Bruce Willis has a new captor to fear on Broadway this fall.
Laurie Metcalf will star opposite Willis in Misery, adapted from Stephen King‘s suspense novel of the same title by William Goldman, who also wrote the screenplay for Rob Reiner‘s popular 1990 film version.
An original Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble member and a three-time Emmy winner for her role on Roseanne, Metcalf last appeared on Broadway in The Other Place, which earned her a 2013 Tony nomination for lead actress. She steps in for House of Cards regular Elizabeth Marvel, who was previously announced but has withdrawn due to scheduling conflicts.
Read more Bruce Willis to Make Broadway Debut in Adaptation of Stephen King’s ‘Misery’
Metcalf will play Annie Wilkes, the role that won Kathy Bates an Oscar in the screen version. A fanatical fan of the novels of romance writer Paul Sheldon (Willis), she goes to violent lengths to secure the imperiled future of her favorite fictional character, Misery Chastain, when the author is injured in a car accident near her secluded home.
Producers Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Castle Rock Entertainment and Raymond Wu also have announced a venue and dates for Misery, which is scheduled for a limited 16-week engagement. The play begins previews Oct. 22 at the Broadhurst Theatre, with opening night set for Nov. 15.
The production will mark the Broadway debut of both Willis and director Will Frears.
