News on Anne Elliot casting?
Alert Janeite Heather L. wrote to tell us that a poster at the Republic of Pemberley said that her local paper (no news which one) is reporting that Sally Hawkins has been cast as Anne Elliot in the upcoming adaptation of PERSUASION. Ms. Hawkins has had roles in the films VERA DRAKE and TIPPING THE VELVET. More photos from the cast page of the BBC drama FINGERSMITH and her head shot is posted at her voice agent’s Web site (scroll down).
And is it our admittedly overactive imagination or has the news blurb about PERSUASION on the Clerkenwell Films site changed since we posted about it less than 24 hours ago???
Clerkenwell Films’ TV Movie adaptation of Jane Austen’s PERSUASION for ITV1 is set to start shooting in September 2006. Simon Burke (Sons and Lovers, White Teeth) has written the screenplay and Adrian Shergold (Dirty Filthy Love, Ahead Of The Class) is directing. PERSUASION is set to broadcast in 2007 as part of ITV1’s Jane Austen season.
Definitely more news there! The director’s name, and that it starts shooting in September…
(Hint to the producers: ONE HOPES IN BATH! AT LEAST PARTLY!)
…and that it will be broadcast next year. But we swear on our C.E. Brock illustrated edition of Persuasion that it only said last night that it would be a two-hour movie. Could they be, um, reading this blog? Hmmmm?
P.S. to the producers: *coughWentworthcough* (We must have our share in the conversation! Anyone else who thinks it’s a good idea, post a comment and let them know!)
July 18th, 2006 at 9:11 pm
Oh, yes please! Richard Armitage would be perfect!
July 18th, 2006 at 9:26 pm
If you producers let us have our share, and, more importantly, use our advice/suggestions/orders, then we will like your film. Which is good for you, see? Although I myself don’t have any opinion at the moment. Richard Armitage would not be objectionable to me, though he is not my picture of Wentworth.
July 18th, 2006 at 9:42 pm
I don’t think they necessarily have to dance to our tune–I’m just, you know, making suggestions.
But I really don’t understand the mentality that says “I don’t care what those Jane Austen fans think, I’m making the movie *I* want to make.” Certainly a writer/director will put his or her stamp upon it, and I understand that they need to market a film to a larger audience than just the die-hards, but shouldn’t the built-in audience be considered a little bit? And are our wants so very different from the larger general audience?
July 18th, 2006 at 10:47 pm
I just looked at Sally Hawkins’ picture. Yes, I believe she will do nicely for Anne Elliot in the looks department at least.
July 18th, 2006 at 10:57 pm
Simon Burke also wrote a couple of the Brother Cadfael film scripts. I really enjoyed those and own several of the books too. The films were done very well and seemed authentic imo.
July 19th, 2006 at 5:56 am
Richard Armitage as Captain Wentworth would be great!!!
I so hope the producers are reading this blog…
July 19th, 2006 at 9:25 am
May I join the chorus, please? :D.
Ms. Hawkins looks nice for the part (I only hope she isn’t like the former Miss Hawkins we know
)
And to the producers if you are reading us, could you be so kind to oblige us with our small requests (mainly filming in Bath and casting Richard Armitage as Capt. Wentworth)?
July 19th, 2006 at 12:10 pm
Richard would be perfect, my dream come true, but he’s currently shooting the new BBC series Robin Hood in Hungary. He’s the “baddie”, Guy of Gisbourne. The series will air on September, but it seems they’ll be many episodes. I don’t know if in September he can be available for another film
July 19th, 2006 at 12:28 pm
Sally Hawkins and Anne? Eh.
I wish they had gone with a different sort of look for Anne this time. She actually looks a bit like Amanda Root to me. Perhaps is just the photo.
I’m not really all that “invested” in this production, anyway - I’m more concerned about Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park.
July 19th, 2006 at 12:32 pm
Can I add my name to the chorus voting for Richard Armitage as Captain Wentworth. He would be PERFECT!!!
July 19th, 2006 at 12:35 pm
Richard Armitage as Wentworth would be absolutely great! He is perfect for the part.
July 19th, 2006 at 1:21 pm
I think Richard Armitage would be great as Wentworth!!!
July 19th, 2006 at 1:25 pm
I also think Richard Armitage would make the perfect Captain Wentworth!
July 19th, 2006 at 1:28 pm
Same here, Richard Armitage!
July 19th, 2006 at 1:54 pm
Richard Armitage would be PERFECTION as Captain Wentworth. He has the acting skills and his looks fit the image I have always had of Wentworth (long before having ever heard of Armitage).
July 19th, 2006 at 2:09 pm
I agree, Richard Armitage would make a very good Captain Wentworth. He can convey emotion, he has the right look, and last but not least, he’s a good actor.
July 19th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
I’m joining the chorus too for Richard Armitage as Captain Wentworth. For me, he fits the image I have of Wentworth AND he’s a fantastic actor. Sign him up!
July 19th, 2006 at 2:20 pm
Can I join the growing chorus for Richard Armitage as Captain Wentworth? If you have any doubts as to his talent for this part then please watch North and South. I am delighted that we are to have a new adapation of Persuasion.
July 19th, 2006 at 2:39 pm
So what will happen to you all, dare I ask, if Richard Armitage is not cast? Is there a possible second in the running?
July 19th, 2006 at 2:43 pm
Who could be a better choice as an Austen hero ? His Thornton in North&South has managed to take the place of any Darcy in my heart. He has already proofed that he is a great actor and has the certain something women adore.
July 19th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
I always dreamt of Richard Armitage in an Austen Novel! Let that dream come true! That would be absolutey wonderful! He is the right man for this job!!! NO DOUBT!!
July 19th, 2006 at 3:22 pm
Another vote for Richard Armitage! I’d love to see him as Cpt Wentworth! Please!
July 19th, 2006 at 3:56 pm
How about Ioan Gruffudd? I think if they would have done this a few years ago I would have had him cast as Henry Tilney, but he’s too old now. Henry’s five and twenty. Ioan is going to be three and thirty this year. That’s a little closer to Captain Wentworth’s age.
July 19th, 2006 at 4:13 pm
Can I join the chorus voting Richard Armitage for Captain Wentworth? He has the looks and the talent, and if you doubt that then please view his performance in North and South. I am so pleased that we are to have a new adaptation of Persuasion.
July 19th, 2006 at 4:21 pm
“Persuasion” is my favourite book by Jane Austen. I’d always thought that Richard Armitage would be perfect as Captain Wentworth! That would really be an inspired piece of casting!
July 19th, 2006 at 4:36 pm
Uh-oh…the Armitage Army has rolled into town and set up barracks.
(Welcome, ladies!)
What will happen if it’s someone else? We’ll get over it, I dare say. I’m just makin’ suggestions.
July 19th, 2006 at 4:45 pm
Richard Armitage as Cpt. W. would be the perfect cast!!!
Please let all my dreams about an Austen Adaption with Richard in a leading role come tru!!!
Pretty pleeeeeaase! ;o)
July 19th, 2006 at 6:09 pm
I think that Richard Armitage would portray Captain Wentworth brilliantly. He has a tremendous ability to display such passionate emotions on screen.
Please consider Richard for this wonderful role.
July 19th, 2006 at 7:32 pm
I don’t know who will be cast, but I think Richard Armitage would be magnificent as Wentworth. He can show so much with the barest flicker of an eyelash or a micro-tightening of a muscle. He’s certainly comfortable in historic costume as well. I think he’s do Austen proud.
July 19th, 2006 at 7:43 pm
Another vote for Richard Armitage. Supressed passion & brooding = Richard Armitage!
Trying to think of other good actors . . . there are so many. Anyone for Paul McGann? I loved him in “Our Mutual Friend.”
July 19th, 2006 at 7:43 pm
Yes, Richard Armitage as Captain Wentworth. He would be perfect and so handsome in the uniform.
July 19th, 2006 at 8:09 pm
Aye! Casting my vote for the excellent Richard Armitage.
July 19th, 2006 at 8:23 pm
Well, if can’t be Richard Armitage . . . uh . . . Mr. Bean? (That’ll make them sorry they didn’t cast Armitage.)
Does anybody who has anything to do with casting actually SEE this? Who IS in charge of casting, and what’s her address??
Not that the Armitage Army would like to know or anything.
July 19th, 2006 at 8:32 pm
Dreams don’t often come true do they?
The divinely gifted RICHARD ARMITAGE as Captain Wentworth, smouldering, burning, furious, passionate, funny …..nah,,that’ll never happen!!It would be too good to be true!!!
July 19th, 2006 at 10:09 pm
What about Ioan Gruffudd? If they would have filmed this a few years ago I would have cast Ioan as Henry Tilney, but he’s almost 33 now. That’s a little closer to Captain Wentworth’s age then Henry Tilney’s.
July 19th, 2006 at 10:43 pm
I am already swooning at the thought of Richard Armitage possibly playing Wentworth. Oh pretty please, he would be perfect.
July 20th, 2006 at 12:11 am
Well, I see I created a monster.
I should really say that I have no idea if anyone at Clerkenwell is actually reading the blog. I just got a little suspicious when I complained there was no news and then the next day there was news. Know what I mean, jellybean?
Don’t get your hopes up too much. BUT…you never know.
Put this into the category of “can’t hurt, might help.”
July 20th, 2006 at 1:41 am
Oh my, Richard Armitage reading Wentworths letter…..
July 20th, 2006 at 2:55 am
Richard Armitage.. Very good idea indeed. I’ve been thinking about that since news of a new Persuasion is to be filmed. I know it’s too good to be true but.. who knows?
July 20th, 2006 at 4:17 am
Oh yes, Richard Armitage as Cpt. Wentworth would be absolutely perfect!!! This Austen-character is really made for him, I would love to see it!
July 20th, 2006 at 4:53 am
Richard Armitage as Captain Wentworth would be perfect! He’s an excellent actor and has the right age and looks. Yes, he will do just fine! Can dreams come true?
July 20th, 2006 at 5:56 am
I agree! Richard Armitage would be a perfect Captain Wentworth!!
July 20th, 2006 at 6:46 am
Richard Armitage is the perfect choice for Captain Wentworth - just think of his hurt, brooding, sensitive, frustrated, longing looks in N&S - all so right for the Captain as he attempts to supress his love for Anne. I do hope the casting director takes note!
July 20th, 2006 at 7:03 am
Well, if the casting agent is worth his/her salt, they will be well aware of the pool of talent out there, what they look like and how they’ve performed in similar productions (including Armitage). On the other hand, this is not something we really want to leave to chance, do we!?
*furiously dashes off to dig up Clerckenwell’s e-mail address*
July 20th, 2006 at 7:43 am
I love Persuasion - it’s my favourite novel. I think Richard Armitage would be wonderful as Wentworth, but it all depends on whether he has the right chemistry with the actress playing Anne. I think Sally Hawkins is good; I’m not sure Richard Armitage would look quite right with her, though.
If Richard Armitage doesn’t get it, then I think Ioan Gruffudd or Christopher Ecclestone would be good.
July 20th, 2006 at 7:49 am
Richard Armitage in uniform! Yes please, I’d jump off the steps at Lyme to see that!!! He would be so PERFECT as Wentworth!
July 20th, 2006 at 8:05 am
Richard Armitage would be more than PERFECT as Wentworth!
July 20th, 2006 at 10:26 am
(looking around) … holy guacamole …
ITV might boost their ratings nicely if they repackaged as the
AustenArmitage season. How about it: he’s a natural for Captain Wentworth; I for one wouldn’t mind hearing him purr some sweet-and-nasty-nothings as Frederick Tilney; and since he will be tired from all those uniform changes, he can take it easy for MP: Baddeley.July 20th, 2006 at 11:18 am
Baddeley
With implied subtext with Mrs. Norris–all that, you know, bossing around stuff.
July 20th, 2006 at 11:22 am
Richard Armitage must be the best possible TDH swoonmaking actor to play Capt W. PLEASE SOMEONE CAST HIM!!!!
July 20th, 2006 at 11:51 am
Richard Armitage as Wentworth…I think I’d watch it simply for that. He would be perfect! Pity I dont have a say in who they cast.
July 20th, 2006 at 2:01 pm
In my opinion, the role of Wentworth, self-made man, is perfectly correspond to Richard Armitage!
July 20th, 2006 at 2:41 pm
Richard Armitage as Capt W would be just perfect.
July 20th, 2006 at 2:42 pm
Richard Armitage as Capt W would be just perfect.
July 20th, 2006 at 3:11 pm
Richard Armitage would be fabulous as Captain Wentworth! He is perfect for the part! This would be one to watch over and over as a DVD IF Richard Armitage played Wentworth!
July 20th, 2006 at 3:30 pm
I would like to see Richard Armitage as Wentworth as it allows him to play a different type of period hero and of course its a fabulous novel by Jane Austen! Hes got the look I think!
July 20th, 2006 at 6:00 pm
Please, please, please can they cast Richard Armitage as Capt W and make a lot of women very, very happy!
July 20th, 2006 at 7:54 pm
Richard Armitage would be a brilliant Captain Wentworth - no one does suppressed passion better - and he’d look lurvely in the uniform.
July 21st, 2006 at 4:00 am
Oh yes, wouldn’t he look just stunning in that uniform! He’s got the right walk for a sailor too, and he’s the right height (a good deal taller that Ioan Gruffudd), and he has the most beautiful voice of any actor. Last time I read the book, I was imagining him (and hearing him) in the role constantly - he really would be perfect!
Please, please, someone make us all very happy - cast Richard Armitage as Captain Wentworth!
July 21st, 2006 at 10:27 am
I loved the Amanda Root Ciaran Hinds Persuasion and for me there is only one thing that could improve on it, and that is Richard Armitage as Wentworth. Ciaran Hinds was lovely in the part but he does not suck me in and make my heart pound in the same way that Richard Armitage does, and I think it is a role Richard Armitage is particularly suited for.
July 21st, 2006 at 11:00 am
Richard Armitage as Capt. Wentworth? Be still my beating heart. He would definetly pierce my soul!
July 21st, 2006 at 5:18 pm
RA as Wentworth - sublime casting !!! Can’t think of anything I’d rather see on TV!
July 22nd, 2006 at 1:44 pm
RICHARD ARMITAGE *MUST* BE WENTWORTH!
July 22nd, 2006 at 3:33 pm
It is a truth universally acknowledged that any woman, regardless of marital status, in possession of all her faculties, would want to see Richard Armitage in the role of Captain Wentworth.
July 23rd, 2006 at 10:13 am
Please, please cast Richard Armitage as Capt. Wentworth, please. I think it would be a very wise desicion for two reasons:\
1. He is justprefect for the part.
2. Imagine the huge ratings the movie will have only counting RA’s admirers…
July 23rd, 2006 at 6:55 pm
Please cast Richard Armitage. He’s the right age for Wentworth and after all the Guy of Gisbourne shenanigans should be as brown as a berry befitting a sailor.
July 24th, 2006 at 12:26 pm
Richard Armitage as Fredrick Wentworth…. dream casting. I can only keep y fingers crossed that those who do the casting for this will have him at the top of their list.
July 25th, 2006 at 1:12 pm
Please let Richard Armitage play the role of Captain Wentworth, please…
July 30th, 2006 at 1:12 pm
Richard Armitage as Capt. F. Wentworth. Jane Austen would be o.k., and me too, of course.
August 2nd, 2006 at 9:16 am
Never thought of Richard Armitage as Wentworth but he will be great indeed. He has the emotional depth and the acting chops to make the character his own and bring it to life. If there are any producer-types reading this please do consider!
And Sally Hawkins - great! Loved her in Fingersmith.
Joyce