Brad Pitt defends Ana de Armas as Marilyn Monroe: ‘Tough dress to fill’

nypost.com:

performance as film icon Marilyn Monroe in the upcoming Netflix film “Blonde” Tuesday after the actress received negative comments for her portrayal of the blonde bombshell, reports Entertainment Weekly.“She is phenomenal in it,” said Pitt, who is producing the movie through his company Plan B.“That’s a tough dress to fill.

It was 10 years in the making. It wasn’t until we found Ana that we could get it across the finish line.”The “Knives Out” actress announced in March 2019 that she would be playing Monroe and was immediately slammed by viewers who complained that a Cuban actress should not play an American Icon. “Blonde” is adapted from a book of the same name that was published in 2000 by Joyce Carol Oates and takes a fictional look into the highs and lows of both Monroe’s personal life and professional career.The film’s trailer, which was released in late July, shows de Armas nearly identical to the real Marilyn Monroe, however, most viewers said that they could still hear Armas’ Cuban accent.Marylin Monroe’s estate issued a statement in support of de Armas saying that they are excited to see her portrayal.“Marilyn Monroe is a singular Hollywood and pop culture icon that transcends generations and history.

Any actor that steps into that role knows they have big shoes to fill,” said estate representatives.“Based on the trailer alone, it looks like Ana was a great casting choice as she captures Marilyn’s glamour, humanity and vulnerability.

We can’t wait to see the film in its entirety!”Armas revealed that she also took several steps to make sure she also honored Monroe.“I read Joyce’s novel, studied hundreds of photographs, videos, audio recordings, films — anything I could get my hands on.