According to today's Messenger-Inquirer, filming on the Bill Monroe biopic Blue Moon of Kentucky, has been delayed by budget issues and the two leading actors, Peter Saarsgard and Maggie Gyllenhaal withdrawing from the project.  All other elements of the film, including director Finn Taylor, a script by Paducah native and Oscar winner Callie Khouri, an extensive soundtrack produced by Grammy winner T. Bone Burnett, and other casting including Sam Shepard as Pendleton Vandiver "Uncle Pen", Ed Helms as Earl Scruggs, Tim Blake Nelson as Lester Flatt, Ashley Judd as Monroe's wife Carolyn, country singers Dierks Bentley and Pam Tillis will portray Webb Pierce and Kitty Wells respectively, John C. Reilly as Charlie Monroe, and Blues artist Keb'Mo as Arnold Shultz who greatly influenced Monroe's sound and style, are all ready to go.

Now the question is, who will take over the roles of Bill Monroe and Monroe's bandmate and eventual mistress, Bessie Lee Mauldin?  Me and the parents brainstormed a bit this afternoon.  Here is who we came up to play the role of Monroe.  Our best picks?  The Incredible Hulk star, Edward Norton, Oscar winner Russell Crowe, Dwight Yoakam, and I think our best pick was country superstar, Tim McGraw, and it's really a no-brainer.  We know he can sing, he can act, but could he pick up the mandolin or at least, fake it?  Probably.  Dad's theory is whomever plays Bessie Lee "has to be hot enough for (Monroe) to leave Carolyn/Ashley Judd."  I'd like to note he also said Chad should play Monroe.  Just Kidding!  So who could play Bessie Lee?  Talk amongst yourselves.

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