Marilyn is ‘muy bien’ in Spanish accent, insists Monroe estate

‘Correct me if I’m wrong, but did Marilyn Monroe have a thick Spanish accent?’

MARILYN MONROE’S estate has jumped to the defence of the Cubanspanish actress who played the film star in a new Netflix movie, after her accent was panned by critics.

Ana de Armas has the lead role in the forthcoming film Blonde, but despite nearly a year of dialect coaching and training, she has not captured Monroe’s accent or breathy voice, according to fans who have watched the trailer.

The film is based on the novel by Joyce Carol Oates and reimagines the life of Monroe, from her volatile childhood as Norma Jean through her rise to stardom.

But reviewers were disappointed that De Armas, 34, did not appear to fully take on the character.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but did Marilyn Monroe have a thick Spanish accent?” said Jerry Ascione.

“Looks incredible but unfortunately her accent gets in the way. I know she worked really hard but it’s still very much there,” added Jessica Rae.

In a statement given to Variety, Marc Rosen, president of entertainment at Authentic Brands Group, which owns the Marilyn Monroe Estate, said: “Marilyn is a singular Hollywood and pop culture icon that transcends generations and history.

“Any actor that steps into that role knows they have big shoes to fill.

“Based on the trailer alone, it looks like Ana was a great casting choice as she captures Marilyn’s glamour, humanity and vulnerability. We can’t wait to see the film in its entirety.”

In an interview with The Times last year, De Armas said of the accent: “I tried! It only took me nine months of dialect coaching, and practising, and some ADR sessions [rerecording dialogue after filming].

“It was a big torture, so exhausting. My brain was fried.”

De Armas played Bond girl Paloma in the franchise’s latest film No Time to Die and was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance as nurse Marta Cabrera in the murder mystery film Knives Out.

Blonde will debut at the Venice film festival, which is regarded as a launch pad for Oscar contenders as awards season approaches.

Ana de Armas, a Cuban-spanish actress, plays Marilyn Monroe in the Netflix film Blonde. A spokesman for Monroe’s estate defended the casting, saying De Armas captured ‘Marilyn’s glamour, humanity and vulnerability’