Ever since the announcement that 20th Century Fox Lionsgate has optioned the TV and movie rights, I’ve been obsessing over the prospect of casting the series…and I know I’m not the only one. Of course, this is a game people have been playing since The Name of the Wind came out in 2007—Patrick Rothfuss even weighed in early on, tapping a few actors and actresses for different roles. Back in 2008, he pictured Natalie Portman as Denna, for example, Morena Baccarin as Fela, and Neil Patrick Harris as Bast. Far be it from me to disagree with the author, but let’s take a look at some other possibilities…
In many ways, these aren’t easy books to cast: Kvothe himself presents a bit of a problem since his story is split into several timelines (I can’t quite imagine that any adaptation would change the whole structure of the narrative. Or, I can imagine it, but I don’t want to). The roles of older and younger Kvothe would both require incredibly gifted actors who resemble one another to a relatively strong extent. On top of that (assuming the show focuses on the time just around his entrance into the University), younger Kvothe is theoretically in his early teens, but passing as several years older, for much of the story. But the actor playing him has to be old enough to get into some rather adult situations (cough, cough, Felurian, cough) sooner or later, so I think they’ll have to go with a young-looking actor in his early 20s. I’d anticipate a lot of flashbacks to Kvothe’s boyhood as well, so in reality, I’m guessing there will be at least three actors playing the character at different points. The producers should just construct a Bat-Signal for young ginger actors, at this point—they’re going to be seeing more redheads than a Weasley family reunion.
Of course, the fact that it’s a challenge just makes this more fun—I think I’ve finally lined up a pretty sold representation of my dream cast, below. Just to be clear, rather than factoring real world concerns like budget and the actors’ availability, I prefer to focus on acting abilities and finding the closest fit to my own mental impressions of each character. I’ve also chosen actors who are mainly from the UK because in my head, The Commonwealth falls into the odd groove of “probably kind of vaguely British” that has formed in my brain over years of reading/watching fantasy series. Maybe I’m completely off, of course, and the characters should all be speaking like they’re from Wisconsin, or France, or somewhere else entirely. All in all, I expect that mileage for some of these suggestions will vary wildly, so please chime in with your own casting picks and theories in the comments!
Kote (AKA, Older, World-Weary, Cut-Flower Kvothe)—Tom Hiddleston
There have been a lot of strong candidates for this role bandied about lately, and I absolutely agree that Kevin McKidd would do an amazing job as Kote/Kvothe. And as for Magneto Michael Fassbender, that guy should be allowed to do pretty much whatever he wants from now on. But Hiddleston has a playfulness that makes him the first choice, in my mind—the series will need to connect the adult Kvothe with the brash, charming, likeable boy in the past, and Hiddleston has a boyishness that would serve him well in that regard. Plus, he’s a hell of an actor, and it would be a pleasure to watch him navigate the complexities of being both Kote, the affable nobody, and Kvothe, the conflicted, misunderstood legend in his own time.
Kvothe: The Teen Years—Matthew Beard
This role is by far the most difficult to cast, and going with a relative unknown probably wouldn’t be a bad move on the studio’s part. The importance of finding a young actor talented and charismatic enough to carry the series can’t be overstated, and I don’t envy them the job. I changed my mind about 20 times in the course of writing this post—for awhile, I thought about nominating Nicholas Hoult, who seems to be everywhere right now, but it just wasn’t right. In the end, I settled on Matthew Beard (probably best known for his roles in the films An Education and Chatroom) because he comes closest to my mental image of Kvothe as a young adult. Of course, we’d have to reverse-Cumberbatch his hair from dark to true red first, but I think he has both the proper look and the proper intensity to be a contender…
Bast—Robert Sheehan
I realize that this might be a controversial choice, but while Sheehan is best known for the motor-mouth and goofball antics that allowed him to steal the show as Nathan in Misfits, I think he’d be amazing as the charming, slightly sinister Bast. Sheehan is fantastic at swinging between comic and dramatic extremes from one minute to the next, and he’s got the look right; I can’t think of anyone I’d rather see in the role of the shifty Fae princeling.
The Chronicler/Devan Lochees—Hugh Laurie
The role of Chronicler could be played a million different ways, and an actor like Hugh Laurie is capable of bringing a little bit of everything to the table: the gruffness of Dr. House, the foppishness of Bertie Wooster, and the skills of a brilliant, world-class comedian. Devan Lochees is a scholar, but he’s also travelled The Four Corners of Civilization by himself, so he’s got some grit to him, and I love the idea of the character being played by an actor who also writes, as Laurie does. It would be an interesting fit…
Ambrose Jakis—Harry Lloyd
Anyone who witnessed his turn as Viserys Targaryen on Game of Thrones knows that nobody plays a smug, spoiled, infuriating jackass quite like Harry Lloyd, and I mean that as a compliment. His sneer is a work of art.
Denna—Tatiana Maslany or Emilia Clarke
The biggest issue for me in casting Denna is that she has to be able to draw the audience in, the same way that Kvothe is drawn to her, inexorably. It’s not just a matter of being physically attractive—Denna has to be inherently likeable, which can be difficult when playing the unobtainable object of a protagonist’s desire. Given the nature of Denna and Kvothe’s friendship/tentative romance, it would be easy for her to come off as flaky or frustrating, which is why I think either Orphan Black’s Tatiana Maslany or Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke could fill the role admirably. Both are capable of projecting a warmth and humor that seems absolutely genuine—as well as shifting seamlessly between toughness to vulnerability. They’re both hugely appealing actresses who could do wonders with a potentially difficult character.
Master Elodin—Lee Pace
Lee Pace has quickly become of my favorite actors over the last few years due to his astounding range as a performer. Whether it’s quirky comedy (Pushing Daisies), tragic indie drama (Soldier’s Girl), stunning meta-fantasy (The Fall), or more mainstream roles like Scruffy Eyeliner Vampire in Twilight: Breaking Dawn or Sad, Unhelpful Elf King in The Hobbit, Pace brings something new and unexpected to every role. I think he’d be the perfect choice to bring Elodin’s mercurial eccentricities to life without sacrificing the darker, more haunted aspects of the Master Namer.
Elxa Dal—David Tennant
Do I really need to explain this one? I would also happily accept Tennant in the role of Elodin, but then I wouldn’t have gotten to use this picture. And that would have been a damn shame.
Simmon—William Moseley
Best known for playing Peter Pevensie in the Narnia films, Moseley would be an obvious fit for playing Kvothe’s sensitive, sandy-haired friend and drinking buddy.
Wilem—Elyes Gabel
Most people will recognize Elyes Gabel as Rakharo from Game of Thrones or his latest role in World War Z, but I saw him first in The Borgias (because I have a weakness for scenery-chewing and historical melodrama. I’m not proud). He’d bring plenty of charm to the role of the stoic, intelligent Wilem—the steady voice of reason in Kvothe’s life at The University.
Fela—Jessica Brown Findlay
Besides the fact that she’s clearly rather stunning, Downton Abbey’s Jessica Brown Findlay has a knack for playing young, intelligent, idealistic women—who better for the luminous and clever Fela?
Auri—Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan is a seriously gifted young actress, capable of bringing all manner of depth and shading to the role of the damaged, otherworldly Auri. I know that Evanna Lynch (who did a stellar job as Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter movies) is a popular favorite for this role, but after seeing Ronan’s performance in Hanna, I’d argue she’s the stronger choice: capable of balancing Auri’s delicate, ethereal quality with the fearful, feral survival instincts of someone slightly wild, maybe even slightly mad. In other words, she’d keep things from getting way too twee. And just in case the older, rather stark photo above doesn’t do her justice, check out this amazing, Pre-Raphaelite-inspired photo shoot from Vogue.
Devi—Dakota Blue Richards (or maybe Jenna-Louise Coleman?)
I can’t quite make up my mind on this one. Doctor Who’s Jenna-Louise Coleman would certainly be a natural fit for Devi: several years older than Kvothe, smart, flirtatious, driven, with a devious, mercenary nature beneath an innocent exterior. On the other hand, Richards (who made her debut as Lyra in The Golden Compass) might make an interesting foil for Kvothe—her youth and physical slightness underscoring our sense of Devi as a formidable woman used to being underestimated (by Kvothe and others), something she both resents and uses to her advantage. I think I would enjoy watching Dakota Blue Richards letting loose as the most feared gaelet in Imre.
Count Threpe—Jim Broadbent
Who doesn’t like Jim Broadbent?! He’d be a delightful fit as the good-hearted, music-loving Count Threpe, patron of the arts and devoted friend to young Kvothe.
BONUS ROUND: The Wise Man’s Fear
Maer Alveron—Richard Armitage
Looking ahead to the events of The Wise Man’s Fear, Richard Armitage would bring just the right amount of aristocratic gravitas and aloofness to the role of the enigmatic Maer.
Lady Meluan Lackless—Eva Green
Eva Green is beautiful, she’s got plenty of experience in the fantasy genre (The Golden Compass, Dark Shadows, Camelot, etc.), and she plays a very convincing femme fatale—all of which might come in handy in approaching the role of the mysterious Meluan Lackless.
Felurian—India Eisley
The up-and-coming India Eisley, the 19-year-old daughter of actress Olivia Hussey, made news when she was tapped to play the younger incarnation of Angelina Jolie in Disney’s Maleficent. I’m hoping/assuming that Fox will tone down much of the Felurian section of the novel for TV, which makes me feel slightly less guilty at casting someone so young-looking for a character described by Kvothe as a “primal lust goddess”—I’m aiming more for a PG-13, Manic Fairie Dream Girl territory. Get her some butterfly eye makeup and write in some extra clothing, and it’s hardly creepy at all, right? Maybe?
So, that’s all for now—maybe we can do another round focusing on more of the secondary characters and The Wise Man’s Fear at a later date. In the meantime, please have at it in the comments…
Bridget McGovern is the managing editor of Tor.com. She spent the last week wading through previously uncharted regions of Google Image Search, and what has been seen can never, ever be unseen.
But what about Masters Kilvin, Loren, and Hemme?
Kilvin I picture, as big, burly, bearded, and brown (or at least REALLY tan from all the forging he does). Also, the Cealdish accent reminds me a lot of a Russian one. I can’t really think of any actor like that, though.
Loren’s deadpan, no-nonsense attitude reminds me a bit of a less-greasy, slightly less antagonistic Snape. (So Alan Rickman, I guess?)
And Hemme, who is ALMOST as big of an antagonist than Ambrose, seems to have a bit of a fiery temper. (Again, I can’t think of anyone who fits that bill)
I love, love your castings! I hadn’t given it too much thought myself, but I feel like most of them would be a perfect fit (although I can’t help but think of which ones will not be able to do the role because of conflicting engagements). I have to disagree on Devan Lochees, though. I think Timothy Spall would be a great choice for him; he has a lot of range, too, and while Devan is gruff, he protects himself more through cunning than intimidation or attitude. Not that Hugh Laurie can’t pull it off, but not everyone cast in the show has to be stunningly good-looking! :D
Depending on when the series actually airs, casting Emilia Clarke as Denna may be counte-productive, based on her role as Daenerys (even the names are very similar, while the characters are oh so very different). Meanwhile, if they hurry up, based on same logic, Harry Lloyd as Ambrose Jakis will be perfect.
Where to start with the awesome in this post? The Tenth Doctor as Elxa Dal? Professor Slughorn as Threpe? Vesper/Morgan le Fay as Meluan? No. I think it is best to start at the beginning: Loki as Kote/Kvothe. Bridget, you have just written my most favoritest post on Tor.com in my 3 years following the site. And that’s not even mentioning the great eye you had for Saoirse Ronan’s photo shoot for an Auri mood board. I fully stand behind every choice you have suggested here. You should offer to be their casting director!
A very good selection. I can really see them playing the characters fro, the books.
I also would like to see an actor for Kilvin added as he is at least as main a character as Elxa Dal.
oh my oh my oh my!!! I totally love this though I disagree with most of the casting here. I think Denna should be portrayed by Natalie Portman, Master Elodin by Peter Dinklage. Kvothe by Giancarlo Esposito.
I would rather go with Hugh Laurie as Abenthy. I’m not sure on Chronicler, but I picture him shorter and plainer.
Bridget, why are you hoping that they tone down the Felurian section? I’m under the full assumption that they will, but it’s not my hope.
@LazerWolf, with regard to Kilvin, what do you think of Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid from Harry Potter)?
I would really, really like to see Jack White as Kvothe.
Good points, and some interesting suggestions, all around!
@2, 4, and 6: Thanks so much for the kind words :)
@1 and 5: As I mentioned at the end of the post, I’d like to eventually fill out the rest of the cast–to be honest, putting this list together took much longer than I’d expected, so I decided to save the remaining characters for a second (or at least an expanded) post. Robbie Coltrane and Timothy Spall are always excellent, and I will NEVER say no to more Alan Rickman (or Cumberbatch, or Idris Elba, or Maggie Smith, or Christopher Lee…there are certain actors I’d be happy to watch just read the phone book, and he’s certainly one of them). And there are plenty of other key roles to consider: Kvothe’s parents, Cinder, Haliax, and the rest of the Chandrian. So many possibilities :)
@8: Mainly because it’s one of the less interesting parts of the novel, for me, relatively speaking. I know opinions vary widely about that particular section, but there’s just so many other threads that I’d want the series to focus on. I think the Felurian section could be adapted rather well without spending nearly as much time on it, in the series, as was spent in the book. On a related note, I’ll be very interested to see how they handle the Cthaeh (but I suppose it’s way too early to start worrying about cheesy special effects, at this stage in the game).
@10: Interesting–well, we know he can sing! I’ve been wondering how the singing/musical aspect of the novels will affect the choice of cast…
@10 Jack White as Kvothe? LOL It’d be kinda cool though, in fact it’d be really fitting to have a musician playing Kvothe, specially teen Kvothe.
For all we know Adult Kvothe may not play music again so Tom Hiddleton is perfect. On Young K and Denna I’d like to see new actors, if they’re in their teens the better. I don’t like when twenty-something actors play as teenagers, but then, it may prove hard to find a teenager who acts really well and fits with the character. I’d really like new actors specialy with Denna. If you have an already stablished actor when you watch the series you’ll think of their previos roles and it’ll echo, but Denna is unique. Denna must be Denna. Emilia Clark as Daenerys is a great example.
I also imagined Bast differently but well I think we all have, after watching fanart about him and that cast semmes good.
And Chronicler… it’d be cool to have Hugh Larie but his personality (before and after House) doesn’t really fit with Chronicler. Besides I’d expect him to say something sarcastic every five minutes which doesn’t fit with Chronicler(rewatching House has its toll). As someone said he’s plain and even passive (until now). It’d be cooler to have him as the Eternal E’lir making fun of Kvothe’s inexpirience.
Besides that the rest of the casting seems perfect, except Felurian. I always imagined her as some kind of “fairy” (I’ve never pictured fae as fairies as elves but as something more “modern” like a re-imagined version of the myths in our minds) Angelina Jolie but ageless. And India Leslie doesn’t look ageless, you can see her youth.
Ambrose – Perfect!
Rothfuss may have the final word but he should look at this casting!
Anyway what really interests me is which subplots they may expand and which arcs they may add hinting at other stories set in the 4C. (Underground University? Hell yes!)
I’d prefer a more racially diverse cast. Your picks are interesting, but that is a lot of white people filling out a show that doesn’t have to be a bunch of white people.
Mman @13: I’d love to hear some suggestions! This is something I thought a lot about, putting the post together. While I opted to focus on actors who fit the way the characters were described in the book, to my best recollection, as you say, it doesn’t necessarily have to play out that way.
Hmm, that makes sense. I actually like that the pace slows down for that as we explore the fae world (funny bit of Freudian typing, I accidentally hit the “s” right before explore, making it “sexplore”…which is not incorrect) :-P But I can understand people having an issue with the pacing. Honestly, my issue was with the Adem, it just felt like I was reading about the Aiel’s cousins.
hihosilver28 @15: Well, if we learned anything from 80s movies, hopefully it’s that you can really move things along with a well-placed training montage :) Throw in some sweet power chords, and we can probably get through some of the Adem section a little more quickly, too…
You folks know that Kilvin and his kin are dark skinned right?
Check out the artwork for the NotW card deck.
So no to Robbie Coltrane and whatever other white guys you have in mind, not unless you’re planning to go the tropic thunder route.
I always pictured Elodin as Bennedict Cumberbatch.
@15 and @16 – I don’t think they should speed through the Adem section. If you think about it, Kvothe has everything come to him so naturally up to that point. It’s really the first (and only) time we get to see him completely out of his element and very human. I mean, he gets beat up on by a little girl!! lol I personally think that (and the Felurian section) are my two favorite sections of the book.
I’m not quite feeling your choice on Fela but I can’t say I actually object to ANY of your suggestions, so well done! I just think Fela is actually more beautiful (at least physically) than any of the other ladies. Maybe that was just a bad pic? :)
ChocolateRob@17
Thanks for pointing it out. What’s more, Tor sort of broke that news in the Admissions Interview. After a couple months of rereader bickering, we allocated a question to settle it. The cards do have a sort of finality to them, though.
i also agree with your pick for ambrose. you’re 100% correct about the smirking ability.
Are you guys actually looking forward for a television adaptation of the books? I just don’t think that such beautiful books can be converted into another medium, especially TV.
Harry Dresden, on the other hand, would be fantastic! I know they did a show, but i haven’t seen it. But with Supernatural coming to a close in a few years(i hope), there will be space for another paranormal drama. Butcher has created an excellent cast and the way the books pan out, they would make for excellent season long arcs.
NOTW on the other hand, just doesn’t seem filmable. The story isn’t fast paced, and book two suffers from this the most. The characters are excellent though, and maybe if they are well cast, then i might be in for a very pleasant surprise.
The older Kvothe (Kote) and the younger Kvothe who goes to the University should be the same actor. Kote is only in his mid twenties (if I remember correctly). There is no way you can get two people to look completely different if they are only a decade apart, especially since when Kote gets to the end of his story the Kvothe in his tale will be almost the same age as Kote. I’d get an actor who is around 20-ish who looks young. Have him put on makeup to make him look older as Kote and problem solved. They will need a child actor though to play the kid version probably up until he has been living in Tarbean for a few years and that c0uld be tricky.
Although Harry Lloyd could do fine as Ambrose, I believe Cillian Murphy is the better choice.
Shanmok @25: Interesting–I really like Cillian Murphy as an actor, and thought about working him in somewhere–I feel like he’d be a great addition to the cast, but at 37 he just seems a bit too mature to play Ambrose. Harry Lloyd is almost too old, in my mind, to play a student at the University, but he’s a younger-looking 29.
Ha, great post! Most of your choices I reeeeeally like. Tom Hiddleston is just all-around fantastic and he could do amazing things with the role of older Kvothe/Kote. On the other hand, I’d also love to see an unknown in that role, someone with whom I have no other cinematic associations. I had to look up Matthew Beard, but yeah, I like that choice too. He seems to have a charisma and intensity that would suit young Kvothe.
Harry Lloyd would be perfect for Ambrose. Love the idea of Lee Pace, and Saoirse Ronan, too. Totally with you on your choices for Simmon and Wilem, too. Armitage as Maer and Eva Green as Meluan? PERFECT. Not sure about Hugh Laurie, though; he doesn’t entirely jibe with my mental image of Chronicler, and somehow the idea of him in the role jars a bit in my head. Maybe … hmm, I don’t know, I’ll have to think about that a little more.
Personally, I’d really like to see Ben Whishaw in the role of Bast. He’s an extraordinary actor and has a light, almost delicate quality and a loose-limbed, elfin physicality that really fits my mental image of Bast. He can move very swiftly and easily between both gravitas and sly humor, which would play right into the character.
Juniper Green@28, I like it. I saw him as Ariel and it worked. Djimon Hounsou, Caliban from the same Tempest, would make a good Kilvin. Man, I didn’t want to play.
Sweet fancy Moses, I did not know that piece of news. “TV rights”, though. I’m not sure how I feel about that – perhaps “deeply ambivalent”, as Patrick Rothfuss would say.
Although, perhaps the most exciting part of this post is that I had a lot of trouble remembering all the characters. Which means it might be time for a re-read!
I’m liking Kris Holden-Ried of “Lost Girl” fame for Older, World-Weary, Cut-Flower Kvothe. Maybe we could give him a red-rinse?
Emily Browning from “Series of Unfortunate Events” to bring the serious, quietly competent air of Denna.
Master Elodin has to be a little bit sexy, doesn’t he. I can’t for the life of me remember who Elxa Dal is but I respect your choice of David Tennant for him if that picture is anything to go by. I must say though, I can’t go past Tennant for Elodin. In my mind whilst reading the books, I actually pictured him as the guy who plays Littlefinger, mostly because of his wardrobe. I see that Pat has set his heart set on Johnny Depp for this role, which would be a little bit awesome, wouldn’t it?
I agree Jenna-Louise Coleman for Devi is a stroke of genius.
Felurian – Liv Tyler. ’nuff said.
Juniper Green@28 I never would’ve thought of that myself (I imagine Bast as a lot more masculine) but now that you’ve mentioned it…
And although I can’t think of an appropriate character, can we work Robert Downey Junior in there somewhere? Mabye Pat can write him in for the next book?
These castings are surprisingly spot on. Well done!
Don’t know why I’m suddenly writing like a Brit, but, whatever, dude.
In the Rothfuss reread done here on Tor by Jo Walton, Patrick Rothfuss did a QA where he specifically (I THINK) said that in a film/TV environment, Ceald men (specifically Kilvin and Wil) should be played by black actors.
Hold up a momentm, why would the Kvothe role be split between two actors? “Kote” carries himself like an older man, but is mentioned as actually being in his twenties, IIRC. Splitting the Kvothe role rather than getting a single brilliant 20-something actor to play both timelines seems needlessly distracting.
Tom Hiddleston would have been absolutely brilliant had he been five years younger (and not already a big-screen star), though.
Remember, going the The University is for “continuing your education.” Kvothe is one of the youngest by getting in at 15 but even Will and Sim are new to The University and are in their late teens 18 or 19. Ambrose, Fella, Devi, are all older students. Even Auri though skittish and wild would have been an older student that cracked. Elodin is in his late 20’s but the rest of the masters are all “older” 40’s and 50’s. Mannett has been a student for 20+ years. Other than Elodin and Kilvin these are all teachers who lecture and live basicly non-athletic lives.
I agree with most of your pics but your Chronicler, Dena and Felorian I don’t agree with.
Felurian is beautiful but ancient. A younger girl in her role isn’t a match at all.
Laurie would fit better as the chancellor. Chronicler though sounding like an older man is more of an intellectual. Remember he joined the University after Kvothe “left” and only made Relar before he left so at most he is in his late 20’s or early 30’s.
Dena though Kvothe finds her absolutely beautiful as he’s describing her Bast makes the comment that her nose is crooked. So though pretty by most standards I picture her as beautiful from her presence more than physical features.
I’m not any good with naming actors but those are my thoughts on how they don’t need to be filled with gorgeous people so much as charismatic people.
I love the choices. However, this cast would cost a fortune! Don’t expect Fox to ante up for big (or even moderately) named actors on a property that (while wonderful) is still essentially incomplete. I think we’ll find that this show will be cast with unknowns for the most part, since they come at a much lower price tag. Now, that does not mean that unknowns cannot be fantastic in thier own right! Firefly was essentially cast with unknowns (Fillian has often said that Weadon took a chance on him and Ron Glass was pretty much the only big name and it was pretty much a comeback for him), Star Trek (TOS) were generally all unknown actors (apart from DeForrest Kelly). So if it does happen, here’s hoping for some pleasant surprises!
I loved these books and I’m very very dubious about its chances for survival or popularity, given Fox’s poor track record with quality properties in the past, ie. Firefly and the rather poor history of the fantasy(sword and sorcery) genre on television (apart from GOT, Xena is the only sucess that comes to mind) in general.
I’ll believe it when I see it, and meanwhile I’ll sit in quiet anticipation of book three.
LazerWulf states a Russian emphasis may work for Kilvin. Given his “big, burly, bearded and brown” summary, along with the hard labour, it seems a bit outlandish but Dolph Ludgren could fit. And on occasion, with the right role, he can act.
@35 me too, mate.
I um….don’t like this list. At all really. But then I didnt really expect to, I tend to always be disapointed with such (and tbh would probably freak out if the image in my head was made manifest!). Soz :)
It’s a a bit american/polished. Lets get some wonky noses, variance in skin tone/cheekbones and non-gym perfect bodies!
Though I could get on board with your choice for Auri. Ronan could pull off the airy fairyness and the grit.
I could also dig Eva Green as Felurian. (Not the girl you put up! Wouldnt you feel…guilty watching the Faen scenes?!)
What I want to know is: What is that David Tennant pic from?
@JohnM
It’s from Fright Night…the modern one.
I totally like the cast, but I agee that Denna should be someone new for this kind of stories, like someone like Tatiana Maslany. I like Kvothe as a teenager and I also think Bast is a good choice; just how I would’ve imagined me! The older Kvothe should be Tom Hiddleston not Grey’s Anatomy’s “Owen”, Kevin McKidd. I would love to see actors that don’t already exist in our minds as TV-Series consumers or fans of movies like “The Lord of the Rings” or “The Chronicles of Narnia” or more dangerous “Harry Potter”; thee are people who think “The Name of the Wind” ist just another or the american version of “Harry Potter” so don’t use actors from that cast.
I’m really excited about these series but I will finish reading the books first. The most important thing ist that Patrick Rothfuss should have the last word on this and let his imagination do the job, like it has been doing it untill now. :)
Can’t say why, but I would love to see Matt Smith as Elodin.
Hugh Laurie would make a grat job as Chronicler I think (but I have to say that I didn’t watch Dr House and don’t see him compulsorily as someone being cynical).
Amazing post! I agree with most, Emily Clarke as Denna would be extraordinary! But I’d like to see Eddie Redmayne as Kvothe when he is at the univesity. I know he isn’t exactly so fresh looking but in many cases they make the main character older, and in that case he would be great. And he somehow can look like a 18 something guy sometimes!
Also, for Wilem I imagined Sean Teale , he is kinda charming and he has the look. Or Luke Pasqualino
(probably because of The borgias and Skins and BSG fandom), he isn’t really a good choice, I’d just like to see him do something fantastic in this ^^
As for Master Elodin Tennant would be awsome, but Cillian Murphy
has that creepy look, I always see in my mind when I think about Elodin.
Somehow, for Ambrose I never even thought about Harry Lloyd, altough he is great, I always imagined him as Alex Pettyfer, because he has that annoying spoild kid look for me!
I have some other picks too, but I think these are the only ones worth mentoning. But in some cases you made my choices fly away with your amazing ones! Like Devi and Auri and Bast :)
This is perfection. Everyone, especially Amrose, Jakis, Kote, Bast, Felurian and Chronicler look almost exctly like how I saw them in my head
David Wenham (Faramir from lotr movies) is my Kvothe. He is easy to project to young kvothe in my mind. I feel most other castings of kvothe seem too “wimpy”. Bast as is in this article is almost exactly as I imagined.
The perfect Denna to me is Anne Hathaway or Camila Belle. They are pretty and charismatic, though not perfect beauties. An younger Madeleine Stowe would be great too, but it’s impossible. Lol
I think man were attract by her because of her smartness and way to please, since there were women equally or more beautiful than her in the story.
I was thinking Hugh Laurie as Chronicler.
Kvothe is impossible to cast. No one who loves the books will be happy with whomever plays him. I guarantee that no musician will be happy with any actor in the role. Its the one fear I have for this.
As noted above, there is no cultural diversity in this list. No offense to the author, but Mr. Rothfuss has been adamant about the diversity of his world, and how this wold not be a whitewashed, eurocentric world. Back to the drawing board.
I love all of these casting ideas. Especially Lee Pace at Elodin. Elodin is by far my favorite character in the series.
a twee auri would be a disaster (she is SO not luna lovegood). auri is someone who has seen what wielding true magic can do and is, in a very real sense, hiding from what she can do.
I feel like India Eisley would be way too controversial – she is awfully childlike. I personally pictured Felurian as more agelessly mature – she is Kvothe’s sexual mentor after all.
I love the spirit of this post, I just disagree with almost all the choices. I also find it remarkably short on variety when it comes to race. Certainly there are many well depicted characters for main rolls and I only vary on some of the supporting racial choices. I don’t think it unreasonable to cast darker skinned people for rolls when the race of these characters is left ambiguous.
Ambrose has always looked like Jason Segel in my head. I suppose he’s too old though.
Love it all except Felurian!
When I saw your casting for Auri that is exactly the face I pictured when reading her parts. Perfect choice. All of these are pretty perfect imo!! Tom Hiddleston would be an amazing Kote/Kvothe.
I honestly hope and expect that Rothfuss doesn’t allow a non-black actor to be cast to play Wilem or any other Caeldish characters. He seemed to be pretty clear about them being black in his podcast.
Denna is meant to be an beautiful woman with unique beauty. An independent woman a sassy temperament.
Gemma Arterton would be a great Denna. This is how i see her when I read the series.
Emily Browning would be perfect, too. She sings, also.
These two actresses would be an charismatic Denna, and make her more likeable than she’s on the books.
Patrick said Natalie Portman is how he picture the character, but is very unlikely she would be in a tv series, unfortunaly.
Emilia Clarke is a good actress, but she’s already characterized as Daenerys. Not that she can not later make other characters, but being the next epic genre series, let’s give Emilia a rest and make an unique cast for the kingkiller chronicles, not being a repetition of other epic genre tv show.
Tatiana is a great actress, but i see her more as Fela than Denna, though I would rather Tatiana than Emilia for the role.
Has no one suggested Cameron Monaghan as Kvothe? I have loved him in Shameless the past few years and recently on Gotham, and I think he definitely has the acting ability, and could pull off a pretty wide age range. Also he is gorgeous and a true flame-redhead. He plays the guitar, ukelele, and drums, and can sing a little.
I looked over the list of characters. I don’t want to be the person who is shammed off the internet but I think Paul Bettany would be an almost perfect choice for the Kote at the inn.
Also I think Morena Baccarin would be stunning as Fella. Although Jessica Brown Findlay is a solid choice.
I’m not quite sure where to cast her, but I really want to see Ruth Wilson (Alice from the Idris Elba BBC series Luther) somewhere in the mix.
As for Master Kilvin (this was someone else’s idea but I totally see it) John Rhys-Davies?
Master Lorren, what about Jeremy Irons? I always imaged Lorren with longer hair pulled back in a pony tail and high aging features.
Master Hemme is hard maybe Christopher Lee, but he is getting on in years. But I would say some actor like him.
Kvothe, I suggested Paul Bettany.
Bast Erza Miller is my perfect Bast. I think he could pull off the allure and the childishness of Bast and yes…he would be perfect.
The Chronicler, I like the choice on here.
Ambrose….I can’t see Harry Lloyd in the part but I don’t have a suggestion.
Denna=Nataile Dormer. Hands down.
Elodin, Lee Pace or David Tennant works for me!
Elxa Dal, same as Elodin I can see both in the role!
Simmon I never would have thought of William Moseley but I totally think he would work in the role.
Willem. I guess Elyes Gabel would work but what about Manish Dayal? I always imagined Wilem have a slightly lazy look about him and I think Manish has it and Elyes doesn’t.
Fella I thought should be Morena Baccarin and I stand by that choice.
What about Mia Wasikowska as Auri?
Devi- that is a perfect choice. Just perfect.
Count Threpe solid choice.
Maer Alveron, I saw Richard first as the Sherif of Nottingham in the BBC Robin Hood. I cannot wait to see how he plays the Maer. I think he would be fantastic for the part!
Lady Lackless is good with Eva Green
Finally Felurian, I agree there might be some controversy but she would be stunning in the role.
My vote for Kvothe would be Jay Baruchel. He’s got the array of expressions the right actor will need to depict… sweet, sly, mischievous, vulnerable, furious…
I think David Tennat would be a perfect Elodin and Avan Jogia a PERFECT Wilem
Well, Loki sounds like a good actor for the part, but his appearance(Mainly his very slim face/cheekbones) don’t really remind me of Kvothe. Im going off this picture 
Also, I just imagine him as a big and hearty inkeeper, and tom dosent really fit that “look”.
Otherwise, though, great casting!
I think that the list is great for giving a visual insight into how other people imagine the characters to look and act. Personally, I don’t think that many of the actors would actually be suitable for the parts though. There are lots of actors (both on this list and suggested in the comments) that are known from their work in other fantasy movies/series. I think that using actors from Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings is the lazy option. Watchers don’t need to try to understand the character and see them develop as they will already have a baseline for comparison (eg Emilia Clarke as Denna – who wouldn’t automatically associate her character as being based on Daenerys?). Maybe unknown actors are the way ahead for the younger characters…
Just my thoughs :)
i agree with the ones who say that game of thrones, mists of avalon or lord of rings cast is not the best option; Common sense people tend to think of other people who already played fantasy characters,but it’s really lazy, to not say dumb…
For kvothe, he’s supposed to be handosome. The actor is good, but he’s not Kvothe. A unknown actor would be the best option. I have no idea of someone gorgoeuns and at the same time, ironic and sassy to play him. The author you said for Amdroise will fit more Kvothe, i can see completly Harry Loyid being Kote, he has the feels. The same for Johnny Depp
Denna:,she’s supposed to be pretty but not perfect. Inteligent but problematic. Brunette and with brown eyes. The author said Natalie Portman is the best option. If not her, someone like Blake Lively, Emmy Rossum or Gemma Arterton would be nice. Tatiana is ok, but would not like to see Emilia Clarke, she’s not Denna.
Elodin – The only one who I agree.
Felurian: Just by looks, someone like Aishraya Ray, Zeta Jones, Kate Beckinsale, would be perfect. But, any gorgeous woman with perfect look, mega hair can fit the role. Don’t think a teenager is the best option for Felurian.
Auri – Ok? Bella Heathcote, Evannah Lynch are good too.
Fela: Not sure… Don’t think the girl is pretty. But someone with curly hair and olive or even dark skin, even she’s not black, woul be nice. Tatiana melory will be a good Fella. Other options?
Will: Someone black.
Meluan: Eva Green is always nice, for any role. Though would be better Eva green for Devi.
Tony Hale as Elodin. He is literally who I picture as I’m reading the books.
With so much of the story involving the musical talents of the characters, why not grab a couple of the lesser known talents form 2012’s version of Les Miserables?
I’m talking Aaron Tveit as Kvothe
…and Samantha Barks as Denna
Samantha Barks as Denna? Um, yes. Absolutely perfect.
@67, I definitely agree that looking into the world of predominantly stage actors would be a good solution to both budget issues, and having at least some actors who can do their own singing. Tveit is an amazing actor but I wonder if he can pass for young enough at this point–we can’t age-reverse him to when he was in Next to Normal or Catch Me If You Can. I can see Samantha Barks, but I’m still even more set on Emmy Rossum as Denna. More of a clean soprano rather than a belter, which I think is a better tone, and has a fragile, not-quite-conventional look but can still effectively shift into bad-girl humor when needed.
And I definitely hear all the love for Harry Lloyd, but I agree that keeping alums of other major fantasy series to a minimum would be a good idea (though I could possibly see him as Cinder, and not just because of the white hair–the sadism was as much a part of his Viserys as that smirk). Back to the stage, I really want Andrew Rannells as Ambrose. He could completely nail the smarmy superiority while bringing some nuance as well. Though the script would have to be written with extra care, with an openly gay actor as Ambrose, to put Kvothe’s ugly habit of gay-baiting insults firmly in his mouth and not an omniscient viewpoint–but that’s important regardless.
And speaking of musical talents and budget, one huge issue of “casting” they will need to deal with is finding a composer. Where exactly do you find an artistically brilliant composer who doesn’t sound “Hollywood” (the traditional sounds of film music really don’t seem to fit the compositions Rothfuss describes). . .and who is comfortable writing for the lute? Plus they also need to budget for a master lutenist to actually play said music (obviously the actor playing Kvothe will be faking, as there are only a handful of living master lutenists and I doubt any of them also act).
Great to see the dream cast. Now I can put faces to names as I read he books once over again.
I however would prefer Michael Fassbender as Kote. He has a serious air around him. The kind of seriousness that comes with witnessing many dark events in his lifespan. He had exactly the same kind of expression in X Men, first class.
And when he gets angry…
Kristofer Hivju for Kvothe
The red haired wildling from game of thrones
Camilla Bell for Denna
I would love to see Eddie Redmayne as Kvothe! He would be totally believable as a boy genius, wild child, he has red hair and he can really – sing amazingly!! And he would bring the gravity and weight to the character as well.
That’s a dream cast right there, although I agree with #74 that Eddie Redmayne would make a brilliant Kvothe.
I immediately saw High Laurie in the roll of Elodin – so many of his dialogues/scenes were reminiscent of his “House” character.
I think benedict cumberbatch would make a great Elodin (probably my favorite character)
Samantha Barks would be really suitable as Denna and for Kvothe.. It mustn’t disappoint the readers because I’m sure that all of us imagined Kvothe as someone literally amazing in every way. So what I’m trying to say is Matthew Bears is not right for the role.
eddie redmayne as kvothe – he’s an awesome actor and he fits the character perfectly
emily browning as denna – she’s pretty and exotic and has a mysterious feel about her.
joaquin phoenix or matt damon as ambrose
emmy rossum as Fela – she’s pretty and has beautiful and expressive eyes
felurian needs to be an older woman, Kate beckinsle or summer glau has the perfect looks. But any other beautiful model or minor actress can have the role.
Will needs to be a black actor.
agree about Simon, Meluan and Auri chpices.
Wow, first time seeing this article. Sometimes it pays off to look through the conversation section!
Anyway, Holy Whitewashing, Batman! And people continue to wonder how Hollywood can still, in this day and age, cast white characters for other races…
Great casting! Kvothe, Bast, Chronicle, Elodin, Dal and Ambrose – spot on! the rest, i don’t know actors as much, so i wouldn’t comment, but i trust your judgement
Agreed on Eddie Redmayne, he needs to be Kvothe.
Those are my options for Denna
Emily Browning
Lily Collins
Michelle Dockery
leighton meester
Emmy Rossum
I do agree with your choice of count therepy and Auri .?
i dont know why Hemme reminds me so much of Aidan Gillen. Little finger in Game of Thrones
Kvothe could be played by the guy who play the role of Josh in the Febreeze commercial. He will be a bit older by the beginning of the shooting.
Fela, Brit Marlin (Netflix The AO).
Please evanna lynch as denna. She is exactly what I portray denna as when I read book. Pls!!!
Why are we not thinking Eddie Redmayne for Kvothe??
And Tom Holland for teen Kvothe?
Also I think Fela is meant to be black? So maybe Lupita Nyong’o or Gugu Mbatha-Raw?
And Dane Dehaan as Elodin maybe?
And Ezra Miller as Bast?
Maria Doyle Kennedy for Kvothe’s mother…
And wouldn’t it be perfect to have James Frain as the father?
I think all the rolls look good, but has anyone suggested anything about the actor Benedict Cumberbatch? I think he would play a great roll if he were to be one of the characters.
Yes, Ezra Miller would make a perfect Bast.
Other options for Kvothe: Douglas Booth
or Gaspard Ulliel.
For those who don’t want to see twenty/thrity years actor playing Kvothe and Denna… lol, of course older actors will get the role. They need experience to play complex characters and also would be hard to take the story seriously if seventeen were casted for the leads. They should avoid turning the story into a corny teen drama. A great example of it is game of thrones… All kids and teens were aged up and played by competent adult actors who are free to make nude and adult scenes.
I’m down for Tatiana Maslany being Denna or any character in the cast. That woman is awesome.
Harry Lloyd or Alex Pettyfer for Kvothe, they are perfect for the role
After watching revenge, i realized that Emily Vancamp would make either a great Devi or Denna. She has all the physical descriptions associated with Denna: the crooked nose, round face, brown eyes, and the sly manners required for Devi (or Denna depending of the take…)
Other option is Maria Valverde for Denna. When i spotted her in Exodus the first thing that came to mind was “DENNA”
And i’m surprised that Lote verbeek was not mentioned for Devi, she can easily put the devilish traits of the character
Also Bradley James or Jamie Campbell Bower for either Sim or Tempi (or maybe Kvothe)
Kristofer hivju as innkeeper kvothe/ kote.
http://m.imdb.com/name/nm1970465/?ref_=m_tt_cl_i23
My God, you’ve nearly universally absolutely nailed it––– even granting that Denna herself is so incredibly delicate & dangerous a being as to confine to actual representation, perhaps even more so than Kvothe himself (for whom you’ve made incredible choices).
My only rebuke would be Wilem. Wilem is dark skinned: Wilem is, if not black, then damn near it; it’s a diversity worth remembering & honoring..
Love all the comments, hope the show is great! I just want to throw Kaya Scodelario’s name into the mix for Denna. When I tried to think of who would play the role, Kaya almost immediately popped in my mind — and its been engrained there ever since.
It’s Kaya’s countenance, something about her face and range of emotions that just perfectly match my image of Denna. And, Kaya has a certain attraction that reminds me of the difficulty Kvothe had in describing her beauty; it’s like, she’s obviously very attractive, but she’s obviously got some freckles and other natural distinctions in her face, and you could easily describe them as imperfections, but I almost feel like that is what makes her more human and more appealing. It is that she is very attractive, yet also not perfect, and with the enigma personality that is Denna, it creates a mystery in which Kvothe and the audience can allow themselves to become intoxicated.
I think Thomas Brodie-Sangster should definitely be Kvothe!
And Michelle Keegan as Denna!
Amanda Seyfried for Devi or Auri. Awesome actress
Also people forget that the actress for Denna NEEDS to have musical skills.
Of the suggested options, Samantha Barks, Emily Browning, Leighton Meester, Gemma Arterton and Michele Dockery are suitable for the role, they have great acting and musical skills, and also are not that overexposed or marked by other fantasy franchises.
Also plus Lily collins, she can sing as well and has striking looks
Do you think they take beginner actors as Kvothe? My partner thinks I’d be great
.
I see Kvoth played by the upcomer, Thomas brodie sangster, for sure.
A younger Tom Hiddleston would be so sweet and have the depth needed for Kvothe…
Kvothe must be both charismatic and have a powerful presence
That Gaspard Ulliel is so hot…
Maybe too hot for young Kvothe… unless he can tone down some of that hottieness, let that come our for his later dalliances. Can he speak English well enough?
He is fresh enough to play the full range of ages, for a college Kvothe and Inkeeper Kote.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN680ZIho5Q
@Cheryl agree, Ulliel is really hot and an awesome actor, he played the Hannibal, so he can speak english. The right question is if he can sing though.
BTW I’d be quite happpy with Redmayne for Kvothe considering that he looks way younger than he appears. Completly agree with Gugu Mbatha Raw for Fela and there’s a lot of great suggestions for Denna, i’m particularly fond of Samantha Barks, Emily Browning and Lily Collins suggestions.
As for Auri, Brit Marling would be a great choice as well if Saoirse is not disponible.
Bryce Dallas Howard, her role in Jurassic Park is the spitting image of Devi
Megan Fox as Felurian
Lilly Collins as Denna
Rest of cast seems wonderful to me! Thank you for putting faces to names!