Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball? Fans share photos of actress they say is better suited

Aussie actress Nicole Kidman has landed herself many incredible roles over the years, but not everyone is happy with the news she could be playing Lucille Ball in an upcoming film about the TV star’s life.

According to various publications, including Deadline, Kidman is in negotiations to play the American actress and comedian, while actor Javier Bardem – known for movies such as No Country for Old Men and Eat Pray Love – is eyeing off the role of Lucille’s husband Desi Arnaz. The movie, titled Being the Ricardos, will follow the relationship between the I Love Lucy stars as they navigate their working and personal lives side-by-side.

A production start date is still up in the year due to Covid-19 restrictions in the United States, according to Deadline, and Kidman and Bardem are yet to close deals on the roles, but the film has certainly got people talking. While fans of I Love Lucy are thrilled at the prospect of seeing the romance and troubles between Ball and Arnaz play out on the big screen, many are confused as to why Kidman is being considered for the main role.

Since news broke that she could take land the part, social media has blown up with comments from people around the world who are calling for Will and Grace actress Debra Messing to take on the role of Ball instead. Messing bears a striking resemblance to Ball and even dressed up as the 1950s star in an episode of Will and Grace that aired in 2020.

In my opinion…Nicole Kidman is an awesome actress…but Debra Messing would be perfect to play Lucille Ball. pic.twitter.com/7JtvVhPAQ7

— Rebecca (@myfabulousfind1) January 11, 2021

Some fans have declared that Messing’s experience playing Ball already puts her ahead of Kidman for the part. Meanwhile, others said comedy is not Kidman’s style and although she’s a fantastic actress they think she’s far better suited to drama and action.

 

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“In my opinion Nicole Kidman is an awesome actress, but Debra Messing would be perfect to play Lucille Ball,” @myfabulousfind1 wrote on Twitter alongside a photo of Messing dressed up as Lucille.

“I agree. I like Nicole Kidman, but she has zero comic timing. I don’t think she could play Lucille Ball,” @RestlessAle said. “I don’t think she could play Lucille Ball. Debra was born to play her! She was outstanding on that special episode of Will and Grace. Debra is the best comedy actress! She is absolutely brilliant.”

While @CBreeze27 added: “Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball? I love her, but no, oh no. Don’t see it. I envisioned @DebraMessing playing Lucy since the early Will and Grace days. Always told everyone she was born to play her. Physical comedy is a thing. Make this happen!”

However, there were others who disagreed and said Kidman would be great in the role. For one she does have naturally red hair and has dabbled in comedy before.

“Y’all are underestimating Nicole Kidman, she has done comedy before,” @supermangeek101 wrote on Twitter. While @bdmurchison added: “Bewitched was a hit. I know this isn’t the same thing, but Lucy and Desi were the childhoods of several generations.”