George Clooney is set to make his Broadway acting debut next year in a stage adaptation of the 2005 movie 'Good Night, and Good Luck.' Clooney will take on the role of legendary TV journalist Edward R. Murrow in this production, which earned him directing and writing Oscar nominations.
The play, co-written by Clooney and Grant Heslov, will be directed by David Cromer and is scheduled to premiere on Broadway in spring 2025 at a Shubert Theatre to be announced. The 90-minute black-and-white film, which starred David Strathairn as Murrow, is known for its dialogue-heavy action that unfolds on a few sets.
The story revolves around Murrow's efforts to maintain support from CBS executives for critical reporting on Republican Sen. Joseph McCarthy during the 1950s communist threat. Clooney, who played 'See It Now' co-creator Fred Friendly in the film, highlighted the importance of journalism in holding the government accountable.
Edward R. Murrow, considered one of the pioneers of U.S. broadcast news, operated with a moral clarity that is rare in today's media landscape. Director David Cromer emphasized the immediacy of early live television broadcasts, which can be effectively captured on stage in front of a live audience.
The Clooney family has a strong connection to journalism, with George Clooney's father, Nick Clooney, having worked as a TV news anchor and host in various cities. The family takes pride in the role journalists played during times of political paranoia, and Clooney aimed to bring attention to the importance of the fourth estate through his movie.
