Fincher's 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' Candidates: Who Stands Out Among the Crowd?
Take your pick, the list is long or suggest your own
While the buzz continues to grow for the October release of The Social Network (did you watch the just added international trailer?), anticipation is already building for David Fincher's next film. As announced earlier today, Columbia Pictures has set a December 21, 2011 release date for his adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the first book in the series of best-selling novels by Stieg Larsson which has already been made into a $100 million grossing Swedish film.
Mike Fleming of Deadline reports that Daniel Craig is still in talks to play journalist-turned-private investigator Mikael Blomkvist, but most everyone is still wondering who will take on the role of Lisbeth Salander, the anti-social computer hacker who aids Blomkvist in attempting to solve a 40-year-old unsolved murder. The titular heroine is surely one of the most sought after female roles in recent memory, with the Lisbeth character being named one of Entertainment Weekly's "100 Greatest Characters of the Last 20 Years" – even without an American film version.
While I haven't read the novel, I am a big fan of the Swedish film and have a hard time believing Fincher, and whichever young actress he chooses, will top Noomi Rapace's portrayal in the original. That said, I think Fincher is about as good a match as one could hope for with this material. I'm even a bit hesitant to call this a remake because the success of the novel made an American film adaptation seem inevitable… the Swedes just beat us to the punch.
While early reports suggested Fincher may have been interested in giving South African rapper Yo-Landi Vi$$er (not a typo… think South Africa's Lady Gaga) the role, those talks seem to have died down and Deadline is now reporting these seven ladies are being looked at as possible candidates (I've also included Rapace in the final slot for comparison's sake):
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| Carey Mulligan An Education, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps | Ellen Page Juno, Inception | Emily Browning The Uninvited, Sucker Punch | Mia Wasikowska Alice in Wonderland |
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| Rooney Mara The Social Network, A Nightmare on Elm Street | Sarah Snook "Sleeping Beauty" | Sophie Lowe Blame | Noomi Rapace Not a candidate, but played the role in the Swedish adaptations |
I'd be lying if I said I was familiar with Browning, Snook, Mara or Lowe, but with Snook and Lowe serving as relative newcomers to the film community you can hardly blame me for my ignorance there. Of the other three, Mulligan has certainly been the most heavily rumored of the bunch, and while she is a fine actress whom I absolutely adore, she just seems far too sweet to play Lisbeth. She'd have to toughen up a lot for me to buy her as the tattooed ass-kicker.
Fincher has reportedly been telling the actresses to work on their Swedish accents (which would suggest they aren't moving the story to America), so I'm sure that will play some part in who gets the role. The other major consideration is whether he would want to cast an unknown or someone with more of a "name."
Since I'm not particularly sold on any of those candidates, one name I would like to throw out there for consideration is that of Alison Lohman (Drag Me to Hell). I've been a big fan of hers ever since seeing her in Matchstick Men, but she never really broke out in the way that I would have expected. At 30 years old, she might be a bit old for the part (Lisbeth is in her early 20s, looking even younger than that), but she convincingly played a 14-year-old in Matchstick Men when she was 23 and she hasn't aged a bit since. She's got the look, and has convinced me that she can both play a tough girl and carry a movie. I'd also like to see Jena Malone (Into the Wild, Donnie Darko) be given a look.
There's a lot to look forward to hera as Columbia seems to be taking this adaptation very seriously. Steven Zaillan () adapted the script and recently Columbia co-chair Amy Pascal told The Wrap, "We're going to really do this, in all their glory. Otherwise why do it? They're very R-rated movies. It's the shock of what's really going on underneath the surface of society. If you don't actually make good on that, you haven't told the story."
With a December 2011 release date this is certainly a contender for next year, the question now is who will get the lead role? I've added a poll just below. Who do you prefer? Any suggestions not yet mentioned?
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I would like to see Allison Scagliotti in the roll. She does a fantastic job as the technology wiz/hacker on Warehouse 13. Of the seven listed Carey Mulligan would be my top choice, I think anyone would have to 'toughen up a lot' for this role and I think Mulligan can do that.
Wow, good call. I had never heard of her or that show before, but I just checked out a video of her. She's cute and has an interesting/mysterious look.
You can shoot around an actor's height pretty easily.
Whoops I replied to the wrong thread.
I agree. The first person I thought of when I heard they were remaking the series was Allison.
I know this is ridiculous but I wouldn't mind seeing Kristen Bell play her, obviously with some appearance adjustments.
Agreed! V Mars totally has the chops to take on Salander.
My top pick would be Emily Browning. She's incredibly talented, and if you look at the few movies that she's been in (Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events, The Uninvited, Sucker Punch), 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' fits into that kind of mold.
I also wouldn't mind Mulligan at all, and could be open to any of the others (except the two unknowns at the bottom cause I don't know who they are). All of the major name candidates are talented, so I think they're on the right track with casting. Unfortunately, whichever way they go, it will be more than a year until we can see how the American version matches up to the fantastic Swedish film.
I'm not a big fan of all the actresses I know on that list for this role. I think Ellen Page though is a good shout looking at a similar role she played in Hard Candy.
It's difficult to see Mulligan play that role seeing as how she always plays 'nice' characters – she would really need to toughen up for this role.
Great shout on Alison Lohman by the way, I think she is a great actress and I never understood why her career didn't take off after Matchstick Men.
Do people really like Ellen Page that much that she's winning this poll, or is it just people are still hyped up from Inception?
God I hope its not Ellen Page. Although I'm yet to see Inception (nice going Australia) I doubt my mind will change on that once I do see it.
Maybe, but I think it's because she really fits the role. Salander is supposed to be very small and skinny, almost androgynous, which Page certainly is. Also, Page has played a role almost similar to Salander in Hard Candy, and of all of these people mentioned, she probably has the right chops for Salander. Plus, Noomi Rapace (the girl who played Salander in the Swedish movies) thinks Ellen Page would be right for it, and if anyone knows what it takes to play the role, it's her.
I've not read the books or seen the swedish movie yet but what I have seen and heard about the character, even though she may be to old for the role I would pick Shannyn Sossamon for the role. Based on her performances in the rules of attraction and wristcutters. She has the look and I think could really pull it off. But of the seven above I'd definitely choose Ellen Page.
Other suitable picks:
Talulah Riley
Cheryl Cole
Sarah Harding
Kimberly Walsh
Nadine Coyle
Nicola Roberts
Tamsin Egerton
Dakota Blue Richards
Jordana Brewster
Michelle Rodriguez
Anna Popplewell
Georgie Henley
Georgie Henley?! Goodness gracious… How on earth would they do the rape scenes?
Although I was actually thinking that Popplewell might be a good choice.
I would have chosen Michelle Rodriguez based on all the badass girls she has played in previous films.
Lohman only!!!!!!!!!!1111
I think they should take a look at Allison Scagliotti(Warehouse 13) for this role. Whatever the reason, as I was reading this series of novels, she is who I kept picturing as Lisbeth. She has a rebellious, spunky side to her that would lend itself well, I think she'd be great.
Ok, I´m going with two very unpopular choices but is just my opinion so…
Kirsten Dunst.
Yeah, I know, hating this girl is trendy but I really don´t understand why. She is 28 but can look much younger, she has something hidden and unexplainable behind her eyes and could be Swedish by the looks… in fact she is in Sweden filming the new Von Trier movie right now.
oh, and I choose Elle Page from the list.
I must admit, i'm intruiged that 4 australian actors have been "considered" as put by Deadline
Its also interesting to do a 6 degrees idea.
Sarah Snook is in Sleeping Beauty which also stars Emily Browning. Wasikowska was originally in Browning's role but had to back out due to scheduling conflicts. Early onm Wasikowska was in the film September co-starring Xavier Samuel who was in Twilight:Eclipse which also stars Kristen Stewart who was the initial first consideration.
Now thats a bit of pointless info.
Mulligan.
Ellen Page. Salander is actually a few notches DOWN in the psycho factor from Stark in Hard Candy. And just a few notches up in terms of the toughness. And the detachment seen in Stark is also seen in Salander.
Oh, and I think Page is winning in the polls right now more because of Hard Candy memories and not so much due to Inception because the Ariadne and Salander are too different to compare properly.
i think this chick should be lisbeth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnkSCQBFNBk
I never thought I'd actually say this, but.. Fincher might have to go for an unknown for this to work, as I cannot think of a single actress, from those I know at least, who could pull it off and do it well. From the candidates in the article, I am only familiar with Carey, Ellen, and Mia, and love all three of them, but, unfortunately, the more I think about it, the harder it gets for me to imagine just one (or any) of them in the part.
I think a mixture between Carey and Ellen could work, but we can't get them both on screen and the actress who will play Salander will need to impersonate a very, very, very dark character (in my opinion, one too dark for a woman, but interesting whatsoever) and also forget a lot of lady-like features.
With Lisbeth S. what's important is that she has a thin and flat body, as well as small features of the face (and piercing on those small features –and not just the ears, Hollywood!). Also, she talks with her eyes a lot, at least that's how I'd imagine it, so the actress has to be talented. Or, at least, have big expressive eyes.
Anyways, I believe in Fincher and think he will assemble a good cast as well as make the film as good as, or better, than the book. I believe in Fincher…most of the time anyways.
Wow! I really wish David could see this girl, this australian actress is perrrfectt!! she's a black belt in tae kwon do, tiny, young, agressive, and can be very androgynous/bisexual. Sascha Raeburn, you can see her in this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKEw7non3fg
Zoe Saldana or Katee Sackhoff are 2 perfect choices that everyone is overlooking. Both are superb at believably pulling off the very complicated badass/sexy/smart/vulnerable combo needed for the role.
Lisbeth is extremely petite… I think she's something like 4'11. I think her small size is vital to her character.
I like these actresses (especially Saldana), but they are both about 5'7." Fincher would have to cast Shaq as Mikael to compensate for it. The remainder of the cast would have to be filled out by WWE stars and retired football players.
I think MIlla Jovovich would be just fantastic for the role. She could easily pass for 24 years old and could be easily believable in the role. Few of the mentioned actresses seem able to live up to the great performances by Noomi Rapace though. Of the listed I think Rooney Mara has a look that might work for the role but I'm not terribly familiar with her acting to judge. The other chicks , while beautiful, look too damn angelic and pure and kinda girlish. The role needs to filled by a woman even thought its called "girl" with the dragon tattoo.
I vote for Katee Sackhoff………….She's the best Badass….ever !!!
I'm throwing in my vote for Katee Sackhoff.
I would like to see Emily Browning… but one guy said Michelle Rodrigez, I don't know if she's a choice to be conseidered but I will love to see her and let me tell you that she's one hell of a good actress. She just made a movie called Tropico de Sangre (Blood Tropic) taking the role of one of the Mirabal sisters and she did an outstanding performance.
Katee Sackhoff
Voted for other, not because I wanted to but because I believe that the studio will inevitably end up casting Kristen Stewart or someone of her equivelant in the role for commercial reasons.
Actaully I'm surprised Jennifer Lawrence hasn't been thrown into the mix.
ellen page may be the best of the bunch… but not for this role
Alison Lohman would be a really interesting pick. She was perfectly charming in "Matchstick Men," but I do think she has a dark side that could work.
No matter how bad the "Nightmare" remake was, I found Rooney Mara to be the most appealing of the bunch. Wouldn't mind seeing her in this.
Absolutely Katee Sackhoff
Evangeline Lilly.
I think Carey mulligan is a great actress and would be able to pull this role off pretty convincingly.
I absolutely love Carey Mulligan. Go her!
Collider is apparently reporting that the list is down to Emily Browning, Rooney Mara, the two unknowns Snook and Lowe, and an unknown French actress. http://www.collider.com/2010/07/21/the-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo-lisbeth-salander-browning-snook-lowe-mara/
If this is true, then the discussion just got more interesting.
Keira Knightly would be perfect. She pulled off a bad-ass role in Domino and this role is similar to that. Her body type is also exactly like Lisbeth Salander's. Cut her hair short, color it black, add some piercings/tattoos, and she IS Lisbeth.
Carey Mulligan is an incredible actress, but I can't see her in this role. She is too pleasant and cheerful. Lisbeth Salander doesn't even smile.
Kristen Stewart; Forget all the Twilight B.S. just saw how great she was in the Runaways, that's the type of attitude the role requires.
The Part of Lisbeth should be played by an actress that has range, not just because she can play a dark and mysterious. Than being said Ellen Page and Mia Wasikowska both have in previous movies shown that they can mold into part that they portray and do an exceptional job. Another actress I think holds true to this same characteristic is Emily Blunt. She is a very good actress and I think casting her would hold a lot of intrigue. Also, It would be interesting to Anna Kendrick casted for the part, but we haven't really seen how deep her range goes, although she was excellent in Up In The Air.
the "unknown" french actress that the rumor websites are all talking about is Lea Seydoux, who played a minor role in "Inglorious Basterds."
you can see the article here: http://www.hollywoodnews.com/2010/07/21/lea-seydoux-the-new-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo/
Please hire Kristen Stewart.
I think Natalie Portman would be very good. She has the acting chops to give this some edge.
Emily Blunt.
Ellen Page or Emily Browning. Kevin, you may not be familiar with Browning, but I've always been quite taken with her ever since her star turn in "A Series of Unfortunate Events." I missed her when she took three years off her career to go to the university, and then I was so excited when she came back, and now she has a role in Zack Snyder's upcoming "Sucker Punch," so it looks like she's making a name for herself.
But I've got to say, Ellen Page is probably the best choice of the ones listed. Many people remember her for Juno, but I saw her in "Hard Candy" before Juno even came out (that movie was the reason why I was looking forward to Juno for three or four months in advance), so I'm unable to tie her only to her breakout role like some people may. Also, she took a great turn in "Inception," matching Leonardo DiCaprio in all their scenes together. She's got some serious game going on for her now, and she has even more potential in the future.
Evan Rachel Wood or Allison Lohman. Has to be a sexy girl who you could believe "f*cks them and leaves them" be very thin and not have big boobs. None of these other girls look anorexic, as she is described in the book, and they all have largish breasts. And can they really act, or will they just be moody and sullen?
Sophie Lowe was terrific in "Beautiful Kate" & it's a shame that movie has not been released in the US. it was an unimaginably tough part & she was right on the money. i don't doubt for a moment she could pull off an ass-kicking.
a little surprised not to see Jennifer Lawrence from "Winter's Bone" on the list & wondering if it's due to her Xmen availability. she is tough as nails in that & has a great future
I'd like to see John Malkovic play lisbeth in drag, I beg he's be great…………..
GENIUS!!
i'm actually surprised no one's even mentioned Katherine Moennig. she's a fantastic actress, best known for playing moody-but-loveable lesbo womanizer in "The L Word." she's actually about 30 years old, but, like Salander, looks like a teenage boy if you're not looking carefully. here's a fantastically Salander-esque photo to prove my point:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.sho.com/site/lword/myspace/slideshow/katherine_moennig.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.myspace.com/swimforaprawneddy&usg=__uz7tlnQn0v8PLWexTe20UZIergk=&h=533&w=400&sz=88&hl=en&start=12&sig2=OM2DvbD2uS6qJoA1bnsR-Q&tbnid=h2Y-nid9Z1b40M:&tbnh=194&tbnw=155&ei=9dBKTKCNF9W7jAfg29HYDA&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkate%2Bmoennig%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D529%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C325&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=791&vpy=179&dur=184&hovh=259&hovw=194&tx=149&ty=170&page=2&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:12&biw=1024&bih=529
I'm a big proponent that Deborah Ann Woll from True Blood should do it.