With every book release, there’s one question I’m always *guaranteed* to be asked: Who would play your characters in the movie/TV version?
I’ve taken a stab at answering this question before, but I’d like to revisit my past selections and see if we can make any improvements – plus, we need to add casting for a couple new characters who will be joining us in Stuck!
Alessa – Emmy Rossum
Where you know her from: Shameless (TV series), The Phantom of the Opera (Movie, 2004)
Why I chose her in 2013: She’s young and fresh, and she’s got Alessa’s long brown hair, height, and down-to-earth “real girl” sensibility. The only thing Emmy doesn’t have are Alessa’s striking green eyes – but that’s what color contacts and Photoshop are for, right?
2018 Verdict: Keep her! I’ve been keeping my eyes out for the past 5 years and I still haven’t found another actress that fits better than Emmy.
Isaac – Alex Pettyfer
Where you know him from: Magic Mike (Movie, 2012), I Am Number Four (Movie, 2011)
Why I chose him in 2013: The eyes, the hair, the body… I challenge you to name one way this guy is NOT a perfect fit for Isaac. Trust me, once you watch this clip of Alex taking off his shirt on the Ellen show, you won’t want to argue. Plus, he’s got that classic look that can fit in anywhere from 1917 to 2114, which is exactly what Isaac needs to do.
2018 Verdict: I considered changing this one as I’m not as big a fan of his more recent grizzled look for Isaac, but after sifting through a few more 2018 photos that are more in line with the “Isaac aesthetic,” let’s stick with it!
Janie – Willa Holland
Where you know her from: Arrow (TV series), Legion (Movie, 2010)
Why I chose her in 2013: Sharp, cute, and spunky with just enough edge, Willa would be perfect to play Alessa’s sidekick and closest confidant, Janie. As long as she’s willing to trade her long locks for Janie’s messy bob, she’s got the part!
2018 Verdict: Well, as there’s no more question about her willingness to don a bob, I’d say she’s got the part!
Joe – Robbie Amell
Where you know him from: The Tomorrow People (TV series), The Duff (Movie, 2015)
Why I chose him in 2013: With his all-American (okay, Canadian) good looks and that mischievous, swaggering twinkle in his eye, Robbie would be the ideal big brother to Alex Pettyfer’s Isaac.
2018 Verdict: Unfortunately under layers of monstrous “Stuck” makeup we won’t be able to really appreciate that face anymore, but hey, there’s always flashbacks. He’s got the job!
Lizzie – Katheryn Winnick
Where you know her from: Vikings (TV series), Killers (Movie, 2010)
Why I chose her in 2013: Can you say “blonde bombshell?” Katheryn has that classic hourglass shape and gorgeous glow that makes men drool – and look at that hair!! But what I love most about her is that she’s not just a doe-eyed fantasy – when she’s determined (see here), she looks fierce. Like Lizzie, this girl is more than just a pretty face.
2018 Verdict: Ummm, yes. I’d say my previous assessment was pretty accurate – I don’t want to mess with her, do you?
Nikhil – Prateik Babbar
Where you know him from: Bollywood movies Mumbai Diaries (2010), Issaq (2013)
Why I chose him in 2013: Do I really need to explain? Just go run a Google search for: prateik babbar shirtless and you’ll understand why Alessa was so taken with him in Stitch.
2018 Verdict: The fact that he’s apparently started going by just Prateik gives me pause… not to mention some other bad boy behavior that wouldn’t exactly square with Nikhil’s persona. That being said, I still think he’s the best fit for the role. However, we’ve definitely got Rushi Kota of Grey’s Anatomy fame on backup…
The Developer – Hayden Christensen
Where you know him from: Star Wars Episodes II & III (Movies, 2002 & 2005)
Why I chose him in 2013: Okay, I’ll admit it – I’m one of the few people who fell in love with Hayden Christensen in his role as Anakin Skywalker, mediocre acting notwithstanding. But think about it – as the Developer, his awkward acting style would actually be a plus! Pop some nerd glasses on this face, grow out a greasy mop of hair, and drop a few more pounds to match the Developer’s lanky frame, and I’m sure Hayden’s experience slaughtering innocent child padawans would help him tap into the Developer’s inner evil like an old pro.
2018 Verdict: Given the Developer’s evolution of growing increasingly unhinged over the course of Book 3 and the sociopathic gleam in Hayden’s eyes here, I still think he would be great in this role. He’s in!
Deion – Kendrick Sampson
Where you know him from: How to Get Away with Murder (TV series), Vampire Diaries (TV series)
Why I chose him in 2013: N/A – he’s new to Book 3!
2018 Verdict: Here’s a fun bit of trivia. Deion is actually the first character I created who was based on an actual actor! I first saw Kendrick as Jesse, an ill-fated student on handful of episodes of the Vampire Diaries (Season 5). I immediately knew his disarming charm and cool, confident demeanor would make him the perfect guide for reintroducing readers to Paragon, this time from an average citizen’s perspective – and, also, eventually, the perfect, balanced match for one of our spirited heroines who’s been feeling a bit neglected from a romantic standpoint (wink wink!).
Alex – Alex Landi
Where you know him from: Grey’s Anatomy (TV series), Broken Land (Movie, upcoming 2018)
Why I chose him in 2013: N/A again – he’s also new to Book 3
2018 Verdict: Deion’s best friend makes his debut shirtless, so while I hate to be shallow, umm… look at this photo! Alex (the actor) has definitely got Alex (the character’s) chiseled features and physique down to a science… all the better for catching the eye of one of our remaining partner-less heroines (but you’ll have to read the book to see who!).
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So, what do you think, Stitch fans? Do these actors fit pretty well with the characters you pictured in your head? If this crew wasn’t available, who else would you cast in their place? Let me know in the comments!
PS – Don’t miss these other fun guest posts from the Stuck Tour! – Style in Dystopia: 3 Ways to Style a Jumpsuit – Quiz: Where Do You Rank in Paragon Society? (Citizen, Rebel, Ruling Class, Engineer, or Stuck) – A Tale of Three Book Covers (How the Stitch, Shudder, & Stuck Covers Were Designed) – A Playlist of Music to Go With Stuck
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