Travolta to Play Liberace?

(Getty Images) The news that Steven Soderbergh was in the beginning stages of making a movie about the life of Liberace caught my attention slightly, but when I read about who was being considered for casting -- that's what really got my interest.

Variety reported that Soderbergh drafted the biopic with none other than Michael Douglas set to play Liberace.  What?  I can see Douglas being OK in the role, but let's face it -- there are so many others who would so much better.

Call me crazy, but I think Alec Baldwin could kill as Liberace, but if you really think about it, the one actor who seems like he was born to play the legendary closeted crooner is Kevin Kline.  Think about it!  Eddie Izzard also pops into my mind, and John Travolta could be fab.

But the casting news didn't stop there.  Variety also reported that Matt Damon was being considered for the role of Scott Thorson, the man who sued Liberace in 1982 for millions in palimony. 

Damon's a  good choice, but is he the best?  While his acting skills aren't likely great, Lance Bass pops into my head immediately for this role.  (Whoa -- can you imagine Bass and Travolta together???) And no matter how hard Hollywood seems to be pushing Ryan Reynolds onto female audiences, he just doesn't seem to be cutting with the ladies.  Gay men love Ryan, and casting him as Thorson may finally be the one role that pushes Reynolds into the mainstream.

The thought of  Liberace biopic doesn't scream box office at all, but think about it -- with the right casting in the right roles, things could get interesting.  Any ideas on other actors?  Let me know.

Comments

[Scott]

Jack Nicholson.

Hey, he was great as the Joker!

[Scott]

Jack Nicholson.

Hey, he was great as the Joker!

[Scott]

Jack Nicholson.

Hey, he was great as the Joker!

[SureShot]

Baldwin, Izzard, Kline...all great choices for Liberace...but really, this is a role that Travolta was BORN to play. Another case of life imitating art imitating life. If Travolta ever chooses to embrace himself as a homosexual....he would literally slay Hollywood with this biopic. Who knows...Travolta just may surprise all of us..and finally 'do the right thing'.

[gidderguy]

I say Fred Phelps.

[Will Silver]

Harvey Fierstein would be great. And he is a great pianist.

[walter]

This guy peaked as an actor several years ago. He is now a has been joke of an actor and should go jump on the Oprah couch with his scientology fruitcake friends. I was mortified at his acting job in hairspray. I think dick cheney in drag could have done it better. If they want the Liberace movie to flop big just pick travolta

[John]

Two words... Kevin Spacey!

[Rich]

No matter who gets the role of Liberace, they will need to be slender, I can not see John Travolta losing 50-60 pounds to play the role. Matt Damon might be good as Scott Thorson. Oh well, it's another Hollywood treatment and they will get whom ever to play the parts.

[David]

John Travolta as Liberace? They must have lost their minds! He is a horrible actor and a homophobe. At least put someone one the screen to portray Liberace that have a little bit of sense and talent! He needs to retire and chat with his nutty scientology friends!

[Shelender]

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[Acting classes Los Angeles]

I guess Ryan Reynolds would fit for the role of Scott Thorson. I agree with you Chuck, i think Michael Douglas is not fit for the role of Liberace. He's too old for the role. Alec Baldwin or John Travolta would be nice.

-peter