Being the Ricardos: Fans ‘very skeptical’ after first photos emerge of Nicole Kidman in Lucille Ball biopic

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The first images of Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball on the set of an upcoming biopic have emerged, prompting some fans to react with skepticism.

Being the Ricardos, directed by Aaron Sorkin, also stars Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz, Ball’s first husband. The film’s title is a reference to Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, the characters portrayed by Ball and Arnaz in the classic sitcom I Love Lucy, which aired between 1951 and 1957.

The movie takes place over the course of one week of production of I Love Lucy, and sees Ball and Arnaz face two crises – one which could jeopardise their careers, and one which could jeopardise their marriage.

After the Daily Mail published images of Kidman on the set of Being the Ricardos, some expressed their doubts as to whether casting Kidman as the comedian was the right move.

“If Nicole Kidman can really pull off this Lucille Ball thing I’ll be the MOST shocked, which is shocking in itself,” one person wrote.

“Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball looks literally just like Nicole Kidman ... very skeptical of this casting decision,” someone else tweeted.

“Nicole Kidman is not who i think of when I see Lucille Ball, screwball comedian,” another person wrote.

“Nicole Kidman is so miscast as Lucille Ball. Also doesn't she have like three TV shows in the works when does this woman sleep?” someone else wondered, adding: “Still love her though.”

“As a HUGE Lucille Ball fan I have my doubts about Nicole playing her!!” another Twitter user wrote. “I don’t think she can nail her facial expressions or comedic side of Lucy, but if the focus of this film is primarily about the private life of Lucille Ball then maybe! Don’t disappoint & get the facts correct.”