“I have a few different projects right now and one of them is in English — for the first time. It’s based on a story and it’s pretty far along actually, but I don’t want to talk about it too much right now because everyone will keep asking me about it,” Pedro Almodóvar teased way back in 2011 about his future projects, when he was doing the rounds for his sharp edged “The Skin I Live In.” At the time, we figured he was talking about “Mina,” his mooted biopic about the Italian singer (we still hope that one happens). But it seems he had something else in mind.
READ MORE: Watch: New Full Length International Trailer For Pedro Almodóvar’s ‘Julieta’
Last week, the Spanish filmmaker unveiled his latest, “Julieta” (our review), to generally favorable notices, with the film telling the life story of the titular character across three decades. And had things gone differently, the movie would’ve been his English language debut featuring one of the all time great actresses in the lead role — Meryl Streep.
READ MORE: The Films Of Pedro Almodóvar: A Retrospective
The revelation is part of Variety’s interview with the director, and it seems Streep would’ve played the part and aged along with the role, instead of what Almódovar ultimately did, split the role between two actresses. So what happened to the Streep version?
“At the last minute I felt insecure,” Almodóvar said.
It’s hard to believe that a director as respected and accomplished as Almodóvar could feel anything but confident, but certainly, his instincts worked in his favor as “Julieta” is another success for the filmmaker. But I can only imagine a Streep/Almodóvar collaboration would be nothing short of amazing. Maybe next time….