If anyone’s interested, I recently was introduced to a website called Storycasting.
It lets you pick a book, then enter in your dream cast, as if you were in charge of making the movie.
I took a crack at creating a cast for the movie, and quickly realized how conflicted I am about certain roles. Personally, I can’t for the life of me think of an actor I’d like to see as Kvothe.
Anyway, if that sort of thing seems like a good time to you, feel free to wander over here and check it out.
81 Comments
NPH as Bast is quite possibly the best idea anyone has had since Pat thought to himself, “Hey, I wonder what it’d feel like to write a really long, awesome book?”>>And so it was that we all learnt the meaning of epic.
I think Kvothe should be an unknown.
God no, ED SHEEREN, and Elodin has to be Jude Law, Hayden Pannetierre would be perfect for Devi, and Jennifer Lawrence for Denna, I am still working out Fela shes rather difficult.
Ed Sheeran would be a horrible Kvothe. I would tend to agree with Chris. They’re gonna have to find a younger actor to play Kvothe, and I can’t think of any prominent actors who with the right look who would be any good. Gotta go with an unknown. Jude Law is an interesting idea though. I was thinking Orlando Bloom might be good as Elodin.
Orlando Bloom would be great as Elodin.
Kevin McKidd, Lucius Vorenus from HBO’s/BBC’s Rome would be perfect imho. He has recently joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy if you don’t know who I mean. Scottish actor who got his big break in Trainspotting. No need to dye his hair or beard. >>http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0571727/
I love Kevin McKidd for Kvothe Great choice.
I always imaging him (Kevin McKidd) as Kvothe
Pat,>>If you get your hands on a flux capacitor, how about a young David Bowie?
I know a guy who looks like Kvothe, actually. Curly red hair and a tall guy. I introduced him to Name of the Wind and he’s hooked (hasn’t quite finished it yet) He’s an actor and made mention of the fact that you need to write a script soon so he can play him.
Kvothe is hard.. especially because you’d need at least three actors to play him.
I’m thinkin’ Keira Knightley for Denna, myself. Or possibly Kate Winslet. >>NPH as Bast would be brilliant.
Kvothe is in his mid twenties as he’s recounting his story. Kevin McKidd is closer to 50 than he is to 25.
Kevin McKidd added to the actor database. Glad you’re all having fun at the site.>>Storycasting.com>“for the movie in your mind”
I have orange hair…..just saying…*cough*
I’ll go for Colin Farrell as Kvothe and Will Smith as Bast. Also, I’d love to see Tony Hopkins as Chronicler.
Hey, i just reread name of the wind and i noticed something, at the end, when he kills the draccus, he does a bit of sympathy that makes no sense. One of the rules is that energy must be conserved right? than how does he make a giant iron wheel move simply by using a lodestone. anyone?
A lodenstone is a magnet, and iron is magnetic, hence the binding.
BaldSilver, been a while since I’ve read the book, but I’m fairly sure he binds it with the lodestone as well as using fires destroying the town as an energy source, making up for the extra effort that’d be needed to move something that big..>>Haha, suprisingly, I really agree with some of the casting ideas on that site… especially NPH and Natalie Portman.>>Really love what you’re doing with the charity Pat :) I winced when I saw how much it had reached, knowing you’re gonna match it dollar for dollar. That is a lot of money for one man.
The second I thought of this, I knew that Ian McKellen should be Ben. It’s perfect!
These are awesome.>>Neil Patrick Harris and Morena Baccarin are definite keepers. >And you absolutely must keep Nathalie Portman… Though, if you get that flux capacitor, blasting her back to closer to when she was in the Professional would be perfect… >> Felicia Day as Auri is also pretty inspired, but that leaves me with no where to cast Audrey Tatou…. >>Johny Depp as Elodin is fun, just like I think Jonathan Frakes would be awesome to see as Arliden… but I don’t know that they would do the story the best service as having new faces play the roles. There are just so many things linked with them in people’s minds.
Hi Pat – >> I know this isn’t the relevant thread, but I didn’t know how far back into previous posts you read, and I wanted to make sure you saw this…… MAZEL TOV. Congratulations. You have just inspired me to donate…. normally I don’t do so, as I prefer to send my money to the ALS foundation (for familial reasons). However – you have gathered SUCH a wealth of support from people who the general populous normally wouldn’t associate with caring… I just had to throw in my few bucks in support of all of your efforts, and your heart. I’ve been following your campaign from the start (I was the one who made the comment about the thermometer not showing the correct level of $$ raised – I hope it wasn’t snarky!!!) and I am overawed by your commitment and level of belief and compassion. I hope you blast past $30k, and hit $50k!!!!>>Good luck, and thank you! :D
What about Gerard Butler as Kvothe? Not like in ‘300’, but more like in ‘Dear Frankie’ or in ‘PS I Love You’
People probably won’t know who I’m talking about, I don’t think he’s a very big actor, but i think Micheal McShane would make a perfect Ben. This is the guy who played Friar Tuk in kevin costner’s Robin Hood.
Sean Connery must be in there somewhere. maybe as kvothe’s dad.
Another possibility, Leelee Sobieski as Auri…
Hey Pat long time reader, first time poster. I want to thank you for many things. First the book, top notch my man. Second thanks for being what seems to me one hell of a cool guy. Third, showing me Dr. Horrible, holy shiznit is it awesome. Fourth, for introducing me to the Storycasting site.>>Although I do disagree with you about some casting choices. i like Paul Rudd as Elodin.>>Anyway I hope you come out to Southern California some day, I would like to meet you some day. More like do a shot of tequila with you, but whatever the roads of time bring us i will accept.>>sumigo
959 visits and over 8,000 pageviews to Storycasting.com as direct referrals from this blog post alone. Thanks, Pat! >>– Jeff
Very fun, but I cannot in good conscience endorse James MacAvoy as Kvothe. Or anyone.>>I’m sorry, but I can’t quite forgive him for “Wanted.” One of the worst movies I’ve ever seen.
Philip Pickard, >>Try & get your hands on the BBC series Early Doors, you will forgive him everything I promise.
Kvothe… Philip Seymor Hoffman.
Johnny Depp as Elodin would be completely amazing to say the least.
I think Val Kilmer could pull off an amazing Kvothe, if he slims back up. Which I think he has…
I think that Viggo Mortensen would be an amazing adult Kvothe
I think you’d kinda be mandatory to have a newer actor for Kvothe simply because of his age. A younger actor would be able to play a younger character much more effectively… and it’d be hard to find the ‘spark’ that a character like Kvothe requires in someone who’s been associated with Hollywood for any length of time (on this note, for the sake of the books, please wait until after the series for the movies. You probably would have anyway, but hey.)
I must say, movie adaptations of books as complex as The Name of the Wind terrify me on multiple levels. One because I have to see them; two, because there’s just so much to a book that a movie will fail to grasp, particularly the world filling elements such as accents, swear words, religions, etc.
“The Lay of Sir Savien Traliard” is one of the pivotal scenes in the book, yet they’d have to write an actual song to include it in the movie.
Peter Jackson did a truly amazing job with Lord of the Rings (which is nowhere close to the cultural complexity of NotW) yet I still find myself grumbling over Tom Bombadil and other missing or glossed over elements.
That said: Hugh Jackman would make a great Arliden, and hey he can actually sing.
Since it’s taken me darn near 3 days to get to Mongolia, I went about re-reading The Name of the Wind. After trying to place the face of Kote, to get a real person’s face assigned to the character, I kept coming up with flashes of “Stanley” from the show Jericho. The actor’s name is Brad Beyer. Every time I see the Waystone in my mind, I see him… Kote, the man waiting to die… with this actor’s face on him. The younger version of him I have yet to locate, but if there ever were a live action thing done of this series… this should be the guy that plays Kote. This is how we were led into your world Pat… through the storytelling of Kote. This is the Waystone that pulls it all together, and in my humble opinion, this is one of the most key faces to the whole story. I discovered this post and thought I’d reply. I’m sure you’ve since seen Kote’s face a million different times over the last 5 years, but I thought you should at least see him and tell me I’m dead wrong.
Since the first time I saw him in The pillard of the earth, after reading your book, I cannot stop thinking about Eddie Redmayne as young Kvothe :
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ltxs6fWk3e1r4qevxo1_500.jpg
Oh yes! I agree, Eddie Redmayne would make a great young Kvothe..perhaps Ewan McGregor for older Kvothe?
I like Ewan McGregor as older Kvothe. Michael Fassbender would make an amazing Elodin. And I know she doesn’t have dark hair, but AnnaSophia Robb would make a great Denna.
What does everyone mean by ‘younger’ Kvothe and ‘older’ Kvothe? Isn’t Kvothe supposed to be quite young even when he’s the innkeeper?
Oh and the way I imagine it, Anne Hathaway would be a perfect Denna :) http://wallpaperank.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Beauty-Anne-Hathaway-Photoshoot.jpg
Mr. Rothfuss,
I had the same problem as you; I couldn’t possibly imagine anyone living up to the the expectations of your rendering of Kvothe. However, I have come to think that TOM HIDDLESTON would be ideal for the role! His personality as a whole resembles what I imagine when I read the books. I think he would excel in the role and enjoy doing so. Just an idea for suggestion!
Hi,
It is just an Idea but I hope you’ll like it.
Emmy Rossum as Fela/Denna
Emma Stone as Devi
Woody Harrelson/Robert Downey Jr. as Elodin
Hugo Weaving/Alan Rickman as Lorren
Djimon Hounsou as Kilvin
Ed Sheeran/ Cameron Monaghan as young Kvothe
Benedict Cumberbatch as old Kvothe
these were just my thoughts, while reading.
and maybe also Dominic Cooper as Bast
and Jesse Eisenberg as Ambrose
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Plemons
This guy would make a perfect Ambrose
I think Domhnall Gleeson would make a great kvothe as far as celebrities are concerned. His face would be easy to manipulate from a younger University Kvothe to an older one. Otherwise it would also be nice to see an unkown person play the role.
Eddy Redmayne….there…glad I finally settled that
and Nicholas Hoult as Bast
Good Idea. Nicholas Hoult as Bast. Yeah.
So, I started a search for an actor who I feel would be a good Kvothe and came across Eddie Redmayne, the guy who played in Les Miserables, and he is perfect! He even sings!! I also think Ewan Mcgregor would be a good Kote, although he isn’t really “old”, so hypothetically the same actor could play both young and older versions of Kvothe…
Sam Heughan- Kvothe?
Eddie Redmayne could pull Kvothe off. He has such an intense look about him!
I agree, he could play Kvothe quite well. Still rather see Ed Shereen, but Redmayne would be great as well.
Am I the only one that sees Jude Law as the perfect Elodin?
Good Idea!
Dear Mr Rothfuss, firstly I’d like you to know what I think about your writing, simply put your work is the best I’ve ever read and the amount of times I’ve re-read your books is lost to me. I always take something new from it and that’s one of the reasons why it is my favourite book series. Your books provoke so much thought within myself as well as thoughts about your characters and philosophies, by now I believe I know as much about Kvother as myself. Secondly, I know there’s a very small chance of this working but I’d like you to know that I’m a recent Australian graduate who just completed grade 12 this year and I’m extremely dedicated and motivated to follow my acting career, I’m not well known but I will be. Additionally, having the role of Kvother has always been one of my biggest dreams and fantasies. I’d like to get in touch and see my possibilities of auditioning and proving myself, I’m a natural redhead with the colour of Kvothe’s hair and I have always thought I have looked like many of the artworks I’ve seen of him. If there is any chance of even having the opportunity of take it. I’m willing and determined, the boundaries of what I’d do to get a part are very limited and right now there is nothing more I’d love than to hear from you and organise something.
– Callan, and a devoted reader and fan
Ive seen some good choices here. The best one Ive seen so far for Kvothe is Eddie Redmayne. He would look perfect with some long red hair. Then, you could use Tim Roth as “Kote.” They look enough alike that it would work.
Based on everything Ive read around the internet, it seems like everyone wants Johnny Depp to play Elodin. Though that is a great choice, I would love to see Joaquin Phoenix as Elodin.
Hi, when I try to click on the link it says ‘this page is not available’, so if anyone could just comment Rothfuss’ suggestions that would be great. Thanks!
Some newer thought on casting
Kvothe
Adam Hicks
Cameron Monaghan
Calum Worthy
Justin Tinucci
Wesley MacInnes
They might be disney boys but they look the part to me. Have never seen any of their shows aside from shameless.Wesley MacInnes is my ideal image of Kvothe.
I will keep it to a minimum with my other favorite characters.
Kilvin
Could be Colin Farrell if he has a tan other wise it would have to be Dominic Purcell he just has the right build and face once again who I picture.
Elodin
Has to be Russell Brand for me.
And my favorite character AURI!!!!
Pyper America Smith though she is a model and not an actress has the perfect features for the part, innocent but with a quiet determination; this is an integral part of who she is.
Imogen Poots would be a good fit as well.
So, firstly, I’m aware that this blog post is from 2009, but now that we all know the tv series/movie is going to be a reality, I doubt I’m the only one to visit it…
I just have to say I’m astonished by most of the suggestions people chime in with, both here and other places on the vast web… Benedict Cumberbatch as Kvothe? Keira Knightley as Denna? Have you guys actually read the books? O_O
Strange how it is. I have such a clear picture of every character in the series, and none of them are even based off of real-life persons… Just the descriptions and my imagination.
Anyway, I see that many people here are in favour of casting Eddie Redmayne as Kvothe. In my opinion, while a better suggestion than some (like the above-mentioned), that role doesn’t really suit him. I can, however, easily see him portraying Ambrose – with his handsome looks and gift for playing the villain.
In fact I think it would be brilliant!
I’m aware that my opinion isn’t better than anyone else’s, and that I’m just one fan among many, but, may I at least remind you guys, Kote the innkeeper is just around 25. Don’t suggest 40-year-old actors just because they’re successful. :/
I really hope they’ll give some fresh, unknown actors a chance in these adaptions. Actors that don’t just get included in the cast because they are popular, but because they actually resemble the characters described (vividly, I’d say!) in the books.
Please check out this young man Irish singer/actor, Damian McGinty. I first saw him on The Glee Project and then Glee ( eh hum, I watched these with my teen daughter). Continuing on….he was also a member of a group called Celtic Thunder. Watching him on The Glee Project gave me a real taste of his character, talent and passion for his work. He brings to my mind a young Kvothe. What you’ll think of him might be very different from me, lol. I hope you’ll see this message, it might be worth your while to see what you think of Damian.
Cheers :)
Kvothe’s 25 years old, a good build, tall etc. Finding a scrawny kid with red hair doesn’t make the cut.
Kvothe’s Dad: Ewan McGregor
Kovthe’s Mom: Liv Tyler
Kvothe: Charlie Cox (with proper hair styling and shaved/unshaven face he can look 19 or 29
Bast: Rami Malek
Chronicler: Paul Giamatti
Abenthy: Stanley Tucci
Ambrose: Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Denna: Amber heard OR Emma Rossum
Fela: Alexandra Daddario
Felurian: Olivia Wilde
Devi: Chloe Moretz
Auri: Dakota Fanning
Kilvin: John Rhys-Davies
Elodin: Jude Law or Christian Bale
Chancellor Herma: Terence Stamp
Lauren: Shaun Toub
Hemme: David Tennant
Let me know what you guys think
I think you just NAILED this list, at least in terms of the gravitas of the actors. The only thing I would disagree on would be Kvothe, and maybe Arliden. Rami Maleck would be a PERFECT Bast. Ambrose and the girls I agree with you. I’d love to see Anthony Hopkins possibly as chronicler, but I’m thinking he might be a little old for it.
I would also suggest Cinder: Michael Fassbender, Jude Law, or maybe Alexander Skarsgård.
Arliden: Sean Bean, possibly. I know he’s old, but he feels awesome. If you want to go with someone young and handsome, but wise, that can sweep a young royal maiden off her feet, then go with: Jonathan Rhys-Meyers.
[Alternate choices would be Matt Bomer and James Marsden, but I stand by Rhys-Meyers because he’s brilliant for it.]
And Kvothe…
I’d die if Eddie Redmayne played Kvothe.
Eddie Redmayne for Kvothe would be PERFECT.
Please, PLEASE, Patrick Rothfuss, audition Eddie Redmayne. [Hardcore fans, see what I did there? *nudge wink*]
Kvothe is in his mid-late twenties, but even if it’s very early thirties, it would still be perfect. Kvothe FEELS like an old soul. Kvothe can get a twinkle in his eye. Kvothe can sing, and charm you and he so easily slips his way into your heart. EVERY time I see pictures of Eddie Redmayne, or watch interviews, or his movies, I can see a little piece of Kvothe in everything. He’s one hell of an actor, and I think he could pull this off, 200%. Now, before you blatantly disagree with me, I have one request. Simply Google him. YouTube Pillars of the Earth, mostly, and skim his diverse filmography. Watch Les Mis to hear him sing. After all this, if you don’t think, without a shadow of a doubt that he could NAIL Kvothe, then please reply who you think would be better, and I will be happy to google them and their filmography. [And have a civilized internet argument.]
Harry Lloyd could also play Ambrose.
Sam Claflin as Simmon
I can’t think of a Willem, but he needs a Russian accent. He just does.
Pedro Pascal as Elxa Dal.
John Hurt as Abenthy.
Give Robbie Kay 2 more years and he’looks be perfect for Kvothe. And what about Alex Pettyfer for Kvothe/Kote?
Jeremy Irons would be great as Kilvin. As for Kvothe, I don’t know…
Kvothe should be played by Josh in the Febreze commercial. I could not find his actor name. He is perfect. Kvothe has a purity that must inhabit the actor. Josh seems to have that je ne sais quoi. And, Josh is a real red head. Unknown enough to make his mark. I definitely vote for the Febreze Josh for Kvothe.
Fela: Brit Marling
Yes cojordans, Jude Law for Elodin. Good Idea.
Wilem : Emory Cohen
Ambrose: Marc-Andre Grondin (Spotless)
Dena: Rachel Herd-Wood
No, I have to review this one.
Kote: Harry Lloyd or Eddie Redmayne
Bast: Ben Barnes or Erza Miller
Ambrose: Matt Dyllon or Joachin Phoenix
Denna: Emily Browning or Lily Collins
Fela: Kaya Scodelario or Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Felurian: Summer Glau or Monica Belluci
Devi: Bryce Dallas Haward or Melinda Clarke
Auri: Bella Heathcote or Mia wasikowska
Elodin: Adrien Brody or Sasha Baron
Meluan: Michelle Dockery or Gemma Arterton
Bredon: Morgan Freeman or Kevin Spacey
Alveron Ralph Fiennes or Rufus Sewell
Laurian: Catriona Balfe
Arliden: Gerard Butler
Mola: Samaire Armstrong
I’ve always imagined Kvothe like James Franco. Well, he can dye his hair but he doesn’t have green eyes, so i think he’s not the best choice, since when the movie comes out he will be over 40. That said, I think an unknown actor is the best pick for Kvothe, but looking at the suggestions, Redmayne would be an awesome choice. And.. Gaspard Ulliel maybe?
As for Denna suggestions, Emmy Rossum or Emily Browning would be the best choices. I’d suggest Emeraude Toubia as well.
Devi could be Lotte Verbeek. She is gorgeous and can put the sassy girl perfectly. Sienna Guillory or Sarah Bolger fits Devi too. Imogen Poots would make a great Auri.
Not sure about the other characters.
Kvothe: Douglas Booth, Alex Pettyfer, Jamie campbell Bower
Denna: Nina Dobrev, Jennifer Lawrence, Anna Kendrick, Tatiana Mansaly – and of course, mentioned names here like Rossum, Collins, Browning, Keira,
Fela needs to be a black or just a poc woman.
When i think of Ambrose: Ed westwick and joachin phoenix cames to mind.
Natalie dormer for Devi or Meluan
I really feel that Dania García Donas Márquez should play Auri’s roll. She isn’t a really famous actress but she is so good and this can make people realise her. Plus, I think is a good idea having not-known people in the cast because this is an amazing book that doesn’t need anyone famous to, secces.
To succes* excuse my keyboard
Kvothe has bright, clever, alert and quick kind of personality. He is someone with confident, keen green eyes and red hair. It would be better to introduce some new face for such a vibrant character.