Film and TV fans got a surprise casting reveal on Friday as Nicole Kidman was photographed in costume by paparazzi while filming the Lucille Ball biopic—complete with the famous red hairdo.
Being the Ricardos is currently in production, lead by Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin and speculation surrounding its casting has been going on for months, with a number of A-listers reportedly attached to the project.
Kidman and Javier Bardem are starring as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in the film which will follow the famous couple during a chaotic time in their life and relationship.
The two actors have been photographed on set in Los Angeles which has led to controversy online as fans question the casting choice for the late I Love Lucy comedian.
"Nicole Kidman definitely isn't giving me Lucille Ball vibes," reads one tweet.
While another person added: "Listen, I love Nicole Kidman and wish her the best in this project but... let's not go overboard."
"Nicole Kidman is the best actress of her generation. One of my all-time favorites. I would literally put her in every movie, tv-show, etc. But her being cast as Lucille Ball is...not it," tweeted another.
Here are some other actresses who could be cast to play Lucille Ball instead of Nicole Kidman:
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"Will & Grace" star Debra Messing has not been shy about wanting to play Lucille Ball in Being the Ricardos and even tweeted to say she was “available” after fans pointed out the resemblance. Debra Messing attends the "Birthday Candles" Photocall at American Airlines Theatre on March 12, 2020 in New York City. Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
"Will & Grace" star Debra Messing has not been shy about wanting to play Lucille Ball in Being the Ricardos and even tweeted to say she was “available” after fans pointed out the resemblance. Debra Messing attends the "Birthday Candles" Photocall at American Airlines Theatre on March 12, 2020 in New York City. Roy Rochlin/Getty ImagesIsla Fisher has the slapstick side of Lucille Ball down to a tee. As one Twitter user put it: “I can’t believe they cast Nicole to play Lucille Ball when Isla Fisher lives.” Isla Fisher attends a screening of the Oscars on Monday April 26, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. Rick Rycroft-Pool/Getty ImagesBryce Dallas Howard has the Lucille Ball look and general vibe down. Would she have been a slightly more interesting choice for the character? Actress Bryce Dallas Howard attends the 2nd Annual Environmental Media Association (EMA) Honors Benefit Gala at Private Estate on September 28, 2019 in Pacific Palisades, California. Michael Tullberg/Getty/FilmMagicKate McKinnon attends the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 05, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesAnother SNL star who is known for pushing comedic boundaries, we can just picture Kristin Wiig recreating the iconic conveyor belt scene. Kristen Wiig attends the premiere of Paramount Pictures special screening of 'Downsizing' on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.JB Lacroix/Getty/WireImageTwitter definitely approves of this famous redhead taking on the iconic role. Julianne Moore attends the screening of "Les Miserables" during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2019 in Cannes, France.Toni Anne Barson/Getty/FilmMagicA much-loved character actress, Judy Greer has been a popular choice to play Lucille Ball ons social media. Judy Greer visits at SiriusXM Studios on September 14, 2018 in New York City. Robin Marchant/Getty Images"Carol" star Cate Blanchett was originally Sorkin's first choice to play Ball but may have possibly felt it was too close to her other recent period piece Mrs. America. Cate Blanchett attends the 'Cinderella' press conference during the 65th Berlinale International Film Festival at Grand Hyatt Hotel on February 13, 2015 in Berlin, Germany. Andreas Rentz/Getty ImagesAnother famous (bottle) redhead known for her comedy? Emma Stone seems like an obvious choice. Emma Stone attends the Premiere Of Sony Pictures' "Zombieland Double Tap" at Regency Village Theatre on October 10, 2019 in Westwood, California.Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesHaving done her best 50s sitcom pastiche in "WandaVision," Elizabeth Olsen is fresh in every TV buff’s mind as a period comic. Actress Elizabeth Olsen attends the Build Series to discuss "Sorry for Your Loss" at Build Studio on September 12, 2018 in New York City.Jim Spellman/Getty ImagesGillian Jacobs bears some resemblance to the comedian and has her acting chops thanks to her time on "Community." Actress Gillian Jacobs attends the Kate Spade New York Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week at New York Public Library on September 7, 2018 in New York City.Desiree Navarro/Getty/WireImage
Being the Ricardos is coming soon to Amazon Prime Video.
