
Barbarella producers think Sienna is perfect for the £55million update of the 1968 fantasy classic, which turned Jane Fonda into a sex symbol and film icon.
“Sienna is at the top of our wish list and discussions are under way,? revealed a source close to the film’s makers. “Not only is she gorgeous but she is a modern, sassy girl with just the right image. Like the young Jane Fonda she combines sex appeal and acting ability.?
Angelina Jolie has also been considered for the role but her high asking price – nearly £10million – is said to make her casting unlikely.
“To be blunt, Sienna is younger and cheaper,? added the source.
The new film is being penned by British screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade who have written the last three Bond films, including Daniel Craig’s debut in Casino Royale. That has become the most successful Bond ever, grossing more than $600million (£300million).
Their brief is to reinvent Barbarella the way they reinvented Bond in Casino Royale, taking the character back to basics. Purvis said: “The producers liked what we did with Casino Royale. Our job will be to reintroduce Barbarella to a new generation of moviegoers.?
In the original, Barbarella was a sex kitten who stripped naked in the opening minutes before taking off to a mysterious planet where she is attacked by vampire dolls and has various surreal sexual experiences.
The new film will keep the sex and special effects, while playing down the camp quality that has dated the picture.
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that it’s pretty likely that Angelina gets more for her films because she’s a better actress, prettier and has greater poise. But that’s just me.