'Chicago' guys take on 'Nine'

Rob Marshall and Harvey Weinstein are to reunite for a film version of the Broadway smash.

Apr 13 2007

'Chicago' never really floated my boat, but it looks like I'm in the minority as the film grossed more than $300m worldwide and won six Oscars, including Best Picture.

Millions of you will therefore doubtless be pleased to hear that director Rob Marshall and producer Harvey Weinstein are reuniting on another musical movie project in the shape of 'Nine'.

The Broadway smash, which won the 1982 Tony Award for Best Musical, is loosely based on Fellini's '8 1/2' and focuses on fictional director Guido Contini as he starts work on his latest film while at the same time trying to juggle the attentions of the many women in his life.

''Nine' is a sumptuous and emotional work that translates naturally to the film musical genre because of its seamless relationship between fantasy and reality' said Marshall. 'Finding another musical to bring to the screen has been quite a journey and I am thrilled that it's 'Nine'. Harvey and I are looking forward to working together again, and I am excited to be taking on this challenging and provocative piece'.

And never one to understate his case, Weinstein added 'Rob and I have been looking for another musical to make together ever since 'Chicago' and I nearly fell over with excitement when he first suggested 'Nine'. It's a brilliant and timeless masterpiece, and no one can stage sexier or more dynamic numbers than Rob Marshall'.

The hunt is now on to find a leading man, and with Antonio Banderas receiving critical acclaim for his stage performance in the 2002 revival of the show, the Spanish actor is surely in pole position at the moment.