Nathan Lane Urges Jack Black for a Potential Broadway Revival of “The Producers”

Nathan Lane, a three-time Tony winner, told the Gold Derby Awards Magnet podcast that he would cast Jack Black as Max Bialystock in a new Broadway revival of Mel Brooks’s *The Producers*. Lane cited Black’s comedic timing, dynamic stage presence, and strong singing voice as essential for the role.

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Brooks first released *The Producers* as a 1967 film starring Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder. The musical opened on Broadway in 2001, running until 2007, with Lane originating Max Bialystock opposite Matthew Broderick’s Leo Bloom. A 2005 film adaptation, directed by Susan Stroman, reunited Lane and Broderick and earned Lane a Golden Globe nomination.

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The discussion involves Nathan Lane (actor, Tony winner, currently nominated for Best Actor in a Play for *Death of a Salesman*), Jack Black (actor-musician with a four-quadrant box-office profile), Matthew Broderick (original Broadway co-star as Leo Bloom), and Mel Brooks (creator of the original film and musical).

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ComScore’s Paul Dergarabedian described Black as “the four-quadrant movie star.” Black’s films have generated more than $11 billion worldwide, including $3.3 billion in the past three years, underscoring his marketability for a high-profile Broadway production.

The Wrap

Lane praised Black’s talent but noted that Black “doesn’t have to” and is busy with film franchises. He expressed uncertainty about a revival, asking, “I wonder if they’ll ever do another revival in New York,” and warned that “everyone’s become so terribly sensitive now,” suggesting a production must proceed without apology.

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No producer, Broadway organization, or Mel Brooks estate has confirmed a new revival. Consequently, details such as a timeline, financing, and creative team remain undefined.

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• “Don’t you think if they could get Jack Black—that’s who I would cast,” — Nathan Lane, actor

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• “When I see him hosting SNL, he’s the most adorable, brilliantly funny guy. He’s a wonderful actor, but he’s so dynamic, and he can really sing. He has a great singing voice. So, that’s who I would go after, to get Jack.” — Nathan Lane

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• “He doesn’t have to, he’s starring in several franchises. He doesn’t need to do any shows a week. But you know, for a lark … if you asked him really nice, maybe. To be honest with you, he’s the only guy I could think of that I would go, ‘Oh, that’s a reason to do it, to bring it back.’ To get to see Jack play that part—he has that same kind of Zero Mostel madness.” — Nathan Lane

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• “Jack Black is the four-quadrant movie star.” — Paul Dergarabedian, head of marketplace trends, Comscore

The Wrap

Lane’s endorsement remains personal; no official revival has been announced. Until a producer or rights holder confirms a production, the prospect of Jack Black leading a Broadway version of *The Producers* stays speculative, though his box-office appeal continues to attract industry interest.

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