Angelina Jolie to play Dr. Kay Scarpetta from Patricia Cornwell’s books

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My mother is going to be pissed. She reads Patricia Cornwell’s books religiously, and one of her favorite fictional heroines is Dr. Kay Scarpetta. My mother also has mixed feelings about Angelina Jolie (“I think she’s a good person, but screwed up in the head,” my mother always tells me), so she probably won’t be thrilled to learn that Angelina has just signed on to play Dr. Scarpetta. Entertainment Weekly has confirmed the news, and they’re saying that the film won’t be based on any one certain Cornwell book, but will likely be based on “the series”. The film is in the first stages – they don’t even have a screenplay, so it will likely be a year before principal photography even begins.

Angelina Jolie has signed on to portray crime novelist Patricia Cornwell’s heroine Dr. Kay Scarpetta in a forthcoming movie from Twentieth Century Fox and its Fox 2000 division. The screenplay will be based on Cornwell’s bestselling Scarpetta series of books, about the beautiful, hard-charging medical examiner who solves crimes, but it will not be focused on any one specific novel. The project has yet to hire a screenwriter or a director. Mark Gordon and Geyer Kosinski will produce.

From Entertainment Weekly

Though my mom has tried to get me into the Cornwell books, I’ve never really felt the need to start in on a new series. I already read the Kinsey Millhone, Alex Delaware and Stephanie Plum serials by Sue Grafton, Jonathan Kellerman and Janet Evanovich! So, basically, I have no idea if Angelina is a good choice for the character of Dr. Kay. From what I remember of my mom’s description, Dr. Kay is tough, smart and super-professional. She’s like CSI-meets-Bones-meets-Tomb Raider, perchance? Damn, now I’m going to have to borrow my mother’s Cornwell books.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are shown at the German premiere of Benjamin Button on 1/19/09. Credit: WENN.com

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65 Responses to “Angelina Jolie to play Dr. Kay Scarpetta from Patricia Cornwell’s books”

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  1. Exiled says:

    She plays screwed up characters well and Dr. Kay Scarpetta has serious issues. I actually think it’s a pretty good fit.

  2. Casey says:

    I love the books. I’m not a huge AJ fan, but she’d probably be good in this role.

  3. Jann says:

    Are they going to age her? Cuz’ Kay Scarpetta is a 40 something BLONDE character who looks very much like the author.
    Don’t get me wrong…I enjoy AJ, but this just isn’t a good fit.

  4. Carol says:

    When will she slow down but it’s nice to know she donates a chunk of her money to charity.

  5. Lem says:

    Marino casting could get interesting. Vince Vaughn, Phillip Hoffman, maybe Vincent D’nofrio.
    Who could possibly play Lucy To Angie’s Kay? Hotter younger and wilder and wealthier….Flying the heli’s and doing the stunts..That seems more Angelina. I can’t think of anyone with the potential to steal scenes but if someone pulls it off Oscar

  6. bros says:

    meh-im a fan of her novels when I need to zone out on a plane or a beach, but id rather see naomi watts or someone else play her.

  7. Zoe (The Other One) says:

    Oh, I thought she was going to give us all a break from her weepy face/shaky hand ‘acting’ and stay at home and be a grandmother. She keeps threatening to stop work but never seems to actually do it more’s the pity.

  8. doodahs says:

    So, when does the couple of years off from acting start?

  9. dragonfly says:

    I have read all of Patricia Cornwell’s books and I just can’t see Angelina Jolie playing the role of Kay Scarpetta. I always thought that maybe Jodie Foster would be good for the part.

  10. Tia C says:

    Patricia Cornwell’s books are filled with extremely graphic violence. I am not a fan. No matter who plays Dr. Kay Scarpetta, I won’t be seeing that movie. Don’t know why they don’t make a movie about Stephanie Plum! Now that would be something I’d go see!

  11. teri says:

    Please give us the quotes that AJ said she would simply just forever stay home with her children! I know she did say she wasn’t going to be working as much and it showes. She was just off for 14 months between movies, yes 14 months so do the math. A full year off is plenty of time with her family plus being home nights is great. A good mother doesn’t need to stay home 24/7 to be concidered a great mom. I know many stay at home mothers who spend more time on the internet and watching tv than spending time with their children. Angies non fans have been on a brutal witch hunt since hooking up with Brad and it’s wrong.

  12. Maritza says:

    According to her own words…“I won’t work again probably for another year,” she says. “So maybe it’ll be once a year, then maybe it’ll be once every three years. I have a lot of children. I have a big responsibility to make sure that they’re growing right and that they have got us there for them.” Lies, lies, lies!

  13. kap says:

    She is holding true to her comments about time off. She just came off a 14 month hiatus between Changeling & Salt. The production for this film(s) won’t start for another year. If it’s successful she will return every year or two for a new movie. Just like she said. I know the non-fans were hoping to never see her again (I feel the same way about JA and her formulaic romcoms), so guess we’re all disappointed!

  14. Feebee says:

    I’m a bug fan of the Scarpetta series. I don’t see Jolie in the role for a number of reasons. I agree Watts or Foster would be excellent choices but as for AJ… even the actress who plays the ME on Law and Order would be a more believable fit.

  15. KateNonymous says:

    Based on “the series”? Wow, I hope it turns out better than “V.I. Warshawski.”

  16. Carrie says:

    WHY!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved these books. And Having Skany Angelina in the movies will reck the movie!! Plis I alwyas asumed that Kay was older, closer to her mid to late 40’s.

  17. Kaiser says:

    @Tia – My mom wants a Stephanie Plum movie too! She thinks Amanda Peet should be cast as Stephanie.

  18. photo jojo says:

    I don’t care if she works or stays home, don’t care if she’s pregnant with triplets or adopting a football team from Nigeria, but please, someone ANYONE make her drop this role. 🙁 She’s a great actress but Dr. Scarpetta she AIN’T!!

  19. rbsesq says:

    I like AJ, but I don’t like here for this role. I think dragonfly made a good call on Jodie Foster. I never imagined Kay Scarpetta as “beautiful” like EW says, just more of a strong, attractive woman.

  20. Carol says:

    Teri and Kap you are right she has slowed down. I forgot about the 14 months hiatus she took off. Really she and Brad do spend more time with their kids than most parents.

  21. lalalala! says:

    Scapetta must be Jodie Foster!

  22. Ceenitall says:

    No please no. She would not be a good fit for this role. I love Scarpetta and do not see AJ as her.

    Kaiser, I would love to see a Stephanie Plum book too. I could never figure out who would be a good fit for her but I think you hit it right on with Amanda Peet. She would be great!

  23. Zoe (The Other One) says:

    Teri – who said she would stay home forever? No-one said she was working too much and that made her a bad mother. Read slowly and try to digest what is being said.

    She is a terrible actress, that is the reason she should stay home with her litter.

  24. Ronnie says:

    It is unfortunate that the Hollywood powers that be can only see four or five actresses for major roles in film. The sexy, dangerous, armed warrior Angelina Jolie, the half black journalist, who tragically loses husband – Angelina Jolie, the blond spy Angelina Jolie, the brown haired spy Angelina Jolie – the assassin who drive a hot car – Angelina Jolie, the mother who loses her child – Angelina Jolie. The tabloid star who steals husbands and engaged men ( I bet Laura Dern is grateful Jolie did her a favor) But looking at the box office numbers Jolie may have the ability to get a movie made but she does not have the money making ticket sales. Wanted was not a Jolie picture it was more an action flick where you could count the number of times and words she muttered on screen. Sorry folks, the fault is not with her acting skills but the exposure she is under, after all every time I see her on screen I wonder if she really is Fake a la Ferocity or judge her on the comments made on blogs or stories which the tabloids are running that week. She has lost the ability to turn into her character now she’s just Angelina Jolie on the big screen

  25. Monica says:

    Patricia Cornwell has been quoted in the past as saying she could see Jodie Foster in the role. I’ve never heard if any discussions with her took place.

    But, I am certain Cornwell has veto power for this casting, so, if she is satisfied, I’d have to say I am as well.

    I suspect Cornwell is going to be like JK Rowling and the Harry Potter movies. Rowling was known to have absolute creative control over every aspect of each movie, and they had to fit her vision, not the vision of the director. I don’t think Cornwell is going to be any different.

  26. teresa says:

    AJ is no Scarpetta! I, too, have read all the series and she is too young for the role. Who would play Lucy? Maybe Anne Hathaway?!?

  27. vicsmith says:

    Scarpetta is petite and blonde. Not a good fit for Jolie.

  28. Kaiser says:

    Monica – Variety has a story about the casting, and they say Jolie & Cornwell have already met, and Cornwell had to give her blessing before the casting:

    “Once Jolie sparked to the series, months of negotiations followed between ICM and Fox 2000… because Cornwell was so protective of her literary property. The deal finally came together after Jolie and Kosinski met with the author and found common ground on the creative direction of the feature adaptation.”

    http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002704.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

  29. Chiara says:

    Ms Voight again wins the, “Liar, liar, pants on fire,” trophy.

    “I just want to be a mom after this role I plan to take 2-5 years off.”

    I agree with your mom … bad choice, Ms Voight is nothing more than an action heroine, and gains award noms due to, “enhancing studio revenue.”

  30. Carol says:

    I have never seen so many movies casters. How many movies have you people set up from your pc?

  31. n says:

    soooo tired of her.
    wish she would go away like she promised.

  32. mae says:

    NO NO NO!!! She already ruined the first Jeffery Deaver movie. The Bone Collector.It was so bad they never made another!! It didn’t help that they changed the sex & race of some main characters. Deaver , Cornwell & Sandford are my favs. I had high hopes for what they could do w/ Kay. Patricia said she would only let them make a movie if someone came to her w/ a good script. This doesn’t sound like they even have one yet!!Makes no sense to me. Just keep A.J away from it PLEASE!! She is not attractive at all & she can not act!

  33. lrm says:

    Who could possibly play Lucy To Angie’s Kay? Hotter younger and wilder and wealthier….Flying the heli’s and doing the stunts..That seems more Angelina. I can’t think of anyone with the potential to steal scenes but if someone pulls it off Oscar

    ******************
    UM,how about Natalie Portman? LOL you know,the big jealousy fit AJ recently had,a la tabloid rumors?
    God,I just hope they don’t cast Scarleet Johanson-talk about overexposed…
    I don’t know the series myself,but who else could play younger,hotter,wilder,wealthier?

  34. ll says:

    Jolie is totally wrong for this part. Scarpetta is older and also? Loves to eat and cook. She’s not some movie star beautiful character, she’s a working coroner. There’s really not a lot of action big bang boom where Jolie would be punching people, unless they radically change the characters. And then, why even buy the name? This casting is going to turn off a lot of the books’ fans and it’s not like Jolie herself brings enough fans into the theater.

  35. someone says:

    She will definitly ruin my reading pleasure..I love the character of Dr. Kay Scarpetta, shes early 40s in the books, and she is always cooking..AJ can’t boil water..mismatch!

  36. Hieronymus Grexx says:

    I’m sure this would mean more to me if I knew who the character or the author were.

  37. Granger says:

    It’s not like Jolie hasn’t played non-action parts before! She doesn’t punch people and drive fast cars in every film, you know. For pete’s sake, she was nominated for an Oscar for Changeling and I don’t recall any action scenes there.

  38. Orangejulius says:

    I’d much rather have Jodie Foster in this role. AJ is gorgeous, but JF seems to fit the character better. Actually, I’d prefer an unknown.

  39. vicsmith says:

    The early books are great. I agree that Jodie Foster would be perfect. Jolie is too tall and too dark.

  40. Tia C says:

    @ Kaiser: Amanda Peet would be great as Stephanie Plum! She would need to be goofy and intelligent at the same time, and AP could definitely pull that off. I could maybe see Anna Faris, too…hmmm. Maybe.

    Oh, and also, even though as I said, I’m not a big fan of Patricia Cornwell – yeah, Jodie Foster would be a much better choice for Kay Scarpetta. Age-wise, but mostly talent-wise.

  41. heima says:

    i’ve never read a novel written by patricia cornwell so i have nothing to say about this story, and i don’t know if jolie can fit the role or not (i don’t think that she’s a skilled actress, anyway)…
    but there’s a thing that makes me laugh like a stupid child, that is kay’s second name’s meaning in italy. “scarpetta” is literally a small shoe, but most times it means something like “cleaning the dish with the bread to eat the remains of the soup/sauce”.
    sometimes the choice of foreign names is unfortunate… and this is the case that proves it.

  42. kris says:

    angelina haters…die with envy.

  43. Camille says:

    Sounds interesting.

  44. Amy says:

    Got a love it when the haters post partial quotes to fit their views. The quote came from the BBC in November 2008. I don’t see how it proves that Angelina is lying. Even if she does take the role, shooting wouldn’t start for at least a year. I have never heard Angelina say she was going to take 2-5 years off and the quote doesn’t show up when I searched for it:

    “Angelina says she plans to work for a few months in February(Salt) and then take a year off before considering any more roles.
    She says, ‘I won’t work again probably for another year. So maybe it’ll be once a year, then maybe it’ll be once every three years.’

  45. Anna says:

    Why does Hollywood have difficulty including 40 year old characters in its films? I think Angelina can make it work, but for those who have read the series, it’ll seem a little strange if the character in the film looks much younger than the novel character.

  46. Gigohead says:

    I’ve read several of the books. I always saw Holly Hunter or Keira Sedgwick playing her.

  47. Annie says:

    but there’s a thing that makes me laugh like a stupid child, that is kay’s second name’s meaning in italy. “scarpetta” is literally a small shoe, but most times it means something like “cleaning the dish with the bread to eat the remains of the soup/sauce”.
    sometimes the choice of foreign names is unfortunate… and this is the case that proves it.

    I did NOT know that! And you’ve officially made my day by informing me of this. Tehehe! 🙂

  48. heima says:

    glad to make you smile, Annie 🙂

  49. Anon2 says:

    Angie haters are big losers that can’t move on with their decrepit old lives. Glad Mayer dumped Jen if she was anything like you miserable fans of hers then we sure can’t blame him. Who wants to sit around old negative hounds all the time.

  50. tigerlille says:

    Hot damn! Angie has finally taken an intelligent role. The books are excellent, and Angie finally gets a chance to prove that she can act. I was disgusted by the gratuitous violence in Wanted, and am just so sick of the repetetively stereotypical psychopath violent roles that Angie has fallen into playing. This is going to be great.

  51. tigerlille says:

    Patricia Cornwell is well aware of the meaning of scarpetta, heima, so I guess the joke is on you.

  52. Debra says:

    I have not read any of these books. If Angie does take the role I’ll read the first one to see what it is all about. The goal of casting is not always for the character to look the same as in the book. It is an interpretation. I love the Shawshank Redemption. Redd was not a black man in the book. but can you imagine anyone else other then Morgan Freeman in the role. I remember reading a months back that Angie was being considered for the role. If she is in it.. I’ll see it. I’m a fan. But for those who are not. Maybe you should wait before criticizing. It may all work out. Besides there is no script nothing. Just talk for right now.. Calm down a bit.

  53. czarina says:

    I, too, LOVE the Stephanie Plum novels!! Now, there is a much more fun post–who should be cast in the Stephanie Plum movie? I think Queen Latifa would be perfect as Lulu!
    How about Hugh Jackman as Joe Morelli? (the downside being how would anyone believe she could be attracted to anyone else? Who is just as hot as Hugh that could be Ranger?)
    I couldn’t care less if AJ plays Kate Scarpetta. Don’t see her as Stephanie, though. Tia C you’re right…whoever plays Stephanie needs to come across as goofy and smart and must also be physical…ah, I can’t wait for THAT movie to be made!!

  54. Jocelina says:

    I’ve read a couple of those books and Angelina Jolie seems too young and glamorous for the role. Then again, as someone said above they may be making some changes to the role that make her a better fit.

  55. sauvage says:

    Hi, thriller fans! 🙂
    I, too, completely disagree with Angelina Jolie as Kay Scarpetta. Lucy, on the other hand, could have been a good role for her. Or Carrie Grethen.
    Kay Scarpetta (thanks for the explanation, Heima!) should be portrayed by a not-operated-on actress in her late forties (now THAT would narrow down the casting field, huh?) who is slim in your and my world, meaning she still has (natural) breasts and butt and belly without being even close to obese. I’d love Kyra Sedgwick for the part, but she’d have to gain 20 pounds. Marg Helgenberger would have been perfect before she butchered her face. Jodie Foster would be a great choice. I think what is really important about Scarpetta is her enorm work ethics. The woman works like a horse, she’s all brains, very controlled about not letting her emotions slip. And what about James Gandolfini with white hair for Marino?

    Now, Stephanie Plum, on the other hand… Kaiser, I think your momma nailed it with Amanda Peet. What about Robert Downey Jr. for Morelli? And – *cough cough* just for the looks – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Ranger?

  56. 88Modesty88 says:

    I’m a big Angie fan but have to agree that she’s not the Kay Scarpetta I pictured when reading the books.

    And furthermore, Ronnie is most probably spot-on: Angie’s become too big a personality to “fade” into a role. To me, it’s unfortunately always Angie pretending to be someone else on screen.

    Much like Tom Cruise — tho I have a very strong dislike for him!

  57. SixxKitty says:

    @Lem, OMG! thats so funny, your so right! he he he.
    @KateNonymous, How hard could it be to be better than KT in that tragic piece ( I can’t even call it a film!)
    No wonder its ‘based’ on the series, stops all the fans rioting when they hear this.

  58. Kaiser says:

    Re: Stephanie Plum Movie –

    Here’s my dream casting:
    Amanda Peet – Stephanie
    Queen Latifah – Lula
    George Friggin’ Clooney – Morelli
    The Rock or Benjamin Bratt – Ranger
    Woody Harrelson – Mooner
    Steve Buscemi – Vinnie
    Patti LaPone, maybe? – Connie

    But who would play Grandma? And Stephanie’s mom? I want to say Frances McDormand for the mom. And who would play that transvestite rock star guy?

  59. czarina says:

    Kaiser–Okay, love some of these choices! Especially Woody Harrelson as Mooner. Benjaman Bratt is who I always mentally picture as Ranger (well, younger and buffer, but still..)
    I think Clooney is too old for Morelli (but I get the whole suave, confident guy appeal..I still like Hugh Jackman, though)
    Maybe Dwayne Johnson could be Tank? That would be funny.
    If only Estelle Getty were still with us she would be PERFECT as Grandma.

  60. Trashaddict says:

    I’ve read the Kay Scarpetta series and please, no Angelina, and please NOT Jodie Foster. She has done the same kind of role way too many times. They need an unknown or a character actor. I think somebody like Bonnie Bedelia would be great in the role, remember she was the wife in Die Hard and she can play it competent but a little paranoid, which is what the role requires.

  61. hopeso says:

    WOW… i am a big fan of Angelina Jolie and i love the Dr. Kay Scarpetta book series. i have red every one of them. Who better the play character than A.J. Love her, love the books. I cant wait. WOW…

  62. Juss says:

    I love these series but as a rule, I never watch anything Brangelina so I will have to miss this. I tried to watch Benjamin Button because the story intrigued me but after a while, I just could not stand Brad Pitt. To me he just failed to morph into the character and all I could see was Brad Pitt Mr Jolie with no balls.

  63. IA_Cornwell_fan says:

    What about Glenn Close for Kay? She’s the right age, build, and is one smart cookie! Jodie Foster would also make a convincing Kay Scarpetta. I think Evan Rachel Wood, Mischa Barton or Maggie Gyllenhaal would make identifiable Lucy’s. They are all strikingly beautiful, yet have that intense look that Lucy’s character embodies. Harvey Keitel would be a good choice for Pete Marino. He has the bearing of a cop, a face that has seen a lot of mankind and is a hunk. He could convincingly mutate from the slob Pete to the more self assured Pete in the newer books. Last but not least, Benton Wesley. This one is hard to ID, but the closest man to be totally believable in the role would be George Clooney. He’s absolutely drop dead gorgeous and is a great actor. What do you all think?

  64. gracie says:

    Too bad Patricia Cornwell can’t play Scarpetta. Angeline Jolie – not even close. Bah.

  65. cupcakes says:

    Cannot see Jolie as Kay – she does not fit the description and is too thin and pouty. Even accounting for the film being set prior to the books I can’t see it. Maybe if they style her thoughtfully, short hair or something then I could see it. I always pictured Helen Mirren as Scarpetta even though at times my image seemed older and less attractive than the books suggested (Case in point: Jay Talley conquest). Other actors I would prefer are Vera Farmiga, Diane Lane, maybe even Maria Bello, Michelle Pfeiffer, or Rene Russo. For Lucy I could imagine Kristen Stewart for the sulky demenour, Natalie Portman, or Saoirse Ronan – although with it being a prequel I guess Lucy would be a foetus at best. For Marino I see either Jon Favreau, Steve Schirripa, Vincent D’Onofrio or James Gandolfini.