Is it okay to discuss casting for the HBO series?

[I, Brian]

And here's a bit more on the HBO series:
Variety.com - HBO turns 'Fire' into fantasy series

This bit stands out as good:

The author will co-exec produce the series

[that old guy]

HBO has acquired the rights to turn George R.R. Martin's bestselling fantasy series "A Song of Fire & Ice" into a dramatic series to be written and exec produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.

LOL, I hope this isn't an augur of what's to come, eh?

Originally Posted by I, Brian

This bit stands out as good:

Not to me it doesn't. I'm 42 and I hope the series gets done before I die. Sheesh, how much more is going to put on his plate? I keep expecting him to form an exploratory committee to run for US president in 2008 or maybe train to go up on the space shuttle. Seems like that's about all he hasn't taken on lately.

Not that I would ever suggest somebody go the Misery route, but I'd also like to think one of my favorite writers was actually, well, writing once in a while.

[Boaz]

Originally Posted by Variety

Martin has nearly finished the fifth installment, but won't complete the seven-book cycle until 2011.

Since the next Democratic National Convention is going to be here in Denver, I'll start the "Four more years!" chant now.

Four more years! Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!

Seriously, think about it. Three books in four years would unprecedented for this series. I know that sounds negative, but I'm not trying to be.

Four more years! Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!

[BlueJimmie]

Strong Belwas: Michael Clarke Duncan. Why not?

The Mountain: Any professional wrestler in the neighborhood of 7 feet tall and 300 pounds should do nicely. Have him do a David Prowse all covered in his ugly plate and have someone dub his voice, like Clancy Brown or Michael Ironside. Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't believe you ever see his face until he fights the Viper. Close up shot of his helmet when you really need to see him, any ugly cur would do, eh?

Speaking of Michael Ironside: Ser Ilyn Payne. He doesn't talk which is perfect if he dubs the Mountain's voice. Two characters for one actor.

There has to be a place for Gerald McRaney (Major Dad, Deadwood's William Randolph Hearst) in here somewhere. Lord Commander Mormont? Ser Barristan Selmy?

[red_temple]

Originally Posted by TK-421

OOOHHHHHH! Calm down TK. Tell them gently....Keanu Reeves is CANADIAN and not a Yank!

You're actually going to claim him?

[TK-421]

Happily. We get so little notice as it is, we'll take what we can get. But yet, half your comedians and actors in Hollywood are Canucks anyways and half your movies are filmed up here.



Anyway, I think the point Brian was making is that if GRRM, who has lots of experience in TV, is co-producing, the series is in good hands wouldn't you think.

[MOUNTAIN THAT READS]

I am going to have to convince my wife that we need HBO?

"Honey you know those books that I like so much? Well their making a series about them, isn't that exciting?

"If you read the books, why do you need to see the shows?"

"UHHHHHH........."

[Boaz]

MTR, Answer: Because I want to share them with you, darling.

BlueJimmie, M.C. Duncan is great suggestion.

[MOUNTAIN THAT READS]

lol After one good incest scene that will be the end of sharing.

[red_temple]

Originally Posted by TK-421

Anyway, I think the point Brian was making is that if GRRM, who has lots of experience in TV, is co-producing, the series is in good hands wouldn't you think.

I agree wholeheartedly. Also, as GRRM indicates in his news update, he has a tremendous amount of confidence in the people behind it:

"I met David and Dan in California last fall, when I was out for LACon, and we discussed the show over a long lunch (the restaurant was packed when we arrived, and completely empty when we left, and the waiters had started setting up for dinner). They impressed the hell out of me, and I'm really looking forward to working with them. They're both bright, passionate, enthusiastic. They know the books inside and out, they get the books, and they're committed to bringing my story to your television screens... not a vaguely similar story with the same title (ala Earthsea, or what passed for same on the Sci-Fi Channel). A Song of Ice and Fire should be in very good hands. "

I was confident even before I read this. Now I am completely insane with anticipation.

[TK-421]

Originally Posted by red_temple

They know the books inside and out, they get the books, and they're committed to bringing my story to your television screen.

This is key. I too am insane Red. (with anticipation I meant)

[Culhwch]

I always pictured Strong Belwas as sorta squat and very rotund, with more of a Mediterranean look. The opposite of Michael Clarke Duncan, really...

[Trey Greyjoy]

I was thinking last night while watching TV that some of the casting may be done based upon the actor's ability to convey the essence of the character rather than physical appearance. For example, it may be difficult to find someone who physically resembles Brienne and can pull off the strength/vulnerablility exhibited by this important character.

[Culhwch]

That'll work some of the time, sure, but you're still stuck where appearance is a key issue in the storyline - Jaime and Cersei, not to mention Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen; Catelyn, Robb, Sansa, Bran and Rickon as opposed to Ned, Jon and Arya; and of course that regal, inbred Targaryen look. Hair dyes and wigs can only go so far....

[BlueJimmie]

Originally Posted by Trey Greyjoy

I was thinking last night while watching TV that some of the casting may be done based upon the actor's ability to convey the essence of the character rather than physical appearance. For example, it may be difficult to find someone who physically resembles Brienne and can pull off the strength/vulnerablility exhibited by this important character.

That does make sense to a certain degree but I think it will be hard to accept at a character like Brienne if she's played by an actress who's 5'8" and a 120 lbs. I'd say 6' and 170 at a minimum, not to mention buttass ugly. I mean really ugly.