Let's pretend The Beeb wants to mount a new version of the Forsyte Saga. Who would make a good Soames? Irene? And don't forget, all those Downton Abbey actors will soon be looking for work. Should the actors age in the new version? Or should The Beeb just fergetabout it?
shareSoames - Alfie Allen
Irene - Janet Montgomery
Young Jolyon - Rory Kinnear
Bosinney - Douglas Booth
June - Maisie Williams
Old Jolyon - Tom Courtenay
James - David Bradley
Emily - Greta Scacchi
Aunt Juley - Francesca Annis
Aunt Hester - Penelope Wilton
Uncle Swithin - Robbie Coltrane
Uncle Roger - Edward Fox
Uncle Nicholas - Ian McDiarmid
Uncle Timothy - Ian McNeice
Winifred - Romola Garai
Dartie - Burn Gorman
George - Laurence Fox
Francie - Sarah Solemani
and a Special Guest Appearance by Dame Maggie Smith as Aunt Ann
The truth is neither here nor there. It's the look of the thing that matters!
The only names I recognized were Francesca Annis and Dame Maggie Smith so I can't offer any suggestions
that's really good!!!! I'll have to think it about it.....but you did good! Some I don't know but most I did.
shareIrene - Tamsin Egerton. I think she fits the description in the book.
Soames - Tom Hiddleston.
Phil - I would LOVE Ben Barnes as Phil! Although I'd also like Cillian Murphy.
Young Jolyon - Richard Armitage
June - either Lily Cole or Rachel Hurd-Wood.
I really don't know about the rest.
I think you are spot on with Tom Hiddleston!
Other suggestions
Irene: Keira Knightly
June: Kate Beckinsale
Phil: Jonathan Rhys Meyers
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Never say never...
Thanks :). What I love about Tom Hiddleston is that he can act charming and repulsive both at the same time, much like Damien Lewis, regardless of whether either actor is your type or not. But I think Tom Hiddleston can bring something...extra to the character. As much as I loved Damien Lewis as Soames, I'm curious about what Tom Hiddleston can do with a character like that.
Although she hadn't crossed my mind yet, Keira Knightley would be wonderful. She has both that softness and sensuality required for an Irene type of woman, but there's also something mysterious about her that keeps you guessing. I opted for Tamsin Egerton because she's a lesser known actress but Keira Knightley would probably make a much better Irene. I must admit I immediately thought "Irene!" when I saw this picture of her:
http://static1.terrafemina.com/articles/2/26/51/92/@/270132-keira-knightley-blonde-a-la-premiere-622x0-1.jpg
Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Phil...Wouldn't he look a bit too tough? He has a very sensual energy which could be great since it would be immediately clear why women are attracted to him. I think I'd rather see him as Montague Dartie. Phil is a very artistic, intellectual guy beneath his "buccaneer" surface. Perhaps that kind of role requires someone with a more romantic look? What do you think?
Kate Beckinsale would be great as June. Cute yet feisty. I can't believe she's 43 years old!
As for Annette by the way, while reading the novel I kept envisioning either a young Emmanuelle Beart or Laetitia Casta. But since both of them are too old now I would, at least looks-wise, suggest Emilia Clarke.
As Fleur, I'd like to see Emma Watson.
As Fleur, I'd like to see Emma Watson.Perfect!