As announced earlier this week, Daniel Craig is confirmed as Mikael Blomkvist in David Fincher’s version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the two sequels in Stieg Larsson’s Millenium trilogy. I whooped for joy at this news because I think there’s no better choice for Blomkvist. Craig has the intelligence to portray the journalist and the sex appeal to convince us Blomkvist is a ladies’ man.
But now the focus turns towards the casting of Lisbeth Salander, which is more crucial to the success of the franchise. According to numerous sources, Fincher has narrowed his choices to the following four actresses:
- Léa Seydoux
- Sarah Snook
Rooney Mara
- Sophie Lowe
I’m excited that three out of four are foreigners—Snook and Lowe are Australians, Leydoux is French—and all are unknown here. When I watch the movie I’ll want to see only Lisbeth up there, not thinking, “Oh, that’s Ellen Page /Natalie Portman/Carey Mulligan in punk makeup.”
What do you think? Do you want an unknown or more established actress as Lisbeth? Judging only from their photos, do any of these give off a Lisbeth vibe to you? How do you feel about Craig as Blomkvist?
10 Comments
Natalie @ Coffee and a Book Chick
July 29, 2010 at 3:30 pmI heard the news that Daniel Craig was going to play Blomkvist and I was thrilled, jumping for joy, and passing out with glee – and it’s not because I like Daniel Craig so immensely, it’s simply because I had heard terrible rumors that Brad Pitt was coming close to signing the deal on it! Which completely horrified me that Brad Pitt might get his grubby hands into it…!
The choice of Lisbeth, I feel, really should be an unknown actress. You are spot on when you wrote that you don’t want to think that it’s Natalie Portman with punk hair and goth make-up, but that it truly is the character of Lisbeth Salandar come to life. There’s only so much “willing suspension of disbelief” that I can settle into, and I will love it if Lisbeth is someone completely unknown in Hollywood! Give another lady a try!
Naomi Johnson
July 29, 2010 at 3:51 pmWhoever she turns out to be, she’ll have to turn in one hell of a performance to keep me from remembering Noomi Rapace as Salander.
Paulette
July 29, 2010 at 4:34 pmWhooping right along with you…Daniel Craig is perfect! Judging by the pics alone, I like Snook; she has that stare-right-through-you gaze that Salander turns on all crazy-doctors and cops!
joy
July 29, 2010 at 5:40 pmi LOVE daniel craig as blomkvist! especially since it sounds like they’re filming in sweden!! as for the possible lisbeths…hm…based entirely on look, i’d vote for lea or sarah. but i’m sure – you put enough black eyeliner on any of those girls – they’ll look the part. totally agree about the unknown quality…and i hope h’wood has the balls to go for it. it’s a career-making role.
Brett Battles
July 29, 2010 at 7:21 pmDaniel Craig is an excellent choice. Very excited. I’m with you about casting an unknown/lesser known than someone who is much more recognizable. That said, whoever gets the part needs to have the chops to pull it off. Guess we’ll know once the picture comes out, but with the Craig casting I’d say things are heading in the right direction. My fear of the English remake is starting to fade.
le0pard13
July 29, 2010 at 7:52 pmWHAT! No Miley Cyrus or Rhianna in the consideration! I’m sorry, but it’s beginning to look like all they want to produce is a serious film adaptation of this novel/series. What the hell are they thinking! 😉
Joking aside, I need to start that first novel — and I plan to after I finish the Jack Reacher audiobook I’m doing right now. Still, given all the great things I’ve heard about Noomi Rapace as Salander in the Swedish films, Naomi is spot on in that the American selection is going to compared critically by the Rapace fans.
All I can say is thank god Craig found work since the OO7 series has been derailed for the moment. Thanks, Elyse.
EIREGO
July 30, 2010 at 12:27 pmJust so I understand, this has nothing to do with the Penguin Anniversary book give away that you are doing? And none of these girls can be in the mini cooper with me? Just making sure. LOL!
Okay, don’t know any of these girls and always thought Ellen Page could rock the part of Lisbeth the best (did you see Hard Candy? I mean, really, is there any doubt?) Of this group, I would say Lea Sedoux gets my vote. Her look may be a bit too obvious, but not knowing any of their work, that’s where I would go.
Shell Sherree
July 30, 2010 at 6:59 pmAnd wasn’t that a nice tip you gave us on Daniel Craig recently! If anything, I think he’ll have to tone down his sex appeal a bit to Blomkvist’s level, but I hope he doesn’t. 🙂 As for the ladies, being an Aussie, I’d love for Snook or Lowe to get the part!
Pop Culture Nerd
August 1, 2010 at 1:49 pmNatalie—I think Pitt is a good actor but agree he’d be too distracting in this role.
Naomi—Couldn’t agree more. My first choice would be for Rapace to reprise the role but understand her saying she’s done with it.
Paulette—Snook does have a good stare. I also think Leydoux’s sullenness would work.
Joy—It would be thrilling to see a new female star emerge instead of just seeing the same ol’ faces. This movie doesn’t need stars anyway because it has a built-in fan base.
Brett—I think my fears will only be alleviated when I’m actually watching it and seeing it’s good.
L13—Haha! You left Lindsay Lohan off that illustrious list! I’m happy Craig is employed, too. Looking forward to Cowboys & Aliens.
EIREGO—I’m too chicken to see Hard Candy. I’m surprised you braved it through that incredibly, ah, painful scene.
Shell—Huh. Somehow I’m not surprised you’re rooting for Snook and Lowe.
Michele
August 23, 2010 at 9:41 amWouldn’t it be interesting if Vanessa Hudgins took the role? Okay, stop with the rotten tomatoes! I just think it would be a real test of acting chops if she could pull it off. They have to pick someone who is petite otherwise it ruins the whole feeling.