I didn't know they looked for actors who looked that much like the real characters. Joseph wasn't that bad but I find Ralph Hotter and better actor.
I mean I'm shure Michael Hirst and Shakhar Kaupur were looking for the most talented actors who could fit in a period piece like this one but I didn't know they looked for similar looks that much.
i havent seen resoration but Robert Downey Jr would have been a good choice as well.
yes i did notice all the actors were australians and British actors, i guess this was because of the accent. american actors with exception of Johnny Depp sound really forced with their british accent the obvious examples were Natalie Portman and Scarlet johannson in the other Boleyn girl. australians have no problem because their accent sound pretty similar to the british so the people who dont know geoffery and cate are Australians they would never notice the diference
Ralph Fiennes looks too "respectable". Even when he's an abusive husband in The Duchess he looks a bit miserable and bland... not at all like the shady Dudley. Joseph has a much sharper, sensual look, much more suitable for Dudley.