The Weinstein Company on Thursday released a brief clip of Jane Fonda appearing in and talking about her role as Nancy Reagan in the upcoming film “The Butler.”
In it, Fonda claimed, “I happen to know that she’s not unhappy that I’m playing her” (video follows with transcript and commentary):
JANE FONDA: The idea that I could play Nancy Reagan was just too much to resist. I thought it would be fun to play her. I know people say, “Oh my gosh,” you know. “Jane Fonda’s playing Nancy Reagan.” But I don’t think that whatever differences there might be in our politics really, really matters. You know, as an actor, I approach her as a human being, and I happen to know that she’s not unhappy that I’m playing her.
I’m not sure if that’s true, but the announcement earlier this year that Fonda would be playing Reagan drew harsh criticism from conservatives across the fruited plain.
This led Fonda to tell her detractors to “Get a life.”
Although she apparently only appears in a few scenes, it’s going to be fascinating to not only see what she does with the part, but also how it’s received on both sides of the aisle.
Maybe Mrs. Reagan will even comment about what she thinks of this perilously liberal activist playing her.
Stay tuned.
(HT Deadline)
