Gemmell Movie?

[Styr]

If you are looking for a Waylander can i just point out the age range:

Waylander - early 40's
Waylander 2 - mid 50's
Hero in the Shadows - 70's

Even with the healing he recieved from the cyclops he didn't age as well he is still quite old (I only mention it so my objection of Russel Crowe as waylander for hero in the shadows makes sense)

Also, Clint Eastwood as Shannow, age comes up again. Shannow's meant to be what late 40's early 50's whereas Clint is mid 70's? Clint would have made the best Shannow and i can't help but think that is who Gemmell invised when he was writing.

Unfortunetly I don't have any good casting ideas but i'm always happy to raise objections to others suggestions.

I would agree that Druss would be the hardest role to fill as he is going to be the main focus of the film.

[geordie bob]

what about brian blessed as druss hes big and ferocious and definately got the acting skills?

[Bradford boy]

Quite like the idea of Brian Blessed, on the same kind of lines, what about John Rhys Davies?

[Jack]

Brian Blessed! He over acts like no tomorrow and Flash Gordons alive! Saviour of every one of us, I would have that running through my head the whole film. Still I think your getting the right end of the stick though, would not mind him that much – Maybe he would make a good Druss?

[Beaker]

Funny, way back at the beginning of this thread when everyone was having trouble casting Druss I immediately thought Brian Blessed. A very talented Shakspearian actor on top of his other talents. He could do it for sure.

[jenna]

And way back at the start of the thread I jumped straight on that band wagon! It's crazy how close Brian Blessed is to the image of Druss in my head.

[pyan]

Good as he is, I'd still have to agree with Jack.

[Parmenion]

have not read through all of these but i will add that David said he would not sell his rights to make a film, it would only ever happen afetr his death, if family member he leaves the rights to decides to sell them then its their choice!

[Valko]

Originally Posted by Parmenion

have not read through all of these but i will add that David said he would not sell his rights to make a film, it would only ever happen afetr his death, if family member he leaves the rights to decides to sell them then its their choice!

I can second that, as he said exactly the same thing at a book signing I attended, a few years back.

[drosdelnoch]

He's also mentioned it in interviews.

[jenna]

I think it's a good move, not to sell the rights. But it's still fun to make up a dream cast!

[Torpian]

/wave to Drosdelnoch (assuming its you Gareth - I still love your website!)

David's books inspire me daily, I've loved them since I read Legend about 12 years ago. I'm new to this site, but the idea of a Gemmell movie has been in my mind for a few years now, so much so that I've made some notes on how it may be done on many occasions. I love reading through all the posts on this site and hearing your ideas on the various characters. In my opinion there has really only been one guy I thought could play Druss in Legend (when Druss is older) and that's James Cosmo.

He has the voice, the powerful screen presence, the size and the just plain toughness that's required. I cant link any pics or sites for you to check out James Cosmo as I dont have the required access for this forum yet. Just google him and you should get some idea of who I'm talking about. (or watch Braveheart)

He's 6ft3, though some of you have stated that Druss was smaller and more burly. Imagine Hamish's Dad in Braveheart, the old grizzled veteran who pulls an arrow from his chest when he gets shot.. that's James Cosmo. He is a big man, but when I read the books I always imagined Druss's foes as being mountains of men, not ordinary 6ft guys. I pictured them as men who could try out for the World Wrestling Entertainment and not look out of place. Whereas James Cosmo probably would look out of place there.

I've checked out some things Brian Blessed has done, and I think he'd make a good character in one of the movies, he is very likeable. But in my mind, Druss was powerful. His presence was intimidating, and commanded respect. Some men (very few) have an aura like this. Druss is righteous, and rarely falters - he is the pillar stone that holds up the side of good. You cant cast a happy go lucky guy with a big voice as Druss. Please check out some of the things James Cosmo has done and I think you'll see the kind of guy Druss may have been.

[Allanon]

does look pretty druss like to me

[Memnoch]

Originally Posted by Torpian

/I've checked out some things Brian Blessed has done, and I think he'd make a good character in one of the movies, he is very likeable. But in my mind, Druss was powerful. His presence was intimidating, and commanded respect. Some men (very few) have an aura like this. Druss is righteous, and rarely falters - he is the pillar stone that holds up the side of good. You cant cast a happy go lucky guy with a big voice as Druss. Please check out some of the things James Cosmo has done and I think you'll see the kind of guy Druss may have been.

Great shout this one. I imagine brian Blessed as an elderly Karnak figure all loud, garish and full of bluster.

Cosmo is a great idea for druss.

[Parmenion]

Brian Blessed was always David Gemmells ideal man to play druss, i always struggle to think of anyone else now playing the role!! Brian is probably the right age to play Druss in legend as well.