Close who won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in the Broadway version of the show. McGregor is currently starring in the West End as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls. He previously starred in another movie musical, "Moulin Rouge." Austin Shaw, who is co-producing the film, told the Telegraph, "We are making the film with Paramount and it should be out in time for Christmas 2006."
The 1950 film "Sunset Boulevard," directed by Billy Wilder, concerned an out-of-work screenwriter named Joe Gillis who happens upon the home of former silent-screen star Norma Desmond. William Holden and Gloria Swanson starred in the film, which won three Academy Awards. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black's musical version debuted in London with Patti LuPone as Norma. Other Normas included Betty Buckley, Elaine Paige, Glenn Close, Diahann Carroll, Petula Clark, Helen Schneider, Linda Balgord and Debra Byrne.
