects highlight the challenge of updating classics for modern sensibilities. Guys and Dolls stands out due to its lighter tone and universal themes, but its 1930s setting may require careful handling to resonate today.
Looking Ahead
The Guys and Dolls remake is in pre-production, with filming likely delayed until 2026 due to Zendaya's commitments. Produced by John Goldwyn, Marc Toberoff, and Marc Platt, the film is backed by TriStar Pictures, with Nicole Brown and Shary Shirazi overseeing (Variety). As details emerge, fans will watch closely to see if Marshall and Zendaya can deliver a remake that honors the past while embracing the future. Would you risk betting on this remake? Comment below.
