Why did Miranda Back out?

[biggzy]

I recently stumbled across an article that said that Miranda had originally been signed to play the lead in BEING JULIA, but backed out. Of course, the role went to Annette Bening, who garnered great acclaim for her portrayal. I was stunned to read this, as this role seemed absolutely perfect for her. Truly believe she would have been dynamite, and possibly garnered the Oscar that has ,so far [unjustly] eluded her!!

My question is, does anyone know of this occurance, and the reasons for why she dropped out ? Truly seems a shame. Thanks in advance for any info.

[helen]

I remember reading an article about this a while ago, but I don't think it gave a reason why she backed out. I guess there could be any number of reasons.

[schaffner15]

I haven't heard a thing about this. I don't think it's anything big. In 1986, Miranda declined to
be in Fatal Attraction, playing the role of Alex ( A Woman Scorned) which Glenn Close portrayed.
Miranda said that she did not like the part of Alex. She felt the film was anti-feminine in its portrayal of Alex as knife-wielding mad woman; stalking Michael Douglas' family after she has an affair with him; from which she becomes pregnant and is then rejected by Douglas; and seeks revenge. Miranda says she could have made a lot of money and gained much publicity had she taken the role. But No Thank you....I think Miranda was right. She did not want "Being Alex," and may have had her reasons for Not "Being Julia."

[biggzy]

Well Todd, I see ur comparisons, but there are crucial differences. In the case of Fatal Attraction, she declined Up Front, as it were. We've all read the reasons, misogyny and what not, but at the end of the day, I think she had both physically and mentally, worn herself out with Dance With A Stranger. Fatal Attraction simply proved to be too much of a similar vein. While it may have really kick-started her career, at least she chose to spend her time giving us QUEENIE: for which we must all be eternally grateful!!

But with Being Julia, it seems she actually signed on. Since nobody seems to know, I did a bit of research towards what was transpiring at that time, and discovered that both Being Julia, and the Prince And Me began shooting at almost the same day! Now, as to why she chose the latter over the former, we can all only speculate. But, I would opine, that if she concluded the latter had more "artistic worth", well BIG MISTAKE!! IMHO

[schaffner15]

Biggzy: I find that Miranda has done so many films in the last twenty years that there is n't one
of us who could name them all. I am a fan of hers, and then some.....but I don't pay attention to
all the news about Manda. She takes on some roles and leaves others alone. I'm grateful she
played Queenie in Black Adder and her other roles roles in that terrific satire on British history.
I have recommended that those citizens of Mirandatia who can afford it, buy the whole series. I have done this so I can watch Black Adder again and again and again and I always will.
(By the way, what is IMHO?)