Before Ana de Armas assumed the role of Marilyn Monroe in the Netflix film "Blonde," two acclaimed Hollywood stars were initially considered for the part.
Released on September 28, the film, featuring Ana de Armas alongside actors such as Adrien Brody, Bobby Cannavale, and Julianne Nicholson, received mixed reviews, with controversy surrounding certain scenes, particularly those depicting s---al assault.
Despite the divisive reception, audiences and experts acknowledge Ana de Armas's meticulous portrayal of the iconic singer, crediting her with capturing Monroe's essence through precise movements, voice, and near-identical gestures.
However, when director Andrew Dominik initially contemplated the lead role in "Blonde," the Cuban-Spanish actress wasn't his initial choice.
Before selecting the 34-year-old actress, Dominik had considered two other stars, one of whom was Naomi Watts. The 54-year-old British artist underwent a photo session, capturing Monroe's likeness in the iconic white dress.
However, due to Watts committing to another project portraying Lady Di, she had to step away from "Blonde." This left the leading role vacant, leading Naomi Watts to delve into the biographical film of Diana Spencer, the Princess of Wales.
Another contender for the role of the iconic 1950s and 60s model was Jessica Chastain. Although initially announced to be part of the project in 2014, the award-winning actress, holding an Oscar, two SAGs, and a Golden Globe, ultimately withdrew.
In an interview at the time, Chastain revealed that she found the role unexciting, prompting her decision to step aside and leave the position open for another actor.
