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merklynn
Menegroth
Jun 5 2008, 10:40pm
Post #1 of 7
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Hype Casting Contest
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This is something Nicky08 proposed in another thread and I really liked the idea...
All this talk about James McAvoy is just that: talk. Everyone has been whipped up into an early state of frenzy over the whole issue.
I'm curious about something. For those "Ringers" out there that know "The Hobbit" backwards and forwards, and who also have a fairly good grasp on either their knowledge of movie actors or the Internet Movie Database I propose this: those interested should attempt to cast as many characters as they can (for their own personal sense of satisfaction) and then wait and see once the movie has officially been cast actually how many actually match your personal predictions. I think it would be intriguing to find out what direction everyone is thinking...
So I propose people reply to this post with as full a list of actors as possible, with their accompanying "qualifications" ie why they should get the part, and what you think the "likelihood" is they will actually get it. Then, as the actors are announced, whichever tORNado / Ringer who has the most correct wins a chocolate fish. Please provide links to IMDB or photos if possible. And you can only pick one actor for the part. Returning actors don't count obviously.
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merklynn
Menegroth
Jun 5 2008, 10:47pm
Post #2 of 7
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I am confident that Guillermo will cast actors appropriate for the roles and I am 100% comfortable with complete unknowns in major roles, including the role of Bilbo. But my preferences are..
Bilbo / Martin Freeman
Qualifications: Bumbling, charming everyman, Martin Freeman looks a little bit like Ian Holm, and has the advantage of being 36 years old, which is at least closer in human years to Bilbo's age in TH than McAvoy or Daniel Radcliffe. Freeman's height is reasonable for playing a hobbit whereas Colin Firth is a bit tall. Why choose Freeman over a more established actor? Because his work in The Office, Love Actually, and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy showed how endearingly likeable he can be despite his awkward english politeness on camera.
Likelihood: Whether Freeman would actually be willing to step into less comical fantasy and become a "goblin" (as his limited knowledge of LOTR considers hobbits and goblins the same) is possibly in doubt. Whether Guillermo would consider him may also be in doubt. Martin Freeman did not make it for role in one of GDTs movies more recently.
http://www.imdb.com/...amp;q=martin+freeman
Smaug / Pablo Adán
Qualifications: Adán was the voice of Le Faun in Pan's Labyrinth. He's spanish accent and creepy but rich textured voice would add an exotic aspect to Smaug who needs to be disturbing but charming at the same time through his voice. Better knowns like Alan Rickman and Jeremy Irons, both have distinctive voices, more so in the case of Rickman who monotonous mumble is not only to recognizably Rickman, but hardly a dragon. Smaug can hypnotize with his eyes and his voice needs to be alluring in that strange foreign way.
Likelihood: Adán might not even be able to speak english, which depending on his willingness to learn, could rule him out in an instant.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2025107/
Thorin / Ben Kingsley
Qualifications: Ben Kingsley has that ability to play stern flawed characters and a face that would lend itself well to the memorable lines that characterize dwarven features. Thorin is a grim, short patienced and tunnel-visioned character that needs intensity that Kingsley is well positioned to deliver. But basically, I just think he looks a alot like Thorin in the face.
Likelihood: This one seems unlikely just because it is very hard to pull actors out of thin air for roles where they will be buried under makeup anyway. It could end up being anyone, but I'm suggesting Kingsley for now.
http://www.imdb.com/...l&q=ben+kingsley
Balin / James Cosmo
Qualifications: In truth, James could play Thorin, although I've always found James a warm actor who plays likeable good guys, and Balin is definitely one of the friendlier dwarves. For this reason, I am suggesting him for Balin, because I know I am going to care even more than I do already when the character meets his ultimate fate beyond the confines of The Hobbit storyline.
Likelihood: Fair. I think James is someone that should be seriously consider by the powers that be.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0181920/
Beorn / Ron Perlman
Qualifications: He's being pushed by some very heavily for the role of Thorin, but I think downplaying Perlman's physical size might be a waste, although I'm sure he would make a good Thorin as well. Perlman used to play Vincent in the 1980s Beauty and the Beast series and does not seem afraid of roles in which he is buried under hours of makeup. In the case of Beorn, GDT has hinted at a transformation sequence, and who knows what the interpretation of Beorn in werebear form will look like. Perlman has the rustic gravel to play this mihty shapeshifter.
Likelihood: If Perlman makes it into the film, I will be just as content with him playing Thorin. I'd say his chances were EXTREMELY good given his mentioning by GDT on one occasion. I think GDT might be doing him a bigger favor to cast him as Beorn than as Thorin as it would mean less time buried under makeup.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000579/
Bard / Gerard Butler
Qualifications: Butler can very easily look the part as seen in Timeline, but it is the physical presence and rugged charisma that seem to scream "grim" which seems to be a bottom line requirement for the part of Bard. I can just see him standing, looking past the camera and shouting orders in his powerful voice as Lake Town burns around him. Why him over some of the other names tossed around? Gerard is not super well known yet but would in my mind immediately bring EXACTLY what the character of Bard needs to the table. He would instantly be likeable in that charismatic kind of way, and lets face it, he's not bad on the eye (and I'm 100% straight).
Likelihood: Tough one... Gerard is probably pretty busy with various upcoming films, so his availability might be in question as his career seems to be finding its feet very quickly. Would he want to do it given that the role may not be that large in the overall movie? I hope he will, I hardly think The Hobbit would be a step backwards for him.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0124930/
Goblin King / Doug Jones
Qualifications: Few people seem able to bring to life prosthetic characters as well as Doug Jones, who throws himself into his roles 100%. In a film like The Hobbit there will be various opportunities, specifically with the goblins that will require someone of great competence and skill behind the mask. I am picking Doug for the Goblin King because I can see his Abe-like performance providing an interesting contrast to what one might expect from a great goblin king. So instead of the Lurtz-style Uruk Hair captain, the Goblin King might be quite lithe, cunning and sinister.
Likelihood: Doug has been in several of GDT's movies now and it seems highly likely that Guillermo will hire him to become part of the family. Will he play the Goblin king?
Quite possible.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0427964/
Thranduil / Sam Neil
Qualifications: Jason Isaacs, Jouquin Phoenix, David Bowie etc, these actors are well known in other roles and anyone of them would stand out like a sore thumb when I saw them. That's what happened for me with Haldir, who fortunately for everyone outside of NZ was an unknown actor, but all I could think of was his Shortland Street soap opera character. Over time I've gotten over it and have come to accept Craig Parker as Haldir, but I don't want to be shocked when I see Thranduil and be jolted out of the film by thinking, oh Harry Potter, oh Jaoquin Phoenix, oh Ziggy Stardust. I can see Sam Neil working as an elf, very easily. He would seem an automatic pick for me... However...
Likelihood: I think Hugo and Sam are very much alike in their style of performance and even somewhat physically similar. So I think they are going to have to surprise me, preferably with some lesser known thteatrical talent. Also, Sam is starting to get a little old for an immortal elf.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000554/
(This post was edited by merklynn on Jun 5 2008, 10:56pm)
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Owain
Dor-Lomin
Jun 6 2008, 6:55pm
Post #3 of 7
(507 views)
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Casting Speculation... I put this on the Casting Sticky too....
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This is just something I did for fun... some of these are obvious, others rumored, still others I am thinking about. Have a look!
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stuntjockey
Registered User
Jun 6 2008, 7:12pm
Post #4 of 7
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Wondering if theres anyone out there with local background casting news in New zealand. Will be over there
later this year and wanted to give the my info. Always ready to travel for the right Project
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Nickey08
Nevrast
Jun 8 2008, 9:04am
Post #5 of 7
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Thank you so much Merklynn! I didn't realize this was here until I stumbled on it...
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I guess I posted too early in the wrong forum...
Submitted for everyone's approval - Has anyone seen TopGear or Brainiac?
Seriously, I'd like to recommend Richard Hammond. He's cute, British, and well, Hobbit-like (short - at least I assume that's why they nicknamed him "Hamster"). If anyone has ever watched either TopGear or Brainiac, you know he's got an infectious personality. I also think he's closer to Bilbo's age in the book than McAvoy is. A little bit closer anyway. A little bit of curly hair... Some hairy feet...
  Thanks for listening.
http://www.myspace.com/nickeydrayer
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Nickey08
Nevrast
Jun 8 2008, 9:15am
Post #6 of 7
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This is a wonderfully thought-out list! Everyone and the reason for everyone you mention is very rational and realistic. The one actor in your list that I believe will not only be a definite character in the film, but potentially multiple characters: Doug Jones. I especially like the inclusion od Gerard Butler. Very good work! I'm very curious to find out how many of these will be picked!
http://www.myspace.com/nickeydrayer
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Nickey08
Nevrast
Jun 9 2008, 5:14am
Post #7 of 7
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This might be a stretch to some people....
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However, to anyone who has seen HBO's Carnivale has heard how eerie and menacing Linda Hunt's voice as "The Management". I would like to suggest her (as unlikely as it would seem) as the voice of Smaug.
http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0021931/
http://www.myspace.com/nickeydrayer
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