Naomi Watts to Play Marilyn Monroe in Blonde 2010-05-13 16:00:26

Who Makes a Better Marilyn Monroe — Williams or Watts?

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Forget about which actress is the best doppleganger for Jackie O. — now the race is on for the hottest Marilyn Monroe impersonator in Hollywood. Rumors have been swirling for months that Michelle Williams will play the iconic blond bombshell in the upcoming biopic My Week With Marilyn, and now Naomi Watts will also slip into Miss Monroe's high heels in Blonde. Sounds like we've got dueling Marilyns on our hands, but who do you think is a better fit?

Source: Getty, WireImage
MoviesMichelle WilliamsNaomi WattsMarilyn MonroeBlondeMovie NewsMy Week With Marilyn

27 Comments

The first promo shot of Naomi as Marilyn shows her looking so identical that there's no distinguishing her from the real thing. Meanwhile Michelle is clearly recognizable. I'm sure she'll still do great, though. Good thing they're not both fighting for the role in the same movie!
Shayne Lamas
Neither of them look anything like her! I agree that Katherine Heigl has the right looks, but she may not have the acting ability. Scarlett Johansson has a similar body and clothing style, but doesn't seem right for the role, otherwise. Marion Cotillard would be perfect if not for her accent. (There are probably a lot of appropriate brunettes we're overlooking). Jennie Garth or Drew Barrymore could do it, I think. But, an unknown would probably be (have been) best.
I disagree with all of you who think that Scarlett Johansson should play the part of Marilyn Monroe. Just having "the look" doesn't mean you can portray the personification of womanhood. Scarlett's voice is way too deep anyway. Think about Marilyn's movies, like "The Seven Year Itch". She oozes sex appeal and has the voice of an angel. I would soon rather see Megan Fox play Marilyn than Scarlett Johansson.
Michelle would do the role justice. She can accurately portray a vulnerable deep character. Her role in Shutter Island was haunting. However...I think they should cast an unknown....
mommie mommie
NEITHER, Charlize Theron would be my pick.
Miss Senorita Miss Senorita
I with the majority: NEITHER!!!
yeokr yeokr
i voted Naomi and that's how i voted, but then i was reminded of Michelle's character in I'm Not There, an Edie Sedgwick type.. it was an impressive change from her that i think will probably go a long ways towards another sex kitten character.
bohokitty bohokitty
Michelle's facial structure is closer to Marilyn's. She's also a fantastic actress. I don't think the figure matters as actors can gain/lose significant amounts of weight for roles. Penelope Cruz even wore a prosthetic bum for her role in Volver. I agree that Scarlet would be terrible for this role not only because of her acting style but because I think the image she attempts to project in real life is close enough to the plethora of Monroe imitators that she would bring to much of herself to the part. Casting the best actress to play Marilyn should be about finding someone with enough talent and depth to immerse themselves in the role NOT finding an actress who frequently rocks a similar makeup look and push up bra on the red carpet.
lilkimbo lilkimbo
Neither of these two. I agree that Scarlett Johanson would be a good choice and Seyfried would be a decent option, as well. I also think Marion Cotillard would do the role justice.
I have always felt that Scarlet Johanson could play Marilyn Monroe. She does have acting ability and has been in plenty of dramatic roles that showcase her talent.
Neither!!!
If Jennie Garth were younger she'd be great. I can't believe anyone thinks Scarlett would be good, they dress that way for red carpets but she would be no good. Her nose and nasally way of talking and not so smart plus her acting abilities are lacking. She is too obvious a choice because of a fake image. Yuck!
postingh postingh
Explain...any known actress in the Monroe role will be so and so playing Marilyn Monroe. There is no way around that. The best make-up in the universe won't transform that known status into a pure outstanding living Monroe on screen. The acting, if the film is to be great, must bring forth the core of Monroe's naive joy and sadness that were always there like best friends on the phone for hours; And, allow the audience to see Monroe and not an actress playing Marilyn.
postingh postingh
Akshully, neither. A new face is needed for that role.
hmmm @ zeze i'm with you on the Amanda Seyfried thing...lol i just saw "Chloe"
zeze zeze
Scarlett may have the look, but not really the acting ability or the playful sex appeal that Marilyn had. I don't like either of these choices though...both are so stiff and kind of cold. I would love to see Amanda Seyfried do it, she has the body, the playfulness (see Mamma Mia) and sex appeal to spare (see Chloe)
zeze zeze
Scarlett may have the look, but not really the acting ability or the playful sex appeal that Marilyn had.I don't like either of these choices though...both are so stiff and kind of cold.I would love to see Amanda Seyfried do it, she has the body, the playfulness (see Mamma Mia) and sex appeal to spare (see Chloe)
glynislily glynislily
Wow! Scarlett? pss I'm with you, she does not have the talent. I can't decide between these Michelle and Naomi. They would both be great. But if it were Scarlett it would just turn into a girl with a deep voice trying to sound like she has a soft voice and which would then turn comedic. The voice is as important as the look and she couldn't do it.
glynislily glynislily
Wow! Scarlett? pss I'm with you, she does not have the talent. I can't decide between these Michelle and Naomi. They would both be great. But if it were Scarlett it would just turn into a girl with a deep voice trying to sound like she has a soft voice and which would then turn comedic. The voice is as important as the look and she couldn't do it.
nygurl nygurl
scarjo resembles marilyn the best, but naomi's my choice if it's a heavy script.
pss pss
I don't think Scarlett is talented enough to get this kind of role. I love the idea of Michelle playing it, she might no have the body but we're talking about a film no a contest about who does look like her
postmodernsleaze postmodernsleaze
I also think Scarlett Johansson would be best. She undoubtedly has the body & the sexy appeal, and the acting chops to pull off the sadder side of Marilyn Monroe.
tlsgirl tlsgirl
Neither! I'd go with Katherine Heigl or Scarlett Johansen.
silicapathways silicapathways
neither!
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