Keira Knightley Leaves "My Fair Lady" Adaptation

By our guest blogger, Matt Jussim

Keira Knightley has withdrawn herself from consideration from the role of Eliza Doolittle in the new film adaptation of "My Fair Lady," reports The Daily Mail.

According to the Mail: “Keira Knightley will not play Eliza Doolittle in the new movie version of 'My Fair Lady.' The Oscar-nominated actress, currently energising the London theatre scene with her stage debut in 'The Misanthrope' at the Comedy Theatre, has withdrawn herself from consideration for the role created by Audrey Hepburn in the landmark film based on the Alan Jay Lerner musical.”

“Over a period of two years, the 24-year-old star met producers Cameron Mackintosh and Duncan Kenworthy to discuss the possibility of playing the Covent Garden flower girl who becomes a Maycould fair lady after she meets Professor Henry Higgins.”

“Although strongly linked with the role (she had singing lessons and sang for Mackintosh), Keira was never officially offered the part.”

The reason for her departure is that she apparently felt that the project was taking too long to get off the ground.

Several directors, including Joe Wright, who directed Knightley in "Atonement," and Danny Boyle, who won last year's best director Academy Award for "Slumdog Millionaire," thought about the idea of directing the picture, but both declined.

John Madden ("Shakespeare In Love," "The Debt") has signed on to direct the film with various names popping up as candidates, the latest being the likes of Carey Mulligan, Gemma Arterton and Emily Blunt.

Knightley would have fit in perfectly in the role, but the actress has somewhat of a busy schedule as it is, and with the project taking so long to get started, it’s no surprise she decided not to pursue the role. I thought she was fantastic in the period piece “Atonement,” and I think she would have been great in “My Fair Lady,” another period piece.

Filming on "My Fair Lady" is expected to begin on locations in London later in the year.