John Hannah as Captain Wentworth?
Just because his production company is shooting the film doesn’t make it so, of course, but that would be VERY interesting casting. Don’t know if it’s to our taste exactly, but interesting nonetheless.
Persuasion (ITV1). Can we ever see enough heaving bosoms? John Hannah hopes not, as his production company Clerkenwell Films is shooting Jane Austen’s final novel as part of a season of her work that also includes Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey.
Yes, because Jane Austen’s work is nothing but heaving bosoms, and Persuasion particularly so. Eejits.
ETA 9 January 2006: Welcome to readers of the Jane Austen Centre at Bath Newsletter. We have a lively discussion going here already; feel free to join in, agree or disagree, just do so politely, please.
If you’d like to take a look at the rest of AustenBlog, click on the logo at the top of the page to go back to the main page of the site. –Your Gentle Editrix
January 1st, 2006 at 8:06 pm
I absolutely ADORE John Hannah, but he is so NOT Captain Wentworth.
That’s all.
He’s tailor-made for Mansfield Park, that one.
January 1st, 2006 at 8:16 pm
You know, Karen, they’re making a new version of S&S too…
*runs away, laughing*
January 1st, 2006 at 8:24 pm
Gaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!
Well, how about we slot in ol’ Colin Ferrell in the Willoughby role?
NOT.
January 1st, 2006 at 8:33 pm
I bought the “Jane Austen Series” DVDs, the old ones from the 70s and 80s, and the Willoughby in S&S1 is VERY pretty. He’s prettier than Marianne, for pity’s sake.
Also I watched North and South and the woman who played Fanny Thornton would make an EXCELLENT Isabella Thorpe. (And Karen, you would adore Richard Armitage. I said over at Horatians, his eyes aren’t sapphire bullets, they’re frickin’ laser beams.)
January 1st, 2006 at 8:34 pm
“I’m about to be brilliant.” - Donald O’Connor, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN
RICHARD ARMITAGE AS CAPTAIN WENTWORTH.
*faints*
*loses ability to type, apparently*
WHERE IS TERESA AF???? She must read this.
January 1st, 2006 at 8:49 pm
Methinksthehighfreakinpriestessofthecultofda’man has a leetle crush???
On Richard Armitage?
Yes, this degree of insight must surely be a gift, speaking of laserbeamlike focus.
January 1st, 2006 at 9:04 pm
I have an almost-crush, let’s put it that way. He would, however, be a bitchin’ Freddy W.
January 1st, 2006 at 10:32 pm
I’ve really enjoyed reading North & South and have been looking into watching the 2004 series, and from what I’ve seen Richard would suit Freddy perfectly!
John Hannah…isn’t a bit too old to play any of Austen heroes, even the oldest of them (37) Mr. Knightley? Unless there’s another John Hannah I don’t know about…
January 2nd, 2006 at 4:34 am
I have a fully formed crush on Mr A, and he would make a fab Capt W! And good pick on Fanny Thornton as Isabella Thorpe!
January 2nd, 2006 at 4:41 am
Fanny Thornton was played by Jo Joyner BTW. I’ve seen her in other things including Dr Who and she is delightful!
January 2nd, 2006 at 12:04 pm
I just went to look at a fan page for Richard Armitage and he does not strike me as Captain Wentworth at all. I can see him as another Austen character from a different book though. Captain Wentworth is the life of the party, flirting, but polite kind of guy. Richard is too serious with his emotions inside himself instead of wearing his heart on his sleeve. Maybe he could be Edward in S&S. I have heard some say he would have made a good Darcy. By the way, I’m still rooting for Gerard Butler to be Col. Brandon in S&S!
January 2nd, 2006 at 1:06 pm
If you watch the very last scene of N&S, you will see that RA is perfectly capable of being loving and flirtatious.
‘Nuff said.
I can also see him bellowing orders on his quarterdeck, which to me is important.
January 2nd, 2006 at 4:08 pm
Totally agree w/ you, Mags, ’bout RA’s ability to be loving and flirtatious. Daniela Denby-Ashe sure is a lucky girl! LOL
I would so love to see RA in period costume, even more in a JA movie, but he doesn’t look like a Wentworth to me. He’s not gentle enough to be a Edward (that rather violent JT temper is totally sticking to him). But I could see him as a Col. Brandon. He’d be so adorable with that repressed love for a beautiful young girl! Yep, that’d work for me!
Fanny Thornton as Isabella Thorpe would be great! I LOVE her as Fanny, she’s hilarious! (e.g. “London and the Alhambre,” “Mother doesn’t approve,” “no, you can’t,” “John is such a stick-in-the-mud”, just to name a few)
Gerard Butler might not be too bad as Col. Brandon, Sylvia, now that you mention it. He was cute in Dear Frankie, though I didn’t like him in Phantom.
January 2nd, 2006 at 7:30 pm
Did someone say….
GERARD BUTLER???
That would be a bit of a problem from a plot and authorial intent standpoint, since nobody would believe Marianne didn’t collapse at his feet immediately in a hapless puddle of Hot Scot-induced drool right off, and Willoughby-be-demmed.
But other than that–I’m ALL FOR IT!
January 2nd, 2006 at 8:45 pm
That would be a bit of a problem from a plot and authorial intent standpoint, since nobody would believe Marianne didn’t collapse at his feet immediately in a hapless puddle of Hot Scot-induced drool right off, and Willoughby-be-demmed.
Esp. if he was wearing Red!Velvet!Breeches. Not that Col. Brandon would have any reason to do so, but I’m just saying.
January 2nd, 2006 at 8:50 pm
And apropos Col. B., I finished watching the 1970s S&S series last night. Col. B. is quite dashing and his breeches fit VERY nicely, though his 70s hair is rather distracting, but I have to say that when he goes off to fetch Mrs. Dashwood in a chaise, it’s not NEARLY as sexy as Alan Rickman dressed all in black riding off ventre à terre with the many capes of his great coat a-flying.
(Andrew Davies, are you LISTENING?)
January 3rd, 2006 at 12:38 am
I just finished watching North & South last night. If you have yet to view it, make haste! Ladies, I have seen the future, and it is Richard Armitage. Sorry, Mr. MacFadyen, but Mr. Armitage would have made for a much more compelling Mr. Darcy. I am glad that Elizabeth Gaskell’s novels are, finally, getting the attention they deserve.
Mags, I agree, RA would make a superb Captain Wentworth. Speaking of Persuasion (I also own the Jane Austen Collection), do you remember the Louisa Musgrove “accident” scene, in the 1971 version? It has to be the funniest thing ever put on film. I nearly fell, myself, when I saw it. You have to love the 70s and 80s ventures from the BBC.
January 3rd, 2006 at 9:42 am
I just got the collection of the “older” series on DVD. I’m taking my time with them. I’ll get to P1 eventually. I’m going through in order of novel publication, so it is last.
I have seen it, though, and I seem to recall being relieved when Louisa fell because she would finally stop giggling.
As far as RA as Darcy: John Thornton is broody and moody but he’s not as emotionally controlled as Darcy. He lets it all hang out. I loved the scenes between John and his mother (and Sinéad Cusack was marvelous). Can you imagine Darcy kicking the crap out of one of his employees? Wouldn’t happen. He would get angry as Thornton did, but he would control his anger.
January 3rd, 2006 at 10:55 am
“Can you imagine Darcy kicking the crap out of one of his employees? Wouldn’t happen. He would get angry as Thornton did, but he would control his anger.”
True, Mags, very true. But RA isn’t exclusively JT, he could bottle it up and be our next Mr. Darcy. (LOL, already planning another one! What will the critics say?!) Although it’d have to be pretty soon or RA’ll be too old.
I just got S+S2 for Christmas last night, and I started watching it. It’s alot better than S+S1, I love Margaret, but Col. Brandon?!! OUCH, that’s BAD! His voice reminds me of Darth Vader or something, and it looks like his face is paralysed-whenever he tries to smile it’s a grimace! He creeps me out. I can totally see where Marianne is coming from!
January 3rd, 2006 at 11:03 am
Okay girls, I know this is rather off topic, but I had to rave to someone SOMEwhere. Besides S+S2, I also got a HUGE book- The Complete Novels of Jane Austen!!! And it has drawings! I saw one of Da’ Man coming up the back stairs in a many-caped overcoat and boots (thought you might want to know, Mags), but there weren’t many more of him, mostly they’re pictures of odd-ball phrases like when Catharine sees a lady in an old-fashioned dress at the pump room, or when Cathy’s arrival is announced to her mom by her siblings etc. But it’s awesome anyway!!
January 3rd, 2006 at 11:38 am
I just got S+S2 for Christmas last night, and I started watching it. It’s alot better than S+S1, I love Margaret, but Col. Brandon?!! OUCH, that’s BAD! His voice reminds me of Darth Vader or something, and it looks like his face is paralysed-whenever he tries to smile it’s a grimace! He creeps me out. I can totally see where Marianne is coming from!
Surely you don’t refer to Alan “Teh Sex” Rickman.
Surely not.
DOES NOT COMPUTE. DOES NOT COMPUTE.
And yes, I know RA could play different roles–that’s why I suggested him for Freddy W. He wouldn’t beat up anybody, either (maybe have them flogged). But he’s got a quick temper.
And do you mean this illustration of Henry? Or perhaps this one?
January 3rd, 2006 at 11:41 am
*recovers from a dead faint*
Alan Rickman has a Darth Vader voice? Those are fighting words madam!
IMO Alan Rickman has the single best voice of any actor currently working. Listening to him recite Neruda (in Spanish) in Truly, Madly, Deeply is almost a mystical experience as far as I am concerned. I would pay to listen to him read the phone book. I think he was outstanding as the Sheriff of Nottingham (the only decent thing about that movie) and he also does an excellent job as Professor Snape.
Matthew MacFadyen is a creditable second on the list of top voices today.
January 3rd, 2006 at 11:49 am
The best part about seeing Harry Potter movies in IMAX is Alan Rickman’s voice in 20,000 watts of surround sound stereo. You FEEL it. It surges through you.
Okay, I’m getting carried away now.
P.S. James Earl Jones (that is, Darth Vader)’s voice is pretty amazing too.
January 3rd, 2006 at 1:37 pm
Yes, Jones does have an amazing voice, but Chantel was saying she doesn’t like Alan Rickman’s (or James Earl Jones’s) voice. No offense to dear Chantel, but that just boggles the mind. I’ve never heard of a card-carrying heterosexual woman who doesn’t swoon at the thought of Alan Rickman whispering sweet nothings to her.
I am stunned. Flabbergasted. Flummoxed. Knocked for a loop.
You get my drift.
You know what this means, of course. I’m just going to have to watch S&S2 or TMD tonight.
January 3rd, 2006 at 2:26 pm
I think Alan Rickman is incredibly sexy especially when he is playing a ‘baddy’, but his voice can be, dare I say it, a bit nasally? - which obviously does not appeal to all women.
As for Richard Armitage, after that last scene in North & South, (a slight deviation from the book, but never mind), I could imagine him in no end of leading roles, but Captain Wentworth would do for a start. RA has been around for quite a while as a character actor and can be quite cheerful!
January 3rd, 2006 at 6:23 pm
It’s the second picture, Mags.
Very sorry for inducing that faint, Julie P. I really do wish I could like Col. Brandon, for your sakes and mine, but I can’t. I don’t know how to explain it to you, ugh: it’s low (that’s not bad in itself, I know!), and I don’t know, is sorta mumbly and growly- like a gorilla or a bear! Okay, that sounds weird, but his voice is weird to me.
I didn’t want this Brandon to get Marianne. I didn’t like him and I LOVED Greg Wise’s Willoughby! I know if I was Marianne I would fall for him as quickly as she- ‘course that could be the sort of teenage tendency to fall in love with every cute guy you meet! *rolls eyes at self*
Mags, though it’s not very current, would you take a review for S+S2 now? If you have use for one on this site, I really want to write one. If you think it would start everyone submitting unwelcome reviews, nevermind.
Wow, I am being wordy!
Y’know, I had an idea for a Willoughby- Rupert Friend, the hot-hot Wickham from P+P3. Though is he too young? He’s certainly charming.
January 4th, 2006 at 12:27 pm
Rupert Friend, and his almost-identical-twin Orlando Bloom, are too pretty for my tastes. Which is why I was actually rather glad we didn’t get to see too much of Wickham in P&P3.
January 4th, 2006 at 10:02 pm
Mags, you are right. The actress who plays Louisa Musgrove in P1 voice and giggle are like nails on a chalkboard! The “accident” did shut her up for at least a while. LOL Don’t forget to check out the actor they have as Captain Benwick. I think that he resembles a deranged Abraham Lincoln impersonator, and please don’t get me started on the costumes and hair!
As far as RA as Darcy: John Thornton is broody and moody but he’s not as emotionally controlled as Darcy. He lets it all hang out. I loved the scenes between John and his mother (and Sinéad Cusack was marvelous). Can you imagine Darcy kicking the crap out of one of his employees? Wouldn’t happen. He would get angry as Thornton did, but he would control his anger.
I will have to disagree with you concerning Richard Armitage as Mr. Darcy. I am speaking of the actor, Richard Armitage as Mr. Darcy, not the character John Thornton as Mr. Darcy. I think that Mr. Armitage is an extremely talented actor who, I feel, could take on many different types of roles. North and South called for him to bring about a certain type of performance. I believe that he is capable of playing rather diverse characters. Even characters that are more internal, such as Mr. Darcy. My current frustration is probably due to the fact that I am still disappointed with Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy. I do agree that RA would make for a better Wentworth, then he would Darcy. I just believe that he is capable of tackling many different rolls. Sorry to repeat some of what was already stated in previous posts. You will have to forgive me, I am just having a “moment.”
~Meghan
January 4th, 2006 at 10:19 pm
BTW- I was thinking (which is almost always a bad idea for me), that Mr. Darcy could find a time machine and travel forward in time in order to play John Thornton. In that case, I would agree that the actual Fitzwilliam Darcy would be in no way suited to play Mr. Thornton. Anyway, I am sure that Mr. Darcy would consider the “craft” well beneath him.
Must keep reminding myself that these are NOT real people…
~Meghan (I may be in need of professional help.)
January 5th, 2006 at 9:37 am
Meghan–I agree with you about RA–I think I was answering somebody else with that comment.
I think he could play Darcy, but I guess my point was that Thornton and Darcy are not really that much alike, despite similar broodiness, and that Richard Armitage showed in his performance as Thornton that he could play Wentworth.
January 6th, 2006 at 1:19 am
This is quite a string and I just want to thank Chantel for mentioning the Austen Collection. I ran to Barnes & Nobel and found it on sale for $19.95 gilded edges and illustrated too! Well, it is just wonderful. Thank you so much, Chantel.
Surprised that no one mentioned the amazing performance of Cirian Hines as Wentworth in the BBC version of “Persuasion”. Sigh, can any actor do that role better? Hmmmmmm maybe Rufus Sewell?
North & South was just wonderful and RA was terrific. He really brought that character to life for this old lady. When he climbs from the train, phew, he was. . .perfect. I thought that Richard Armitage was able to bring a much needed depth to the character. It was actually possible to forgive the horrible treatment of his men, unlike in the novel where it was difficult to find him at all sympathetic. I was surprised that RA conveyed the toughness and the vulnerability of Thornton.
There is a petition on Petition Spot.com to have Enchanted April released on DVD. Please go to the site and sign the petition. It is a sad day when you can’t buy a great film on DVD.
Mimi
January 6th, 2006 at 11:12 pm
You’re welcome, Mimi! It’s great, isn’t it?
January 7th, 2006 at 12:41 pm
So gorgeous I purchased another for a colleague!
m
January 7th, 2006 at 10:39 pm
I adore Ciarán Hinds as Wentworth. He totally got it.
January 8th, 2006 at 9:46 pm
Ciarán Hinds is my favorite! He was just perfect as Capt Wentworth!
I’ve been thinking about Emmy Rossum (Christine in Phantom of the Opera) since we’ve been talking about a few of her co-stars in Phantom and wondering if she would fit as Catherine Morland. Too pretty? But I think she might be perfect as Marianne in S&S. What do you think? She’s the perfect age for either of those roles and as Marianne she could sing a bit.
January 9th, 2006 at 12:11 pm
i love Richard Armitage and I think he would be perfect for Wentworth dark and brooding and you can believe him as a powerful figure - he commands a ship!
January 9th, 2006 at 3:42 pm
My comment has no purpose - only to say that I too am completely under Richard Armitage’s spell! Also, I think Mimi’s suggestion of Rufus Sewell for the part is an excellent idea… poor John Hannah (no one seems to want him!), he is sweet but I really don’t think he could be Captain Wentworth.
January 9th, 2006 at 3:58 pm
I like the girl who played Mary in the new P&P as Catherine Morland.
January 9th, 2006 at 4:27 pm
I totally agree that Emmy Rossum would make an excellent Marianne. However, you are right, she is WAY too pretty to play Catherine Morland. As Christine in Phantom, she does have the right sort of innocence, though.
January 9th, 2006 at 4:43 pm
I do like the suggestion of Mary from the new P&P as Catherine!
January 9th, 2006 at 5:39 pm
Mary was actually one of my favorite characters in P&P3 especially when she said “Who’s got warts?” it was just so cute!
I really liked both Mary & Kitty in the movie and would love to see them in other Jane adaptions but do you think Mary is naive enough to be Catherine? She’s sweet but I don’t know, too plain, too old? Too something! I can’t put my finger on it.
I just had an idea, to put Gerard Butler as Willoughby with Emmy as Marianne but on further looking at pics of him I think he’d be fine as Col. Brandon so long as they didn’t make him look as sleek as he was in ‘Phantom’ something like he looked in ‘Dear Frankie’ only in period dress. In some of these pics I’m looking at he has an almost half-pained look, like he’s squinting and I think that would be perfect. It’s his nose that really makes this looks right, it rather dulls down his eyes and with a bit of the wiskers that he has in several pictures he’d be just right!
January 9th, 2006 at 6:17 pm
Mags, that was a brilliant idea! The Mary of P+P3 as Catherine (Tallulah Riley’s her name) might be really good! If she could be naive enough, as Laurie said.
Although I also like the idea of Emmy Rossum as Catherine. I admire Emmy a lot. Her big eyes sure would lend to a naive look. Her and Ioan Gruffudd as Henry Tilney! Otherwise Emmy as Marianne might work. I can’t really imagine it, the others b4 were blonde, but something new is always good.
Hey, got a brainwave- Tallulah Riley as Fanny Price! She has the sweet face for it.
January 9th, 2006 at 7:03 pm
Wait! A more brainy brainwave (or so I think): Emmy Rossum as Miss Lucy Steele. I wouldn’t wonder at all why an unemployed Edward would fall in love with her, if she employed her charms.
January 9th, 2006 at 8:14 pm
Oops.* I just wanted to say that I think I figured out the “too something” she is, Laurie. Too serious, or too-unfrivolous. Catherine is sorta silly. Not like Lydia, but still a little silly with her Gothicism.
January 9th, 2006 at 10:33 pm
SORRY! The above “she” is Tallulah Riley.
January 9th, 2006 at 11:25 pm
Yes, that’s right! I almost think Tallulah Riley is too too serious and too-unfrivolous but I’ve only seen her in one movie so I don’t really know what she can do. She might be alright as Fanny in MP but I don’t know. And oh please don’t put Emmy as Lucy Steele, she’s way too sweet for that! In the book (if my memory doesn’t fail me) Marianne is darker not blonde, she’s darker than Elinor at least. And Emmy has curls which would be perfect. I haven’t given up on her being Catherine, her eyes are perfect for “Miss Morland”!
January 9th, 2006 at 11:58 pm
Talulah Riley looks like Catherine Morland in my head.
January 10th, 2006 at 12:37 am
Okay, Laurie, I take back my idea of Emmy as Lucy Steele. I don’t mind. I like Emmy myself. I guess it was sorta mean.
January 10th, 2006 at 5:25 am
Why not John Hannah as Wentworth? If he could “lose” the Scottish accent he would be great. He has “meaningful” eyes - let’s face it - Wentworth says a lot with his eyes !! My top choice for Sir John in S & S would be David Jason - has anyone considered that ?
Australia loves Jane Austen - mate !!
January 10th, 2006 at 10:27 am
I think Christina Cole from What A Girl Wants was born to be Lucy Steele.
Gerard Butler as Col. Brandon
Ramola Garai,Emma Williams or Kate Maberly as Eleanor
Henry Cavill as Willoughby
Charlie Hunnam as Robert Ferris
Anna Chancellor (They could make her up to look a little older!)- as Mrs. Ferris
Oliver Dimsdale as Edward Ferris
January 10th, 2006 at 5:31 pm
Helen Patricia, David Jason does look like Sir John Middleton but he’s too old, Sir John is only about 40 maybe 45 tops but of course he’s not at all handsome but he does have high spirits.
Wow Sylvia, you got opinions there!
Great suggestions!
I’ve checked the actors out that you mentioned and Christina Cole has a great look for Lucy but she may be too pretty and her hair would deffinately have to be dyed darker she would also be great as Isabella Thorpe! I deffinately don’t see Ramola Garai as Elinor I’ve always thought of her as Isabella Thorpe or maybe Emma. Emma Williams is rather nice but perhaps too pretty, I love Kate Maberly but her face is too plump for Elinor and her eyes aren’t right. When you look up Henry Cavill on imdb the pic they have of him looks exactly like Willoughby! The only thing is that his face is a little young looking, but with Emmy as Marianne it would be perfect and Gerard as Col. Brandon wouldn’t have much of a chance! I can deffinately see Anna Chancellor as Mrs. Ferris (poor lady) her nose is perfect for looking down on others with! I can’t really see Oliver Dimsdale or Charlie Hunnam as Edward or Robert even if they are about the right age they are too pretty-boy I think for the parts. Even though that might add to the character of Robert I don’t think it’s quite right.
January 11th, 2006 at 12:15 am
Laurie, On reflection - you are quite right. David Jason is too old for Sir John, but in his younger days …. sigh …. would have been great. Have just seen Osmond Bullock (a one-time Mr. Bingley) in “Heartbeat” - nice to see that he’s still around. Don’t often seem him in anything here in Sydney, Aust.
January 11th, 2006 at 5:49 am
There is only ONE Mr. Darcy - Colin Firth!!!
January 12th, 2006 at 1:34 pm
Really? Even though I’m a big fan of CF, I always thought, he was too old for the role.
January 29th, 2006 at 3:34 pm
First of all, I like John Hannah very much but not as Capt Wentworth. Partly age and partly deportment. Perhaps he could play Walter Elliot. (Likewise, I am also a huge fan of Mathew MacFayden - but not as D’Arcy). Now Richard Armitage or Hayden Christenson as Captain Wentworth or Ian Gryfudd (sp? - Horatio Hornblower)? There’s a few possibilities.
February 4th, 2006 at 8:21 pm
I am completely Richard Armitage’s fan after watching him in North and South. I vote for him to be Captain Wentworth. I just want to see him in period films! He is so sexy!