While the “Being the Ricardos” film is still early on in production, fans are eager to see Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem become the iconic “I Love Lucy” couple.
Nicole Kidman is playing Lucille Ball, one of the most iconic figures on television, and Javier Bardem is playing Desi Arnaz.
The two will be going through quite the transformation to turn into the ’50s sitcom stars. Most notably, Kidman will be sporting Lucille Ball’s iconic red-orange hair color and drawn-on eyebrows for the role.
A Look at Kidman and Bardem in Character
A few images of the pair on set have appeared on social media recently. One of which shows Kidman leaning against a turquoise car that looks like it’s straight from the 1950s. She has a scarf around her head as well as bright yellow pants. She is also lighting a cigarette, which is also a very realistic nod toward her character. Lucille Ball smoked her entire life and “I Love Lucy” sponsored a cigarette brand.
Bardem is wearing a forest green suit with a bowtie undone. His fashion is very reminiscent of Arnaz.
Aaron Sorkin wrote and is directing the upcoming film. It will be showing one specific week behind-the-scenes of filming the iconic show “I Love Lucy.” Kidman and Bardem are playing the actors, not the characters from the sitcom. The drama film will present the challenges of production and even their marriage during that time frame. “Being the Ricardos” is a biographical drama.
Lucie Arnaz has been working alongside the film crew to make sure the film is realistic in its portrayal of her parents. She even defended the casting of Nicole Kidman as her mother when people were criticizing her on social media.
The upcoming movie started filming on March 29 in Los Angeles. Other actors in the film include Nina Arianda, J.K. Simmons, Tony Hale, Alia Shawkat, Jake Lacy, and Clark Gregg.
The film had reached some roadblocks along the way. The idea behind the film was announced all the way back in 2015, but Cate Blanchett was going to be playing Lucille Ball.
However, Blanchett left the project in early 2020 and Kidman took her place.
‘Being the Ricardos’ Filming Location
A recent issue has occurred regarding one of the pre-planned filming locations. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Aaron Sorkin was going to be shooting at the Chateau Marmont for “Being the Ricardos.”
However, the hotel has recently faced very serious allegations. These allegations are that it left workers without affordable health care during the pandemic. There are also claims of both racial discrimination and sexual harassment.
As a result, the crew of “Being the Ricardos” decided to cancel a few hours before filming at the Chateau Marmont. There is a picket line present at the hotel as well.
“Writer-director Aaron Sorkin, the cast and crew of Being the Ricardos stand in solidarity with The Chateau Marmont’s workforce … We are committed to supporting and building a safe and equitable environment where everyone has the right to work with dignity and free from fear. We are thankful to the organizers of the hospitality workers’ union of UNITE HERE Local 11 for sharing this information about the mistreatment of the workers. The production took immediate action to shut down the 1-day shoot as soon as this was brought to our attention,” Todd Black, a producer of the film, said to the publication.
There are multiple employment discrimination lawsuits against the Chateau. Many celebrities are also now a part of the boycott. This includes Jane Fonda, Alfonso Cuarón, Lena Headey, Edie Falco, Constance Zimmer, Eliza Dushku, Alison Pill, and Martin Sheen.