It is true.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090903/ap_on_en_ot/us_books_q_a_nicholas_sparks
Yesterday marked the release of Nicholas Spark’s newest novel, The Last Song. Being a long time Sparks fan, I was excited and picked up the book and started reading hour later. I started out with the Acknowledgements. Much to my surprise they included this…
“The Cyrus family deserves my thanks not only for welcoming me into their home, but for all they’ve done with the film. And a special thanks goes to Miley, who chose Ronnie’s name. As soon as I heard it, I knew it was perfect!”
My first reaction was ‘what the hell?’ Immediantly I got online and found out the whole story. Turns out the Sparks and Cyrus are represented by the same people. Most sources I found said Cyrus decided she wanted to do a movie similar to A Walk to Remember so her people actually got ahold of Sparks and asked him to write a movie for Cyrus. He first wrote the screenplay then went back and wrote the novel.
Where to start with my thoughts on this. First off, I’m not particular excited about seeing Cyrus doing the movie. Every interview I have seen her in she comes across as unprofessional and completely rude to be frank. Sure she has a big audience but I think her appeal is only the young generations. I don’t feel like anyone above maybe sixteen is going to care very much about seeing a movie with her.
I also feel a little unsettled that she requested the movie be made with her in mind. Sometimes writers have someone in mind but for the person to request it. Does that seem off to anyone else? Like something a spoiled brat would demand?
However, I am trying to trust Spark’s decision. He has always made great book in my mind. This is his first screenplay as far as I could find (thank you IMDB) but I would like to think that will help the movie be better.
I know some people might say, well look at Mandy Moore. She was just a pop singer before A Walk to Remember and she did an absolutely amazing job in that role. I would like to point out she had also done The Princess Diaries before that. I did think she did a great job at being the mean girl in it. Cyrus has obviously done acting with Hannah Montana but has anyone actually watched that? Let me admit first off, I kind of enjoy Wizards of Waverly Place and Sonny with a Chance. I think they are both cute shows. Sometimes Hannah Montana comes on afterwards. I get about one minute in and can’t watch anymore. Cyrus is overacting so much in it that it drives me insane. I hope she doesn’t so the same to this role.
Speaking of Wizards, why could Selena Gomez be in this movie? I feel like she would have done a great job. She is actually a fairly decent actress from what I have seen. I noticed What The Buck on YouTube said the same thing about her. I think she could do great in a role outside of the Disney realm. Plus she can sing. The same goes for Demi Lovato. I can’t comment much on her acting since Sonny isn’t the deepest of roles but that girl can definately sing. I would say she is the best out of all the singer-actress-disney girls right now. I full on love both her albums.
Actually, if I had to choose someone to fill this role, based on the 50 or so pages I have read so far, I would pick Alexa Vega. Did anyone else see her in Repo? She can sing for sure. Also she fits the moody teen rebel image much better than I think Cyrus ever could. I would also think that Ellen Page could pull it off well.
I’m sure no matter what I will see the movie though. I’ve loved the other ones based on his books. I absolutely can’t wait for Dear John. I cried so much reading it. You could not have picked more perfect main characters. Amanda Seyfried is going to make a perfect Savanna. She is such an upcoming star that this will be great for her career. Same goes for Channing Tatum. Him covered in tattoos as the tough guy is going to be so hot. He is exactly how I pictured John.
What do you think about Sparks writing a book and movie for Cyrus? Will you read the book? Will you see the movie?