Ariana Grande Should Star in a ‘Funny Face’ Remake with a Modern Twist

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In 2025, “Funny Face” might not ring a bell for many due to being a 1957 romantic comedy rooted in classic Broadway and Hollywood musicals. Starring the legendary duo of Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire, this film is more an extension than an adaptation of its Broadway counterpart, as it’s hard to say it was even loosely based given how distinct they are. Despite its charm, it failed to outshine the original for most fans at the time, becoming a relatively obscure addition to the illustrious careers of its stars.

Restaging timeless classics like musicals can be a tricky endeavor, as some productions have become so ingrained in popular culture that any remake might face an uphill battle. For instance, suggesting a new version of “Singin’ in the Rain” could seem odd or unnecessary given its iconic status. However, while “Funny Face” is a well-made musical, it hasn’t achieved the same level of untouchable greatness as other classics. Despite boasting a talented cast, excellent music and choreography, an engaging plot, and stunning set design, there are certain aspects that could potentially be improved with a modern update.

Funny Face Is a Musical Rom-Com With Familiar Beats

Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire Are the Protagonist Couple

Funny Face, a film directed by Stanley Donen with a screenplay by Leonard Gershe, pays tribute to the 1927 musical of the same name authored by Fred Thompson and Paul Gerard Smith. The original play’s music was crafted by the innovative Gershwin brothers, who were trailblazers of the Jazz Age on Broadway. Coincidentally, exactly three decades after the stage musical premiered at the Alvin Theater, this movie boasts a captivating soundtrack penned by George and Ira Gershwin themselves. Similar to the original production, Fred Astaire is cast as Dick Avery, a role he had previously played alongside his sister Adele Astaire in 1927. However, only four characters were carried over from the play, while the rest were created specifically for this film. Moreover, not only the music but also the storyline underwent significant changes.

The film narrates the tale of Jo Stockton, who works as a bookshop clerk and dabbles in philosophy. One ordinary day, Jo’s tranquil existence is upended by an impromptu photo shoot at the bookstore, orchestrated by Maggie Prescott, a fashion magazine editor portrayed brilliantly by Kay Thompson, without Jo’s consent. The photographer, Dick, feels guilty about causing a mess and stays back to assist Jo. They exchange an awkward kiss, after which he departs. Upon reviewing the photos later, he finds himself captivated by Jo’s distinctive, appealing features. Recognizing her unique beauty, they decide to make Jo a model and invite her to Paris Fashion Week. However, she accepts the invitation primarily to encounter some French philosophers.

Leonard Gershe borrowed the essence of the Funny Face song lyrics to create a fresh narrative. The story centers around Jo, an exuberant character plunged into the glamorous world of fashion. Dick Avery, modeled after the late fashion visionary Richard Avedon, recognizes Jo’s modeling potential while developing romantic feelings for her. In the film, Dovima portrays Marion, the model being photographed in the opening scenes, while the iconic Dovima and Audrey Hepburn symbolized the ideal models and actresses of their time. Although Jo might not initially fit the mold for a model, she undergoes change following a supposed makeover.

As a film aficionado, I found Jo’s transformation into a model in this musical rather implausible. While I understand that musicals often veer away from realism, Jo’s metamorphosis seemed too casual – a simple change of clothes and a touch of lipstick. Given the grandeur of the rest of the production, a more dramatic shift in her makeup and hairstyle might have been fitting.

In Paris, Jo’s passion lies not in modeling but in engaging in profound philosophical discussions and dancing with strangers at smoky, subterranean bars. Unfortunately, she nearly falls victim to an unwanted advance from one of her intellectual idols, a French professor.

However, the love for Dick ultimately brings her back to fashion week, where they share a joyful conclusion to their story.

A Funny Face Remake Is a Great Idea to Address Fan Criticism

It’s One of the Few Classics That Could Be Updated

The film exhibits both high points and low ones. Jo is intelligent, attractive, and portrayed as a complex character who is both powerful and fragile. Interestingly, neither Jo nor Marion vie for supremacy, instead functioning as pieces in Maggie Prescott’s dominance within the fashion industry. The narrative of a woman grappling with her deepest longings while navigating a fresh landscape where love beckons is compelling. However, Dick Avery comes across as rather flat. Additionally, the age difference between Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn can be somewhat jarring, given that he appears to be her father. Despite their chemistry, the pair lacks the spark of a romantic connection.

Jo exhibits innocent, childlike behaviors and displays a sense of awe, while Dick is an accomplished and esteemed photographer, which adds to their interaction being awkward. In the film “Funny Face“, romance plays a significant role, serving as a testament that casting goes beyond just having talented actors, particularly in romantic films. The chemistry between the lead actors must be carefully considered during this process. Many fans might prefer Gene Kelly for the role of Dick, even though he was 17 years younger than Audrey Hepburn’s age with Fred Astaire, which would have been a better match by 13 years.

Despite the film’s strong points, such as its engaging script and intriguing premise, the romantic aspect of “Funny Face” seems less compelling. The portrayal of Jo’s love interest, Dick, appears to conflict with her deep-rooted passion for philosophy, as he seems to be pushing her away from this side of herself. This is unusual for a character as intelligent as Jo to fall in love with someone who shares so few similarities and whose actions border on controlling, despite his protective and charming demeanor. While Jo serves as a generally strong and positive female lead, she unfortunately embodies the film’s somewhat problematic portrayal of true romance, implying that it may not be as healthy or balanced as one might hope.

Funny Face, nearly flawless, could benefit from a modern remake, addressing criticisms and refreshing the romantic angle. Just as Leonard Gershe and Stanley Donen created a spiritual successor to the Broadway musical, a new team could reinterpret Funny Face for today’s world. Instead of a straight remake, they should revamp key elements to improve upon the original. For instance, instead of an established photographer discovering Jo, Dick could be a novice photographer himself. Maggie might be the one who encourages Jo to model, and Dick could develop into a supportive friend to Jo during their journey to Paris. They could bond over intellectual conversations in dimly lit bars, making their eventual romantic resolution more relatable.

Ariana Grande Could Play Audrey Hepburn’s Role

John Waters Is the Perfect Director To Make It Happen

In this imagined remake, Ariana Grande could serve as an excellent replacement for Audrey Hepburn. Her exceptional vocal range allows her to effortlessly hit the high notes in Jo’s songs. To make a distinctive statement in the fashion world, the remake could creatively use makeup and hairstyles to portray Jo’s quirky face. Ariana Grande’s comedic talent makes her a strong contender for embodying Jo’s eccentricities. Additionally, like traditional models, she is petite, which adds another layer of distinction. For Marion’s role, top models such as Alex Consani, Anok Yai, or Karlie Kloss could be considered, mirroring the elegance and sophistication of Dovima. In this hypothetical scenario, it would be intriguing to see Harry Styles cast opposite Grande.

In the musical “Funny Face,” the pop duo’s background would undoubtedly match the upbeat tunes. However, other pairs could equally excel in these roles. For instance, Cynthia Erivo, who starred alongside Ariana Grande in “Wicked,” could be a suitable replacement for Jo. She could partner with Simu Liu, who’s eager to display his singing talents since the movie “Barbie.” Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling might rekindle their on-screen chemistry as the lead couple in another musical production.

Emma Stone, despite fitting typical beauty standards, has a distinctive face that could better embody the “funny” character. Her natural hairstyle and thick eyebrows in “Poor Things” offer a glimpse of how Emma Stone might appear before and after an unexpected fashion transformation in “Funny Face.

A pair with undeniable screen magic who could excel in this remake are Florence Pugh and Timothée Chalamet. Although Pugh hasn’t starred in major musical productions like Chalamet, she showcases impressive singing abilities as well. For the character Maggie Prescott, Emma Thompson might be a suitable choice due to her extensive background in both stage and screen musicals, such as her roles in “…” and the 2022 musical “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical”. Idina Menzel would also be an outstanding selection for this role.

A fitting choice to breathe life into a humorous reboot of “Funny Face” might undeniably be John Waters. Renowned for his unwillingness to retire, he’s been channeling his creativity into various projects and hasn’t directed a film in more than two decades. The creator of classics like “Pink Flamingos”, “Hairspray”, and “Crybaby” could undoubtedly reshape the essence of “Funny Face” into a tale embodying genuine love and liberation. His work, which frequently explores themes of societal conformity and the courage to rebel, would resonate deeply with Jo Stockton.

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2025-05-18 22:07