A new retelling of pop icon Marilyn Monroe’s story is coming to Netflix. But fans are not as amused as anticipated. “Blonde,” is a biopic film directed by Andrew Dominik. Its first teaser trailer dropped on June 16, 2022. A quick 1-minute and 6-second video show Monroe portrayed by Ana de Armas. The actress is first seen going through an emotional breakdown. The video ends with an eerie laugh from the actress reflected in the mirror.
The video instantly went viral, but the fans were dismayed at the first look of Ana de Armas’ performance. A factor of that reason was her accent. The Cuban actress’ heavy accent is noticeable in the trailer, failing to mimic the breathy sound of Monroe’s voice.

- The film is an adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates’ fictionalized story of Marilyn Monroe’s life. It begins with Monroe’s distant relationship with her father until the suspected murder.
- She was then found dead in her bedroom. The Los Angeles County coroner’s office officially ruled out that her death was due to a barbiturate overdose.
Marilyn Monroe Estate’s Response to Ana de Armas’ Accent

The Marilyn Monroe Estate defends Ana de Armas’ heavy accent. They express that the fans need not to put too much attention to the actress’ accent. They believe that she is capable of embodying the kind of person Marilyn Monroe was: “Marilyn Monroe is a singular Hollywood and pop culture icon that transcends generations and history,” said Marc Rosen. He is president of entertainment at Authentic Brands Group (ABG), which owns the Marilyn Monroe Estate.

Ana de Armas also explained that she spent thorough training for almost a year trying to capture Monroe’s accent: “It took me nine months of dialect coaching and practicing and some ADR sessions [to get the accent right]. It was a big torture, so exhausting. My brain was fried.”
It is no question that de Armas and the entire production crew of Blonde exerted sufficient efforts. Not just to create a film adaptation but to also continue telling an icon’s story.
Alternative Actresses to star Marilyn Monroe
Discussions rose due to the controversies surrounding the film. These controversies include Oates’ storytelling, taking advantage of Monroe’s struggle, sexually graphic scenes, or possible actresses who can portray Marilyn Monroe.

Although we do not wish to disregard de Armas’ efforts in playing the role. But the fans cannot help but explore other actresses who can also become an icon like Monroe. Some of them have also participated in retelling Monroe’s legacy.
Samara Weaving

Samara Weaving is an Australian actress and model. She was born on February 23, 1992, and started her acting career in her home country playing Kirsten Mulroney in the series Out of the Blue (2008). Her popularity grew when she portrayed Indi Walker on the soap opera Home and Away (2009-2013) and was nominated for Best Female Performance at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA).

What makes Samara Weaving fit for the role of Marilyn Monroe is her alluring gaze. She had been portrayed in psychological films that require an eerie tone such as Ready or Not (2019). However, similar to Ana de Armas’ concern of a possible heavy Australian accent could make her doubtful to be chosen. Her physical features as a model may also be considered.
Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie is nothing new to the Hollywood scene, film after film she has proven her capability to star in any role–an icon popstar such as Monroe included. Born and raised in Queensland, Robbie is an Australian actress and producer known for her roles in blockbuster and independent films. She has received several recognitions, including nominations for two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and five British Academy Film Awards.

Margot Robbie embodies the blonde girl we envision Marilyn Monroe to be! However, similar to Samara Weaving, her physical features that are quite distinct from Monroe’s as well would make Director Dominik hesitate to offer the role.
Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan is an American actress, singer, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. Her breakthrough came after starring in the film The Parent Trap in 1998 for Walt Disney Pictures. It tells the story of the twins Annie and Hallie (both portrayed by Lohan), who swapped to live with the parent they missed.
The film’s success gave way to television films such as Life-Size (2000) and Get a Clue (2002). The success also led to the big-screen productions Freaky Friday (2003) and Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004).

Lohan also previously expressed admiration for Marilyn Monroe. She was featured in a series of Marilyn-inspired photos in New York Magazine in 2008. She also named her leggings line 6126 as an homage to Marilyn’s birthday on June 6, 1926, but the line has been discontinued.
Blake Lively

Blake Ellender Lively is an American actress born on August 25, 1987. She started her acting career in her father’s project Sandman (1998). She gained wider popularity after starring as Serena van der Woodsen in the CW teen television series Gossip Girl (2007-2012). Lively also starred in various genres of films such as rom-com, crime thrillers, horror, psychological drama, etc.

In 2012, Blake Lively recreated Marilyn Monroe’s performance Diamond’s are a ‘Girl’s Best Friend from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in a dream sequence. She wore a pink evening gown, opera gloves, and sparkling jewelry. She mimics Monroe’s appearance with heavy makeup and wearing the famous blonde wig.
Scarlett Johansson

Dubbed the “modern Marilyn,” Scarlett Johansson is an actress required to be included in the list. The American actress was the highest-paid actress in 2018 and 2019. She has also received several awards and recognitions such as a Tony Award and a British Academy Film Award. She also received nominations for two Academy Awards and five Golden Globe Awards.

She has both curves and facial features similar to Monroe. She is also a notable actress for her various roles. In 2014, Johansson embraced their similarities with a campaign video for Dolce & Gabbana channeling Monroe: “The shoot was great, sort of like working on a little movie, which was unexpected but fun, sort of our tribute to Marilyn.”
Thinking of possible actresses for a certain role is fun. Nonetheless, there is no doubt Ana de Armas would nail her embodiment of an iconic and talented woman. We are looking forward to seeing her full performance on September 28th!
Which actresses do you have in mind? Share them below! For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.
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