When we hear anything about Penelope Spheeris' Janis Joplin biopic Gospel According to Janis, it's always about the casting of the central role. Last year, the rumor was that Renee Zellweger had actually been offered the part, but (much to Karina's glee) wasn't sure about taking it (she didn't). Then came a parade of girl-names, from Courtney Love and Brittany Murphy to Lindsay Lohan, Pink and Scarlett Johansson (who I'm pretty sure is suggested to studio heads for any female role these days, just because the mere mention of her name makes them drool).Also in the most recent list of actresses allegedly seen by Spheeris was Zooey Deschanel, the pint-sized, singing actress who for some reason has all even slightly geeky boys eating out of the palm of her hand. Well, boys, it's possibly time to rejoice: The UK's Popbitch (an email newsletter) claims that Deschanel has officially won the part. Whether it's true or not remains to be seen -- it is a fact, however, that she's currently playing Liza Minnielli in Simply Halston, which in and of itself is pretty awesome. I just may be warming up to this Zooey character.
[via Film Stalker]
1. I love me some Zooey, but I don't know about her as Joplin, whose weight fluctuated heavily from her teen years on.
Posted at 3:57PM on Aug 1st 2006 by ihatemovies