Tom Hanks possibly to star in Da Vinci Code

[lindrusso]

Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon???? Yahoo Link (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=794&e=3&u=/eo/20041115/en_movies_eo/15347)

I must admit I am not at all thrilled with that choice. I was thinking of someone more like a young Harrison Ford/Indiana Jones - someone a bit rumpled and rugged, yet distinguished. Also, someone younger than Tom. I guess I'm hoping that negotiations on this one fail!

What do you all think?

Alysha

[Beth H]

I agree with you - I was surprised about this potential casting. I like Tom Hanks, but not in this role. Personally, I think Russell Crowe would be perfect - or George Clooney.

[gertdog]

This is the kind of role I'd like to see a relatively unknown young actor in. While I really enjoyed the book, I thought the character development was really minimal- a perfect opportunity for an actor we're not already familiar with to create a real Robert Langford.

Apparently it's going to be a Ron Howard-directed movie, so I bet that Tom Hanks is a 50-50 shot to play the role. Ron Howard and Tom Hanks go waaaay back. But I think Tom is all wrong for this role and I hope it goes to someone else.

[honeygirl1971]

Hmm, I don't know. An unknown actor would be good, but I really can't picture Crowe or Clooney in the role. Langdon is a very reluctant hero in the beginning of the book, and he's also a scholar, and I think Hanks fits that persona better than Crowe or Clooney would. But I do think that Hanks is SO well known that he would seem to be more "Tom Hanks" than "Robert Langdon." But Hanks does that "Everyman" thing so well, and Langdon is the sort of Everyman who gets drawn into this very complicated, dangerous, exciting mystery, I can sort of see why Ron Howard thought of him. But I agree that there are other actors who could do this better, probably.

[MrsReber]

I never read the book so I can't say much about the lead character.

However, I have been surprised in the past about how diverse Tom Hanks can be. It may not be all that bad.

Now, if I can find a cheap copy of the book anywhere, I may actually read it!

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by honeygirl1971
But Hanks does that "Everyman" thing so well, and Langdon is the sort of Everyman who gets drawn into this very complicated, dangerous, exciting mystery, I can sort of see why Ron Howard thought of him.

Very good point. I'm kind of hoping that I hear more reasons why Tom would be good for this role. :) ;)

[slknight]

I just stayed up late last night finishing the book. I give the choice of Tom Hanks a big thumbs down. I just can't picture him in the role at all!

[RebeccaT]

I agree with honeygirl. I actually think that a lot of the other actors of that age, in their early to mid-forties who are out there would be a bit too "dashing" to play Langdon, who is anything but. Hanks might not be bad at all in this character.

[cminmd]

I really like Tom Hanks and he has had a few flops lately so I hope this movie does well. As I remember the book I thought he was the right age for the character. Wasn't Langdon late fourties/ fiftish? I don't remember any young hot college professors a la Crowe or Cloony! Though Crowe did geek up for the crazy professor in B. Mind. I liked the book, but I wonder how they are going to make the movie interesting to all of us who already know the ending?

[honeygirl1971]

I read the book cover to cover in about 6 hours on a flight to France, and I'd be very interested in seeing the movie even though I already know the ending. But, I could see this book being hard to adapt because they story is pretty complicated and a lot of the "history" (of art and of religion) is unknown to people, and it might be hard to explain it efficiently. Sometimes the best movies are based on novellas, not on long, complicated novels!

What about the other characters? Any ideas for them? ;) There's a French magazine about film (called "Premiere") and each month they have publish a reader's ideas for the casting of a book adaption--total fantasy, but fun to imagine...

[slknight]

Originally posted by honeygirl1971


What about the other characters? Any ideas for them? ;)

DH and I were thinking that Pierce Brosnan would be great for Lee Teabring.:)

[lindrusso]

I don't know why the thought of Tom Hanks in this role bothers me so much. I think he isn't "edgy" enough. Robert Langdon is supposed to be bookish, fortyish and an everyday man, but I think he also needs some edge.

Like Viggo Mortenson. He can look "everyday" and he's the right age, but he's also got just enough "dashing" in him to make him believable, not to mention attractive, in this role.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid146/p1f794a018943f43028ad6541edc04ce5/f63da3f8.jpg

Alysha :)

[honeygirl1971]

Originally posted by lindrusso
Like Viggo Mortenson. He can look "everyday" and he's the right age, but he's also got just enough "dashing" in him to make him believable, not to mention attractive, in this role.



Somebody's got a crush....;) Just kidding, Alysha! :D Viggo would be good in the role, I agree. He would need glasses though. ;)

[RebeccaT]

Mmm. Viggo's yummy. ;)

[honeygirl1971]

Originally posted by slknight


DH and I were thinking that Pierce Brosnan would be great for Lee Teabring.:)

Really? Too handsome, too James Bond IMO. I would want someone weirder...but I don't know who. :confused:

[Laurielee]

I heard this last night and was sooo disapointed. langdon is about 40 from what I remember. I think TH is too old, I see RL as a dashing professor, well at least a little to be running around the way he does. thats what I pictured in my mind when I read the book.

So i was thinking of maybe Nicolas Cage, Robert Gere or even kevin costner, even though both of them about TH age, I think they can carry off the younger type. And I do like the Alyshas suggestion, Vitto. And I agree with a young indiana jones type.


I cant think of many 40ish actors, they are either early 30s (too young) or 50s
as for TH, I like him but I am on overload, I am getting tired of seeing him, he has been in so many movies lately, the same with Nicole Kidman, they agreat actors but I need a break, especially after that corny Chanel commercial I saw last night with Nicole.

I think Kate winslet would make a great Sofie.

Laurie

[HDgirl]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by honeygirl1971
[B]

I would want someone weirder

I haven't read the book so I can't say. But when I read this, I thought Johnny Depp would be your man. :D

[RebeccaT]

How old was Tebring? Would Anthony Hopkins work? I pictured him as older, eccentric...

[honeygirl1971]

Johnny Depp, hmm. Maybe, but I'm not sure he's crazy/creepy enough. But he does play "weird" pretty well! ;) I think it needs to be someone older though...I can't remember how old the guy was in the book, but he was a titled Royal Historian, which makes me think he would need to be older. Ian McKellan?

[Laurielee]

"DH and I were thinking that Pierce Brosnan would be great for Lee Teabring.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Really? Too handsome, too James Bond IMO. I would want someone weirder...but I don't know who. "


yes, in my mind lee teabring is in his 50s-60ish so I think Anthony hopkins would be great.

I first thought of Pierce Brosnon, but he is too dashing, you need someone i iltte more ordinary


Laurie

[honeygirl1971]

Originally posted by RebeccaT
How old was Tebring? Would Anthony Hopkins work? I pictured him as older, eccentric...

Yeah, that's a good suggestion!! I could see that. I don't want to spoil anything for people who haven't read it, but AH could do both "aspects" of the character I think.

[Kayaksoup]

When i was reading it, I had this Stephen Fry-like image of Teabring.

[honeygirl1971]

Originally posted by Kayaksoup
When i was reading it, I had this Stephen Fry-like image of Teabring.

I could see that too, esp if they wanted someone a bit younger.

[Kayaksoup]

And Pete Posthelwaite (sp??) might work too I think.
http://ia.imdb.com/media/imdb/01/I/83/94/12m.jpg

[Kayaksoup]

Originally posted by RebeccaT
How old was Tebring? Would Anthony Hopkins work? I pictured him as older, eccentric...
Ooh, hopkins is an excellent actor. i think he could pull it off.

[honeygirl1971]

Kayaksoup, you could be a casting agent! ;) PP would be a good choice too, he'd be very believeable I think, as long as he could polish up a "posh" accent!

[SusanMac]

I like the idea of Tom Hanks. And, I'm glad Ron Howard's doing the movie, as that means it would be excellent. I wouldn't get too focused on the age. You know that a lot typically changes when going from book to screen, so you can't get locked into ages. It's more about personality. Tom Hanks has that good ability to build credibility, but also add a touch of humor and romance.

What about the girl role??

[Gilgamesh37]

I don't know how I feel about Tom Hanks. When we talked about this last time, my choice for Langdon was Gabriel Byrne <Gil's heart says: pitter-pat :) ) John Hannah would be another possiblity, although lately he's done mostly wise-quip-in-the-face-of-danger roles (like his turn in both Mummy movies, where he's Rachel Weisz's brother, for those of you who may not recognize the name) and that really doesn't work for Langdon. Chris Eccelston (sp), maybe?

Anthony Hopkins would be great as Teabring...there's someone else dancing in the back of my brain, but I'm drawing a blank right now.

[Kayaksoup]

Here is another suggestion for Teabing that was being bandied around on imdb. I would never have though of it on my own, although I love doing "casts" for my favorite books ;D
John Hurt
http://ia.imdb.com/media/imdb/01/I/31/25/22m.jpg


Originally posted by SusanMac

What about the girl role??
I can't remeber how old she should be, but I thought Kate winslet was an interesting suggestion, Claire Danes just for fun and Julie Delpy because she is french :D
http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0338013/th-CN-138-35AR.jpg
http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Events/2013/th-ClaireDane_Kambo_1172206_400.jpg
http://ia.imdb.com/media/imdb/01/I/39/65/12m.jpg

[Laurielee]

How about Brendon Frasier?

as for Sofie, I said Kate winslet but Rachel Weisz of the mummy movies would also be good.

Laurie

[mcb_2004]

I would like to see Pierce Brosnan play Robert Langdon. :)

~Michelle

[slknight]

Originally posted by lindrusso


Like Viggo Mortenson. He can look "everyday" and he's the right age, but he's also got just enough "dashing" in him to make him believable, not to mention attractive, in this role.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid146/p1f794a018943f43028ad6541edc04ce5/f63da3f8.jpg


DH just said yesterday that he thought Viggo would be perfect. I'd have to say that I agree. :-) He's yummy. ;)

Teabring is in his early 50s. I think Anthony Hopkins would be too old.

[lisas3575]

I'd also entertain the idea of Hugh Jackman (aka Huge Jackman at our house :D) as Langdon, though I'm digging Viggo more. <Drool>

For some reason, when I was reading the book, I couldn't get the image out of my mind of Teabing played by Tucker from Something About Mary. :eek: :eek: :eek: :o

[claire797]

I'd pick Colin Firth to play Langdon.

For Sophie, I'd choose Jennifer Connelly or maybe Kiera Knightly.

For Tebring, I'd choose a lesser known actor -- someone who not everyone would guess would be a villain in the end. If it were Anthony Hopkins, everyone would know Tebring was "up to something". I think Stephen Root (from Newsradio, Office Space, Jersey Girl) would be an excellent Tebring.

[RebeccaT]

Originally posted by claire797


For Tebring, I'd choose a lesser known actor -- someone who not everyone would guess would be a villain in the end. If it were Anthony Hopkins, everyone would know Tebring was "up to something". I think Stephen Root (from Newsradio, Office Space, Jersey Girl) would be an excellent Tebring.

Good call! He'd be great!

Sophie needs to be someone who's not necessarily "pretty" in the typical movie actress way. She can't be too striking, but has to be the kind who grows on you.

And I am drawing a blank on who else would be good in that role. Everyone I think of isn't "smart" enough.

[Gilgamesh37]

Natalie Portman is kind of too young, but she's the kind of vibe I think I'd want for Sofie....?

[newtricks]

Originally posted by slknight


DH just said yesterday that he thought Viggo would be perfect. I'd have to say that I agree. :-) He's yummy. ;)




Really? My dh would be happy if Viggo were NEVER in a nother movie!:o :o :D Perhaps he's heard me gush over Return of the King a few too many times. When I start quoting the "That day is not today! Today we are Men!" speech it really just pushes him past the limit. (he's a very good man to put up with this!)

Ummm, who's Tom Hanks??;)

[Kayaksoup]

What about Audrey Tatou for Sophie.
She is a great actress, and is more than just amelie...

[slknight]

I kept thinking of Sophie Marceau as Sophie when I was reading it. Could just be because they've got the same name. But she is french. Might be a little old though. I liked her in Braveheart.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000521/

[ccooney]

Originally posted by Laurielee
How about Brendon Frasier?



Yep, I agree. And I think John Lithgow for Teabring.

[MrsReber]

Okay, still haven't read the book, but if Brendan Frasier is in the movie, I'll definitely see it. He was part of the inspiration for my son's name. Okay, so he's done some wacky movies, he's just so cute.

[Meganator]

How about Geoffrey Rush for Teabing? I have a picture in my mind of Langdon, but the problem is I don't know of any actor that looks like my picture. I think Viggo is the right combination of age plus good looks without being the TOO good looking type - like Clooney.

[Jill123]

I don't know if anyone else already posted this suggestion, as I'm running off to tend to a fussy 4-month-old, but I think Dennis Quaid would be great.

Dennis Quaid could play the right age and isn't as well known as Hanks or others. He's handsome without being too hunky.

http://us.imdb.com/gallery/granitz/1407/Events/1407/DennisQuai_Wargo_411325_400.jpg?path=pgallery&path_key=Quaid,%20Dennis

[claire797]

I agree, Natalie Portman is too old for Sophie. Sigh. She's probably too strikingly beautiful (IMHO) as well. Sophie Marceau is a GREAT choice!

Next to Stephen Root, I like the idea of Geoffrey Rush for Teabing -- fabulous actor, not *too* well known among the masses.

I'm not so sure about Brendan Frasier as Langdon because he just seems too young. Dennis Quaid is a good one, though. Then again, that might put a curse on the movie. When was the last time Dennis Quaid was in a good movie? Maybe this would be his comeback role? I don't know.

[Beth H]

I'd pick Colin Firth to play Langdon.

Ooh. . good one. Actually Dennis Quaid would be a good choice too - I think he's a good actor even though some of his film choices have not been that good.

I just think Langdon has sort of a "sexy" quality in the books that Tom Hanks just does not have at all.

[Laurielee]

I was racking my brain last tonight trying to remeber dennis quaids name, all I could come up with he was meg ryans ex. he would be perfect.

Natalie portman is only 23. If I remember right Sofie is a detective? I think that would make her in her late 20s

Did anyone see something about charlie, there is a frenchman in that and he has played a lot of movies, he would be great as the french detective

laurie

[gertdog]

Originally posted by claire797
I'd pick Colin Firth to play Langdon.


Oooh, perfect. Handsome but not total eye-candy and capable of being both brainy and personable as well as a reluctant action hero. I like Brendan Frasier but he makes think "blockhead" rather than brains.

I also love Linda's suggestion of Audrey Tatou for Sophie.

[Beth H]

Handsome but not total eye-candy. . .

What? Haven't you watched the "pond" scene in Pride and Prejudice multiple times? :) I love Colin Firth - I think he would be great as long as he could do the American accent (which I think he could). Ron Howard, are you reading this?

[Gilgamesh37]

Originally posted by Beth H
Actually Dennis Quaid would be a good choice too - I think he's a good actor even though some of his film choices have not been that good.

Really? Dennis Quaid just never reads as "smart" to me, so I really have a hard time picturing him as Langdon.

I love Sophie Marceau as Sofie, but how old is she?

The Stephen Root suggestion almost made me choke--by the time I looked up on line who he was, I'd forgotten for what role he'd been suggested, and just assumed it was Langdon. So I'm sitting at my desk, almost apoplectic, thinking The "It's my Stapler" guy as LANGDON???? Are they nuts???? :p

[honeygirl1971]

Lots of interesting suggestions here! I thought of Natalie Portman too for Sophie, although I was thinking she'd be too young! I picture someone with dark hair, and so the Rachel Weisz idea seemed plausible to me (think of her in Runaway Jury). I was trying to think of French actresses that would be good, and most of them seemed too "refined" (like Irene Jacob). I picture Sophie as a little more "scrappy," and so I think I like the Audrey Tautou idea.

Brendan Frasier wouldn't work for me at all, even though I like him well enough. He's too goofy, not intellectual enough.

I didn't see The Truth About Charlie (and can't believe they even wanted to make it), but there are a lot of French actors who could play the part of the detective. Jean-Pierre Bacri might be good--often you can't tell if he's a "good" guy or a "bad" guy.

[PAMMELA]

No no no to Dennis Quaid or Tom Hanks! I love the Viggo though, but I picture RL with dark hair. Just color his hair and add glasses. Perfect!

And Rachel Wiesz (Runaway Jury is the perfect movie to picture her from) as Sophie.

I don't know about Lithogow is Teabring. I don't know why, but for some reason I always pictured his as a larger man. Like the Professor from Sliders (can't remember his name).

[colleency]

That's funny. I picture Teabing as a skinny man.

I like Audrey Tatou, Viggo Mortenson (with glasses), and I'm not quite settled on Teabing, but I'd want him to be English.

Does Audrey Tatou speak English?

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by PAMMELA
I love the Viggo though, but I picture RL with dark hair. Just color his hair and add glasses. Perfect!


Well, he's shown he looks good with dark hair in LOTR - though it was not very professor-like in that movie. :)

[claire797]

What about Ron Livingston as Langdon?

http://www.wchstv.com/abc/thepractice/ronlivingston.jpg

[claire797]

Originally posted by Gilgamesh37


The Stephen Root suggestion almost made me choke--by the time I looked up on line who he was, I'd forgotten for what role he'd been suggested, and just assumed it was Langdon. So I'm sitting at my desk, almost apoplectic, thinking The "It's my Stapler" guy as LANGDON???? Are they nuts???? :p

Hardy, har, har. "No, salt. I said no salt..."

True, he's best known for Newsradio and Office Space, but he's played some serious roles as well and he's a good actor.

[Natasha]

I'd be happy if Tom Hanks got the role. I think he can portray pretty well anyone and do a good job.

Audrey Tautou does speak at least some English. I think she learned it quickly for her role as a Turkish woman in Dirty Pretty Things. She was good in that as well.

Natasha

[badunnin]

Originally posted by Beth H


What? Haven't you watched the "pond" scene in Pride and Prejudice multiple times? :) I love Colin Firth - I think he would be great as long as he could do the American accent (which I think he could). Ron Howard, are you reading this?

*sob* My copy of P&P was stolen when our cottage was broken into!!!!

[honeygirl1971]

badunnin that is TRAGIC!!!

Here, this is for you:

http://members.aol.com/CFPages/Supercilious.jpg

;) :D :)

[badunnin]

*sigh* Oh yum. Thank you thank you! :D :D :D

[honeygirl1971]

Any time!! ;)

I've been thinking, Jean Reno would also be good as the French police detective, although that's kind of typecasting because he often plays a detective type in action films. But he would be good in that role.

[colleency]

DH and I were just discussing this. He suggested Jeremy Irons for Teabring. I objected, because everyone knows Jeremy Irons plays bad guys. DH wanted to know who in America doesn't know the end of that book. :D

[Beth H]

My copy of P&P was stolen when our cottage was broken into!!!!

Well, at least the thief had good taste! :)

Colin was on "Today" this morning talking about "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason." He'd be really perfect for this part. I think we should petition Ron Howard.

[AdGirl]

looks like it's official...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6471862/site/newsweek/


by the way, honeygirl1971, you may be right about jean reno. apparently he's on brian grazer's "shortlist" to play bezu fache...

[badunnin]

Bumping this as Audrey Tautou (Amelie) has been selected to play Sophie.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/arts/national/2005/01/24/Arts/artsbriefs050124.html

[Natasha]

Originally posted by badunnin
Bumping this as Audrey Tautou (Amelie) has been selected to play Sophie.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/arts/national/2005/01/24/Arts/artsbriefs050124.html

Yay! I think she'll be great in this role. :)

Natasha

[jem927]

When I was reading the book I could hear the voice.. learned, English, a bit aristocratic....

http://members.shaw.ca/johnrhysdavies/jrdpics/jrdpfour.jpg

And I think he was the one from Sliders, as someone mentioned earlier..

He's John Rhys-Davies, and I'm sure most of you have seen him in one movie or another. Gimli in Lord of the Rings, Sallah in the Indiana Jones movies, one of the Bond movies (can't remember the name right now), among others...

Just my two cents worth..


Jamie