Yes, you heard right. One for the Money is being made into a feature film from TriStar (Columbia). They made a fabulous choice by making it into a movie. But their first mistake — casting Katherine Heigl as spunky Italian/Hungarian heroine, Stephanie Plum.
Hard core Evanovich fans are saying, “I think NOT!”
Just what was the casting director/agent thinking when they casted whiny-can’t-get-along-with-her-coworkers Katherine Heigl? (Oh that’s right, they weren’t thinking). More importantly, they probably haven’t even read the books.
Evanovich fans have been picturing a movie since the beginning. Not one person ever imagined Heigl to be a good fit. In fact, she is far, far, from it.
Casting is so important in this series, with the reader-count so high that the wrong choice could make an instant movie flop. Who is going to see a movie in which the main hero – our hero – is completely 100% the wrong choice?
Because TriStar (Columbia) is having such obvious issues in their casting decisions. I have decided to compile a list that they should take into consideration.
Step 1: Fire Heigl. (See, it’s even fun to say). Say it with me.. “Fire Heigl. Fire Heigl. Fire Heigl.”
5 Actresses that would make a better Stephanie Plum than Katherine Heigl
Sandra Bullock
I don’t care that she’s in her mid 40s. She’s gorgeous. She has spunk. She’s funny. She’s talented. She’s hard core fan’s #1 choice for Stephanie Plum. Sandra Bullock is at her peak after winning a Golden Globe and with Oscar talk for The Blind Side. Take advantage of her success now, and cast her as Stephanie Plum. No questions. Just do it.
Fans will be happy – and no, no one cares that she’s not 30. I’d rather see her roll around on the floor with Morelli than Katherine Heigl (shudder). Plus, I’d probably pay to see the movie more than once. Just sayin’.
Anne Hathaway
You want a younger brunette, right? One who is cute, funny, and has a sort of innocent, yet spunky quality about her?
The first time I ever saw Hathaway was in The Princess Diaries, of course. She was funny then, and she is funny now. Plus, having dated a felon (right?) – she’s no stranger to bad choices in love. (oh Stephanie.. Stephanie..)
D’accord?
JoAnna Garcia
JoAnna always had me chuckling during Reba as a ditzy blonde teen mother. In privledged, she proved she could be taken seriously, while still maintaining a somewhat comedic role.
She’s young (bonus #1), brunette (bonus #2), adorable (bonus #3), and of course – NOT Katherine Heigl (this seals the deal).
Plus, on top of that – I don’t think Garcia has done many feature films. Has she? This would be a good opportunity for her to step out of the TV circuit and into the big screen.
Zooey Deschanel
She’s pretty much every girl’s #1 girl crush in 2009-2010. I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t absolutely adore her. At the same time, she’s not over-kill when it comes to the media and many people still do not know who she is. This would be a great fit for Stephanie Plum, as some movies do better when the actresses haven’t already been type-casted into certain roles.
Plus, becoming Stephanie Plum might just make her a household name. I think TriStar (Columbia) might want to re-think their original choice.
Kate Beckinsale
Okay – sure she is another “older actress” along with Sandra Bullock. But isn’t Hollywood’s “40″ the real world’s “30″? Plus being not only incredibly hot – but she’s also very talented. She has proven herself to be capable of action-packed scenes (Hello Underworld).
It shouldn’t be about the age of the actress – but how about the talent, the fit, the like-ability factor? Who doesn’t like Kate Beckinsale?
Listen, Tristar (Columbia) – Your choice for Katherine Heigl as Stephanie Plum has upset many Evanovich fans – and those are exactly who you should be trying to impress. Choosing someone who is so absolutely opposite of everything Stephanie Plum is not only shows us that you have not only not read the books – but you really don’t care about profit. (And if that’s the case – why the movie?) Heigl as Plum will only ensure one thing – the movie is a flop.
I encourage you to rethink your choices. If not any of the above, that’s fine. Just about anyone would make a better Plum than Katherine. Guaranteed.
Do you disagree with TriStar (Columbia’s) choice for Stephanie Plum? If so, sign below on Mr. Linky!
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Sandra Bullock from a few years ago, yup. And I’d say Bette Midler (from a few years ago) for Connie. But some of those people are too lovely and glamorous. I don’t think Stef is particularly exotic. She’s cute but no glam beauty. I’d say someone more like Joan Cusack (from a few years ago) but I always thought her looks were underrated. Stupid Hollywood.
Would Reese Witherspoon be too much?
Twitter: WellReadReviews
says:
Although I love LOVE Reese, Kate – I can’t quite picture her as Stephanie Plum. Though I wouldn’t be as upset, had they chose her over Heigl.
Twitter: finchfeet
says:
If we are talking about actresses when they were young I actually picture a young Debra Winger type when I’m reading the books. Of these 5 my vote is for Zooey, she’s funny and cool.
Twitter: finchfeet
says:
Gabourey Sidibe from Precious for Lula, she is very funny on talk shows and this would show her range, I do not want to see this girl fade away.
Firstly..lets be clear on a few things. Noone cast Heigl in the traditional manner. The project has only been brought back because of her interest in it and the studio resurrected it on that basis. If Heigl dropped out – the movie would no longer be made. Secondly, clearly you are not a fan of hers – fair enough – you are entitled to your opinion.
However, this doesn’t get along with her co-workers is just not true. She gets on with pretty much everyone she works with very well. She socializes with most of the cast of Grey’s Anatomy away from work – go read the opinions of the people who worked on The Ugly Truth or 27 Dresses…they can’t sing her praises enough.
Thirdly – why have a picture of her blonde? She wont be blonde in the movie – Heigl is in fact as much brown as blonde. Several of her movies have been as a brunette. She is also from the East coast having grown up in Connecticut and spent a lot of time in New York. She used to model for Elite and Wilhelmina in the city. She is quirky, funny and a good actress as well. Furthermore she isn’t some kind of Hollywood rake that is 5 foot tall 100lbs. She is a healthy size and you could actually believe that she could actually take someone down.
Give the movie a chance – it has not even started filming yet. None of the actresses you list bring anythnig to the party that Katherine doesn’t already have.
Twitter: WellReadReviews
says:
Although I appreciate your comment, Marrick – I will just have to agree to disagree. As far as Evanovich has said on her Facebook page, Tristar(Columbia) has cast Heigl. Where are you getting your information that proves otherwise?
As for my choice in pictures – it was one of the first ones that popped up. Had a brunette picture popped up somewhere on that page, I would have used that.
I am glad she has a fan in you, but I think she’s whiny and wrong, wrong, wrong, for the part.
Twitter: Lavender_Lines
says:
My problem with Heigl in this role is that so far I’ve only ever seen her in “cutsey” roles. I always pictured someone with a bit more spunk. A little less polished. Sandra or Zooey would be my choices. Or Zooey’s sister Emily (TV’s Bones).
.-= Colleen´s last blog ..Review: After the Falls by Catherine Gildiner =-.
RT @wellreadreviews Actresses that would make a better Stephanie Plum than Katherine Heigl | Well-Read Reviews http://tinyurl.com/yj87dx9
Twitter: purplg8r
says:
I have always thought of Sandra Bullock as the perfect Stephanie Plum. And while I hadn’t thought about it, Anne Hathaway and JoAnna Garcia would be good too (although I’m not too fond of Zooey Dechanel and I think Kate Beckinsale is too “pretty”.) I really like Katherine Heigl, but I just don’t picture her for this part
.-= Andrea M.´s last blog ..Friday Firsts- February 12, 2010 =-.
Actresses that would make a better Stephanie Plum than Katherine … http://bit.ly/bbWj52
RT @wellreadreviews: 5 Actresses that would make a better Stephanie Plum than Katherine Heigl –> http://tinyurl.com/yj87dx9
Word. RT @wellreadreviews 5 Actresses that would make a better Stephanie Plum than Katherine Heigl –> http://tinyurl.com/yj87dx9
RT @wellreadreviews: 5 Actresses that would make a better Stephanie Plum than Katherine Heigl –> http://tinyurl.com/yj87dx9
I agree! RT @wellreadreviews Actresses that would make a better Stephanie Plum than Katherine Heigl | http://tinyurl.com/yj87dx9
Allison – If read the announcement for the movie from Variety you would have seen:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118014889.html?categoryid=13&cs=1
“Col and Lakeshore were eager to reteam on another Heigl project after their recent collaboration, “The Ugly Truth,” earned more than $200 million in worldwide B.O.
Reese Witherspoon was previously attached to take on the role, but the project has been dormant for several years. Heigl’s interest has put the project back on the fast track, with Andrea Giannetti overseeing for the studio. Col and Lakeshore will next look to attach a director.”
If Heigl was not interested the movie would not be getting made.
Twitter: WellReadReviews
says:
Not particularly true, Marrick. True maybe Heigl is bringing notice to the project – but whose to say it wouldn’t be picked up eventually with someone else?
I’ve only read the first book, but Sandra has proven to be a very versatile actress. She can glam up or down — first choice. As much as I like Kate, I always think of her as more feminine, less tough.
.-= Kim´s last blog ..Wednesday Wit and Wisdom =-.
@Marrick, I don’t care if Heigl resurrected the project. Her involvement in it kills it for me. I won’t watch it because of her rudeness to writers and crew members and her general arrogance. Every time she opens her mouth, she turns me off.
I will always read Evanovich’s books, but I refuse to contribute to Heigl’s salary any further or encourage the belief in Hollywood that she’s a bankable actress.
Twitter: WellReadReviews
says:
Here! Here!!
Heigl is a horrible choice for Stephanie! Steph is a curvey, blue eyed, brunette with a mix of flakiness, independence and sensuality. No way can Heigl pull it off! I loved the first twelve books and adore the character of Ranger but the last three books have been pretty bad. I don’t think Evanovich actually wrote 15 – it was so inconsistent. Between Hollywood and the author they are ruining a great franchise! Kimberly Williams would make a good Steph and please let the casting folks remember that Ranger is Cuban and cast accordingly!
Totally agree 100%. Anyone who is is obviously a fan out of crappy movies being made out of things I love.
I think Katherine is a TERRIBLE choice. While she looks OK as a brunette, she’s not petite at all, and doesn’t come across as terrible clumsy or that she could do the “action” stuff. My choice would’ve been Evangeline Lily from Lost. She looks the part without having to change a thing and you know she could do the action stuff. The comedy part? Not sure.
@Kate:
I totally agree w/ exactly what you said! I have read the last few books of a series I hae adored & been majorly under-whelmed. I was starting to get excited about them making it into a movie until I saw the casting choices…First of all, Katherine Heigl? Sherry Shephard (who I like) in a dual role (where is this coming from)? An actor who is not Italian looking AT ALL, playing Morelli? And the Ranger character just wasn’t right either…I really don’t think the casting people have read the book! I’ll catch it on rental, b/c w/ almost all books turned into movies, I’ll be disappointed since my imagination is so much better
, but I think I’m going to be especially disappointed in this project since I hae really loved the series 
Beckinsale for sexy-serious or Zooey Deschanel for a little quirk please!
@Andrea M.: I have always thought Sandra Bullock would play a great Stephanie Plum. Even Evanovich herself said she’d love to see Bullock play the part. How far off the path are they taking the characters? Of course I’d love to see Neicy Nash play Lula and K. Segal from Married w/ Children era play Connie. I always saw the oldest of the Golden Girls play Grandma Mazur, but since she is now gone, Betty White would be a good choice. Morelli should be played by Benjamin Bratt. What is it she says about Morelli? Not too hot, but worth a second look? I love this series but who they have picked for the characters is all wrong. Ranger is supposed to be this muscle bound mass of mystery and sexuality and this guy they cast is seriously lacking. I will probably pass on the movie. Its true, your imagination is always better.
Twitter: finchfeet
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I think Benjamin Bratt would make a better Ranger and Hugh Jackman for Morelli, remember Hugh buffs & scruffs up great…YUM!
I totally agree. I think Hugh Jackman (in his scruffy look) would be a far better actor to play Morelli. Considering the stupid casting directors haven’t actually cast an “Italian” Morelli anyway. Hell, my Irish father looks more Italian than the guy cast to play Morelli! And who’s stupid idea was to cast ( pain in the ass) Katherine Heigle!!!!!!. Gee Wizz I think any person on earth would better suit the role, Zooey Deschanel or Evangeline Lily would be my pick. At least they share the same characteristics with Stephanie. I have read and own all Evanovich’s books and have loved the Plum series from the start. Thanks for bursting my bubble Tristar. This is one fan who wont be seeing your haphazard mock up.
How can you say Katherine Heigl doesn’t make a good Stephanie? You haven’t seen the movie.
Twitter: WellReadReviews
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Personality – that’s why.
Twitter: WellReadReviews
says:
My sentiments exactly! I think those that try to brush off our feelings simply haven’t genuinely read the books.
Why do you guys keep thinking Steph is petite? She is 5’7″, and Katherine is 5’8. Seems like a good enough fit for me. I was turned off by Katherine at first, but if you google pics for the movie, you can see how they did her up for the role. She can pull off Steph just fine.
Twitter: WellReadReviews
says:
It’s not looks that I do not agree with. Hollywood can make anyone look like anyone. It’s her personality (and also) the fact that Katherine is not respectable for her ‘holier than thou’ attitude.
Twitter: finchfeet
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@Allison: If we are talking about actresses when they were young I actually picture a young Debra Winger type when I’m reading the books. Of these 5 my vote is for Zooey, she’s funny and cool.
Twitter: finchfeet
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I was very disappointed when I heard Katherine Heigl is to be Stephanie Plum. I’m not a hater, I’ve just read every book and have Stephanie pictured and I agree KH does not fit. Zooey has my vote, she is funny, cute and cool…all around likable. Remember Stephanie is not built or athletic, she looses her perps and gets knocked on her ass more often than not, it’s usually a well aimed knee to the balls or freak luck that saves her ass, she’s been saved by her Grandma and even her hamster. She ‘s described as cute and clumsy, and driven by spunk and stubbornness. She has blue eyes and brown hair. Just like Scarlett in Gone with the Wind, the novel fans should be satisfied, they should tribute the characters for the novel. The studios nearly cast Betty Davis as Scarlett…can you imagine! The Horror! This is not a vehicle for big stars, this is a BIG novel that should be given the same tribute that has been given to such books as Harry Potter…”If you film it we will come”. Studios ruined Anne Rice’s Vampire classic with Tom Cruise, and again I’m not hating, Tom’s acting was great but he was all wrong for the role, Lestat fans know what Lestat looks like, they know who Lestat was and Tom was not even close, Tom’s fans quote Top Gun…I doubt many were devoted readers of Anne Rice’s beloved novels. Anyway I agree NO to Katherine Heigl, Yes to Zooey, bump her up to #1 please.
5+Actresses+that+would+make+a+better+Stephanie+Plum+than+Katherine+Heigl http://t.co/itDtcxq
@Heidi:
Stephanie isn’t petite. She is 5’7″ and 125ish pounds. Katherine is perfect for the role in her proportions.
Twitter: finchfeet
says:
Proportions are not really the point although Katherine Heigl comes off as more voluptuous than Stephanie is described. I just do not think hair color and blue contacts are going to cut it. Katherine Heigl has not won me over, I think maybe she could play a good Joyce Barnhardt. At this point I wish Reese Witherspoon had not dropped out. I do not like anyone cast so far.
Reese Witherspoon have the most beautiful eyes among american actresses, i just can’t get enough of her beautiful eyes :’,
Twitter: finchfeet
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Can’t we set up a vote…like the way Betty White was voted to host SNL? I would not know how to get something like that going, but I would help any way I can. I also think Shirley Maclaine would rock as Grandma Mazur. I do not want Sherri Shepherd as Lula, she is not funny…I would rather see Mo’Nique or Gabourey Sidibe.
Heigl is a weird choice for Steph, but I want to see how the movie turns out. I think Zooey is a better pick because that’s who I picture when I read the books. I’m only 14 and I think Heigl is a very weird choice for Steph. If the movie isn’t good, then ZOOEY DESERVES THE NEXT MOVIE! (If there will be one.)
They would need a bigger budget to afford to hire Sandra or any other Oscar winner or nominee.
I have always thought of Sandra Bullock as the perfect Stephanie Plum. And while I hadn’t thought about it, Anne Hathaway and JoAnna Garcia would be good too (although I’m not too fond of Zooey Dechanel and I think Kate Beckinsale is too “pretty”.) I really like Katherine Heigl, but I just don’t picture her for this part
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Wow, there’s a lot of hate for Katherine Heigl around here. She may not be a good fit for Ms. Plum, but she’s a good actress…
I’m not going to say i think she’s a good fit or not or any of that stuff, because i’m going to be honest in saying i haven’t read the books. I know a few people who really like them, but i myself have not read them to say i like them or not. But, i want to make my opinion known here. Regardless of how you see Katherine Heigl as a person it has very little to do with her ability to act. You can’t say she is completely wrong for a role until you’ve seen the movie, because you don’t know how she will do. All of this discussion has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not she can actually play the part so much as your personal dislike of her. I’m just saying to give it a chance before you decided they’ve ruined the movie with casting her.
Please read these books before commenting. Most people here are simply stating that Katherine Heigle is nothing like Stephany Plum. It would be like casting Hillary Swank as Scarlet O’Hara. Good actress-wrong role!
5 Actresses that would make a better Stephanie Plum than Katherine Heigl http://p.ost.im/p/eJBgsL
5 Actresses that would make a better Stephanie Plum than Katherine Heigl http://t.co/GLSr8Dh