Carla Gugino Will Play as Vivien Leigh in the Upcoming Biopic ‘The Florist’
The Fall of the House of Usher star Carla Gugino is ready for her next project. She is set to perform the role of the screen legend Vivien Leigh in the upcoming biopic ‘The Florist, which Nick Sandow directs.
According to reports, the story will take place in the 1960s as Leigh prepares to work on the Broadway Production of Ivanov, an adaptation of John Gielgud’s Chekhov. It will also explore Leigh’s struggle with bipolar disorder and its electroconvulsive therapy. The script is based on her romance with Joseph Penn, a florist and a World War II veteran.
Gugino expressed her excitement about being cast as Leigh. She said that she was excited about the opportunity to portray Vivien. She also added that the moment she read the script, she understood that ‘The Florist’ was a journey she had to pursue.
Carla Gugino to Play ‘Gone With the Wind’ Star Vivien Leigh in Biopic ‘The Florist’ (EXCLUSIVE) https://t.co/ti5Lc3AJg2
— Variety (@Variety) April 30, 2024
Vivien Leigh is considered one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood. She was famous for her performance as Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind, and she won the Best Actress Oscar for the performance. Once again, she accomplished this by playing Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire. Her other important works include Anna Karenina, Waterloo Bridge, and That Hamilton Woman.
Rather than her acting career, Leigh was known for her relationship with Laurence Olivier. They started their affair while filming Fire Over England in 1937. They tied the knot in 1940, but her mental health issues and their unfaithfulness in marriage led them to divorce in 1960. In Olivier’s autobiography, he explained the years of pressure they have faced due to Leigh’s illness.
Morgan Brittany portrayed Leigh in three biographical films, which include The Day of the Locuts, Gable and Lombard, and The Scarlette O’Hara War. Julia Ormond played Leigh in the 2011 biographical drama My Week with Marilyn. Recently, Katie McGuinness acted as Leigh in the series Hollywood.
Carla Gugino made a prominent career by acting in various movies and series in the last few years. She got world recognition by playing the Spy Kids Trilogy. Her other important films include Sin City, Night at the Museum, Gerald’s Game, and American Gangster.
Gugino also acted in various series, including The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and The Girls on the Bus.
Nick Sandow, famous for his role in the Orange Is the New Black series, will direct the biopic ‘The Florist.’ The script was written by Jayce Bartok based on Leigh’s box of love letters. Lauren Hale-Rieckhoff will produce the film in association with Vinyl Foote Productions, and the co-producer is Jenna Mack. The list of other cast members is expected to be announced shortly.
I was very honored to portray Vivien Leigh in 3 projects. I actually count “Moviola: The Scarlett O’Hara War” as one of my top favorite roles. It was such a magical night when we recreated the burning of Atlanta scene on the back lot in Burbank. Coming out of the makeup trailer I remember Garson Kanin and Ruth Gordon who were very close friends of Vivien’s were there to watch; and they both came up to me and said, “It’s like she’s standing right here with us.” There is magic in Hollywood and you never know when it will happen. I do hope this new film is kind to Vivien.