This is one of the weirdest casting stories I’ve ever written about. (Sidenote: I was thinking yesterday about how weird it is that we never even talk about how Nicole Kidman had no business playing Grace Kelly, just FYI.) Apparently, Charlize Theron and her production team is putting together a movie with Annapurna and director Jay Roach. The movie? It’s about Roger Ailes and Fox News and everything that happened with the downfall of Ailes and Bill O’Reilly and all of those Fox News women who had been sexually harassed. I’m not sure this complicated story would make the best movie, but Charlize is going to try. And she’s going to play Megyn Kelly???
Charlize Theron and director Jay Roach are teaming to tell the tale of disgraced Fox News chairman Roger Ailes. The project is being put together by Annapurna, which is already making a Dick Cheney biopic with helmer Adam McKay, and comes armed with a script by Charles Randolph, who won an Oscar for co-writing The Big Short. Annapurna is financing and producing the feature.
Theron will portray Megyn Kelly, a former lawyer who was a Fox News anchor for over a decade, rising up through the ranks from legal contributor to host of the popular series The Kelly File. Fox News reportedly tried to pressure her to come out in support of Ailes, but she refused.
Theron will also produce the feature along with Beth Kono and AJ Dix via their Denver & Delilah banner. Roach, Randolph and Margaret Riley are also producing.
The project is described as an ensemble pic, with Ailes and others who were involved at Fox News during his reign said to be major players in the piece. Characters included are likely to be Carlson, former anchor Greta Van Susteren, media mogul Rupert Murdoch and fired host Bill O’Reilly.
This feels like it’s WAY too soon for an ensemble movie, but sure. The casting choice of Charlize as Megyn Kelly is interesting. I actually don’t hate it – they look alike, and both give off “icy blonde” vibes. I actually think Charlize would do a good job in that role. But if it’s going to be an ensemble… it’s going to get so messy. Who could even play Bill O’Reilly? Casting for Roger Ailes is pretty easy – just get Paul Giamatti and call it a day. Greta Van Susteren… I don’t know, that’s a prime opportunity for a stunt-cast. Maybe Demi Moore in a terrible wig? For Gretchen Carlson, I think maybe Reese Witherspoon? Or Wendi Mclendon-Covey. But who will play Shep Smith?? WHO WILL PLAY HANNITY? WHO WILL PLAY MURDOCH?
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Who is being this kind to Megyn Kelly?! She wishes.
Conversely, Theron does not have that reckless stupidity in her eyes and as good an actress as she is in certain roles (usually the cranky woman), will never pull it off.
I wouldn’t watch this movie, even on Netflix late at night. Charlize is a good actress, but not this story
This is a lifetime movie with benefits.
I hope they will show Megyn (what a stupid spelling) as the racist dumbass she is, and not some feminist hero.
This seems like a movie that should come out 15 years from now, not now. It’s weird when the actors are basically the same age group as the people they’re playing, for some reason.
I want to say I trust Charlize, but… Sean Penn…
Is this because Charlize more physically resembles Kelly than the other Fox women ? Plus the fact she has already played a woman seeking justice in court in North Country ? I mostly don’t know how they are going to tell the truth and not be sued by O’Reilly for starters. Although the movie will no doubt be more about Carlson and her lawsuit against Ailes since Megyn didn’t do anything particularly notable except not realize she was even being harassed until he had her in the office up against his desk.
Whatever their current relationship, Sean will no doubt appreciate a film re: all unsavory aspects of newsroom and journalistic culture.
I have zero interest in any movie that concerns Megyn with a Y Kelly. None. Zero. As if her ego needs more to feed it.
One bia*ch playing another – wonderful.
Charlize with her horrible personality will be a perfect fit to play the equally horrible Megan..
Megyn has worked hand in hand with one of the most powerful networks in the US to instigate racist, xenophobic fears in white communities, which lead to the rise of a would-be authoritarian clown, i.e. Trump.
She is vile and the damage she, along Fox, has infliged in this country cannot be compared to anything Theron has done or said (even tough, her friendship/relation/whatever with Chelsea Handler shows she is also trash).
Charlize herself has agreed with everyone around her who commented on how much more vulnerable she was with Stuart and how much happier she was with Sean. She is terrified of anything that makes her feel needy or less than self reliant but it really does just come off as lonely and miserable in the end.
I can never get a story out of my mind about Charlize staying at a swanky resort, one well accustomed to celebrities and the rich. Supposedly CT was the most temperamental, mean, demanding guest they have ever had. She was abusive to staff and would also throw fits if someone looked her in the eye. Just throwing that story out here. Oh, and I won’t watch this either.
O’Reilly: Maybe Tom Hanks?
Greta Van Susteren: Frances McDormand FTW
Shep Smith: Cumberbatch
Hannity: Is Josh Harnett too young ?
What the hell, Charlize? This is a big ‘no’. I don’t want any sort of redemption for Megyn Kelly and Theron as the mother of a black child, should think twice before playing a racist.
Paul Giamatti as RA is dream casting. And a fattened up Colin Farrell as Sean Hannity FTW!