I always try to "cast" the characters in the novels I read. Who would be your ideal Mrs. de Winter, Maxim, Mrs. Danvers or Rebecca? (I do like Emilia Fox and the rest of this cast, though.)
I was thinking Hayley Atwell for the second Mrs. de Winter; Stellan Skarsgaard for Max...
Any other suggestions?
I heard a new film adaptation was being made with Ralph Fiennes as Max. I think he'd be great as maxim although i have only seen this rumor on a couple of websites, i hope it's true!!
shareI think the 1997 version is wonderful as is, but if I had to cast, I would LOVE to see Colin Firth as Max de Winter. I don't know about the second Mrs. de Winter. I love Emilia Fox though, but I think probably an unknown actress. I also think that Charles Dance did a great job as Max de Winter. It's hard to say because the 1997 version is my favorite one, second to the Hitchcock version.
shareIf Rebecca is ever remade again, I'd love to see Toby Stephens in the role of Max de Winter. I'll have to think about the second Mrs. de Winter.
shareCasting the new Mrs. de Winter. Aye, there's the rub! A great challenge because you need someone who physically and psychologically seems to vacillate between late adolescence and maturity but in the end must put down her foot and assert her authority as Mrs. de Winter. The mature part wouldn't be a problem, but finding an actress who can also be convincingly winsome--that's tough. I can't think of anyone offhand. Anyone else want to take a stab at it?
For Max, Ralph Fiennes popped into my mind immediately--even before I read that he's the one rumored to be cast anyway. Perhaps for his aristocratic quality and experience with romantic leads. But I think Toby Stephens would also be intriguing in the role, if a little young.
For Mrs. Danvers I'd make a highly unconventional proposal: Meryl Streep. Her amazing mastery of accents would allow her to be one of the few Americans who could sound convincingly British upper-crust. As for her ability to depict subtle malevolence, I'd refer folks to The Manchurian Candidate (2004) for yet another brilliant performance by this unsurpassed actress.
"Tell you what . . . the truth is . . . sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it." --Jack Twist
If you give her just a year or two, I think Rachel Hurd-Wood would be excellent as the 2nd Mrs. de Winter.
Max de Winter is hard, because when I read the book I kept picturing a young(ish) Christopher Plummer. Who's obviously too old, now. Maybe Ralph Fiennes.
And I think Meryl Streep could be amazing as Mrs. Danvers. She's a truly brilliant actress. Or how about Anjelica Huston? I think she could be GREAT.
I think Ralph Fiennes will be a good Maxim, although I do like the idea of Colin Firth and Toby Stephens (who I don't think is too young as he is in his forties now)
Mrs de Winter - not sure, maybe Andrea Riseborough. She's an English stage actress but she has had a few high profile TV roles recently (Maggie Thatcher in the Long Walk to Finchley and the lead in Channel 4's The Devil's Bride) Also, Felicity Jones, who was Catherine Morland in ITV's Northanger Abbey and is now playing Miranda in the movie version of the Tempest could be good. Both of them look quite young but can also act more mature if needed.
Mrs Danvers is hard. Meryl Streep probably would be amazing because she always is. Maybe Miranda Richardson would be good - she can do creepy people really well. Also Emma Thompson might be interesting in the role, although a bit of a departure for her. If I went for an older woman Helen Mirren would be brilliant.
What about the other roles? Mrs Van Hopper for example - I think some like Bette Midler would be good. I think Bette Midler could do that vulgar rich american role well - or maybe Goldie Hawn. Someone who could look quite trashy.
Also, if they did show Rebecca who do you think should play the part?
Judi Dench would have nailed Mrs Danvers, hands down. Seconded only by Helen Mirren. But Judi Dench! She's got that pinched face.
Do you think Johnathon Rhys Meyers, from The Tudors - you know, old Henry - could take it? He was powerful in The Tudors, and Max's character requires someone to be highly educated but really strong, and really powerful.
Keira Knightley for Mrs de Winter the second? She's English and frail enough, and she's fantastic in such roles.
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Had another thought for Mrs de Winter - Romola Garai (18 year old Briony from Atonement) or Anne Marie Duff - though she may be a little old now.
Also Geraldine McEwan might be good as Mrs Danvers. I suppose it depends on what angle they go with for Mrs Danvers - I always got an obsessive mother relationship with Rebecca from the book but the 1940 film made her much younger and the lesbian aspect was more prominent
Do you think Johnathon Rhys Meyers, from The Tudors - you know, old Henry - could take it? He was powerful in The Tudors, and Max's character requires someone to be highly educated but really strong, and really powerful.
My favourite Maxims are Laurence Olivier and Jeremy Brett.
I agree re Toby Stephens, wouldn't mind Colin Firth or Mr Fiennes either.
The girl is difficult. As there is a rather wide age gap between Maxim and the second Mrs. de W., give Emma Watson another 5 years... I wonder whether she could tackle this role?
Kristen Stewart as Mrs. de Winter.
Robert Downey, Jr as Maxim de Winter.
Charlize Theron as Mrs. Danvers.
Kevin Spacey as Jack Favell.
Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we touch--Remember Me
Have to give the other roles more thought, but I think Richard Armitage would be brilliant as Maxim. He's terrific at everything he does, and he could combine the scary edge and the violence with the romantic lead. Don't you think?
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If he was 20 years younger, I would definitely go for Timothy Dalton.
shareTotally agree that a younger Timothy Dalton would have been great. Toby Stephens, Damian Lewis - I agree there, too. I love Rufus Sewell, but I'm not sure I see him in this one so easily. I think Emma Watson is also a great suggestion.
shareToby Stephens as Max Dewinter.
Sophie Turner as the young Mrs Dewinter. It looks perfect for this role.
Meryl Streep as Mrs Danvers
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