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Last summer, it was reported that Columbia was setting up a remake of *My Fair Lady *and that Keira Knightley was pursuing the iconic, Cockney role of Eliza Doolittle. While Knightley has been “attached” ever since, The Telegraph](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/6418265/By-George-shes-got-it-Keira-Knightley-beats-Scarlett-Johansson-to-be-My-Fair-Lady.html) reports that Scarlett Johansson was also vying for the role. But Knightley won out, and the Telegraph not only confirms that she’s got the role, but that Joe Wright will be directing. Emma Thompson is writing the script.
Knightley has been taking singing lessons ever since the possibility came up (and I actually think she proved she had a good voice in The Edge of Love), and I think she’ll be absolutely charming as Doolittle. But then I’m biased towards her. Even if you aren’t (and I expect many “too skinny!” comments), I think the combination of Wright and Thompson pushes this into very, very promising territory. Thompson can do no wrong by me.
What will really tip the balance is who they cast as the grumpy, misogynist Professor Henry Higgins. The Telegraph reports that Daniel Craig is being considered, and he’d certainly be ideal as the grim Higgins, probably moreso than the dapper Hugh Jackman. I wouldn’t mind seeing Patrick Wilson become a contender, and I half wonder if Gerard Butler’s vocal chords were trotted out on Saturday Night Live as an audition. Just you wait, and practice your R’s, and we’ll see whose face Knightley must become accustomed to.