We know Chris O’Dowd can be funny. And in recent work such as The Crimson Petal and the White and Bridesmaids, he’s proved he’s got range beyond his comedy chops. Now he’s tackling something very different, nabbing one of the lead roles in Aussie musical adaptation The Sapphires.
Inspired by a true story, the plot is set in 1968 and finds a girl band yanked from obscurity in a remote Australian mission by an Irish talent scout (O’Dowd). Thinking they might be Australia’s answer to The Supremes, he flies them to Vietnam to entertain the troops.
O’Dowd will star alongside Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell, who will be warbling as the singers. No word on whether this means Chris will be singing himself, but we’re intrigued to know. Or terrified. Pick one.
Wayne Blair is directing the film, looking to kick off shooting this month both Down Under and in Vietnam.