The story goes that back in 2017, Universal bought the rights to a movie adaption. They have yet to do anything with those rights, but that could be for a myriad of reasons: waiting for the final books to release, quarantine problems, etc. It's also likely that the movie fell through, but we're not talking about that possibility because it hurts my heart to think about. I need movies of these.
Today, I want to introduce a dream casting. I did a similar project a few years ago in school for The Hunger Games (with Demi Lovato as Katniss) and really enjoyed it, so when I came up with a perfect idea for Cardan, I couldn't resist.
Jude: Halle Bailey
The Bailey sisters would be perfect for Jude and Taryn, right? Not only are they the right age and big names right now (good for press) and look similar enough to be passed off as twins, but having the mortal twins in Faerie portrayed by black actresses would add an extra layer of meaning with racial tension, reflecting on how white people are born with more resources simply because they're white, while black people, here specifically black women, have to work harder to prove themselves.
Taryn: Chloe Bailey
Choosing which sister would play Jude and which would play Taryn in my ideal cast was hard because while Chloe has more acting credits, Halle has the Little Mermaid movie coming up. In the end, I decided on Chloe being Taryn and Halle being Jude because Halle is a bigger name right now, and a big name for the lead is always good (point you'll hear me give many, many times today).
Vivi: Anna Kendrick
Anna Kendrick anyone? Vivi has to bring a lighthearted, funny element to the scenes, and who better than everyone's favorite Barden Bella? While a little old for the role, Kendrick would still be a great addition to the cast, keeping the movie from getting too serious.
Heather: Vanessa Morgan
Heather is the most human character in the Folk of the Air series, so she needs an actress that can do down-to-earth, comedic acting. While Riverdale isn't usually the best place to look for down-to-earth, Vanessa Morgan (who plays Toni Topaz on the infamous TV show) would be a great Heather! She's an accurate age for the character and pretty much just gives off a very Heather vibe.
Oak: Roman Griffin Davis
While Jojo Rabbit star Roman Griffin Davis is thirteen, a little too old for Oak, I still think he'd be great in this role. Not only has he proven his talent after starring in the Academy Award-winning Jojo Rabbit, but he also has the look with curly brownish-blonde hair.
Oriana: Emma Thompson
Household name Emma Thompson would do well as Oriana because of how regal and high-society she can be (partly because she's British, I'll admit). Of course, bringing in another huge name is always good. I also think that playing a likable Oriana will be really difficult because of how harsh she is with Jude, but if anyone can do it, Emma Thompson can.
Madoc: Alec Baldwin
Alec Baldwin of the seemingly endless Baldwin Clan would be perfect for Madoc. Not only is he one of the hugest actors out there to fit the description, but he also has enough acting experience that he could portray this cutthroat character without making it corny.
High King Eldred: Harrison Ford
When there are old guys that die early in blockbuster movies, they've got to be played by an icon. That's why I present to you: Harrison Ford as High King Eldred. I know that Harrison Ford more commonly plays rough-and-tumble dudes, but with a cast this star-studded, someone truly iconic has to play High King Eldred.
Locke: Gavin Leatherwood
I think Gavin Leatherwood would work here because early Locke almost reminds me of Nick in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina season one. I think that after Sabrina, Leatherwood has definitely proven that he can play a charming villain, which is exactly what Locke's actor needs to be able to do. I know that technically Locke has a sort of red-brown hair, specifically described as "russet," but that's not really how I pictured him, and I'm the casting director here. Sorry.
Valerian: Tye Sheridan
Valerian is pure evil. Even early Cardan thinks he's too much. For this role, we need someone who can be completely hateable but still realistic - near-impossible shoes to fill, especially when you add on top that he has to be a blonde in his twenties (for some reason, that's one of the most difficult requirements of the role). I picked Ready Player One's Tye Sheridan, who, I know, isn't blonde, but his hair is kind of a lighter brown, and he could dye it. Anyway, even after playing mostly heroes, I just feel like Tye Sheridan would do well in this role. With the right costume designer, he could really look the part, even without the Malfoy-blonde hair.
Nicassia: Naomi Scott
Naomi Scott would make an amazing Nicassia. Even though she's evil, Nicassia still has a royal air about her; somehow she can elegantly sneer at and gracefully snub out the people below her. If Naomi Scott has proven anything with Aladdin, it's that she can do royal. Plus, Scott is British, and a British Nicassia would make me so happy.
Cardan: Timothée Chalamet
Finally, Cardan. My first idea. I've seen the likes of Thomas Doherty and Charles Melton imagined here, but I think Timothée Chalamet would be perfect. Not only is he a huge name right now, with Dune and all, but he is the spitting image of Cardan. I mean, spitting image. Plus, after Little Women, we know he can pull off an over-dramatic fluffy shirt.
So that's my dream cast. Anything that surprised you? The hardest to find was either Valerian or Vivi (something about those V names, I'm telling you). This was a little different than my usual rant-filled book review; we like? If anything, it definitely took a lot less brain power to do (unlike a real casting director, I just picked whoever I wanted, regardless of contracts or scheduling). Next time I'll be back at you with another review. Happy Pizzamas to all celebrating, and keep reading, readers.