Filed under: Donovan, Movies
Author: Donovan
Date: Jul 9, 2012
Jessica Sanchez is proving losing the “American Idol” crown isn’t holding her back. Not only has she signed a record deal with Interscope Records, but she’s lined up an acting gig on “Glee” when the Idol tour wraps up. Now comes word that the young diva-in-training is being eyed for a major movie role.
During her Idol run, Jessica was often compared to Jennifer Hudson. Some even joked that Sanchez’s performances were based on WWJHD (What Would Jennifer Hudson Do). Seriously though, there we times I couldn’t tell the two vocally apart. It seems that, Jessica is following in the footsteps of the “Dreamgirls” actress once again. Rumor has it, Sanchez is in the running for a big budget movie adaptation of a beloved Broadway musical. Hudson scored an Oscar for her debut movie. Could the same fate fall on Sanchez? Find out which movie below.
A movie version of the long-running Broadway musical, “Miss Saigon” has been in development since 2009. Lee Daniels of “Precious” fame has been attached to the project since then. Unfortunately, for fans of the musical, the adaptation has been in development hell. With “Les Miserables” finally hitting theaters soon, “Miss Saigon” is picking up steam and looking at casting possibilities. Jessica fans shouldn’t get too excited. Reportedly, she has some stiff competition.

David Foster’s prodigy Charice (left) and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (right) are names also being tossed around. Charice definitely has the vocals to pull off the role of Kim, a Vietnamese prostitute who falls in love with an American G.I. during the Vietnam War, but I don’t think she has the acting chops. Remember her as Sunshine Corazon on “Glee”? Anna Maria who’s appeared with the Jonas Bros. in Disney’s “Camp Rock” films has some Broadway cred to her name. She’s starring in the “Godspell” revival currently running in NYC.
Lea Salonga who originated the role of Kim earned a Tony for her performance. She recently gave the “American Idol” runner-up her stamp of approval in an interview to Broadway.com.
“If she’s the one that they’ve chosen, or she’s somebody in serious consideration, then that’s a good thing. We all know she’s talented, we all know she’s actually quite beautiful.” – Lea Salonga
Who do you think should play the role of Kim in the “Miss Saigon” movie? Any of these three or an unknown? Have you seen the musical before? Sound off below.
Brad
July 10th, 2012 at 1:17 pm
Godspell closed June 24, 2012.
Chris
July 10th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Though I’m a BIG Jessica Sanchez fan, I am a bit iffy about her playing the role of Kim.
First, she doesn’t look the part. I can’t imagine her playing the role of Kim.(I really tried… but I really can’t) Anna Maria’s facial features however, may earn her a point. Anna Maria looks like she can pass as Monique Wilson’s (Lea’s understudy on the musical’s first run) younger sister. Charice…. erhmmm… No.
Second, she’s 16. Looks like a 16 year-old. Acts like a 16 year-old. Dunno how she’s going to give life to a character who’s life mission is to keep her son away from everything that can harm him eventually leading to her own demise.
Lastly, her voice is not even close to anyone who has ever played Kim in the musical. Too Pop/R&B.
Mike Padre
September 9th, 2012 at 1:33 am
Anna Maria Perez de Tagle is the ultimate talent to fit the role of Kim in Miss Saigon movie. Voice, looks and acting.