I totally thought Daniel Craig was already fully attached to the English-language version of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.” Enough that while watching the original Swedish adaptation I pictured Craig as I was looking at Michael Nyqvist. That was weeks ago. I guess he was merely in talks for the role of Mikael Blomkvist all this time and couldn’t be completely nailed down given all the offers he receives, especially with the Bond films stalled. And signing on to this role includes two sequels. Well, now he’s confirmed, and fans of the best-selling novel appear to be satisfied with his casting.
When I read the news today, I recalled how I couldn’t simply enjoy Nyqvist’s portrayal alone because of my brain’s inability to not see Craig in his place. I don’t know if that’s ever happened to me before while watching a film I know is being remade. We’ve all of course pictured actors while reading books we know are being adapted. Those who read “TGWTDT” after hearing this news will no doubt have Craig dominating their imagination. But a source film is visual media and so not as easy to be taken over by our imaginations in the same way.
Will I picture Paul Rudd, Steve Carell and Zach Galifianakis while viewing the basis for “Dinner with Schmucks” (“The Dinner Game”) this week? That’s sure to be annoying. At least no American ingenue clouded my mind and kept me from appreciating the awesome Noomi Rapace as the Swedish-version Lisbeth Salander. We’re still waiting for David Fincher to pin down a choice for the role in his film.
Speaking of Salander, the film blog community is taking this opportunity to jump right over celebrating Craig in order to hope the female lead will be cemented soon. I don’t get why Rapace can’t just reprise her star-making part. If Penelope Cruz and Gerard Depardieu can do it…
Craig locking in his deal means they’ll be able to turn their attention to casting the other lead role, Lisbeth Salander, whom Sony chief Amy Pascal promised recently would be found after a gigantic worldwide talent search. Clearly every young actress in the world is polishing their resumes as we speak, though despite Josh’s hopes, Natalie Portman told us over the weekend she hasn’t been contacted. Turn your casting hopes elsewhere, Princess Amidala fans.
Alison Nastasi at Cinematical:
With Craig now locked in, Fincher and company can start working on the next major casting selection — choosing a young actress to play the role of antisocial hacker Lisbeth Salander. Deadline’s list of potential candidates for the part includes Ellen Page, Emily Browning, Mia Wasikowska, Rooney Mara, Sara Snook, and Sophie Lowe.
The search is still on for Lisbeth Salander. We reported on the 5 actresses in the lead for the role. Deadline does add one short, brunette actress to their list: Ellen Page.
Director David Fincher and Scott Rudin are still looking for the lucky actress to inherit the star-making role of Lisbeth Salander; that list of candidates still includes Ellen Page, Mia Wasikowska, Emily Browning, Sara Snook, Rooney Mara, and Sophie Lowe. (Of course, said list was put together before this potentially game-changing announcement.)
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