Pendergast Task Force discussion
Who would play Pendergast?
Gatorman wrote: "On the "Ask Preston & Child" group yesterday, DP and LC stated they could see a younger Christopher Walken or, now, Johnny Depp playing Pendergast."Johnny Depp..... YES.
Nope... I was wrong... Benedict Cumberbatch. Absolutely, no doubt.Thin, athletic, striking gray eyes... Plays brilliant eccentric characters to perfection. ... Reference his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes for Masterpiece's Sherlock. He might just need a little aging and white-blond hair.
And who could resist the Marquis? Benedict Cumberbatch as Aloysius Pendergast. Even his name is perfect.
N wrote: "Nope... I was wrong... Benedict Cumberbatch. Absolutely, no doubt.Thin, athletic, striking gray eyes... Plays brilliant eccentric characters to perfection. ... Reference his portrayal of Sherlo..."
I like it a lot!!
The wife and I enjoy all the novels with agent Pendergast and feel the actor Neal McDonough would be perfect. He appeared in Minority Report alongside lil' Tommy Cruise. His character chased lil' Tommy throughout the whole movie. We also think Angie Harmon would be a great Laura Heyward. How about Hailee Steinfeld as Corrie Swanson? She was great in True Grit.
As time passes, even more stuck on Benedict Cumberbatch... As JJ Abrams said, "he's a genius.".
I think johnny depp can pull off just about any character, and I would LOVE to see him tackle pendergast! :)
Kirby wrote: "I think johnny depp can pull off just about any character, and I would LOVE to see him tackle pendergast! :)"Not only that, but if Depp says he wants to play Pendergast, the movie gets MADE.
Joyce wrote: "Kirby wrote: "I think johnny depp can pull off just about any character, and I would LOVE to see him tackle pendergast! :)"Not only that, but if Depp says he wants to play Pendergast, the movie g..."
Glad others of intelligence are seeing that the only actor capable and worthy of playing Pendergast is Johnny Depp! Hailee Steinfeld would do an excellent Corrie Swanson.
Kirby wrote: "I think johnny depp can pull off just about any character, and I would LOVE to see him tackle pendergast! :)"Johnny Depp is perfect!
I just don't see Depp as Pendergast. My fear is it will be Captin Jack in nice suit with white hair. But I love reading everyone's opinions. Let the debate go on!!!!!
Tiffanie wrote: "I just don't see Depp as Pendergast. My fear is it will be Captin Jack in nice suit with white hair. But I love reading everyone's opinions. Let the debate go on!!!!!"
is that the only johnny depp movie you've seen? b/c I think he's far from a one-schtick actor...
and, who would you like to see play pendergast? (my apologies if you had already posted that)
Kirby wrote: "Tiffanie wrote: "I just don't see Depp as Pendergast. My fear is it will be Captin Jack in nice suit with white hair. But I love reading everyone's opinions. Let the debate go on!!!!!"
is that t..."
I didn't say I was not a fan. I have seen most of his movies & TV shows actually. From Nightmare on Elm Street, 21 Jump Street to Rango and The Rum Diary. Totally loved him in From Hell.
I think Linus Roache along with Paul Bettany could pull off Pendergast.
Really? Not one person has suggested William Fichtner? He has already proven he can play a brilliant FBI agent on Prison Break, and he has the build and light complexion. He can also exude refined qualities in his acting, so he'd be a great Pendergast.
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm382675148...Now tell me this is not clearly Pendergast? Butch it up just a bit and make the suit black and BOOM! perfect!
yeah, I could see this guy's facial features working, but he looks a little too...buff maybe? like, not long and lanky enough...but I guess he could just quit working out or something?
Tiffanie wrote: "I didn't say I was not a fan."I'm sorry, I didn't mean to assume or imply that you weren't a fan...but I don't understand how, if you're a fan, you would think depp couldn't pull it off, that he'd just be rehashing his captain jack? perhaps you could explain a bit, please?
I was thinking Johnny Depp as well. I often, as most probably do, cast a book while reading. I think Depp is a fantastic actor, with the right make-up, he could pull it off. Now, how do we get that to happen?! This is LONG OVERDUE!!!!!!
Kirby wrote: "Tiffanie wrote: "I didn't say I was not a fan."I'm sorry, I didn't mean to assume or imply that you weren't a fan...but I don't understand how, if you're a fan, you would think depp couldn't pull..."
I picture Pendergast as a tall, thin with a long but elegant face. Johnny Depp is not any of those. Even if he were able to pull of the voice and mannerisms all I would think is "This is not Pendergast." And I still fear it would be Caption Jack-ish. His character in The Tourist, I felt was a lighter version of CJ.
If I was a bit harsh in my response to you, I apologize.
Heres's my ideal cast: Mathew Maconaughey as Pendergast, Bradley Cooper as Diogenes, Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Dagosta, Anthony Hopkins as Proctor, Julian Sands as Elly Glinn, Natalie Portman as Constance and Jessica Biel as Laura Hayward.Other actors and actresses we like are: Rachel McAdams, Milla Jovovich,Tom Jane, Leonardo Dicaprio, Ryan Gosling, Adrien Brody, Colin Farrel, Gerard Buttler.
Michael Fassbender could do just about any male part.
Tiffanie wrote: "Kirby wrote: "Tiffanie wrote: "I didn't say I was not a fan."I'm sorry, I didn't mean to assume or imply that you weren't a fan...but I don't understand how, if you're a fan, you would think de..."
ah, no! not at all! I did make an assumption, and that's rarely a good idea! :)
but, yeah- I understand what you mean about the build, it doesn't quite match up...but I just want a bad-ass actor doing it, and depp's number one in my book! :)
but I totally understand if he just doesn't fit in with someone else's imagining of the characters...
Juliana wrote: "Heres's my ideal cast: Mathew Maconaughey as Pendergast, Bradley Cooper as Diogenes, Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Dagosta, Anthony Hopkins as Proctor, Julian Sands as Elly Glinn, Natalie Portman as Const..."I hadn't thought of adrian brody...he does have that lankiness, and he seems to be a really good actor...
Suzanne wrote: "I was thinking Johnny Depp as well. I often, as most probably do, cast a book while reading. I think Depp is a fantastic actor, with the right make-up, he could pull it off. Now, how do we get t..."I know!! and I have no idea how to get this off the ground...:(
Kirby wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "I was thinking Johnny Depp as well. I often, as most probably do, cast a book while reading. I think Depp is a fantastic actor, with the right make-up, he could pull it off. Now,..."By off the ground, do you mean get the movie made? I'm no movie production expert, but it seems the first step is to find someone willing to produce it. Then find someone else willing to adapt the novel(s) into a screenplay. Then once the screenplay is done, line up the cast. Something like that, I think. Someone on Goodreads must know producers.
There was a movie made of Relic, by Preston and Child, although I haven't seen it and don't know how good it is. Given the popularity of the subsequent novels, though, I think it's clear that the style of Preston and Child has a selling point and could translate into a blockbuster with the right people and script behind it.
Good luck. Let us know if you think there's anything we can do.
I think Julian Sands would have been PERFECT a few years ago...Right now I am leaning towards English actor Tom Hiddleston. He just needs the dyed hair and contacts and he'd be devastating as Pendergast...now as for the rest of the cast. I'm thinking Luke Evans as a younger "movie version - big screen eye candy" version of Vincent. Emily Blunt is perfect for Constance. Laura not so sure yet. As for Proctor, I think whoever said Jason Statham was right on. Can you imagine? Awesome!
What about the screenwriter and director? In the right hands, this series could be box office gold.
Michelle wrote: "I think Julian Sands would have been PERFECT a few years ago...Right now I am leaning towards English actor Tom Hiddleston. He just needs the dyed hair and contacts and he'd be devastating as Pende..."I think Hiddleston would be perfect. He has the sharp facial features that can make him look far older than he is. I think he would amazing.
Leroy wrote: "Kirby wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "I was thinking Johnny Depp as well. I often, as most probably do, cast a book while reading. I think Depp is a fantastic actor, with the right make-up, he could pull..."The movie, Relic, was awful. Pendergast wasn't even a character. They made the good guys the bad and the bad the good. Plus, they half-@$$ed Reliquary and spliced a sliver of it into Relic. It wasn't worth it to watch, I didn't think.
That's too bad. I think in order for Relic, or any of the other novels, to succeed on film it would take a great screenwriter/director combination. Sounds like that wasn't the case with Relic.There may be reason for hope, though. I recall learning that there was a version of The Hulk done in 2003 that was widely panned, but the 2008 version with Edward Norton was much better. So improved follow-ups are possible.
Paul Bettany is who I imagine as Pendergast when I read the novels. His looks are so regal and elegant. I cannot see Johnny Depp as Pendergast--although I am a huge fan, he's wrong for the role. Also, I'm curious as to why people are "casting" women as Wren...he's an old man.
For Corrie, if Chloe Moretz were older I think she would be awesome.
Tara wrote: "Leroy wrote: "Kirby wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "I was thinking Johnny Depp as well. I often, as most probably do, cast a book while reading. I think Depp is a fantastic actor, with the right make-up,..."I thought Relic was a pretty good movie, and I loved the book. It was entertaining enough and kept the basic premise of the movie intact. Not having Pendergast was disappointing but it didn't make the movie suck, IMO.
Gatorman wrote: "Tara wrote: "Leroy wrote: "Kirby wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "I was thinking Johnny Depp as well. I often, as most probably do, cast a book while reading. I think Depp is a fantastic actor, with the r..."Relic, on its own, was ok. The acting was good, the story line was great. But if you compare it to the book? It was terrible. When I watch a movie based off of a book, I want it to be comparable.
I agree wholeheartedly Tara! I haven't seen the movie "Relic" but I have read the book and loved it. It's sad ... and disappointing ... when a movie turns out so different from the book. It should be as close to the book as possible, especially when the book is so great! And especially when it is an introduction to an ongoing character such as Pendergast, my favorite character of all time.
I'm rather depressed now that I've read the Pendergast series from top to bottom, and am having to wait with biting nails for "Two Graves" to come out. I'm reading the first of Gidgeon's books but it's not the same. I've had Pendergast keeping me company since I got laid off 3 years ago and now I'm pining for him.
I'm sorry but when y'all (yes I said y'all) suggest Johnny Depp.... really? I know he is a wonderful actor, but not when it comes to a character like Pendergast. Paul Bettany absolutely! His physique need I say more...
Mitchell wrote: "I think it would be very doable to get Paul Bettany ( http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0079273/ ) to play the part. He was a more than passable albino in the DaVinci code and he has the thin look, maybe..."That guy is entirely too scary looking to be Pendergast! I think Pendergast will have a softer look & won't have crazy eyes - okay, maybe occasional crazy eyes in the later books. Hey, Steve Buscemi! Of course, we will dye & trim his hair & make him taller.
I can see Laurence Fox (DS James Hathaway, "Inspector Lewis") and Tom Hiddleston (Loki, "Thor" and "The Avengers") as Pendergast and Diogenes. While Johnny Depp would play some aspects of the character of Agent Pendergast to perfection (I can see him entertaining guests in his spooky old museum of a mansion at 891 Riverside Drive), I would not believe him as kick-butt FBI Special Agent Pendergast. And to be frank, he is too dark, too short, and too old. [You need to start with 30-something actors so they can star in ALL of the films.] Of course, if I were DP & LC, I would want Johnny Depp to star in my movie, too. He is box-office gold, and he has the clout to get the movie made.
What about Joe Manganiello ("True Blood", "Magic Mike", "What to Expect When You're Expecting") as Vincent D'Agosta?
How about Jeffrey Donovan? He has been excellent in Burn Notice, and seems capable of managing Pendergast's depth. The secret will be getting someone like Depp or Crowe or Bale to be the criminal for the first movie. The whole thing will take on a Silence of the Lambs vibe, but with more potential for a long series.Hallie would be PERFECT as Corrie.
Ezra wrote: "How about Jeffrey Donovan? He has been excellent in Burn Notice, and seems capable of managing Pendergast's depth. The secret will be getting someone like Depp or Crowe or Bale to be the criminal f..."Donovan seems the most handsome of anyone named so far, so I agree Ezra!
Tara wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I think Julian Sands would have been PERFECT a few years ago...Right now I am leaning towards English actor Tom Hiddleston. He just needs the dyed hair and contacts and he'd be dev..."Tom is perfect for anything! :D
Anyone reading the first four chapters of Two Graves yet? I cannot wait for the book to come out! Regarding the discussions for casting and directing a Pendergast movie...I like all of your suggestions so far. Although, my vote will always be for Tom Hiddleston as Pendergast. :D
I think we all basically agree that any of the books would make a great movie. Relic was a disaster. The studios have all but ruined the Dirk Pitt (Cussler) books too.
Which book would you like to see made into a movie? I love them all but have a special place in my heart for "Still Life" and of course the Diogenes trilogy.
Wondering what you good folks think...?
I favor Cabinet of Curiosities. Always been my fave.
David Hyde Pierce with lifts in his shoes....
I think adrian brody would make a perfect choice another suggestion would be jason issacison
Lucky056 wrote: "David Hyde Pierce with lifts in his shoes...."Good one ,especialy with his piercing eyes.
If you 'like' the Preston & Child site on Facebook you can vote for who you would like to play Pendergast. My choice is Benedict Cumberbach for sure!
One actor that I think could pull it off because he has aged enough would be Ryan Phillippe. Lighten the hair and put him in a suit . . .
Christopher Walken was gorgeous when he was younger. I don't know... I just can't see Johnny Depp in the role. I think it's only because he has such dark features though, not because I don't think he could pull it off. If I look back to Edward Scissorhands I can kind of see it.
Sidenote, I think Cillian Murphy would also make an excellent contendor to play Diogenes.