MOVIE AND MUSICAL NEWS

In 1999, The Man Who Ate the 747 was optioned by Bel-Air Entertainment and Warner Brothers. My friend Gwyn Lurie wrote the first screen adaptation. Gwyn has recently adapted Roald Dahl’s The BFG and a remake of the Gene Wilder classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The development process often takes awhile and many talented actors and directors have been drawn to the story. We’ve gotten very close to moving forward a few times. Producers Steve Reuther, Allyn Stewart, Jon Turteltaub and Christina Steinberg are working hard to make it happen, so cross your fingers.

Meanwhile, 747 is being developed as a musical. No kidding! Scott Rosenberg, a successful screenwriter, composer Brian Feinstein, and lyricist Sammy Buck are collaborating. Imagine: The fuselage of a jumbo jet jutting from a Broadway stage would make Miss Saigon’s helicopter seem pretty tame by comparison.

So, who do you think should play Willa, Wally and J.J. in the movie? Cameron Diaz? Billy Bob Thornton? Hugh Grant? Please share your casting ideas.