Is Bobby Flay coming to the Great White Way?
On July 18, Flay visited “The Tonight Show” to talk grilling, celebrity friends and his show “BBQ Brawl: Flay V. Symon.” During the sit-down with Jimmy Fallon, the chef teased another project he’s working on that may come as a surprise to fans of the Food Network personality.
“This is a true story,” Flay told Fallon. “We’re making ‘Beat Bobby Flay: The Musical’ actually, for Broadway.”
Flay asked everyone not to laugh, assuring them that the project is actually in the works. While he didn’t share when the musical will premiere, he said it already has an “amazing” composer and a writer, too. But one thing it doesn’t have yet is its star.
“The whole thing’s happening, but I need a lead to play the Bobby Flay character,” he continued, before seemingly asking Fallon if he can make a connection happen. “We need Justin Timberlake.”
Flay noted that Timberlake hasn’t won a Tony yet — which means he’s done his research — and that he can dance and “do it all.”
“Just for a month,” Flay pleaded.
Flay also hinted at the format of the musical, which won’t have “a bunch of show tunes.”
“It’s a real New York situation where there’s gonna be a party every night in the theater,” Flay added.
“And I’m assuming food?” Fallon said.
“There will be some food for sure,” Flay responded.
Online, Flay’s fans reacted to news of the musical with jokes and genuine excitement.
“Ludicrous,” wrote one Reddit user, while another said, “I’m here for it. Not gonna lie.”
“I hope this isn’t satire,” commented someone else. “Bobby Flay understands camp.”
Sophie and Bobby Flay on “Beat Bobby Flay Holiday Throwdown,” Season 2. (Jason DeCrow / Food Network)
For those who doubt Flay’s mission to set his competition show to song, this isn’t the first time he’s publicly mentioned the idea. On the July 11, 2024 episode of “Beat Bobby Flay” titled “Broadway Bound,” he pitched the idea to guests chef Jet Tila and Broadway veteran Sutton Foster.
“Actually, I want to talk to you about something,” Flay told Foster. “I’m so actually glad you’re here tonight, because I’ve been going through this idea for a long time: ‘Beat Bobby Flay: The Musical.’”
When Flay said that he’s “totally serious,” about the idea, Foster had one single question.
“Would you be in it?” she asked.
“No,” Flay replied emphatically. “Sutton, you know the right questions.”
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
