- Renée Zellweger plays Judy Garland in the upcoming biopic Judy.
- The movie chronicles Garland's final series of concerts in London, the year before her death.
- Though the soundtrack won't be released until September 27 (the day the movie hits theaters), you can hear Zellweger sing one of the title tracks, "Over the Rainbow" now on iTunes.
- According to People, At the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, Zellweger received two standing ovations, and brought journalists—and herself—to tears.
It's admittedly pretty early to start making Oscar predictions for 2020, but if you feel so inclined, Renée Zellweger is looking solidly like a Best Actress contender for her performance in the biopic Judy. Chronicling the final year in the tumultuous life of Judy Garland, the film will depict Garland's struggles with addiction, depression, and stage fright, as well as her relationship with her fifth husband Mickey Deans (Finn Wittrock). It'll also be released on September 27, right in the thick of For Your Consideration season. Here's everything we know about the film so far.
Watch the new Judy trailer here:
When does Judy come out?
The film is slated for release in U.S. theaters on September 27, 2019.
Can I hear the soundtrack yet?
Not quite, but if you want a sneak peek you can listen to Zellweger's soulful rendition of "Over the Rainbow" on iTunes now. You'll have to wait until end of September for the rest to be released which includes a Zellweger duet with Rufus Wainwright and Sam Smith.
Who is in the film?
Zellweger is, of course, is the star of the show as Judy, and her remarkable transformation is clear in the photos and trailer that have been released so far. 17-year-old British actress Darci Shaw plays the younger Judy. Rufus Sewell plays her second husband Sidney Luft, while Finn Wittrock plays her fifth husband Mickey Deans, and Michael Gambon plays manager Bernard Delfont, who managed the London nightclub where Judy performed her last concerts.
The movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in early September, and Zellweger reportedly received two standing ovations, telling the audience, "OK, quit! You're messing up my makeup." As People pointed out, critics couldn't help but express their adoration for her as well. Joey Nolfi from Entertainment Weekly said, "Renée Zellweger is crying. I'm crying. Everyone is f—ing crying and Judy is a soaring, emotional wallop of a comeback for its star."
She opened up about taking on the role of the iconic performer. "I tried not to think too much about the obvious, which is how adored Judy is and has been through generations and how she's an icon for the ages," she said.
What is the storyline of Judy?
In case you're not familiar with the extraordinary real story of Garland's life, she started acting as a child, and became famous practically overnight at the age of 20, after starring as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. She subsequently struggled throughout her life with depression and drug addiction, and died at the age of 47 from an accidental drug overdose.
Judy takes place in 1968, the year before Garland's death, and focuses on her final series of concerts in London. Here's the full synopsis as reported by Deadline:
Set in winter 1968, the story takes place 30 years after Garland played the iconic role of Dorothy in The Wizard Of Oz. When she arrives in Swinging London to prepare for a sell-out run at The Talk of the Town, she battles with management, charms musicians and reminisces with friends and adoring fans. Even her dreams of romance seem undimmed as she embarks on a courtship with Mickey Deans, her soon to be fifth husband. And yet Garland is fragile. After working for 45 of her 47 years, she is exhausted; haunted by memories of a childhood lost to Hollywood and gripped by a desire to be back home with her kids.
In other words, it sounds like this movie is going to break your heart.
“When there’s a better understanding of what it takes for a person to continue under certain circumstances there is a level of empathy and respect that you can’t help but feel,” Zellweger told People about the role. "What she had to overcome in a time when women didn’t necessarily feel that they had power over their own lives in the way that we do today. That stayed with me and I hope folks will be moved by that as well.”
Zellweger told Entertainment Tonight that the role was "a blessing."
How was Renée Zellweger transformed into Judy Garland?
Zellweger spent two hours a day in the makeup chair, per People, where she was transformed using a combination of prosthetics, contact lenses and wigs applied. She reportedly also spent a lot of time taking music and choreography lessons in order to fully embody Garland's talent.
While Judy is being touted as Zellweger's huge comeback to Hollywood, the actress has taken the opportunity to knock down trolls who criticize her appearance. During an interview on SiriusXM's Jess Cagle Show, Zellweger opened up about overhearing people in London talking about her on the subway. She said they noted, "How could she do that? Why would she go and have surgery on her face like we wouldn't know? She doesn't look like herself, and you can't just do that where you go and don't look like yourself, cause we expect you to look like yourself."
She added that she was shocked, and one of the men chatting recognized her, telling her "But you look just like yourself!" Zellweger said it was hurtful, but a reminder to take things in stride. "It's only momentarily when you go, 'Jeez, wow, that's pretty painful.' But I don't live in that ... It just visits my life here and there and I'm not really privy on that stuff until someone sends it to me. I don't seek it out."
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Emma Dibdin is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles who writes about culture, mental health, and true crime. She loves owls, hates cilantro, and can find the queer subtext in literally anything.
