Casting - The Doris Day Story

[Johnny]

Yesterday a friend remarked that now after Doris' passing we can expect more books, documentaries, and the high probability of a feature film on the life of Doris Day.

It would be a honour to Doris' memory if time is taken to produce a first class script. Studios and producers with money in mind often rush the process.

There are many excellent casting suggestions listed in these forum postings. Right now, Charlize Theron is at the top of my list.

With the successes of recent musical biographies Bohemian Rhapsody, I'm Not There, Straight Outta Compton, Born To Be Blue, and the upcoming Rocketman, it is inevitable that Doris' story will be on the silver screen.

In addition to a musical biography on Doris, I would love to see a documentary on Doris' advocacy work for animals. I can't think of anything she would like more.

My friend suggested a film title: Doris Day- It's Magic. This looks like an entirely new forum topic.

[howard]

I'd love to see a Broadway musical based on her life, and then a movie.

[Johnny]

Excellent idea Howard!

[webmaster]

This is a 10-year-old post resurrected by Johnny. :

Interesting and perhaps timely.

[howard]

The great Broadway star, Kelli O'Hara (she's a big DD fan!) would make a great Doris on the Broadway stage. I, in fact, sent her a tweet today just to tickle her imagination.

[Jas1]

I agree with all recent comments. Long overdue.

[Johnny]

It was announced about a year ago actress Kaley Cuoco ( The Big Bang Theory) is scheduled to play Doris Day in a television mini series. It is based on Doris' 1975 book by A.E. Hotchner . Has anyone heard any updates on this?

[Johnny]

With the massive success of the film Barbie, it occurred to me that Margot Robbie who is a gifted actress would be the right casting choice to play Doris Day.

Her eyes and smile and sparkling personality are well suited to the role.

Does anyone know what happened with Kaley Cueco playing Doris in the 2022 announcement of The Doris Day Story?

[howard]

I keep hoping for an update, but I've seen nothing this past year. Bummer!

[Renie]

I think that the original announcement about Kaley Cuoco playing Doris came in 2022. However, it included
the announcement that she was pregnant plus the fact that the script for the DD film hadn't been written,
and she had another film project to complete before starting a Doris film. Yesterday I saw that her baby
will be a year old in March but there wasn't any more information about the status of the Doris film. I for
one am glad that the film is to be based on Doris' book as told by her. There are too many other books out
there with too many other opinions about her life story. I'm also glad that I read where people from DDAF
are involved in this film-making project. It seemed apparent that she trusted them.

Renie

[Johnny]

Thank you Renie for the update on the Doris Day Film. I am pleased to know the Doris Day Animal Foundation is involved.

I was hoping for a feature film with a great director to tell Doris' story. Some of the best film biographies that come ho mind are:


Frances - Directed by Graeme Clifford

Elvis - Directed by Baz Luhrmann

Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool- Directed by Paul McGuigan ( Life of Gloria Grahame)

Judy - Directed by Rupert Goold

Funny Gitl - Directed by William Wyler


Some other actors and actresses that deserve feature film biographies are:


Susan Hayward
Gene Tierney
Tyrone Power
Rita Hayworth
Clark Gable
Gregory Peck

[jmichael]

I suppose this could still happen but the likelihood decreases with each passing year as Cuoco is in demand for series and films on streaming platforms. It's not uncommon for projects to be announced and never make it past the development phase. No screenwriter has been announced to my knowledge. Not sure how long her option on the book will last. Usually, filmmakers pay a fee for a set period of time. If the film or series isn't made within that time, the rights revert to the owners and they are free to shop it elsewhere. I'd be more optimistic if Cuoco would bring it up during her interviews, but so far, she hasn't.

I agree w Johnny that Robbie would be an excellent choice to play Doris. Not sure if she sings, but she could lip-synch to Doris's recordings.

Michael

[Johnny]

I could not find any songs sung by Margot Robbie on the Barbie soundtrack. The I Tonya soundtrack doesn't list any.

I think I would prefer to hear Doris sing in the film. This discussion made me think of the selection of Doris' songs for
the soundtrack I would like , ( although the story would determine the choices):


It's Magic
If I Give My Heart to You
Lullaby of Broadway
Secret Love
Day by Day
Love Me or Leave Me
Autumn Leaves
At Last
The Song is You
My Heart
Young at Heart
How Insensitive
Summer Has Gone
Close Your Eyes
Sentimental Journey
I Have Dreamed
I Remember You
When I Fall in Love

[howard]

Great selections!

[jmichael]

I agree with Howard - these are all great choices. Nicely done, Johnny.

Michael

[Johnny]

So happy the Doris Day Forum is back...

It has been over a year since there has been any word on Kayley Cuoco' s film on Doris Day. It has been over three years since this film was mentioned. Does anyone know about any updates?

I am still hoping there is an opportunity for Margot Robbie to play Doris Day. They are the same height with similar broad smiles and sparkling blue eyes.
Margot Robbie sang in Barbie and the film Amsterdam.

At one time, Michelle Pfeiffer would have been a perfect choice. She was brilliant in The Fabulous Baker Boys starring brothers and Beau Bridges.

[Johnny]

Listening to Doris Day songs, it prompted me to think about Doris Day songs to use in The Doris Day Story.

These songs could support a structure for the film.


It Might as Well be Spring. ( 1922 - 1954)

Summer Has Gone ( 1955 - 1975)

Autumn Leaves ( 1976 2000)

Winter Wonderland ( 2001 2019)

[howard]

Is there a Doris Day story on tap??

[Johnny]

I saw Kayley Cuocoon the Graham Norton Show today. She did not mention the Doris Day film series she is producing.

Checking with AI , asking if Kayley Cuoco is still developing the Doris Day project; It states:

" Yes, Kayley Cuoco's production company, Norman Productions, is developing a limited series about Doris Day with the cooperation of the Doris Day Estate.

Project Status: Developed by Cuoco, Berlanti Productions and Watner Bros. Television.

Key Personnel: Co-excutive producers include Bob Bashara ( trustee ftom the estate) and consulting producer Jim Pierson, who worked with Day.

No network has been attached to the project yet.

The project was first announced in March 12 - 2021.

[howard]

Thanks, Johnny. I was wondering about that

[Johnny]

Thank you Howard!

I will keep tracking the information on the project and post it on the form .

I would prefer a Doris Day biographical major movie with a great director. Call if Day by Day!
After seeing Michelle Pfeiffer in The Fabulous Baker Boys, I thought she would have been great casting at that time to play Doris.

Susan Hayward is another great actress deserving of a major biographical film. Susan's life off screen was as dramatic as some of her films. There is great source material in the excellent biography by Beverly Linet, Susan Hayward, Portrait of a Survivor.

Someone in Hollywood should be smart enough to make these films to honour these actresses.

[Johnny]

There has not been much news on the film The Doris Day Story.

Thinking about today's talented actresses who could play Doris ; I came across two actresses that are strong candidates.

Florence Pugh is a gifted English actress who is 30 years old. Her films includes Little Women, Father ov the Bride , Oppenheimer.

The second actress is American Sarah Pigeon who is 29 years old.Her film work includes Lazareth, The Friend, I Know What You Did Last Summer and upcoming Honeymoon with Harry.

She played Carolyn Bessetre Kennedy in the television series Love Story.

The real question for both these actresses is in their talents to sing and dance.

Renee Zellweger did her own singing in her Best Actress Academy Award winning role as Judy Garland in Judy (2016).

I am hoping we hear news this that the Doris Day Story will happen this year.