A Fish Called Wanda first introduced us to Jamie Lee Curtis’ curves in lingerie (repeated in True Lies) but it also was so hysterically funny that it became an instant comedy classic. Now this classic Cleese film will become a Musical.
John Cleese is turning his hit movie A Fish Called Wanda into a musical. He’s currently writing it with his 24-year-old daughter, Camilla, who he claims is even funnier than he is. He also jokes that they’re going to attempt to write the songs themselves, but he thinks they’re going to be no good, so he’ll likely be bringing in a lyricist.
In true Cleese humour he admits he is just working on the story. He likes to make you trip over the obvious.
This movie is so genuinely funny that I think a visit to the stage set to music is a good fit. Previous films to stage that seem to be enjoying success that were not good fits (Evil Dead) work too so it seems its a one-size-fits-all medium.
John Cleese apparently didn’t have faith in another film he was involved in becoming a musical and waived his rights to royalties to Spamalot (A musical Lovingly ripped from Monty Python’s Holy Grail) but still pays tribute with a recorded voice of God role. I guess he sees the potential for success and wants his piece of the pie now.