MovieChat Forums > Mind Prey (1999) Discussion > Okay, so who do you picture as Davenport...

Okay, so who do you picture as Davenport?

posted 16 years ago by glyphs
58 replies | jump to latest

When I first saw that "Mind Prey" was going to be on tv a couple years ago, I was totally psyched. And then I watched and was nothing but disappointed. I don't have a problem with some alterations when it comes to movie/tv adaptations of books, but c'mon!

Anyway, my mom and I are both avid readers of the series and have had a number of discussions about who we feel would make a good Davenport if a movie was ever made. I, personally, haven't thought of anyone who embodies him perfectly. I don't know that there is anyone out there at this time and I really think it would need to be a newcomer. However, my mom and I both think that out of all the current actors, the only one we could see in the role is Dennis Quaid. He wouldn't be perfect of course, but I think he could really pull it off. After seeing Switchback, I was convinced. He could definitely have the hard edge Lucas needs, would be able to pull off nice clothes and driving a Porsche. He'd be a little off age-wise as he's in his 50s and Davenport is in his 30s-40s over the span of the series, but I think he could make it work. Can anyone else see it? Or is there anyone else that you can think of who would also work?

I'd love to see these books made into movies. I think they'd make an excellent transfer to the big screen if they were done right.

[–] MissTeri 16 years ago

I've always had a difficult time imaging anyone doing justice to the role of Lucas Davenport, but now that you mention Dennis Quaid, I can kinda see it.

Lucas' main traits for me are: Tall, broad-shouldered but lean, dark hair, blue eyes, smile like a wolverine, brilliant and capable of being brutal when circumstances require...

Back about 10 years ago, John Travolta had some moments in The General's Daughter that approached a Lucas-like state, but I don't really picture JT as Lucas.

I would love to see The Prey books made into films if they were done right, but this Mind Prey attempt was very disappointing. The books are so much better!!!

[–] glyphs 16 years ago

Yeah, Dennis Quaid would have to bulk up some. The other person I could possibly see playing him is Timothy Olyphant. Again, he'd have to work out so he'd be a bit more muscled and I'm not sure if he's tall enough or if he could pull off a smile that would make him look mean/dangerous, but I think I could see it. And he's younger, too, so if they were starting from the beginning with Rules of Prey the age would be more correct.

[–] Revengeothenerds 16 years ago

Glyphs, I can't picture Dennis Quaid as Lucas, but I was watching Deadwood today, and I think Timothy Olyphant could work. I've always thought Daniel Day Lewis would be perfect. He is a little older than Olyphant, but I think he'd be great. He has the menacing eyes that Lucas is described as having. If Adrian Pasdar from Heroes were taller, I think he might be good, too. My dad said he pictured Christopher Meloni. I can sorta see that, but I'm not completely convinced. I wish they would make one of the Prey books into a real movie (not made for TV).

[–] MissTeri 16 years ago

An Italian actor, Daniele Liotti, the man on the right in this photo:
www.imdb.com/media/rm4220098048/tt0491720

I just happened to see a trailer for The Final Inquiry. The instant I saw this actor, I thought of Lucas. He's handsome, masculine, intense...
Per IMDb, he's 6'2", born in 1971

[–] alonzo19 16 years ago

That's really funny about Quaid, because I "chose" him to be my Lucas Davenport when I started Rules of Prey. The first actor that popped-in initially was Matthew Fox - don't know why (maybe I was thinking about LOST), but there's no way I'm reading a book where he's the main character, so I quickly forced Dennis Quaid in there. I tend to drift between actors when I'm reading cinematic books, and now I'm actually picturing Russell Crowe (I'm not finished with the book yet).

[–] LastGunslinger05 16 years ago

Dennis Quaid? Seriously?? Have you guys ever seen him try to act? Ugh...Timothy Olyphant would be cool, and for the person who doesn't know if he could pull off the evil smile...oh he absolutely could. Dennis Quaid though? I'd rather Randy Quaid, atleast he's funny as hell. Christopher Meloni wouldn't be a bad idea, he's a pretty capable actor. I'm on the third book in teh series and i still haven't started picturing anyone specific. I think Meloni is probably the closest to how i see him.

El Ultimo Pistolero

[–] amgdirect 16 years ago

okay, NO.

Dennis Quaid? Sorry, I just dont see it. Does anyone here know what Lucas Davenport looks like??? Here's a refresher, thanks to John Sandford:

"He was slender and dark-complexioned, with straight black hair going grey at the temples and a long nose over a crooked smile. One of his central upper incisors had been chipped and he never had it capped. He might have been an Indian except for his blue eyes."

In essence, this man looks very native american with haunting blue eyes! Come on, folks. References are made throughout all 18 novels of this fact. So when you think of someone to play the part, you might want to consider the darker complexion... God forbid, not Eriq LeSalle, but definately not Dennis Quaid.

Although I personally dislike this particular actor, and his choice in roles for most of the last 20 years, but if it had to be done, I'd like to see Lou Diamond Phillips play Lucas. He has the talent and screen presence to brood perfectly well and given Sandfords material, he wouldnt have a chance to fail. Put blue contacts on him and he'd steal the show.

Just my two cents...
"God, I hope I don't die before they make the sequel..."

[–] glyphs 16 years ago

As I mentioned in my first post, I know that Dennis Quaid wouldn't be perfect. And if they were starting from the beginning with Davenport being a bit younger, then Quaid really wouldn't work very well just on the age issue. If that were the case, I would then vote for Timothy Olyphant as I said in my other post.

To me, the actor would have to encompass Davenport more in terms of personality and psychological/emotional issues. If he were able to bring across the "feel" I get of Davenport when I read the books, that is more important to me than looking exactly right. In some of the roles (not all of them, obviously) that he's done, I've gotten that feel from Quaid. And again, that's just my personal opinion.

[–] LastGunslinger05 16 years ago

And your'e totally entitled to that opinion, i'm just throwing my opinion out that i think yours sucks :)...kidding. I see where you're coming from, i'm just not a fan of Quaid at all really, unless of course it's Randy....

El Ultimo Pistolero

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] meLazlo1953 16 years ago

Reading this thread and closed my eyes, and although he is a little old, James Remar popped into my mind. He can give that look that says "hi, I'm smiling, I am going to blow your brains out". I like Olyphant, he's good in everything. So the question is, why isn't anyone making this a series of movies? They would be great atmospheric thrillers.

**** --------------- ****
It's all in the reflexes!

[–] bleusz 16 years ago

I am not sure about Dennis Quaid but I cant agree with you more on Eric LaSalle..what where they thinking?

[–] nsxtasy 16 years ago

Tommy Lee Jones. Or maybe Benito Martinez, of the Shield. I know, the books always mention blue eyes, but...

I see him as someone with rough-hewn, weatherbeaten good looks, not just "a pretty face" like Quaid or Travolta. If it were 30 years ago, I would have chosen Harvey Keitel. 20 years before that, Charles Bronson.

[–] The Movieman 16 years ago

Going younger, Gerard Butler.

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[–] LastGunslinger05 16 years ago

Remar would be great for the cop aspect of Davenport, but could he pull of the ladies' man as well? that i'm not sure...Gerard Butler is an interesting choice...sadly noone really cares enough about these books to make a real serious movie from them.

El Ultimo Pistolero

[–] blackstone454 16 years ago

James Remar was very inspired...I could see it. Gerard Butler isn't bad.

My two cents: Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

The author himself thought that maybe Garbiel Byrne-circa USUAL SUSPECTS-would make a great Davenport.(somewhere on his official website)

Casting Davenport is something...How about Sloan? Rose-Marie? That *beep* Flowers?

Also, after seeing DEXTER, I'm thinking maybe the best way for these books would be into a SHOWCASE or HBO TV series. Each book could be done in three or four episodes for a maximum of 12.

[–] zeldasquared 16 years ago

omg. I'm reading the series from the beginning and totally picture him as Jeffrey Dean Morgan in my head.

[–] shigui 13 years ago

Tommy Lee Jones. YESYESYES. In "The Fugitive". And US Marshalls.

"Death lies dormant in each of us and will bloom in time" Odd Thomas

[–] mga7474-472-983728 11 years ago

I've been reading the Prey books since I found the first one in an airport between planes. We talk a LOT about casting on the John Sandford fan page on Facebook and I can really see Clive Owen doing justice to the character. He wears a suit well, has killer blue eyes and if you've ever seen Shoot 'Em Up, he can mix humor and violence very well. He's also tall enough to fill the role. Take note Tom Cruise, you're a foot shorter than Jack Reacher.

[–] LastGunslinger05 16 years ago

hm...what about patrick swayze!?! lol

El Ultimo Pistolero

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] LastGunslinger05 16 years ago

You haven't seen much Olyphant if you don't think he could be mean enough. The Girl Next Door he's mean as hell, Live Free or Die Hard...he could pull off mean just fine, don't question that at all.

El Ultimo Pistolero

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] pfefferd1 16 years ago

Guy peirce maby....

"Why??? Because *beep* YOU, thats why"
"I F*UCKING LOVE COLORING"

[–] LastGunslinger05 15 years ago

NEver pictured him at all for this role...but i do love Guy Pearce...

El Ultimo Pistolero

[–] omghi2invites 15 years ago

I always thought a young George Clooney would play a good Davenport. Maybe Brad Pitt in Seven too.

[–] Jigsaw_At_The_Disco 14 years ago

That's funny, because Guy Pierce was how I imagined Lucas for a while, but he's too young I think. I started to think and George Clooney seems just perfect for Lucas. Sometimes Guy Pierce fits him more, but he'd have to be a bit younger I think.
Gerard Butler is also interesting, but Michael Bennett from James Patterson is SO Gerard Butler, it's kind of scary.

..put each other in your hearts forever because forevers about to happen here in just a few minutes

[–] traci29 15 years ago

Jon Hamm- he can pull off the GQ elegance, the intelligence and the sometimes cold/mean/hardcore aspect.

[–] LastGunslinger05 15 years ago

Jon Hamm??...there it is. Lucas Davenport should be played by Jon Hamm. That's fantastic!

El Ultimo Pistolero

[–] traci29 15 years ago

I keep going back and forth between Jon Hamm and Gerard Butler (in my dreams!)

[–] manipool 12 years ago

Yeah, I could see that. Haven't read the books in a while though.

[–] dkdssmith 15 years ago

Josh Brolin would make a great Lucas Davenport.

[–] The Movieman 15 years ago

Yeah, Brolin would be a good choice. I also wonder how Joaquin Phoenix would do. They could use his scar on his lip to be part of Davenport's history.

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[–] LastGunslinger05 15 years ago

That's not a bad idea either. But he's just not...gruff enough i suppose. He can be bad a** sure, but he's still too stylish and boyish almost to be Davenport. Jon Hamm is pretty much perfect. Brolin is a good choice too but he's TOO gruff i think. Of course they'll prolly never get around to making a decent Prey movie so ya know...

El Ultimo Pistolero

[–] LastGunslinger05 15 years ago

Thomas Jane! He'd be great as Davenport too. cant' believe i didn't think of him yet...he's a little more darker complextioned too. Kinda like his character in the Punisher or in Killshot...he could definitely do Davenport.

El Ultimo Pistolero

[–] LastGunslinger05 15 years ago

I just finished Winter Prey and now i'm reading Night Prey...and the more i think about it and really start to picture Davenport in my head, the more i keep thinking Christopher Meloni. Tall, big shoulders, piercing eyes that are potentially creepy, dark complected not as much as Meloni is kinda pale ish i guess, but he's got dark hair and seriously looks the part. If not him, then Thomas Jane easily. Those two are my official two picks to play Davenport if they ever do a REAL movie of one of th Prey books. Let's hope they do some day...Michael Mann could do what decent enough i think, or the guys that did Gone Baby Gone, something along that style would be great if anybody ever wanted to give it a try.

El Ultimo Pistolero

[–] The Movieman 15 years ago

"or the guys that did Gone Baby Gone"

Well, if you're thinking directors, then that would be Ben Affleck who directed that one (great movie). But I do like Michael Mann IF he would stay away from digital cameras. I love him as a director but that kind of camera annoys me.

But sorry to say, they probably will never do a Prey feature film. It would be tough to do one as Davenport is one dark character and will come off as an unlikeable and big a-hole if not written right.

I always had the idea of doing an adaptation based upon 3 of the books: Rules of Prey, Eyes of Prey and the follow-up, Silent Prey. Basically it would use the "origins" of Rules of Prey along with the cool rules aspect combined with the killer of Eyes and Silent (Dr. Mike Bekker), but without the whole Robin Hood subplot.

Taking this a bit off topic, if they did do some sort of "Prey" movie, who would your cast be for the various characters?

Lucas Davenport: Joaquin Phoenix or Josh Brolin or Patrick Wilson
Dr. Mike Bekker: Robert Downey Jr. or Ralph Fiennes
Lt. Lily Rothenberg: Mary-Louise Parker
Weather Karkinnen: Famke Janssen
Jennifer Carey: Elizabeth Banks
Rose Marie Roux: Anne Archer

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[–] LastGunslinger05 15 years ago

Combining those 3 wouldn't be a bad idea at all actually. That's probably what they'd do anyway though, since it's hollywood and all...hopefully it'd be good though, and not a total rape of the novels like the queen of the damned movie was. Anyway...as far as who i think should play all the characters...like my last post, i think Lucas Davenport is absolutely Christopher Meloni. If not him, then it's gotta be Thomas Jane, although someone like Josh Brolin could definitely pull it off. Patrick Wilson is too soft for that character i think. He's great, i think he's a wonderful actor but for a role like this? He's just...too damn likeable. Davenport is the prototypical anti-hero, which is actually really popular nowadays so i don't think it'd be a stretch at all to make this series into a movie adaptation of some kind. They could definitely make a great showtime tv series out of it too, much in the vein of Dexter or something...there's something to think about...

Mike Bekker could definitely be played well by either of those 2 guys you mentioned but they wouldn't look the part at all. If i remember right this guy was blonde, blue eyed, beautiful and all that stuff. So finding a good psychotic portrayal actor would be a little more difficult. I actually can't think of one at all at the moment...Mary-Louise Parker is too skinny and too lovely and nice to be a slightly bigger, rough cop. Acting wise sure she could pull it off, but i can't see her in that role. Meryl Streep could do it easily if they wanted to make that character into a much bigger role. Famke Janssen would be pretty much perfect for Weather, and as far as Jennifer Carey goes, i always pictured someone like the dark haired uptight sexy lawyer that was in a few episodes of Scrubs that i can't remember the name of. Anyway...that's my thoughts, i'm done rambling.

El Ultimo Pistolero

[–] The Movieman 15 years ago

as far as Jennifer Carey goes, i always pictured someone like the dark haired uptight sexy lawyer that was in a few episodes of Scrubs that i can't remember the name of.

Christa Miller? http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0588096/

She's not too bad but not much feature film experience (last movie was in 2000).

But alas, it will never happen, lol.

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[–] The Movieman 15 years ago

Another actor I thought of for Davenport: Viggo Mortensen. He'd be about the right age, has the intensity for the part and can be darkly charming.

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[–] 15 years ago

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