The Hollywood Reporter says MGM has compiled most of the lead cast for its remake of the 1980 musical Fame, says The Hollywood Reporter. Kristy Flores, Paul Iacono, Paul McGill, Naturi Naughton, Kay Panabaker, Kherington Payne, Collins Pennie, Walter Perez and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle have joined the ensemble.
“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” star Thomas Dekker also is in negotiations to take one of the remaining leads. And Debbie Allen, who played Lydia in the original, is rumored to be in line for a cameo, though not as the same character.
Written by Allison Burnett and Aline Brosh McKenna, the reinvention will be directed by choreographer Kevin Tancharoen. Gary Lucchesi and Tom Rosenberg of Lakeshore Entertainment are producing the $25 million project along with Mark Canton.
The film is expected to begin shooting in late November to make its Sept. 25, 2009 release date.
Much like in the Oscar-winning original, directed by Alan Parker, the story will track the failures and fortunes of super-ambitious young performers and their teachers as they navigate a school year at the prestigious High School for the Performing Arts in New York.
Flores plays Rosie, a dancer; Iacano plays Neil, a filmmaker; McGill plays Kevin, a gay dancer; Naughton (Notorious) plays Denise, a multitalented classical pianist; Panabaker (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) plays Jenny, an actor; Payne (“So You Think You Can Dance”) plays Alice, a ballerina; Pennie (Half Nelson) plays Malik, an artist; Perez (“Friday Night Lights”) plays Victor, a musician; and Perez de Tagle (“Hannah Montana”) plays Joy Moy. Dekker would play Marco, a singer.
