We’re always rooting for Latinx in Hollywood when they’re up for a big role, but in the case of Anthony Ramos’ attempt at landing a part in the 2019 film version of the musical Cats, we think Ramos probably dodged a bullet.
Late last week, Ramos, who will be seen on the big screen next year in the film version of the musical In the Heights, bravely released his official audition for a role in last year’s film, which was a massive box office failure and destroyed by movie critics and audiences alike.
This was my audition for CATS the movie. pic.twitter.com/RkqSLh2i9C
— Anthony Ramos (@ARamosofficial) December 8, 2020
The taped audition features Ramos singing “The Rum Tum Tugger,” a song performed in the film by pop and R&B singer Jason Derulo, who was ultimately cast as the song’s namesake feline. During the recorded audition, Ramos seems totally committed to the song, much like the entire cast of Cats was when the film hit theaters last year.
Ramos gyrates his hips and moves his arms to the piano accompaniment, and his version of the song sounds wonderful as he sings lyrics like “the Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat.” Still, it’s a bit difficult to imagine how things would’ve turned out without seeing him covered in computer-generated fur.
Actually, we jest. We’re sure Ramos really wanted the part in the big-budget movie, but Cats really was a cinematic abomination. Not only did it win a Razzie for Worst Picture of the Year, actors Rebel Wilson and James Corden, who also took home Razzies for their supporting performances, poked fun of the film at the Oscars ceremony earlier this year when they showed up on stage to present an award dressed as their Cats characters.
We’d definitely rather see Ramos at the Oscars next year in a black tux accepting a trophy for In the Heights.