Nathan Lane sees only one performer capable of justifying a revival of the Broadway musical The Producers.
The veteran stage actor shared his casting idea while appearing on the May 15, 2026 episode of Gold Derby's Awards Magnet podcast.
Lane, a three-time Tony winner currently nominated for Best Actor in a Play for his role in the Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman, spoke about the possibility of returning to the Mel Brooks musical where he originated the role of Max Bialystock.
“Don’t you think if they could get Jack Black—that’s who I would cast,” said Nathan Lane, the three-time Tony winner.
He explained that Black would not need the steady work but might consider the part for the right reasons. “He doesn’t have to, he’s starring in several franchises. He doesn’t need to do any shows a week. But you know, for a lark…if you asked him really nice, maybe.”
Lane stressed that Black remains the sole actor who would personally motivate him to revisit the show. “To be honest with you, he’s the only guy I could think of that I would go, ‘Oh, that’s a reason to do it, to bring it back.’ To get to see Jack play that part—he has that same kind of Zero Mostel madness.”
The original Broadway production of The Producers ran from 2001 to 2007. Lane noted Black’s live comedic energy, particularly during his Saturday Night Live hosting appearances. “When I see him hosting SNL, he’s the most adorable, brilliantly funny guy. He’s a wonderful...” Lane added.
Reports from Deadline, BroadwayWorld, and TheWrap on May 16 and 17, 2026, highlighted Lane’s remarks and the renewed interest they have generated among theater observers.
Lane’s comments arrive as Broadway continues to weigh new productions of past commercial successes against fresh material and limited actor availability. The discussion has sparked interest in potential casting for future revivals of classic musicals.
