Heads up, Evanovich fans--the movies are coming.I just read (on one of the scurrilous celebrity gossip sites you guys know I'm so fond of) that Katherine Heigl has been tapped to play Stephanie Plum in the movie adaptation of One For the Money.
This causes me sincere & serious distress.
Katherine Heigl is just so...LA. Nothing against her, of course, but she's so impossibly pretty and fresh and...blond. Just really, really blond. Maybe I haven't been reading closely (it's possible--I tend to skim for dialogue when I'm really into a story) but I'm pretty sure Stephanie's not a blonde. Plus, Stephanie is so quintessentially Jersey, you know? Big hair, plenty of mascara, ass-kicking boots and a bone-deep knowledge of her neighborhood.Katherine Heigel in the Berg? I can't see it. And I can't imagine anybody who'd actually read the books greenlighting that casting decision.
Then I heard who she replaced:
Reese Witherspoon.A southern blond. A teeny southern blond. With a pointy (though admittedly adorable) little face. Who the hell is making these decisions?
I went to Janet Evanovich's website to see if there was any outrage on this score, & it isn't even mentioned. So I cruised over to the FAQs, & Janet did admit to thinking Sandra Bullock would be a great Stephanie Plum. I thought so too. I thought Julia Roberts might do, as well. But unfortunately, both of them are, what, 45 years old by now? And Stephanie is about thirty?
We need some outside the box thinking here, people. Who would you rather see play Stephanie Plum? (I'll leave the Ranger/Morelli casting for another post, because that's a topic that absolutely requires devotion and thought.)
Me? I'd kinda like to see Ann Hathaway do it. She's very East Coast, and while not traditionally beautiful, plenty hot enough to catch the attention of guys like Morelli and Ranger. Plus I could totally see her blowing up a car or two.How about you? Thoughts on this very important topic?
103 comments:
oops :X
Well... please don't hurt me, Susan (or Anna!), but I've never read those books :X. I will agree though, when I heard it was Katherine Heigl I did a "whaa"? She's not my favorite actress, though I will say I enjoyed The Ugly Truth. :X But then the character was so her - uptight, OCD...
There must be brunette actresses in their 30s to play Stephanie Plum... now I'm determined to come up with one. Which will be sad, since I know pretty much negative star names. And movies.
Wait! O_o Erm... Jersey and quirky? Zooey Deschenel? And she's 30! Brunette - and cute... Come on - tell me it might work?
Susan, how cool that a movie of One for the Money is coming! But I have to say, I think the movie won't be a patch on the book. I always sort of had a younger and less nasal version of Fran Drescher in my head for Stephanie Plum. I'm afraid I'm not really au fait with current Hollywood starlets so I can't say who I'd favour. Sometimes actors can pull one out of the hat and surprise everyone. It must be a pretty sought-after role. You'd think they might even cast a complete unknown, as they did with Harry Potter.
Ooh, can't wait for the Ranger/Morelli discussion!
Hey Susan...
Anne Hathaway or Emily Blunt.
:)
I would opt for Sandra Bullock!
She's usually brunette,can do nasal and big hair! And does not look 45!
I agree with no blondes! Lime, I
just saw a couple of pictures of
Zooey. She's a possibility!
Congrats on the Golden One, Lime!
Pat Cochran
Sandra Bullock would be fantastic. You know, crazy and cute ;-)
Now I like Katherine Heigle but she's not the type, at all. She's too smooth.
Maybe Scarlett Johansen. She's the hollywood type but there definitely is some "crazy" in her... maybe she would do.
Ooh interesting post, Susan! I've always imagined Sandra Bullock or Julia Roberts too as Stephanie. They have the ability to be straight or do comedy.
I think KH has dark hair in 27 dresses - and you're right - she's way to smooth to be a Jersey girl.
Reese, much as I like her otherwise (despite her creepy looking ex!) would have been totally wrong.
Not sure about Anne Hathaway - she always seems too ... cute.
Maybe Renee Zellwegger?
Hmm ... How about someone a little more fun, like Pauley Perette (NCIS) or Jill Hennessy (Crossing Jordan) or Jorja Fox (CSI).
Now the more important question - who plays the delish Ranger (yes - Ranger fan all the way!)
Lime - the first few books are hilarious - up to 7, in fact. After that, they kind of lost it for me. The funeral scene with Grandma Mazur in 2 or 3 is the funniest scene I've ever read. I truly had tears rolling down my cheeks, I was laughing so hard!
Oops - sorry Susan - no discussion on Ranger today *g*.
Congrats limcello
Susan
I am going to put my hand up as well and say I haven't read these books either but my eldest daughter Bec loves them and I have just read this post to her and her reply was NO WAY should Katherine Heigl play Stephanie she is very much with you Susan that Anne Hathaway should play Stephanie according to Bec she would be perfect and even though you are saving it for another blog Bec says Benjamin Bratt should play Ranger.
Have Fun
Helen
Susan, Ann Hathaway isn't traditionally beautiful as you say but then, neither is Stephanie Plum, she is average in looks going by the descriptions. That is why I like her so well, she is not a beauty, a little rough around the edges and a klutz, what's not to love? Oh, please, if we are going to discuss Ranger/Morellie let it be on a day I don't have to work, I do not want to miss a word of that discussion. I start to drool at the mention of their names.
I am nuts over these books. The first time I read S.P. I couldn't quit laughing out loud--and I was in the library! I had to go outside.
I am not thrilled with the casting. I have pretty set visuals in my head for all of them--and I'm not sure any actor will live up to my imagination.
I found picture of Rachel McAdams on line--I can picture her with messy curly shoulder length hair. And an attitude. Here's a link:
http://hotcelebs.today.com/files/2009/08/rachel-mcadams.jpg
I haven't read the books either, but I know the reason I don't like books being made into movies is that they NEVER meet my expectations. Same reason I don't like real people on covers. How can a real person measure up to the picture in my head?
Anyway, I love Zooey Deschenel. Anyone see 500 Days of Summer? Lime? I would love to discuss. I loved the first half, but by the end...hmmm...
I *love* Anne Hathaway and think she would make an amazing Stephanie Plum. And while I love Reese Witherspoon as well, I agree the people casting the movie obviously weren't concerned about being true to the character or the spirit of the book when they cast her.
I'd emailed one of my sisters yesterday about this casting when I read about it. I think her response sums up what I'm feeling: "If that Katherine chick ruins the books for me I am not going to be happy about it." Admittedly, she is not a Katherine Heigl fan. As for me, I haven't seen her in anything since she was in Roswell (yes, I don't watch Grey's Anatomy) and I just can't see her as Stephanie. It's a shame, given they've supposedly been trying to make this movie since the first book was released.
I love this series, but now I'm wondering if I'm going to bother to see the movie, and that saddens me a little. They'd better wow me with the casting of Morelli and Ranger!
I stopped reading the Stephanie Plum books with #2, so I don't have strong feelings about the actors. But I haven't heard any Evanovich fan proclaim happiness over the choice of Katherine Heigl as Stephanie.
Limecello--you're having a reunion with the GR! ENjoy that!
As for Zooey Deschanel...hmmmm. I may need to chew on that one for a minute or two. Because while I feel Stephanie Plum certainly has her quirks, she isn't what I'd call Quirky. And to me, Zooey D defines Quirky. But it could work. Let me digest...
And p.s. READ THESE BOOKS ASAP! Not ALL of them, necessarily. But one through...oh, six, seven, eight? Great fun. You'll thank me.
That's the problem when beloved books are made into movies. I always have someone pictured for particular characters, and it would really bother me if an actor didn't fit the bill.
Case in point, THE DAVINCI CODE and ANGELS AND DEMONS (of course, they just screwed up the books in general). I never pictured Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon. I think Tom Hanks is a brilliant actor, but he just doesn't "work" in that role for me.
Christine wrote: It must be a pretty sought-after role. You'd think they might even cast a complete unknown, as they did with Harry Potter.
Wouldn't THAT be cool? I would treasure footage of the line snaking out of the auditorium & around the block as every girl in Jersey lined up for their shot at being Stephanie Plum. Is it possible to OD on hairspray & mascara?
Pink Peony wrote: Anne Hathaway or Emily Blunt.
Ooooh, I hadn't thought of Emily Blunt. That's a good one. However, I think either actress needs to gain about 25 pounds before I'd believe they had even a passing acquaintance with day-old birthday cake.
Pat Cochran wrote: I would opt for Sandra Bullock!
She's usually brunette,can do nasal and big hair! And does not look 45!
Sheesh, I know, right? What on earth is that woman doing, because the age fairy has NOT touched her. Maybe we should all marry dare-devil mechanics with incarcerated porn-star ex-wives who then engage us in public custody battles of their children?
Or, you know, maybe not. :-)
Emmanuelle wrote: Maybe Scarlett Johansen. She's the hollywood type but there definitely is some "crazy" in her...
Oh, I hadn't thought of that but dye her hair brown & you might be on to something! Scarlett Johanssen! She's the perfect combination of crazy and curvy. I like it! Now, who do we call??
Anna S wrote: Hmm ... How about someone a little more fun, like Pauley Perette (NCIS) or Jill Hennessy (Crossing Jordan) or Jorja Fox (CSI).
I've been a Jill Hennessy fan from way back, so I'd vote that way. But you're right, Stephanie needs a sense of humor. Who can we see driving Grandma Mazur to a funeral?
Helen wrote: she is very much with you Susan that Anne Hathaway should play Stephanie according to Bec she would be perfect and even though you are saving it for another blog Bec says Benjamin Bratt should play Ranger.
Helen, you daughter has excellent taste! And while, yes, technicall we're tabling discussion of Ranger and Morelli for another day, I will allow myself this one word for your daughter's suggestion:
Yum.
:-)
hrdwrkdmom/dianna wrote: That is why I like her so well, she is not a beauty, a little rough around the edges and a klutz, what's not to love? Oh, please, if we are going to discuss Ranger/Morellie let it be on a day I don't have to work, I do not want to miss a word of that discussion. I start to drool at the mention of their names.
Exactly! That's the essence of Stephanie Plum, & you've got to honor that with the casting.
As for our Ranger/Morelli discussion, I'm hoping we can have it when news of their casting begins to leak. So we have some material to work with. Not that I think we're lacking in ideas. :-) I'll do my best to schedule it for a day you can join in.
Gillian wrote: I found picture of Rachel McAdams on line--I can picture her with messy curly shoulder length hair. And an attitude. Here's a link:
That could work, too! I hadn't thought of her, but she had dark hair in Sherlock Holmes, too. Yes, I could see it. Good one!
Kirsten wrote: Anyway, I love Zooey Deschenel. Anyone see 500 Days of Summer? Lime? I would love to discuss. I loved the first half, but by the end...hmmm...
No spoilers! I've been dying to see that movie and haven't managed yet but I'm totally going to! And I'm with you on prefering my covers with the headless people. The better for my imagination to fill in the gaps. :-)
Suzanna wrote: I love this series, but now I'm wondering if I'm going to bother to see the movie, and that saddens me a little. They'd better wow me with the casting of Morelli and Ranger!
I totally agree! I can swallow a lot in terms of suspension of disblief, really I can. And if they cast somebody with a smoking hot chemistry with Katherine Heigl, then I'm fine. I'll get over this. But if it's just a bunch of pretty people blowing up cars? I'm going to seriously displeased.
Lula had best not disappoint me.
Janga wrote: But I haven't heard any Evanovich fan proclaim happiness over the choice of Katherine Heigl as Stephanie.
Yeah, the website was suspiciously silent on this choice. I thought the silence was a comment in itself.
Susan, I just heard about this yesterday and my reaction was the same. Katherine Heigl! It made no sense to me. I like her and think she's done some cute movies but she is no Stephanie Plum.
I know Sandra Bullock is too old to play Stephanie but she would have been great.
You did get me thinking about Ann Hathaway. If she can get the Jersey accent down, she might be okay. She can play the clutzy woman and her hair can frizz. Two important criteria.
Gannon wrote: Case in point, THE DAVINCI CODE and ANGELS AND DEMONS (of course, they just screwed up the books in general). I never pictured Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon. I think Tom Hanks is a brilliant actor, but he just doesn't "work" in that role for me.
Okay, Tom Hanks' HAIR didn't work for me. What were they thinking? Robert Langdon was supposed to a Harris Tweed wearing harvard professor. Does that kind of guy really sport a greasy mullet??
sigh.
Christie Kelly wrote: You did get me thinking about Ann Hathaway. If she can get the Jersey accent down, she might be okay. She can play the clutzy woman and her hair can frizz. Two important criteria.
But can she blow up a car? I'm actually feeling sorry that we'll never find out. Well, I guess we'll find out if Katherine Heigl can.
Okay, Tom Hanks' HAIR didn't work for me. What were they thinking? Robert Langdon was supposed to a Harris Tweed wearing harvard professor. Does that kind of guy really sport a greasy mullet??
LOL! That's exactly what I said! I always thought Harrison Ford, in his younger days, would have been a great Robert Langdon.
Ann Hathaway is a good choice--but she's so toothy and NICE. And well, at least Katherine Heigel is mean like Stephanie Plum...and tends to step into trouble without thinking things through first (her loud opinions about Grey's Anatomy come to mind.) So she's got the behaviors--but not the look, yes.
I admit I don't really care who they cast. The books have already been ruined for me--and I'm not sure I could bring myself to go see the movie. *shrugs*
I've only read One for the Money, but I thought Stephanie Plum was brunette too. And Katherine Heigl does seem a little too... polished for her.
I think Anne Hathaway could do it pretty well. I'd almost want someone a little quirkier... like Ellen Page but older maybe.
Susan, this reminds me of the film in which the ordinarily wonderful Kathleen Turner transformed kick-butt PI V.I. Warshawski into a babe. I loved the books but cringed my way through most of that movie. I think that movie sank like a stone. It deserved to.
I saw an interview years ago that quoted Sue Grafton as saying that because she'd worked in Hollywood and knew how things went there, she would never, ever license Kinsey Millhone for film. Now that "U" just came out, I wonder if she still feels the same way.
Katherine Heigl has much to recommend her, just not as Stephanie Plum. I think the producers are forgetting that many of us identify with Stephanie _because_ she's not gorgeously perfect. We know from her weight struggles, for example. And I think most of the readers are women--not guys, at whom Heigl's casting would seem to be aimed.
If women don't love this movie, they can kiss their profits goodbye.
This is actually a sort of hot button of mine. I know the dh gets tired of my poking him when we're watching TV to say, "You see that pudgy, sorta homely, middle-aged guy who's married to that babely looking, much younger actress? Oh, yeah, let's talk guy fantasies! No woman who looks like that works in Hollywood except as the butt of gags." And the rant goes from there. But I'll leave that for another day.
That said, though, I remember being outraged--outraged, I tell you!--when Michael Keaton was cast as Batman, and I ended up liking him in the role. Heigl may just need a chance to show she can do something else. And performers gain or lose weight for roles all the time.
Sandra Bullock would be great, yes. I watch so little TV, and we go to so few movies, that I'm really out of the actor/actress loop.
I like Anna's suggestion of Pauley Perrette from NCIS.
I am *not* a happy camper! Talk about your lousy casting! This seems to be the norm when a book is turned into a movie. Hollywood execs cast based on box office potential and, in my opinion, don't give a flip about staying true to the book. I wonder if we'll even recognize the characters when they finally make it to the big screen.
When I started reading this series I immediately imagined Sandra Bullock as Stephanie. Granted, that was a few years ago but I can still see her in the role and it's not like Hollywood hasn't aged a character before. They re-wrote Tom Clancy's "Patriot Games" so they could cast 50-something Harrison Ford as the 30 year old hero, Jack Ryan.
You know, John Grisham has tight contractual control over all films based on his books, as does J.K. Rowling. You'd think Evanovich would, too.
You know, John Grisham has tight contractual control over all films based on his books, as does J.K. Rowling. You'd think Evanovich would, too.
I'm surprised she doesn't, Nancy.
Has anyone heard who they've cast as Grandma Mazur? If it's Cloris Leachman (who else could possibly do it justice?) I just may swallow my distaste for Heigl and pay the $7.50 to see it at the theater.
Susan, please give us plenty of advance notice when you have the Ranger/Morelli discussion. I do not want to miss that one!
Oh, and I think Anne Hathaway would be a good choice. She'd have to gain weight but she's a good actress and I think could be a believable Stephanie.
You know, John Grisham has tight contractual control over all films based on his books, as does J.K. Rowling. You'd think Evanovich would, too.
According to the article I read yesterday (http://bit.ly/a3Bgsl),
"The movie version has been in the works since before "One for the Money" even hit the shelves in 1994, after Columbia Tristar snapped up the rights."
That would explain why she wouldn't have any control over casting. Evanovich wasn't a name yet, and the Plum series didn't have a following when she signed away the movie rights. No movie studio is going to allow an author that much control unless they're already a big name and the movie studio is desperate to get the rights for that project.
Thanks for the info, Suzanna.
LOL Susan - when I first read your post, I thought you said you had it on good authority that Katherine Heigl was not blonde - I'm thinking...well, you don't want to know what I was thinking (grin).
As already noted, Sandra Bullock and Julie Roberts would have made a GREAT Stephanie Plum had Hollywood had the foresight to make this fabulous book into a movie when it first came out. This is a little off the wall, but what about Janeane Garofalo or is she too old now as well? She was the short brunette (the vet) in The Truth about Cats and Dogs. She's an East Coast comedienne.
Otherwise not up on my actors/actresses. I am pleased that this is coming to the big screen though. Fingers crossed that Hollywood doesn't butcher the script like they've done to so many other really good books.
Not happy about Heigl either, very true that is is LA. Totally not coming from the Burg, or have been eating to many donuts
The question is, can you see the GR blowing up a car? That would be a resounding "YES!" Lime, so watch out!
Actually, I haven't read any of these books either. (Ducks flying fruit.)The girls in my hometown writing group are horrified that I haven't and are constantly threatening to buy them all and force me to read them. Not the right tactic with me!
However, after hearing their many discussions about the books, the characters and who should be cast in the roles of the movie I would have to agree that the current choice for Stephanie doesn't seem to fit. Of course one needs to remember that most of these directors are men and KH has a nice rack. What? You think these guys can't be that shallow? PLEASE !! I've seen several of her films and was a bit underwhelmed. It isn't acting if you just play yourself. (Kind of like Jack Nicholson.) Now, I KNOW Sandra Bullock could pull this off. While they may not have been GREAT films - the two Miss Congeniality romps prove she can do that quirky East Coast broad bit. And I really hate it when they decide that facade is more important than acting chops. I guess I'm too much the opera singer. I mean Pavarotti was playing 20 year old men in his 40's and he was NOT a little guy. But when he opened his mouth to sing you believed him. I know Sandra Bullock could pull this off.
And if they are planning on turning this into a franchise of movies they really don't want to screw up the first one.
Oh boy, I love casting calls!
Susan, that pic of KH is very, er, blond, isn't it? But I saw another pic of her with darker, wavy hair and it almost worked for me. But of course, there are her acting skills to be considered. I'm not a great fan of her films, so far. She might surprise us, though.
I agree with everyone, Sandra Bullock would be perfect!
I also agree with Anna. A MUCH MORE URGENT question is ... who's playing Joe and Ranger!??! ;-)
Gannon wrote: I always thought Harrison Ford, in his younger days, would have been a great Robert Langdon.
Absolutely! Han Solo as Robert Langdon. Yum.
MsHellion wrote: Ann Hathaway is a good choice--but she's so toothy and NICE. And well, at least Katherine Heigel is mean like Stephanie Plum...and tends to step into trouble without thinking things through first (her loud opinions about Grey's Anatomy come to mind.) So she's got the behaviors--but not the look, yes.
I see what you mean about toothy but I think nice is totally Stephanie. She's a total pushover--she's always a mess because she can't make herself BE mean enough. She can't snap the cuff on anybody, she can't hit anybody, she's always giving in to squirrel bail jumpers because she's so darn cooperative at the heart of it.
But you're right--there's a certain sheen of Berg toughness she fronts. I'm not sure Ann Hathaway has it. I'll ponder...
Marnee wrote: I think Anne Hathaway could do it pretty well. I'd almost want someone a little quirkier... like Ellen Page but older maybe.
Ooooh, good one. I like her, and she's definitely got the right combination of outwardly tough inwardly squishy. A few more years on her, & she'd be great.
What a great topic, Susan!
Oops, indeed, Lime, you wily one!
I hadn't heart that Evanovich's book was being adapted for the big screen. Interesting. What I want to know is who's going to play Grandma?
I'm banking on Betty White!
I agree that Heigl's a little too elegant looking for Stephanie Plum, besides I'm not overly fond of the woman.
If this ends up being more than the one book, they'd have to cast someone younger than Bullock (who'd be my first choice) or Roberts, wouldn't they?
Nancy wrote: This is actually a sort of hot button of mine. I know the dh gets tired of my poking him when we're watching TV to say, "You see that pudgy, sorta homely, middle-aged guy who's married to that babely looking, much younger actress? Oh, yeah, let's talk guy fantasies! No woman who looks like that works in Hollywood except as the butt of gags." And the rant goes from there. But I'll leave that for another day.
Oh, I hear that one. It makes me absolutely insane when people dismiss romance as fluff, women's fantasy stuff. But what's detective fiction but the boy version? Because where else but in a guy's fantasy is a hot, damaged babe going to fall in love with an over-weight, out-of-shape private eye who drinks too much, smokes too much & has too many ex-wives?
A rant for another day, you're right. I'll do some deep breathing here & try to refocus on my Stephanie Plum issue.
PJ wrote: When I started reading this series I immediately imagined Sandra Bullock as Stephanie. Granted, that was a few years ago but I can still see her in the role and it's not like Hollywood hasn't aged a character before. They re-wrote Tom Clancy's "Patriot Games" so they could cast 50-something Harrison Ford as the 30 year old hero, Jack Ryan.
You know, I always wondered if they did that. I'm not a Clancy afficianado so I was never sure which Jack Ryan was true to the book--the Harrison Ford or the Ben Affleck version. I actually enjoyed Ben Affleck in the role quite a lot.
The contracts and casting folks should have started ten years ago. Marisa Tomei as she was in "My Cousin Vinny" would have been PERFECT! Big hair, Jersey accent, pushy - all Stephanie attributes - and funny. Janet Evanovich's books are very funny no matter how many dead bodies are accumulated.
PJ wrote: Has anyone heard who they've cast as Grandma Mazur? If it's Cloris Leachman (who else could possibly do it justice?) I just may swallow my distaste for Heigl and pay the $7.50 to see it at the theater.
I'm willing to give them some latitude on Grandma Mazur, but they'd better not hose up Lula. I love Lula.
And I'll definitely give LOTS of notice when we tackle the Ranger/Morelli topic. :-)
Suzanna wrote: That would explain why she wouldn't have any control over casting. Evanovich wasn't a name yet, and the Plum series didn't have a following when she signed away the movie rights.
Ah. And it all becomes clear. Thanks, Suzanna!
Donna wrote: LOL Susan - when I first read your post, I thought you said you had it on good authority that Katherine Heigl was not blonde - I'm thinking...well, you don't want to know what I was thinking (grin).
Oh dear heavens! I'm familiar with the actress, but not *that* familiar!
It did make me chuckle, though. :-)
Bloduedd wrote: Not happy about Heigl either, very true that is is LA. Totally not coming from the Burg, or have been eating to many donuts.
Maybe if Katherine Heigl started in on the doughnuts now, she'd look more like Stephanie Plum by the time filming starts...
Louisa wrote: And I really hate it when they decide that facade is more important than acting chops. I guess I'm too much the opera singer. I mean Pavarotti was playing 20 year old men in his 40's and he was NOT a little guy. But when he opened his mouth to sing you believed him. I know Sandra Bullock could pull this off.
This is an excellent point. I like Sandy anyway. I'll be willing to stretch my suspension of disbelief for her. Especially if there were some smoking hot chemistry between her & whoever they get in the Ranger/Morelli roles.
Kate wrote: Susan, that pic of KH is very, er, blond, isn't it? But I saw another pic of her with darker, wavy hair and it almost worked for me.
Huh. I'll have to check it out. I just have this image stuck in my head of her from Knocked Up and she's just the quintessential up-tight, shrill blond. She's played that so much I don't know if I can knock it out of my head. But I love Stephanie Plum so much that I'm going to TRY to love her. Really, really try. So I'm withholding judgment. At least vindictive judgment. I'll admit I'm skeptical...But willing to be won over.
Jo wrote: What I want to know is who's going to play Grandma?
I'm banking on Betty White!
Wouldn't that be a riot?? I love me some Betty White. I heard she was hilarious in that super bowl ad (which I haven't yet seen.)
elainec wrote: Marisa Tomei as she was in "My Cousin Vinny" would have been PERFECT! Big hair, Jersey accent, pushy - all Stephanie attributes - and funny.
I know, right? I thought about that, too. Maybe she could still swing it? But it sounds like they're committed to Heigl. Then again, they were committed to Reese Witherspoon there for a while, so maybe there's hope...
Susan Smoov wrote: But what's detective fiction but the boy version? Because where else but in a guy's fantasy is a hot, damaged babe going to fall in love with an over-weight, out-of-shape private eye who drinks too much, smokes too much & has too many ex-wives?
On The Love Boat? Which I stopped watching because I got so fed up with the May/December when May was ALWAYS the woman and December was ALWAYS the guy. If it'd sometimes been the other way around, I think my hackles would've stayed in place.
And yeah, I know that's a societal thing, but all this stuff just reinforces it.
I say, give Bullock the script and let her roll!
Suzanna, thanks for the chronology tip. You're right, of course. Grisham and Rowling signed their movie deals after they had mega-hit books, had practically become their own subgenres. Grisham's a lawyer, of course, and Rowling could afford the best barristers in the UK at that point. And both were making so much money, they could afford to blow off Hollywood if they didn't get what they wanted.
It'll be interesting to see if there are ever Eve Dallas films, speaking of authors with the clout to snap their fingers, but that's for another day, too.
Louisa wrote: The question is, can you see the GR blowing up a car? That would be a resounding "YES!" Lime, so watch out!
LOL!
If that ever happens, we know whom to blame.
This means you, P226! *g*
OMG Yes - Elainec! Marisa Tomei in My Cousin Vinny is perfect! Though she's the same age as Sandra Bullock, I think.
Donna - I love that movie and yes, she would make a great Stephanie.
Susan - Lula has to be Queen Latifah. She has the range to pull that off.
As for Grandma Mazur - I'm not a fan of either Chloris Leachman or Betty White. Besides I think of her as more scrawny than that. More like Granny from the Beverley Hillbillies.
And, even though I know we're not dicussing it - NO to Benjamin Bratt for Ranger. Too smooth.
Okay, I can see Betty White as Grandma too. She'd be a hoot!
Susan, Alec Baldwin (not Ben Affleck) was the first Jack Ryan in "Hunt for Red October". I thought he was great - very true to the character in the books and the storyline closely followed the book. Unfortunately, he was already committed to another role when it came time to cast "Patriot Games" and the studio wasn't willing to wait. They re-wrote the character (and story) and cast Harrison Ford as Ryan. Clancy was very vocal about his displeasure over that movie and the ones to follow. The dh (who hadn't read the books) loved all of the movies. I (a huge fan of the Clancy books) was disappointed in all of them after "Hunt for Red October."
Susan - Lula has to be Queen Latifah. She has the range to pull that off.
Wouldn't she be great?
Oh PULLEASE!!!
There's only ever been ONE ACTRESS I'd cast as Stephanie -- Drew Barrymore! She could do Jersey in a second, and can definitely pull off the slapstick physical comedy needed. The woman is versatile and cute as all get out.
Marisa Tomei would have been GREAT, but Sandra Bullock or Julia Roberts?!?! UGH!!! Pass the barf bag! I don't think either of them can act their way out of a wet paper bag, and the same goes for Katherine Heigl, who is waaay too beautiful (but still a lousy actress).
I vote Queen Latifah for Lula. She would totally steal the show!
Now just in case I'm on a cruise or something and miss the Morelli/Ranger casting session, let me whisper this: Ranger = Dwayne Johnson! I mean honestly, who else has the physical presence to make Stephanie and Lula stand there bug-eyed and silent?!?!
AC
the opinionated
LOL@ AC! Tell us what you really think! :)
I have to disagree with you on Sandra Bullock. I thought she did a fabulous job of acting in "The Blind Side" and deserves all the accolades she's receiving.
I love Dwayne Johnson but, like Sandy, I think he's a little beyond the age for the role.
How about this guy for Ranger? (I know we're not discussing Ranger/Joe today but just in case I'm not around on the day...)
http://tinyurl.com/yarjrne
I know nothing about his acting skills but, really, who cares? I'd be happy if I could just look. *g*
Uh oh, my TBR list just got longer.
Would Natalie Portman work?
PJ !!! Good grief! Warn a woman or something! That young man's photo reheated my cold tea! Goodness gracious! I don't know if he could play Ranger, but he can certainly come and play with me! Wait, that didn't come out right. Or maybe it did!
Hey, Lime, congrats on the chook!
Susan, casting is an interesting science, isn't it? No, I can't picture Katherine H as Stephanie P. Perhaps Fran Drescher in her prime!
OMGOSH! (Aunty fans self vigorously) PJ, you really should have issued a warning! That piccie almost ignited my pile of tax receipts!
And Louisa, m'dear, you are SOOO RIGHT! I'll play Ranger or anything else with that boy. heh heh heh!
Oh, and I will admit I haven't seen "Blind Side" but I don't think Sandra Bullock has enough LIFETIMES to be considered in the same category as Meryl Streep.
AC
who always has a demure and dainty opinion ;-)
Nancy--LOL on the Love Boat thing. You're totally right about that, now that I think of it!
And I, too, would be really interested in how they'd cast Eve Dallas, especially with Nora Roberts in the room, chainsmoking and cursing. (Not that I know anything about whether she actually chainsmokes and/or curses--it's just this mental image I have...)
How about Jennifer Garner?
I think she would be good.
Yeah, I think casting went wrong picking Katherine Heigl for the part.
I am off to see the Percy Jackson and the Olympians this afternoon. I hope it is good. The weather is wet and messy and a good movie in a warm theater fits the bill.
Anna S wrote: Susan - Lula has to be Queen Latifah. She has the range to pull that off.
As for Grandma Mazur - I'm not a fan of either Chloris Leachman or Betty White. Besides I think of her as more scrawny than that. More like Granny from the Beverley Hillbillies.
That's so true, about both of them. I'd love to see Queen Latifah rocking some leopard print spandex, & Betty White does seem a bit plump & cute now that I think of it. Grandma Mazur is more like personified beef jerky if I remember her physical description. I"ll do some thinking...
PJ wrote: Susan, Alec Baldwin (not Ben Affleck) was the first Jack Ryan in "Hunt for Red October".
Holy cow, I'd totally forgotten that Alec Baldwin was Jack Ryan, too! Ben Affleck wasn't Jack Ryan until The Sum of All Fears (2002) and I actually liked him in it, in spite of not caring for him as an actor. I do love him as a director, though. And I think Alec Baldwin has a genius for reinventing himself paralleled only by William Shatner. I can't wait to see that movie where he & Meryl Streep play divorced lovers.
PJ
It is hot enough over here in Australia even this early in the morning what a wake up picture LOL still fanning myself
Have Fun
Helen
AC wrote: Oh PULLEASE!!!
There's only ever been ONE ACTRESS I'd cast as Stephanie -- Drew Barrymore!
Wow, I never would have considered Drew for this. How fun that we all have such diverse pictures in our heads!
And am I conscientiously holding off on all speculation regarding Ranger/Morelli until such a date as we can devote an entire blog to it. Though I will say privately that I think The Rock is kinda cute. :-)
Oooh, AC! Drew Barrymore--great idea!
PJ wrote: How about this guy for Ranger? (I know we're not discussing Ranger/Joe today but just in case I'm not around on the day...)
I know I just said I'm not commenting on this topic until we can devote an entire blog to it but...oh. My. Thank you, PJ. Just...thanks. :-)
Pissenlit wrote: Would Natalie Portman work?
I personally like her, but she's so classically beautiful. I don't know if she can project the spunk Stephanie needs. Not that I'm in charge of this decision. :-) To each her own! Yahoo!
Louisa wrote: I don't know if he could play Ranger, but he can certainly come and play with me! Wait, that didn't come out right. Or maybe it did!
heh. That made me do a dirty little chuckle.
Anna C wrote: No, I can't picture Katherine H as Stephanie P. Perhaps Fran Drescher in her prime!
That would've been something to see, wouldn't it have? She'd have to rein in that laugh, though. Eeeeeyikes.
You're right, Susan! I had given up on even trying to watch the movies by the time "Sum of All Fears" was released.
AC wrote: I don't think Sandra Bullock has enough LIFETIMES to be considered in the same category as Meryl Streep.
So true, and yet what working actress today does? Maybe Dame Judi Dench? (I do adore her, & girlfriend ROCKS a bikini.)
And AC, we *expect* opinion from you! I personally would feel lost & sad if I didn't know exactly how you felt about things. Keep tellin' it like it is, & all's right in my world. :-)
And I think Alec Baldwin has a genius for reinventing himself paralleled only by William Shatner. I can't wait to see that movie where he & Meryl Streep play divorced lovers.
I *loved* "It's Complicated!" Saw it a couple weeks ago and laughed uproariously throughout the entire movie.
Gigi wrote: How about Jennifer Garner?
Ooooh, she's a favorite of mine, too. Maybe too pretty, though? Or maybe she's not actually pretty, maybe she's just sort of adorable. I don't know. I would love to audition all these people so I could really know how I felt.
And enjoy the movies, Gigi! It's one of my favorite ways to spend a rainy afternoon. (Pre-kids, of course.)
LOL @ Louisa! I think you said it just right, m'dear. I'd be happy to have him come play with me any 'ole day!
PJ wrote: I had given up on even trying to watch the movies by the time "Sum of All Fears" was released.
Oh, I should have, too. But I'm a sucker for movies where they speak Russian & blow stuff up so I just can't quit Clancy. :-)
And I'm so glad you liked It's Complicated! I'm going to make my husband take me this weekend. If I rounded up the babysitter (which I did) the very least he can do is let me pick the movie. :-)
I know nothing about his acting skills but, really, who cares? I'd be happy if I could just look. *g*
Holy smokes, PJ! That is one beautiful man!!!!
OMG!
I can't believe they've chosen a blond bombshell to play Stephanie Plum!
When you said that, I immediately said, "it should have been Sandra Bullock." She'd be perfect. And Hathaway is definitely a better choice than this Barbie doll they've chosen.
Now if they put some big black hair on her and if she can act, then fine. But that last part...portraying somebody typically Jersy...Well, we'll just have to see.
But I just think Bullock's natural ability would shine in this role.
Dangit. Bullock doesn't LOOK 45. She could pass for 30, couldn't she?
elainec said:
The contracts and casting folks should have started ten years ago. Marisa Tomei as she was in "My Cousin Vinny" would have been PERFECT! Big hair, Jersey accent, pushy - all Stephanie attributes - and funny.
YEs, yes, YES! This is exactly it!
Susan said:
Oh, I should have, too. But I'm a sucker for movies where they speak Russian & blow stuff up so I just can't quit Clancy. :-)
SUSAN! I did not know this about you. I will be watching you, kind of squinty-eyed, for the next while. I might be able to bring you over to the dark side with the Boom Girls of the Lair.
Thanks for all the congrats :D
O_o you people scare me... the GR blowing up cars? Erm... well I guess as long as it isn't my car :X Heh.
Anna - I'm pretty over series - and aren't there a ton of them? Catching up is no good, Diana Palmer burned me on that one :P
Kirsten, I haven't seen it! But... I did read the wikipedia page on it (not smart, I know). So... seems depressing. Then, autumn. Hm. Susan - Zooey is quirky, but doesn't have to be? Although Anne Hathaway is almost 30, and lived in Jersey... :P
Cassondra wrote: Dangit. Bullock doesn't LOOK 45. She could pass for 30, couldn't she?
Girlfriend looks incredible, I know. I could see her passing for thirty, but I think it depends on the rest of the ensemble. She doesn't want to make Ranger & Morelli look like children. Because they are definitely full-grown men. :-)
Cassondra wrote: SUSAN! I did not know this about you. I will be watching you, kind of squinty-eyed, for the next while. I might be able to bring you over to the dark side with the Boom Girls of the Lair.
Oh, I how I *wish* I could write romantic suspense! Unfortunately, I can't plot my way out of a paper bag, & my body of knowledge regarding firearms & such would actually fit in said paper bag. With room to spare.
My areas of expertise run more toward laundry & making venomous remarks about bad casting choices. :)
But I adore movies with boom. I have a huge crush on Optimus Prime (and yeah, he's the robot leader from Transformers.)
I totally agree, I can not see Katherine Heigl as Stephanie. I actually don't care for this actress, but I definitely can't see her playing a my favorite female Bounty Hunter. She doesn't have the right feel to her.
However, I would have to say that your idea Anne Hathaway, while still not quite right, is much more appealing. She's closer to the correct age, she has the right feel to her, and (don't take this the right way), but I think she has the right body type. Reading the books, you can tell Stephanie, while not overweight, occasionally has issues with fitting into her jeans. She's not a stick woman. And Anne Hathaway has a little bit more oomf to her. (Which, btw, makes her look human, unlike some other Hollywood actresses).
While I am glad they're making a movie based on these books, because I really do enjoy them, I'm not sure I'll be as excited if they cast someone so obviously.. wrong.
Morning Glow wrote: And Anne Hathaway has a little bit more oomf to her. (Which, btw, makes her look human, unlike some other Hollywood actresses).
I know, sheesh. Have you ever seen these hollywood women in person? (Or even from the wrong camera angle.) They seriously are like stick figures. Angelina Jolie's arms are like pipe cleaners, & and her wrists and ankles are disturbingly bird-like. I do like an actress who looks like she won't blow away in a stiff breeze.
On the other side of the coin, has anybody else been disturbed by Madonna's Man Arms lately? She's in astounding shape but her forearms are all ropey & veiny, like she'd boning up to play popeye or something. Yikes. Somebody needs to eat a muffin & lay off the pilates.
As Smoov has outed herself I'll speak Russian if someone else will help the GR to blow something up at Nationals. Never let it be said we don't go all out for the Banditas and Buddies!
As Smoov has outed herself I'll speak Russian if someone else will help the GR to blow something up at Nationals.
Note to self: Protect chocolate stash at National.
Louisa wrote: As Smoov has outed herself I'll speak Russian if someone else will help the GR to blow something up at Nationals.
YEAH! I'll bring popcorn!
PJ wrote: Note to self: Protect chocolate stash at National.
Goes without saying. Or, I could keep it safe for you? Like, in my belly safe? :-)
I know I'm about a month and a half late for this conversation, but... I think I may be the only person on the plant who didn't instantly cry out "NO!" at Katherine Heigl. At this point I don't mind the choice. I don't have a Jersey accent myself, so when I read the books, neither does Stephanie- she sounds an awful lot like me!! I honestly tend to forget about it being in Jersey, until she mentions it! So, the whole "too LA" thing isn't affecting me. I may have a different opinion after the movie... I did, however, instantly say "NO" to Anne Hathaway and Zooey Deschanel- so wrong, both of them! :) I found these comments on my hunt for info on Morelli, Ranger, and Lola. Did I miss it???
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