Casting Terry Pratchett films

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 16 Nov 07 - 03:16 AM

Yes, Walrus, Ventress would be good as Colon. Apt casting is still escaping us on many of these.

Vimes himself is still elusive. Many have not remembered his despairing vulnerabilility when first introduced - a failing alcoholic. Others forget his revolutionary pride as descendant of regicide, and his stubborn reliance on cheap boots. Then there is his tenderness for Lady Ramkin/Lady Vimes. Again there is his "policeman's policeman" persona as he re-grows. And the acuteness as he starts to find his feet in Vetinari's world of somoke and mirrors, and the half-lies of inter-state diplomacy.

In some ways Clint Eastwood has already done most of these, but he is now too old actually to cast for the part. I have never seen Tennant manage the inner despair, nor, quite, the pride.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: The Walrus
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 08:54 PM

Wyrd Sister,

I like the idea of Paul Gross (Benton Fraser) as Carrot (so, does that mean the dog 'playing' Deifebaker as Angua in Wolf form?)
------
Richard Bridge,

I agree, David Jason is too old for Rincewind, the actor needs to be young and thin (he does spend his life running from everything).
-------
Ernest,

Pete Postletwaite as Colon? Oh No, he's totally the wrong shape. Colon is a middle aged man run to fat (at one point it is said that he fits his breasplate as a jelly fits a mould), perhaps William Simmons (Alf Ventress, the fat desk sergeant in 'Heartbeat' on TV) would be a better choice.
------
Nigel,

I think Billie Piper too young for Rosie Palm (except, maybe in Night Watch), I think Siobhan Redmond [(Midwife in "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein"(1994), Kate Higgins in "Beautiful People" (1999)], might, IMHO, be a more suitable choice.
------

Walrus

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 05:32 PM

Thanks Mmario (1.54 pm)- if you check the next post you'll see I did 'fess up to the Carrot/Fraser!

To be really honest, it was my son who pointed it out. I think we watched the first series of 'Due South' arouind the same time Carrot was introduced. Since then I've not seen him as anyone else. Even to the 'human' wolf companion, now I think of it...

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 04:47 PM

There is no doubt.   Vetinari is Ian Richardson. It is perfect.

Hopkins could do either of the new Firm

Billie Piper does nothing but annoy me (as does the arrogance of the alleged call-girl demeaning the great film and book Belle de Jour by nicking the name)

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 04:26 PM

100+ posts and no mention of Anthony Hopkins?
Vetinari possibly, the calm, smooth manner, with an undercurrent of threat!

Rosie Palm: Billie Piper in her 'Belle de Jour' persona.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Ernest
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 03:43 PM

I think Pete Postlethwaite (sp.?) deserves a role - how about Fred Colon?

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: MMario
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 01:54 PM

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 05:45 AM

Carrot has already been cast and had his own series - the Mountie in 'Due South'. Think about it - the knowing everyone in the neighbourhood, unflinching good manners even in the heat of the chase, the doggedness, and underneath it all the feeling that he'll come out the winner

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
I think you have a point there, guest - too bad you didn't sign a name so we could give you credit for it.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Santa
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 01:50 PM

The one thing Rincewind is good at is running.

And who is going to play Ffahrd and the Grey Mouser - or whatever Pratchett called them in the book?

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 11:52 AM

Oh, no! David Jason is far too old and unathletic to do Rincewind. A young Michael Crawford might have done him.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Greyeyes
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 11:05 AM

Or even Blicky

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Greyeyes
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 11:03 AM

Incidentally it's "The Colour of Magic" they are filming at the moment, David Jason is playing Rincewind. Blicky

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Greyeyes
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 10:51 AM

Granny Weatherwax is clearly Liz Smith (Vicar of Dibley, Royle Family).

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: GUEST,Wyrd Sister
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 05:46 AM

...sorry, mi cookie's gone...

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 05:45 AM

Carrot has already been cast and had his own series - the Mountie in 'Due South'. Think about it - the knowing everyone in the neighbourhood, unflinching good manners even in the heat of the chase, the doggedness, and underneath it all the feeling that he'll come out the winner.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: GUEST,Corlia
Date: 14 Nov 07 - 11:22 AM

What about Simon Pegg from Hot Fuzz for Carrot?

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Fred Maslan
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 07:47 PM

I can't agree that all the possible actors should be british, after all Discworld may not even be in our universe. Not to mention the fact that the trolls all seem to speak brooklinese. (except of course Diamond)

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: harpmolly
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 02:01 AM

Cate as the Queen...I love it! Galadriel from Evil Mirror World! :D

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 06:03 PM

I'm sure both Clive Owen abd Ray Winstone have a role to play but I'm not sure what. I'll think about it...

:D

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: MMario
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 10:41 AM

ook!

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 10:39 AM

100

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: GUEST,Santa
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 04:18 AM

I'm afraid that Brian Blessed no longer counts as a live actor.

There must be a role for Alan Titchmarsh, he's in everything else.

Carrot is difficult: how about Simon King, the wildlife presenter? I don't know if he can act, but he has the naive enthusiasm down pat. In which case Bill Oddie has to be found a role as one of the minor wizards.

Cate Blanchett would make the Queen of the Elves.

Ponder Stibbins is an intellectual Harry Potter, no? Problem solved. Or the actor who plays Michael in Robert Lindsay/Zoe Wannamaker's disfunctional family. Hmm. Perhaps there's a potential Magrat there, too?

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: CET
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 09:11 PM

I'm going to stick with live actors, I think.

I think most of the characters need to be played by Brits, or at least actors who can convincingly portray Brits. There is no escaping the fact that Terry Pratchett is writing about the British (and particularly the English). Therefore, I just can't see Clint Eastwood as any of the main characters, certainly not Vimes.

I can certainly see Sean Bean as Vimes. He doesn't come across as too young - more like cynical, mature and tough.

Depardieu as Detritus - you'd have to get past the accent, and I think you'd need somebody even bigger. Schwarzenegger has the physique, but the accent would be a problem.

I think Alan Rickman would be a great choice for Vetinari. Personally, though, I would prefer James Purefoy who played Marc Antony on the Rome series. Perhaps a bit buff, but he wouldn't be appearing in the nude, as he did on Rome in every other scene. He could certainly carry off the intelligence and menace required for the part. Don't forget, Vetinari is smooth as silk, but physically deadly and completely unscrupulous. I think Purefoy could do that even better than Rickman. Or, how about Patrick Stewart?

Brian Blessed would be an inspired choice for the Chancellor.

I can't think of any well known actor who is exactly right for Capt Carrot. He would have to be well over six feet tall, with a physique to match. I think you would have to have a special casting call.

You would have to consider Christopher Plummer for the role of Death.

Definitely Maggie Smith for Granny Weatherwax, but I could also see Cate Blanchett with the appropriate make up.

Edmund

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: The Walrus
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 08:57 PM

Gary Oldman (in 'Dracula' mode) in a cameo role as Otto the photographer?

W

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 06:30 PM

I have a sneaking feeling that David Tennant would make a good Moist VPL or whatever he's called... I think it's the eyes.

LTS

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Fred Maslan
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 10:08 AM

Johnny Depp would be great in about half the roles. I can even see him doing a great Vetinari

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 02:48 AM

Wolfgang - the muscles from Brussells.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: harpmolly
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 11:44 PM

What about our boy Johnny Depp for Moist VL? I think he'd be hilarious. He's got that combination of goofiness and gravitas. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: GUEST,sam
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 03:18 PM

what about wolfgang or the baron from the fifth elephant???

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Fred Maslan
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 10:01 AM

For detritus, current IFBB mr Olympia Jay Cutler, Imp the bard Orlando Bloom, Susan Renee Zellweger.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: GUEST,redhorse
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 02:13 PM

Richard E Grant as Moist von Lipwig

Don Henderson as Vimes?

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Rumncoke
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 09:45 AM

If we can have a time machine, it has to be Hattie Jaques as Sybil Ramkin.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 12:42 AM

It is

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: MMario
Date: 04 Nov 07 - 06:59 PM

Micca (au natural) as the "wild" Santa - which is captured to become hogfather ...or am I in the wrong series....hmmmm, I'm pretty sure that chase and capture scene is in Pratchett.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 04 Nov 07 - 02:30 AM

Greebo for me has always been Sean Connery... Don't know why.. it's just whenever I read any of the Greebo bits, Sean Connery sounds in my head.

I think it's the seducing all the ladies and beating up the men bit from the Bond movies that does it. And it would have to be him in his 'Goldfinger' days at the ball when he's turned into a human.

LTS

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: harpmolly
Date: 04 Nov 07 - 01:15 AM

Sean Bean as Greebo...are you trying to kill me??? Someone draw a bath with ice cubes, please.

Ooh, Adora Belle, what a juicy role. Jodie Foster. *grin*She can do sexy yet hardened integrity like no one else I know.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 08:08 PM

Nimoy is a superb actor - and I want to put him in somewhere, but I have not got it right yet.

I think Clint Eastwood (from the early "Rawhide" days) might be better as Greebo - Greebo has to be big and to have that catlike grace. If you just want burly and evil maybe the young Oliver Reed, but he always had trouble with grace.

What's the name of that Irish actor who does the sinister psychotic undercover policeman (and the hammy TV ads for yellow pages)? He might be good for Vimes - and he is small enough too. Don't forget Vimes has to collapse under the weight of Lady Vimes (pre-wedding) when rescuing her from the dragon.

The fat tenor (is it Harry Sugg?) - Rik Waller surely (or Meatloaf).

What about David Suchet for Dr Downey? Or he could probably do the trick of disappearing so as to be Moist Von Lipwig.   Another wholly superb actor.

I am however amazed that there are those who dispute the casting of Vetinari - it simply HAS to be Ian Richardson.

When we get to "Soul Music" I have an acting role for Pete Docherty!

Maybe Roy Kinnear for the Dean?

Off to continue the re-reading now....

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Santa
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 05:27 PM

I hadn't thought of Greebo - Johnny Depp, surely?

Having raised the point about Adora - I do like the thought of Lauren Bacall.

You mean that Ridcully isn't hammy? Not with you there.

I had the Dean when I started that last sentence......it wasn't Alan Rickman, but now I've thought of it, he could do it......I know, I know! Shatner!

I suppose someone will suggest Nimoy for Vetinari now.

For Ponder Stibbons, I keep seeing Michael Redgrave as Barnes Wallis in the Dam Busters. A bit too old, though.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Raedwulf
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 04:19 PM

But who is going to be Adora Belle Dearheart? Instantly I saw Lauren Bacall, for some reason.

Christopher Lee for Death, has to be.

Can't believe you're arguing about Vimes. He started out as Dirty Harry - it *has* to be Clint Eastwood (& yes, the man can act more than enough to encompass the way Sam has grown).

Can't argue with Geraldine James (Blott on the Landscape anyone?) for Lady Ramkin.

Katherine Hepburn would be a superb Granny W. (but Brian Blessed feels wrong as Ridcully - not big enough & too hammy).

I can go with Sid James for Nobby Nobbs, but Dibbler ought to be "Del Boy" David Jason. Nicholas Lindsay as Rincewind isn't perfect, but the best of the suggestions so far.

Alec Guinness beats Rickman for Vetinari in my book. Rickman isn't spare/spartan/economical enough, call it how you will (& I think Rickman is a genius!), in physique or manner.

Rickman, perhaps, for Greebo. Or Sean Bean. Or me!

Oliver Hardy for The Dean? Doesn't quite work, but no-one else has mentiond The Dean. There must be a part for Stan Laurel too, but he's halfway between The Bursar & Ponder Stibbons, for me. Lon Chaney for whatshisname, the old zombie git in the bath chair.

A young George Clooney for Victor Maraschino of Moving Pictures (presuming that Errol Flynn is not available).

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 10:37 AM

Oh - and I think whoever it was may have meant Patricia Routledge, Liz - Mrs Bouquet from Keeping up Appearances. I think she would make a good Sybil but I wouldn't be able to see Vimes without imagining the long suffering Richard:-)

Talking of Sybil - How about Prunella Scales?

Mind you, John Cleese wouldn't work as Vimes!

:D

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 09:53 AM

Whassername that plays Alice the Verger in Vicar of Dibley could do a good Magrat as well I reckon. Has Dolph Lungren been mentioned as Carrot? He did a good He-Man:-)

Victoria Wood as anyone her age and shape!

:D

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: The Walrus
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 10:08 PM

I always think of Lady Sybil as being somewhat more Junoesque
Penelope Keith certainly has the height
Perhaps the woman in the British TV version of 'Life and Loves of a She Devil' (Julie something) may work.

Any recommendations for the Agony Aunts?

W

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 08:44 PM

How about Joanna Lumley for Lady Sybil?

LTS

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: harpmolly
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 11:22 AM

YES!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Santa
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 06:52 AM

The problem with permitting dead actors is that Alec Guiness could play all of the male roles and the elder females too. Olivier could play the more posturing ones (and others too, to be fair).

My wife suggests Maggie Smith for Weatherwax.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: harpmolly
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 12:18 AM

Well, I couldn't get them all, but here's what I could think of:

I actually think Jackie Chan would be an inspired choice for Twoflower. Or else, if you wanted someone younger (though I guess not, since he has a daughter), Masi Oka of the new US show "Heroes" would be brilliant--his character essentially IS Twoflower. :)

Commander Vimes - maybe too sexy, but Daniel Craig?

Captain Carrot - buff him up a bit and I think Ewan McG. could hit this one out of the park.

Corporal Nobby Nobbs - I agree, Andy Serkis would be PERFECT.Lord Vetinari - Much as I adore Alan R., he's not as angular as he used to be. If we had the A.R. of "Robin Hood" perhaps.

Igor - which one? ;)

DEATH - gotta agree with Christopher Lee.

Ponder Stibbons - Michael Sheen? He was so endearing in "Heartlands"...


Granny Weatherwax - if we can count the deceased, I would actually say Katharine Hepburn. Her beauty could be made pretty severe, and she had that no-bullshit air about her. I think she'd be a perfect practitioner of Headology. ;)

Nanny Ogg - I know she's way too young, but for some reason Brenda Blethyn springs to mind. I think it's her portrayal of the super-flooze Mari Hoff in "Little Voice".

Magrat - I was a little disappointed in Jane Horrocks' Mag. in the animated "WS", because I'm a huge fan of hers. But none of the voices in that really made me happy, and I think it may have been the direction rather than the acting.

Tiffany Aching - hmm. For the earlier books, let's see how this Dakota Blue Richards girl turns out (the Golden Compass/HDM films).

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 08:18 PM

Avon? Amazing. He'd have been a good Vetinari. Blake could have done Vimes.

What about the young Hayley Mills for Eskarina?

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Les from Hull
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 08:12 PM

I did see Paul Darrow (Avon in Blakes 7) as Vimes in a stage production. He was very good.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 07:10 PM

Been re-reading the Pratchetts (starting at the beginning).

Cohen the Barbarian is DEFINITELY Wilfred Bramble.

Ysabell is equally definitely the young Fenella Fielding.

I am worried about Death. There is an element of uncertainty, of doubt, of wistfulness that we are not capturing here yet.

I still really like Jackie Chan for Rincewind - despite "Some Mothers do 'ave em" I don't really think Michael Crawford has the moves (and he'd be better as Mort, or King thingamjig).

But that does make casting TwoFlower really hard.

Windsor Davies might make a decent fist of Jackrum.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 03:48 AM

I postulated very early on that we were allowed a tme machine.

Subject: RE: Casting Terry Pratchett films
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 03:10 AM

Only Christopher Lee has ever managed to sound as if he were speaking in upper case all the time. James Earl Jones would be Deaths' Boss - the one who has a single word to say that takes up the entire page in bold - and even then it might need a tweak with a voicebox.

LTS