The film version of the hit Broadway musical Rent almost had a different cast.

Chris Columbus, the director of the Home Alone movies and the first two Harry Potter films, admits he considered going the celebrity route when casting Rent. Rent is the story of a group of friends, many of whom are struggling artists and musicians, living in a condemned building in New York's East Village. And though it is a musical about death and dying, Rent is a stirring celebration about life and love.

As Columbus' producing partner Mark Radcliffe recalls, he and the filmmaker "started out with the idea of not using the original cast and many of the biggest names in music were eager to be in a film version of Rent." They considered casting Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Usher, Christina Aguilera and Brittany Murphy in the central roles.

"Yes, I talked to Justin. He's a really sweet, talented guy and he was very interested in the project," says Columbus.

--I would have sat outside my local theater and protested if he had cast those peeps. Kill me now. Thank God he changed his mind.

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Posted by Lawren at November 22, 2005 07:28 AM | Trackbacks (0)

You Said

Chances are, Rent will do well BECAUSE they're using the original cast. If someone sings, dances, and acts well enough to make it on Broadway, they're a hell of a lot more qualified to do the movie than Brittany Murphy.

Says: L at November 22, 2005 07:54 AM

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That cast would have caused me to projectile vomit. As someone who has sat in the audience of "Rent" no less than 9 times now (8 in NYC), I would refuse to accept anything less than REAL Broadway talent.

Says: Iceman at November 22, 2005 09:27 AM

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I dunno. An all-star cast worked for Cannonball Run.

:-p

Says: Kevvy the Unnamed Source at November 22, 2005 12:48 PM

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