We heard a rumor yesterday that Barbra Streisand was considering Lady Gaga for a film role in her upcoming re-make of Gypsy (ostensibly to play Louise). Though it begs the question as to whether Gaga can act (and it's hard to picture her playing a character other than herself), casting a pop star in the movie version of a Broadway classic is nothing new. From Beyoncé in Dream Girls to Diana Ross in The Wiz to Madonna in Evita, Hollywood loves using a headline-grabbing singer to boost box office numbers. While we're waiting on more news to trickle out about Gaga's film debut, we've dreamed up nine other movie musicals we'd like to see starring a few of our favorite pop divas.
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Katy Perry as Reno Sweeney in...Anything Goes
Given Perry's affinity for pin curls and sparkly gowns, she'd be a good fit for an Anything Goes remake. She's perfect for the brassy role of Reno Sweeney, but she'd need to bone up on her dancing skills. The dance-intensive role will require her to trade in her whipped cream can bra for a pair of tap dance shoes.
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Miley Cyrus as Mimi Marquez in...Rent
Lately Miley's been after a grungier, more "grown-up" persona (her new 'do and engagement being the most obvious examples) and nothing says "take me seriously as an actress" than playing an HIV-positive stripper. And, yeah, yeah, we know they just made a movie version of Rent a few years ago but don't pretend you haven't seen the musical five times on Broadway, saw the movie twelve times in theaters and wouldn't buy a ticket to a midnight screening to watch Miley sing "Light My Candle."
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Christina Aguilera as Sally Bowles in...Cabaret
Let's be real: the painted pop star has always been two steps away from a life in the cabaret (Burlesque, anyone? "Lady Marmalade?"). And how great would it be if she debuted her rousing rendition of "Maybe This Time" before they announced the winners of The Voice? Also, a role in Cabaret would give Xtina a safe space to rock the no pants look 24/7.
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Selena Gomez as Maria in...West Side Story
In addition to her role in Harmony Korine's upcoming Springbreakers, Selena Gomez playing Maria in West Side Story could be a good opportunity for her to start taking more mature roles (the forbidden love of Maria and Tony is pretty steamy after all). Plus, she's a dead-ringer for Natalie Wood.
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Taylor Swift as Ado Annie in...Oklahoma!
Ado Annie's famous song "I Can't Say No" could very well be the title track off of Taylor Swift's next album.
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Britney Spears as Charity Hope Valentine in...Sweet Charity
Britney hasn't shown off her "Oops!... I Did It Again"-era dance moves in way too long and we'd love to see her perform Fosse's classic choreography as the titular dancehall girl in Sweet Charity.
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Nicki Minaj as Elphaba in...Wicked
Nicki Minaj needs to add another persona to her ever-expanding repetoire. The role of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, wouldn't be such a stretch given her affinity for heavy make-up, snarling and the color green.
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Lana Del Rey as Kim MacAfee in...Bye Bye Birdie
Stylistically, LDR is a perfect Ann Margret doppelgänger but tempermentally, the role might be a bit of stretch. Where the girlish and peppy Kim MacAfee is probably a ten on the excitement scale, Del Rey usually clocks in at a two. That said, the 1963 movie musical might be due for a rehaul. We say hire someone like Lee Daniels (Precious, The Paperboy) to direct, transform Bye Bye Birdie into a brooding arthouse film and slap LDR's name above the marquee. Potential teenage infidelity never got so raw.
![Screen shot 2012-12-06 at 4.54.49 PM.png]()
Katy Perry as Reno Sweeney in...Anything GoesGiven Perry's affinity for pin curls and sparkly gowns, she'd be a good fit for an Anything Goes remake. She's perfect for the brassy role of Reno Sweeney, but she'd need to bone up on her dancing skills. The dance-intensive role will require her to trade in her whipped cream can bra for a pair of tap dance shoes.
Miley Cyrus as Mimi Marquez in...RentLately Miley's been after a grungier, more "grown-up" persona (her new 'do and engagement being the most obvious examples) and nothing says "take me seriously as an actress" than playing an HIV-positive stripper. And, yeah, yeah, we know they just made a movie version of Rent a few years ago but don't pretend you haven't seen the musical five times on Broadway, saw the movie twelve times in theaters and wouldn't buy a ticket to a midnight screening to watch Miley sing "Light My Candle."
Christina Aguilera as Sally Bowles in...CabaretLet's be real: the painted pop star has always been two steps away from a life in the cabaret (Burlesque, anyone? "Lady Marmalade?"). And how great would it be if she debuted her rousing rendition of "Maybe This Time" before they announced the winners of The Voice? Also, a role in Cabaret would give Xtina a safe space to rock the no pants look 24/7.
Selena Gomez as Maria in...West Side StoryIn addition to her role in Harmony Korine's upcoming Springbreakers, Selena Gomez playing Maria in West Side Story could be a good opportunity for her to start taking more mature roles (the forbidden love of Maria and Tony is pretty steamy after all). Plus, she's a dead-ringer for Natalie Wood.
Taylor Swift as Ado Annie in...Oklahoma!Ado Annie's famous song "I Can't Say No" could very well be the title track off of Taylor Swift's next album.
Britney Spears as Charity Hope Valentine in...Sweet CharityBritney hasn't shown off her "Oops!... I Did It Again"-era dance moves in way too long and we'd love to see her perform Fosse's classic choreography as the titular dancehall girl in Sweet Charity.
Nicki Minaj as Elphaba in...WickedNicki Minaj needs to add another persona to her ever-expanding repetoire. The role of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, wouldn't be such a stretch given her affinity for heavy make-up, snarling and the color green.
Lana Del Rey as Kim MacAfee in...Bye Bye BirdieStylistically, LDR is a perfect Ann Margret doppelgänger but tempermentally, the role might be a bit of stretch. Where the girlish and peppy Kim MacAfee is probably a ten on the excitement scale, Del Rey usually clocks in at a two. That said, the 1963 movie musical might be due for a rehaul. We say hire someone like Lee Daniels (Precious, The Paperboy) to direct, transform Bye Bye Birdie into a brooding arthouse film and slap LDR's name above the marquee. Potential teenage infidelity never got so raw.
Ke$ha as Any Role in...Cats
Just look at her!
Just look at her!