Esmeralda (Gina Lollobrigida) with Phoebus (Jean Danet), 1956 Hunchback of Notre Dame
Last week it was announced that one Peter Chernin was developing a new Hunchback of Notre Dame movie from Esmeralda’s perspective. This is a big deal for a few reasons.
First and foremost this idea originally was announced in 2013 as an idea for Once Upon a Time. Once it was announced that was the last anyone heard about it. It’s very unclear if this movie idea came from the Once Upon a Time idea or is a separate concept.
Second this is the first movie since the freaking lost films that Esmeralda as the focus character. Evert movie version since 1923 has been a Quasimodo movie. This also mean most movie versions made are vanity projects lead by a 40 something male actor looking to play emotional yet physically demanding role.
Looking in to Peter Chernin who is not and actor or a director but a business man turned producer who has his own production, Chernin Entertainment. So it’s more likely that this film will happen than other film version that are being made who wanted to be made. Though Max Ryan’s upcoming version which is set to start filming in Serbia is an independent movie.
Also all the new outlets that have report on this are calling it a Live-action. This that either they are connecting it to the Disney version because of the trend of live-action Disney movies is REALLY big right now, they are confused or does Chernin have titles to Disney? That is unclear and it’s still really early in development. But it’s fun that there are two new Hunchback movies in the works, good or bad.
Also one person on http://screenrant.com/hunchback-notre-dame-esmeralda-retelling/ implied Mila Kunis, Penelope Cruz, Aishwarya Rai, or Vanessa Hudgens for the role of Esmeralda. To which I say;
maybe, interesting because her sister Moinca was listed in negotiation for Esmeralda for the Max Ryan movie in like 2007, pushing it on age and her Hollywood debut never really panned out but we could get a kickass dance number if they cast a Bollywood actress, and lastly nope please no on Hudgens.
I hope they give the role to a new actress but I doubt they will but it will depend on Esmeralda background who they cast. I wish they would go with Esmeralda’s original backstory but they don’t I don’t care that much.
Who do you want to play Esmeralda?
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Honestly, I don’t know who I’d want to see in the role. I know that I don’t want the role to go to someone who will make the character overtly sexual. And the roles needs to go to someone who is a strong actress, who can convey emotion without words…because in the book, Esmeralda doesn’t say much. I too would like the screen writer(s) to keep the character’s original back story-or at least give the audience some back story. One of the main problems I have with the Disney version of the character is we’re given no backstory-she’s a gypsy and that’s all we’re given…yes, I know there was a book put out by Disney in Mexico (I think that’s the correct country, but I could be wrong) which gave Esmeralda a backstory-the Disney Esmeralda had a sister, who was arrested and killed by Frollo/the guards.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Disney make a live action adaptation; I think in doing live action, it gives a little more freedom with the rating and maybe the studio would incorporate more of the original source material and GET RID OF THE GARGOYLES!!!
I don’t really care who plays Esmeralda, expect Vanessa Hudges! She’s a terrible actress, have you seen her in Rent? I just don’t think she can do it. Mila Kunis? Meh… She isn’t that pretty and she’s pushing the age for Esmeralda, Penelope is too old I think, isn’t she in her 30’s? Aishawarya is think is probably the best choice
I have not seen Vanessa Hudgens in Rent but I don’t think I want to. Mila Kunia is 32, Penelope Cruz is 41 and Aishwarya Rai is 42. Personally I think Jana Perez would be good for the role, don’t know her age though.
Oh I didn’t realize they were that old! I think she could be good!