
Carla Gugino to Play ‘Gone With the Wind’ Star Vivien Leigh in Biopic ‘The Florist’
Buckle up, queridos amigos, because Carla Gugino is set to dazzle us as the iconic Hollywood legend Vivien Leigh in the upcoming biopic "The Florist." Directed by the amazingly talented Nick Sandow of "Orange is the New Black" fame, this film promete to add a profound layer to the silver screen’s portrayal of legendary figures.
Set in the colorful and complicado 1960s, the film dives deep into Leigh's battle with bipolar disorder while preparing for her groundbreaking role in John Gielgud's Broadway production of Chekhov's "Ivanov" — all based on a treasure trove of love letters. ¡Que interesante, verdad?
For those not in the loop, Vivien Leigh is not just a name, but a legacy, etched into the annals of cinema history as Scarlett O’Hara from 1939’s monumental "Gone With the Wind," and as the unforgettable Blanche DuBois from "A Streetcar Named Desire" alongside Marlon Brando in 1951. ¡Una verdadera estrella!
Carla is beyond excited about stepping into the shoes of such "a complex, contradictory, and compelling" mujer como Vivien. "From the moment I read the script, I knew 'The Florist' was a journey I had to pursue," she shared with Variety. Mi gente, preparense for a portrayal that promises more than just acting – it’s about bringing a story to life.
The plot thickens as Gugino’s portrayal of Leigh intersects with Joseph Penn, a WWII veteran and local florist played by yet-to-be-revealed talent, who bumps into Leigh during a routine delivery.
Amidst the highs and lows, Leigh solicits treatment at a nearby psychiatric facility where she undergoes electroconvulsive therapy — a tough gig, corazones. Amid these trials, Leigh and Penn discover in each other an oasis of "truth, beauty, and love," amidst the harsh realities of life. ¡Ay, qué romántico!
Carla, a seasoned actor whose résumé sparkles with roles in Netflix's "The Fall of the House of Usher” and HBO’s "The Girls on the Bus," plus memories of her as the cool madre in “Spy Kids,” is more than ready to meet the demands of this complex role. And chicos, let’s not forget the powerful team behind the scenes — from the former CAA agent Lauren Hale-Rieckhoff producing to the expert casting by Avy Kaufman.
¿Y saben qué? Director Nick Sandow is captivated by the storyline and the chance to weave together the lives of two seemingly different personas, exploring love, artistry, mental illness, and celebrity life. "Taking these two discordant existences and making them touch… seeing what that says about things like love and artistry," expressed Sandow.
As "The Florist" sets to bloom in production later this summer in Philadelphia, keep your eyes peeled, mi gente, for this heartfelt depiction that promises to leave a lasting impression with its mix of dolor y belleza, showcasing the raw human experiences that define and unite us all.
So, mis amigos, stay tuned as Carla Gugino brings Vivien Leigh back to the spotlight in a way you’ve never seen before. Ready for this emocionante ride through love, history, and art? ¡Nos vemos en el cine!