Ana de Armas: The Cuban Taking on Marilyn Monroe

Ana de Armas takes on the role of Marilyn Monroe in 'Blonde' Tiziana FABI AFP
Ana de Armas takes on the role of Marilyn Monroe in 'Blonde' Tiziana FABI AFP
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Ana de Armas: The Cuban Taking on Marilyn Monroe

Ana de Armas takes on the role of Marilyn Monroe in 'Blonde' Tiziana FABI AFP
Ana de Armas takes on the role of Marilyn Monroe in 'Blonde' Tiziana FABI AFP

Ana de Armas's journey from Cuban migrant to starring as Marilyn Monroe in "Blonde", which gets its world premiere in Venice on Thursday, is the stuff of American Dream cliches.

Born in Cuba in 1988, Armas came to the United States in her twenties with barely a word of English, only to become one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood.

Her distinctive look and ass-kicking turns in James Bond film "No Time to Die" and Netflix blockbuster "The Gray Man" have made her a front-page fixture, AFP said.

But "Blonde" is set to test her real acting chops.

Adapted from the semi-fictional biography by Joyce Carol Oates, it delves deep into the childhood trauma, sexual assault and exploitation that lay behind the icon's seductive, sexualized image.

"I'm a Cuban actress. In what world could I have imagined that this was going to happen? Never," Armas told the Los Angeles Times of landing the role.

- 'Glamour, vulnerability' -
Armas was not an obvious choice, with grumblings online about her slight Cuban accent when the trailer was released this summer.

Monroe's estate, though not involved in the film, has supported her performance, however, saying Armas "captures Marilyn's glamour, humanity and vulnerability".

Armas spent nine months with a vocal coach trying to nail the unique intonation of the iconic actress.

Brad Pitt, who served as a producer on the film, told Entertainment Tonight: "It was 10 years in the making. It wasn't until we found Ana that we could get it across the finish line.

"She is phenomenal in it," Pitt added. "That's a tough dress to fill."

- From Cuba to LA -
Armas spent her childhood and adolescence in Cuba.

She entered theatre school at 14, starred in her first film two years later, and left to pursue a career in Madrid at 18, quickly landing a high-profile role in the TV show "El Internado".

When she took the plunge and headed for Hollywood in 2006, she needed four months of intensive language classes to pick up English.

After a string of minor roles, her big break came with a part in 2017's sci-fi sequel "Blade Runner 2049", alongside Ryan Gosling.

But it was her performance in murder mystery "Knives Out" starring Daniel Craig that elevated her to leading lady status, earning her a Golden Globe nomination.

That led to work with A-list director Olivier Assayas ("The Wasp Network"), and her brief but scene-stealing role in "No Time to Die".

A relationship with Ben Affleck -- her co-star in the erotic thriller "Deep Water" -- also ensured plenty of tabloid attention.

But "Blonde" is another dimension of star-making vehicle.

Its director, Australian Andrew Dominik, is known for brutal but poetic biopics "Chopper" and "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" -- the latter earning Pitt a Best Actor award in Venice in 2007.

It has been a long wait for "Blonde", which was reportedly finished in 2019 and delayed amid a stand-off between Dominik and Netflix over its lengthy running time and traumatic scenes.

Asked about his star's accent, Dominik told the Los Angeles Times: "I had concerns, until I saw her act, then I forgot what I was supposed to be concerned about."



Take a First Look at the New Harry Potter as HBO Begins Filming Series

 This image released by HBO shows Dominic McLaughlin, who will portray Harry Potter, on the set of HBO series "Harry Potter," scheduled for 2027. (Aidan Monaghan/HBO via AP)
This image released by HBO shows Dominic McLaughlin, who will portray Harry Potter, on the set of HBO series "Harry Potter," scheduled for 2027. (Aidan Monaghan/HBO via AP)
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Take a First Look at the New Harry Potter as HBO Begins Filming Series

 This image released by HBO shows Dominic McLaughlin, who will portray Harry Potter, on the set of HBO series "Harry Potter," scheduled for 2027. (Aidan Monaghan/HBO via AP)
This image released by HBO shows Dominic McLaughlin, who will portray Harry Potter, on the set of HBO series "Harry Potter," scheduled for 2027. (Aidan Monaghan/HBO via AP)

HBO has officially started production on the highly anticipated "Harry Potter" TV series adaption, the network announced Monday, also revealing a first look at the titular character.

The photo released by HBO shows Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, donning the signature Hogwarts uniform paired with round-rim glasses and a lightning bolt scar, not unlike the iconic costume worn by Daniel Radcliffe in the eight-part film series.

The show began production at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK, and is expected to debut in 2027.

A new round of actors were announced Monday, including Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander.

The network announced in late May that McLaughlin was cast as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

Several high-profile actors have been announced in other key roles, including Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.

The new series adaption begins production nearly 14 years after the final movie adaption of J.K. Rowling's books, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," was released in theaters.

In addition to the blockbuster movies, the franchise has inspired a Broadway play, video games and theme parks since the first installment was released 28 years ago.

The new series will be "a faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter books," the network previously wrote, and "will feature an exciting and talented cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have adored for over 25 years."