Ok, so there's a weird back-story to this image...

I'd been listening to the new Sweeney Todd Movie soundtrack and it struck me that Johnny Depp was basically using a less-drunk version of his 'Jack Sparrow' voice for the title character and as that was based off of Keith Richards, who was also an inspiration for Murdoc's voice if I remember right, I got to noticing the similarities between the two. When then in turn got me to picturing Muds singing instead of Johnny and the thought amused me.

So picturing that while I was listening, I started wondering why he would agree to such a thing, and the most logical I could come up with is that it must have been a publicity-stunt by the band that he was goaded into. I can picture 2D hinting subtly that Muds didn't have the vocal skills to pull it off, and getting him riled up enough to agree to it just to prove the singer wrong.

So with him in the leading role, I moved to thinking about casting for the other characters.

I originally thought about 2D for Anthony, but after watching Toby played by the adult Neil Patrick Harris in the 2001 concert version in San Fransisco, that role made more sense for him. The only part I think he would regret is having the cut all his pretty hair off in order to make the wig gag work, but that'll grow back in time. ^_^

Noodle was obviously too young to play Mrs. Lovett, so I cast her as Johanna. It seems ill-fitted at first, but in the play she's got much more gumption so I think she'd be okay with it. So we've got her here all dolled-up in corset and bustle, complete with hair-extensions, lol. If I'd had room, I would've stuck Cortez in that cage of hers, but it was a bit small for him.

Russel as of yet remains uncast, mostly because I don't think he'd been too keen on singing. I could picture him being more comfortable working behind the scenes - maybe working with the orchestra to give the score a more 'Gorillaz'-esque flavor.

ANYWAY! After that long build up, lol, this is a behind-the-scenes shot of Muds menacing 2D with his props while Noodle watches.

Murdoc: How 'bout it, Faceache? Ready for a shave??
2D: Th-that is j-just a prop, ain't it, Muds?
Murdoc: Let's find out, shall we?
Noodle: *Boys...*

Gorillaz (c) Hewlett/Albarn
Sweeney Todd (c) Sondheim/Warner Brothers