Movie Cast Monday: Moon Called

Natalie at Mindful Musings has this meme in which you create fantasy casts for books of your choice. The rules are as follows:

1) Create your own cast for an upcoming book-to-movie adaptation OR pick a book you'd like to see be turned into a movie and choose a cast.
2) Post the book title, author, and summary.
3) Try to pick at least 3 of the main characters to cast.


This week's pick is...

Moon Called (Mercy Thompson) by Patricia Briggs

"Mercy Thompson's life is not exactly normal. Her next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a VW bus for a vampire. But then, Mercy isn't exactly normal herself."

I saw that this series was optioned for movies in 2008, so I thought it would be fun to pick who I think would be good choices for some of the main characters.

Jessica Alba as Mercedes Thompson

I think this could really work since she can certainly look the part, as the picture shows, with her dark skin and petite frame. Plus, she has played multiple parts in her career that demanded a more physical role, such as the Dark Angel television series.

Josh Holloway as Adam Hauptman

So I'm going through Lost withdrawals. Other than that, he clearly demonstrated his acting chops in the television series, and with a cleaner look like I found in this picture, he would be a great choice for Adam's role as both an Alpha and as Mercy's suitor.

Clint Eastwood as Zee, aka Siebold Adelbertsmiter

Except for the height issue, I think Eastwood comes very close to matching Zee's description in the books, as Mercy knows it. He could easily pull off the personality of Zee to match. Now, as for the fae side, that would obviously have to be a completely different person.

Selena Gomez as Jesse Hauptman

Even though she looks nothing like my pick for her character's father, I like this young actress for what she has shown in the new television series Pretty Little Lies. I think she could pull off Jesse's quirkiness and adaptability, and hair and makeup could take care of the rest.

There are lots of other characters that need casting, such as Samuel Cornick, Bran Cornick, and Stefan Uccello, but I think this is a good start. What do you think?

Movie Cast Mondays: February 22, 2010

Natalie at Mindful Musings has this meme in which you create fantasy casts for books of your choice. The rules are as follows:

1) Create your own cast for an upcoming book-to-movie adaptation OR pick a book you'd like to see be turned into a movie and choose a cast.

2) Post the book title, author, and summary.

3) Try to pick at least 3 of the main characters to cast.


This week's pick is...

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

"Everybody gets to be supermodel gorgeous. What could be wrong with that?

Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license -- for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.

But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world -- and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever."

I am currently reading the third book in the trilogy, Specials, when I came across on Scott Westerfeld's blog that Uglies has been optioned for a movie! Before they start casting the movie in Hollywood, I want to make my own choices for the movie, which according to Wikipedia is scheduled to be released in 2011.

Dakota Fanning as Tally Youngblood

Dakota is one of my favorite young actresses, not only for her talent on the big screen, but also for her maturity despite her fame. I think she would play the role of Tally very well, especially if Hollywood decided to make the trilogy. Even though her natural hair color is blonde, she can play a brunette as I found from this picture, and a little makeup can help her adopt the visual transformations of Ugly, Pretty, and Special.

Mika Boorem as Shay

Mika is vaguely familiar to me and she has apparently been a child star in Hollywood for awhile now, acting in both movies and television. Her age is close to that of Dakota Fanning, so they could work well together, and her looks could be adapted for the different surgical stages, as well.

Spencer Treat Clark as David

I found this name in a list of former child stars and recognized a younger picture of Spencer from the movie Unbreakable(2000). He definitely has a rugged look to match the character of David, and his age is only a bit older than Dakota, so I could see the sparks fly between them. It doesn't hurt to have a little male "hotness" in the movie either, even if the books classify him as an Ugly.

Famke Janssen as Dr. Cable

I loved Famke as Dr. Jean Grey in the X-Men movies, and in this picture she even looks like she could pass for a Special, so she is an easy pick for the role of Dr. Cable, the head of Special Circumstances and antagonist to Tally Youngblood.

Who would you like to see cast in the upcoming movie Uglies?

Movie Cast Mondays: February 8, 2010

Natalie at Mindful Musings has this meme in which you create fantasy casts for books of your choice. The rules are as follows:
1) Create your own cast for an upcoming book-to-movie adaptation OR pick a book you'd like to see be turned into a movie and choose a cast.
2) Post the book title, author, and summary.
3) Try to pick at least 3 of the main characters to cast.


This week's pick is...

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

"Locked in a coffin-like darkness, there is nothing to distract me from my memories of killing Reyad. He deserved to die—but according to the law, so do I. Here in Ixia, the punishment for murder is death. And now I wait for the hangman's noose.
But the same law that condemns me may also save me. Ixia's food taster—chosen to ensure that the Commander's food is not poisoned—has died. And by law, the next prisoner who is scheduled to be executed—me—must be offered the position."

I loved the Study series by Maria V. Snyder, I only wish she would have continued the series beyond a trilogy. I think the first book would make a great movie, if not the whole series, because the concept presented in the plotline of a woman escaping the death penalty by way of becoming a food taster in a militaristic society is very unique.

Eliza Dushku as Yelena Zultana

I love this actress for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Tru Calling, and recently deceased Dollhouse. I think she could easily bear the role of Yelena, especially with the acrobatics that Yelena learned as a child. Sci-fi/fantasy roles have always suited Eliza well, and this role is no different.

Jason Statham as Valek
I found his name on a list of stunt actors - actors who do their own stunts, and I recognized him from a number of blockbusters, such as The Italian Job, The Bank Job, The Transporter, and Death Race. Valek is both a trained assassin and Yelena's trainer, as well as immune to magic, so this role would suit Jason well. Ironically, I think the hardest part for Jason would be the romantic aspects of the role, since Valek falls in love with Yelena.

Jane Lynch as Commander Ambrose

So I'm giving a huge spoiler for the series by wanting to cast a female for the role of Commander Ambrose. As Yelena discovers, Ambrose was originally female, but believes he is a male trapped in a female's body and styles himself as thus. I've put off completing this post for hours because I couldn't come up with anyone else other than Jane. She currently plays in the television series Glee, and it seems like anything that I see her in, her character always seems to have a "butch" persona. Nothing against it, since this really seems to work for her acting career.  I think with good costuming, she could fool even me.

So what do you think of my choices?

Movie Cast Mondays: January 25, 2010

Natalie at Mindful Musings has this meme in which you create fantasy casts for books of your choice. The rules are as follows:

1) Create your own cast for an upcoming book-to-movie adaptation OR pick a book you'd like to see be turned into a movie and choose a cast.
2) Post the book title, author, and summary.
3) Try to pick at least 3 of the main characters to cast.

This week's pick is...

Thorn In My Heart (Lowlands of Scotland Series) by Liz Curtis Higgs

Two brothers fight to claim one father’s blessing.
Two sisters long to claim one man’s heart. 
In the autumn of 1788, amid the moors and glens of the Scottish Lowlands, two brothers and two sisters each embark on a painful journey of discovery.
Jamie and Evan McKie both want their father Alec’s flocks and lands, yet only one brother will inherit Glentrool. Leana and Rose McBride both yearn to catch the eye of the same handsome lad, yet only one sister will be his bride.
A thorny love triangle emerges, plagued by lies and deception, jealousy and desire, hidden secrets and broken promises. Brimming with passion and drama, Thorn in My Heart brings the past to vibrant life, revealing spiritual truths that transcend time and penetrate the deepest places of the heart.

The Lowlands of Scotland series is 4 books that retell the Biblical stories of Jacob, Esau, Leah, and Rachel, with the fourth book telling Dinah's story, all against the backdrop of Scotland. I shed many tears over these books, and found the characters to be both real and inspirational. To see the drama and romance of this story on the big screen would be wonderful.

Benjamin McKenzie as Jamie McKie

The few times I have seen this actor, such as from the television series The O. C., I have liked his style. I think he could play the part of Jamie McKie well (with a little hair dye).

Jared Padalecki as Evan McKie

Evan is supposed to be the hairier, older twin brother, which made me think of Jared from the television series Supernatural. I think that Benjamin and Jared could have good chemistry as rival brothers for the inheritance.

Sophia Bush as Leana McBride

Let me just say that Sophia is one of my favorite actresses for her part in the television series One Tree Hill (even her weirldly scratchy voice). The story of Leana in the book is intensely moving, and I think that Sophia could really pull off the emotional aspects of it, as well as play the part of a strong woman that Leana eventually becomes. Technically, Leana is not supposed to be as beautiful as Rose, but hey, that's what makeup is for.

Camilla Belle as Rose McBride

When I realized that Camilla played Evolet in 10,000 B.C.(2008), I knew she could play this role. She looks enough like Sophia Bush that she could pass for her younger sister and display a demureness unique to the character.

Michelle Trachtenberg as Grace McKie

To me, Michelle will always be Buffy's little sister from the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. As Grace, she would be playing the mute little sister of several brothers who undergoes a tramatic experience. Not anyone could play the part of a mute successfully, but I think that Michelle could.

Movie Cast Mondays: January 18, 2010

Natalie at Mindful Musings has this meme in which you create fantasy casts for books of your choice. The rules are as follows:

1) Create your own cast for an upcoming book-to-movie adaptation OR pick a book you'd like to see be turned into a movie and choose a cast.
2) Post the book title, author, and summary.
3) Try to pick at least 3 of the main characters to cast.


This week's pick is...

The Firebrand by Marion Zimmer Bradley

"Born of noble blood, Kassandra is gifted with the ability to see into the future—and her visions tell of a battle that will bring the wrath of the gods upon all of Greece. She has foreseen the fall of Troy, but no one believes Kassandra’s prophecies, or heeds her warnings about the beautiful woman known as Helen..."

I think this book, which is unfortunately out of print, would make an excellent movie for its unique feminine perspective on the Trojan War. This movie could do just as well as the movie Troy(2004) that starred Brad Pitt, if not better. The cast list is vast, so I'll only pick a few of my favorites to cast.

Morena Baccarin as Kassandra
When I thought of the grace and poise that Kassandra must exhibit, even after facing frightening visions and being rejected by one and all, I remembered the character Inarra Serra from the short-lived television series Firefly. Her character Anna in the current television series V also exhibits that grace and poise, so I knew she would be perfect for this role.

Hayden Panettiere as Helen

Helen is notoriously known to have "the face that launched a thousand ships", and the novel portrays her as being not only beautiful but strong. Hayden's character in the television series Heroes possesses an inner strength that only grows with time, which makes her that much more beautiful. The blonde locks also conveniently match how Helen is typically portrayed.

Angelina Jolie as Penthesilea

Try as I might, I could not come up with any other actress that could a better job with both playing and looking the part of the Amazon Queen Penthesilea, Kassandra's aunt and tutor for the role of priestess. Jolie's work speaks for itself - she would just have to settle for playing a supporting role. Hey, it's my movie after all.

Scott Michael Foster as Paris

The role of Paris in the novel is relatively smaller than the female parts, and happens more often in Kassandra's visions since he is her brother, so a lessor known actor for the part is a better choice. Scott Michael Foster plays "Cappie" in the television series Greek, and I personally think he at least looks the part. Paris is a major contributor to the Trojan War by falling in love with Helen and acting out of immaturity-driven desires, so Scott is a good choice for this role as a trouble-maker.

Movie Cast Mondays: January 11, 2010

Natalie at Mindful Musings has this meme in which you create fantasy casts for books of your choice. The rules are as follows:

1) Create your own cast for an upcoming book-to-movie adaptation OR pick a book you'd like to see be turned into a movie and choose a cast.

2) Post the book title, author, and summary.

3) Try to pick at least 3 of the main characters to cast.


This week's pick is...

Maid Marian by Lisa Watson

"An irresistible reimagining of the Robin Hood legend, Maid Marian brings to life the rollicking—and romantic—world of the Middle Ages.

An orphan and heiress to a large country estate, Marian Fitzwater is wed at the age of five to an equally young nobleman, Lord Hugh of Sencaster, a union that joins her inheritance to his. But when she is seventeen, Lord Hugh, whom she hasn’t seen in years, dies under mysterious circumstances. Marian is left alone again—a widow who has never been a bride. But now, like all unmarried young ladies of fortune, she is made the ward of King Richard the Lionheart. Since Richard is away on Crusade, Marian’s fate lies in the hands of his mother, the formidable Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. The bridegroom Eleanor selects will get Marian’s lands and, in return, pledge his loyalty—and silver—to the king. Marian herself is irrelevant and she knows it. Determined not to be sold into another sham marriage, she seeks out the one man who can help uncover the queen’s intentions: Robin Hood, the notorious Saxon outlaw of Sherwood Forest.

Marian is surprised to discover that the famed “prince of thieves” is not only helpful but handsome, likeable, and sympathetic to her plight. Robin’s men intercept a letter from Queen Eleanor, from which Marian learns, to her horror, that she is to marry her late husband’s brother. His family has a history of mysterious deaths, and Marian knows she is in danger. Once married, she can be easily disposed of—a fate she may have escaped once already. On the eve of her wedding, Robin Hood spirits Marian back to the forest. The Queen believes her to be dead, and Marian begins a new life with Robin Hood’s outlaws, who pledge to help her regain her fortune and expose the treachery of her enemies."

This is another book that I wish would be adapted into a movie. I was reminded of it when I saw the trailer for the new Robin Hood  movie, starring Russell Crowe.

 

 

 

Kiera Knightly as Marian Fitzwater

I chose Kiera for this role because I loved her in the movie Pride and Prejudice (2005), and I think the character of Maid Marian would be similar to that of Elizabeth Bennet. The strong woman she portrays in many of her films align well with the character of Marian Fitzwater.

Justin Hartley as Robin Hood

I admit that the role of Robin Hood is some big shoes to fill, with the likes of Kevin Costner and now Russell Crowe acting the part, but the film is supposed to center on Maid Marian, not so much Robin Hood, so an actor of lesser renown would better fit the part. Plus, Justin's alter-ego in Smallville - the Green Arrow - is clad in green and uses a bow and arrows. Combine that with his abs and blond locks and you've got a winning combo.

Helen Mirren as Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine

Helen Mirren has played royalty in numerous films, winner herself awards for her acting ability, so she is an obvious choice for Eleanor. Eleanor is the major obstacle for Marian in the novel, which makes her the antagonist - a role that Helen could accomplish with ease.