Laurie Metcalf to play Annie Wilkes in Broadway's 'Misery'

NEW YORK, June 23 (UPI) -- Laurie Metcalf is to play deranged fan Annie Wilkes opposite Bruce Willis as captive novelist Paul Sheldon in the Broadway adaptation of Stephen King's classic kidnap thriller Misery.

Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Castle Rock Entertainment and Raymond Wu announced Metcalf's casting in the William Goldman-penned play Tuesday. Elizabeth Marvel, who had been previously announced for the role of Wilkes, had to withdraw from the production due to scheduling conflicts. Marvel is a regular on the Netflix series House of Cards.

Best known for her portrayal of Jackie on the sitcom Roseanne, Metcalf is a three-time Emmy Award-winner and an original member of Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre.

Misery is scheduled to begin performances Oct. 22 at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre. It will officially open Nov. 15 in a strictly limited, 16-week engagement. The play is to be helmed by Will Frears.

Kathy Bates and James Caan starred in a 1990 film version of the novel. The movie was written by Goldman and directed by Rob Reiner.