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Nicole Kidman is in talks to star in the upcoming Lucille Ball biopic titled Being the Ricardos. Ball is best known for her sitcom I Love Lucy. I Love Lucy first aired on CBS in 1951 and ran for six seasons. The quirky comedy follows Lucy's life in New York City married to bandleader Desi Arnaz. As Desi tries to make it big, Lucy always manages to go on some outlandish adventure and get herself in trouble. The series was inspired by Lucy and Desi's real-life marriage. Even though the show came out 70 years ago, it is still one of the most beloved comedies of all time.
Deadline confirms that Kidman is in talks to star in Being the Ricardos. Cate Blanchett was initially attached to the role during the project's early stages of development. At that point, the project was titled Lucy and Desi. Javier Bardem is eyed to play Kidman's counterpart, Desi Arnaz. Neither actor has closed deals on the roles yet, but both Kidman and Bardem are reportedly enthusiastic about the project. Renowned writer Aaron Sorkin penned the screenplay and recently signed on to direct the film as well. The Amazon Studios project will be produced by Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch.
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As a pick to play Lucille Ball, Kidman may stike some as an odd choice since the actress isn't particularly well known for her comedic roles. Being the Ricardos isn't strictly a comedy, though, and the movie is sure to feature the couple's behind the scenes drama as well as their on-screen antic. In that case, Kidman should be able to deftly portray both the public and private life of Lucy.
Being the Ricardos will not only focus on Lucy and Desi's life as a married couple, but what it was like for them behind-the-scenes of I Love Lucy and how working together impacted their marriage. The film takes place over one production week starting from the Monday table read up until the Friday live performance. During the film, the couple will endure high-stakes crises that could end their careers and marriage.