Penned and directed by Sorkin, Being the Ricardos will focus on the relationship between the I Love Lucy stars.
As per the official synopsis, the film will be set during one production week of the 1950s sitcom, from a Monday table read through the Friday live filming. In five days, Lucy and Desi face a double crisis that could upend their careers and end their marriage.
Fans Slam Casting Javier Bardem As Desi Arnaz As Whitewashing
Kidman and Bardem are in negotiations to play Ball and Arnaz, but Twitter wasn’t exactly thrilled.
Some have accused the production of whitewashing Arnaz, a Cuban-American actor by casting Bardem, who is Spanish.
Some fans suggested that Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’s Raúl Esparza would have been a better choice. Esparza is born to Cuban parents in Delaware and was raised in Florida.
“coulda had it f***ing all man. coulda had raúl esparza playing desi arnaz. coulda saved my soul,” @rachelleishman wrote, posting pictures of Arnaz and Esparza.
Moreover, others believe there are different actors who are more suited to the role of Ball than Kidman. Particularly, Will & Grace star Debra Messing bears a striking resemblance to the protagonist of I Love Lucy.
“ONLY CHOICE FOR LUCY = DEBRA MESSING. I'm not arguing,” @Luvvie wrote.
“In my opinion...Nicole Kidman is an awesome actress...but Debra Messing would be perfect to play Lucille Ball,” @myfabulousfind1 also commented.
Debra Messing Or Anna Faris Would Make A Better Lucille Ball, Fans Say
"I’ve said this (to myself) for YEARS. @debramessing is a brilliant physical actor/comedian and IS my generation’s Lucille Ball," @lawsofmurph wrote.
"Debra Messing was robbed,” Valerie Bertinelli wrote.
Others suggested that Anna Faris could also be an excellent casting choice.
“I just started watching MOM and damn, Anna Farris was born to play Lucille Ball. This was a missed opportunity. I'm also not sure Sorkin is the right one for this…” writer Laura Bogart commented.
"This needed to be Anna Faris and Raul Esparza, but OK,” critic Matt Zoller Seitz wrote.
Deals still need to close for both Kidman and Bardem.