John Travolta As J.R. Ewing In 'Dallas'

[Wednesday, September 28th, 2005]
New Regency's screen version of the TV soap Dallas has many speculations over who will play J.R. Ewing, with John Travolta as the lead horse, according to Variety.

People close to the film said that isn't a certainty. For one thing, Mel Gibson hasn't completely ruled out the job, and while Kevin Costner has shown reluctance, he wants to see the rewrite. Tommy Lee Jones' name has also surfaced.

If Travolta gets the gig, it would put him on course to play fictional icons on both sides of the gender ledger, as he's also the clear front-runner to play Edna Turnblad in New Line's adaptation of the musical Hairspray, which needs a director after Rob Marshall declined the job.

The leading candidate for Sue Ellen (originated by Linda Gray) is Catherine Zeta-Jones, but Demi Moore and Jennifer Lopez are also contemplating. Matthew McConaughey and Owen Wilson are being courted to play Bobby Ewing (originated by Patrick Duffy).

For the role of Pamela (played by Victoria Principal), Regency is eyeing Drew Barrymore and Reese Witherspoon, and for the Lucy role (played by Charlene Tilton), talk centers around Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Simpson and Mandy Moore. Then there's chatter about Jane Fonda for Miss Ellie (Barbara Bel Geddes). Director Robert Luketic will end up with quite a cast.

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