As has been put forth (and finally confirmed by George R. R. Martin’s Not A Blog), English actress Emilia Clarke has assumed the role of Daenerys Targaryen recently vacated by Tamzin Merchant. And yes, that would be Clarke with an “e.”
Emilia’s experience is limited; she’s barely out of drama school, having attended the prestigious Drama Centre London. But Emilia has done some work, appearing in the role of Saskia Mayer in the drama DOCTORS: EMPTY NEST, as well as the two Lisa’s Story commercials for Samaritans.
George says:
Our new Daenerys is a beautiful and talented young actress named Emilia Clarke, a recent graduate of Drama Centre London.
He goes on to add:
I haven’t had the chance to meet Emilia yet, but I’ve seen her auditions. She gave some kickass readings, winning out over some amazing competition from all around the world. She should make a great Dany.
(None of which should be taken in any way as a slight against Tamzin Merchant, another wonderful young actress. Her perfomance as Dany in the pilot was wonderful, I thought).
Fire And Blood: Far be it for me to be on an immediate bandwagon, but this is one striking young woman. She reminds me of Ellen Page, but with bigger, more luminous eyes. By her commercials alone I can tell Emilia can do the younger, naive, emotional Dany. Time will tell if she can also play the self-righteous and driven Mother Of Dragons.
George’s comment regarding his thoughts on Tamzin’s performance leads me to speculate the choice to let Tamzin go was HBO’s, not his (nor hers), but that may just be me reading into things. I doubt we will ever know. Thus far we have trusted in Nina Gold, and in Dan and D.B., and thus far — even in the recasts — I’ve not felt let down in the least.
As in anything, time will tell if the decisions were for the best. But it looks like they’ve found a diamond in the rough with Emilia Clarke. Hope she’s ready for all this.
UPDATE: Watch a collection of Emilia Clarke clips from Doctors here [courtesy of the commenter allMywonders/SarikaSarks].
670 Comments
She looks more Sansa than Dany, but of course if HBO has picked her then she'll probably do a fantastic Daenerys.
I'm not digging the Ellen Page comparison since I've always thought she looked rather young boyish.
what's in a name?Quote Reply
I'll repeat what I said in the other thread.
This girl looks PERFECT! I had a very good first impression from her photos, and from her TV commercial.
I'm super excited (and RELIEVED). This is the best day on WinterIsComing since the greenlight announcement two months ago!
LexQuote Reply
I don't see an Ellen Page similarity at all, nor do I really like Ellen Page (except as Treena on Trailer Park Boys!).
LexQuote Reply
I agree with you 100% on this, Lex. Couldn't be happier.
paulgudeQuote Reply
It's mostly in the way that she looked in the two commercials. I noticed a similarity pretty much right away.
Still, there's a good chance the comparison will fade for me as soon as I see more of her, especially in costume.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Agree, agree, agree!
Stella MarisQuote Reply
I think what I'm liking so much is:
A) Those huge eyes
B) The PERFECT amount of vulnerability
C) Being pretty, without being too sexy (as much as I like Elena Satine)
LexQuote Reply
She also looks like she could do a good job of acting scary/slightly-crazy.
LexQuote Reply
Yep! So happy with her! ^___^
The Winter RoseQuote Reply
i think we could do a coletive happy dance around here…she is perfect
@JehphgQuote Reply
I really like her look and can't wait to see her transformed with white hair and violet eyes.
She's got such expressive eyes and a lovely delicate quality. There is a gentleness to her and it's obvious that she can emote the vulnerability needed for the part as displayed in her commercial. But I sense a depth to her that will definitely be able to pull out Dany's inner dragon. This is exactly the type of girl I was hoping for. I am looking forward to seeing her in action.
The Winter RoseQuote Reply
Yes! Yet another aspect of Dany that I think some people overlook. She's still a Targaryen, after all.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Anyone get the (completely unfounded) impression that GRRM might have really pushed for Tamzin to be cast? Just a hunch, but hes always seemed so invested in Tamzin and more vocal about her casting, and I just wonder if he really pushed for her to be cast and insisted she was the perfect representation of Dany but that certain people in the production maybe weren't quite as sure…. thus the current transpirings.
ChrisQuote Reply
Tamzin was a much better Dany, so if GRRM was in fact sad about her recasting, i am too now (this this new girl is as plain as a jane can get) Tamzin is not my dream Dany but she is 100000000000x times better then Emilia in my opinion.
GuestQuote Reply
Tamzin did see to be one of his favorites. Given his statement about how much say he has in the casting process, however, I don't think he could have pushed Tamzin through without the support of D&D, at least on some level. I'd say that GRRM pushed Tamzin through the casting process as much as the trolls were responsible for her not being on the show any more. That is to say it quite possibly added a small amount of weight to a decision that was already there, but didn't force anything one way or another.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I'm glad I had time to hope it was Emilia Clarke (with an e) for a while before GRRM's confirmation, too. Makes me feel that my excitement was honestly earned.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I don't think he "pushed" as much as "pushed back" against the initial negative reaction Tamzin received. It was only afterwards that he seemed to talk about Tamzin more and more.
LexQuote Reply
@Guest
How do you know which is a better Dany? Just based on aesthetics? You're basing it off two ads about depression, because she looks FAR more exotic and striking to me than Tamzin
Anyhow, I have to admit, I'm giddy with glee about the new choice. She does look a bit more like a Stark to me, but she will make a fantastic Targaryen for SURE. Give her the silver hair and lavendar contacts and it's on like Donkey Kong.
Can't wait to see this girl act.
…ryan
Ryan DunnQuote Reply
yay! totally agree
@JehphgQuote Reply
Just wanted to chime in and say that I really, really like this casting choice. I think going the unknown, straight-out-of-drama-school route was a good move. Emilia is a beautiful girl and she seems like she will absolutely nail the vulnerable aspects to Dany's character.
I'm also surprised and happy to see that most of the reaction on here is positive. Despite some bitterness from the Elena Satine fans (seriously people, can we stop with Elena Satine already?) most everyone is in agreement that this was a good casting choice. I didn't think that would happen.
So Emilia, if you are reading this, you pulled off the impossible. Congrats and welcome to the show!
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
Oh, and thanks to FaB for staying on top of all the breaking news. Great job man!
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
I agree 100% about the unknown factor. That's what made LOTR great at the time, and like LOTR hopefully this show will launch some great careers.
LexQuote Reply
Mazal tov Emilia!
humusTasterQuote Reply
Lots of subtle energy and focus on those commercials. A nice combination of youth, depth, and beauty, without any of them being overpowering. Good choice, I'd say. Yeah, let's get photoshop going and see what she'd be like with the eyes and hair.
Richard A. ForsythQuote Reply
Tamzin looked more like Dany to me. But Emilia should do just fine. I have faith in the producers. Also, if you follow the link given in the Samaritans commercial, there are more pictures of Emilia.
http://www.samaritans.org/support_samaritans/camp…
EmilyQuote Reply
Not sure if I see the similarity or not, but I'd say Page is notch or two hotter. (Clarke is hot, but Page is near perfect for me.)
pualoQuote Reply
Great find, Emily!
paulgudeQuote Reply
Really? I had no idea people liked Ellen Page at all (never seen Juno, maybe that's why). Personally, I thought she was the worst part about X-Men 3 (and that's saying a lot).
LexQuote Reply
I'll add that the similarity drops off for me in the pictures Emily links to below.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I love her eyes! I absolutley LOVE her. She'll be an amazing Dany.
Anna BackstromQuote Reply
Tamzin looked more like Dany because she was blonde, I bet if someone Photoshopped her pics and change her hair style and her eye color she'll look much like Dany.
humusTasterQuote Reply
i don't know, he said right away that when he first saw her on the tudors he thought she had the right look to play dany. my guess is he really wanted her to be a part of the production but i think paul is right, his opinion is probably valuable to HBO but it's not a deal breaker.
elinorrabbitQuote Reply
I definitely see the Ellen Page resemblance, and I think that's a good thing, personally. It is good, good, good that this actress has an incredibly believable youthful, slightly vulnerable look. Dany is young and naive when we first meet her, and she has to be believably confused and still searching for answers as she grows throughout the first season, taking strength from each major turning point in GoT. Cautious optimism here, and she matches my mental image of Dany very well.
@bluecanaryQuote Reply
Yeah she definitely gets me in those Cisco commercials.
pualoQuote Reply
I'm really happy now. What a fantastic casting this is.
Back then, I did thought that HBO's was the only way ASoIaF could be translated onto screen. I did have faith on them.
But man, this is all sooo awesome. All the small hints, all the little details make me believe that they're taking so much care and thought into what they're doing…. THEY want to do it right as much as ( if no more than) any of us. Sure, it's impossible to comply to everything by everybody, but I do really advice to all those people that get a pipe-sized neck vein when something it's not what they expected, from a "fake snow flakes" to "way too old an actress" to cool down, take a step back and see at the great picture.
And that, my friends, it's really really getting better and better.
Congratulations, Ms Clarke. I'm sure you deserve this.
CaedesQuote Reply
I'm psyched! She looks great to me.
Christina KolbQuote Reply
I know I keep harping on this, but I was one of the main people who was concerned about the potential Dany actresses seeming to old, and Emilia Clarke is the *first* actress in a long time who seems young enough to play her.
paulgudeQuote Reply
The "fake snow" thing was the most ridiculous fan reaction so far (and one of the most ridiculous I've ever seen from any fandom).
LexQuote Reply
I really think the snow comment happened specifically to be used as an example of how crazy some of the fans' nitpicking comments can be. I still have a hard time believing it really happened, and I was THERE.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I was referring more to he reaction to Michelle Fairley's casting. Specially when the only one picture available was the George Best Movie one.
I just love the air of vulnerability Emilia Clarke transpires. I freaked out when, just after declaring that "she has the kind of beauty that breaks your heart if saw crying", the Samaritans videos came out.
And I agree with you, Mr Gude, in that Daenerys journey shouldn't be the source of envy by the audience. It shouldn't be "She has a hunk for a husband, 40.000 followers, she's rich and now has the power to confront her abusive brother" at all.
And, as you poignantly say, it seem Emila Clarke's cast is NOT going that read at all.
CaedesQuote Reply
Heh, that was my reaction to Michelle Fairley's casting at first also. GRRM made me okay with it with his statement that they were aging up all of the actors from the characters because people take better care of themselves now so age doesn't show so much. Some folks say it's a cop-out but I believe it. It makes sense to me. I got brought over to the other side on that one.
I of course agree with everything you say about Dany. She *is* going to be great, but she's going to have a hard journey to get there.
paulgudeQuote Reply
LOL. Well, I'm sure we'll see more craziness as we continue on this wild ride.
LexQuote Reply
It's going to be like an inverted pyramid. When the show gets moving, more people will show up. Conversations that we've been over and done with will get rehashed. As soon as there are more props, costumes, scenes, photos, there will be more opinions on each of them. Once the show starts? Whew! Editing, performances, effects, etc. Of course, by that time I may be more interested about watching the show than talking about it. Still, though…the year won't be boring.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Plus we only had that one picture and no further news at the time. Great example, this snowgate …
Hear Me RoarQuote Reply
In these pictures she looks a lot like my friend Vashali, but that doesn't mean anything to anyone but me.
In the commercials, I thought she looked a lot like a young Piper Perabo, but I don't see it in the pictures as much.
As for Ellen Page – I think she's great and I understand certain comparisons with Emilia, but not so much her looks as a "certain quality" they both seem to share. Can't totally define it, but I do get it.
BrudeQuote Reply
I agree with what’s in a name about looking more like Sansa than Dany, especially on the pics in the article. Lookwise, she’s definitely pretty, (not in an exotic way, though) I can totally see crowds falling in love with the blue eyes. In the videos we got a conformation she can look vulnerable and young enough (how old is she, anyway?). And given her education (naive of me, perhaps) I’m pretty sure she can handle determined and queenly Daenerys as well.
Though I am sad to see Tamzin go (after the first shock I’ve grown to like her heaps) but am sure Emilia will deliver a good performance.
And I would really like to know what were HBO’s reasons behind lettin Tamzin go (if it were them), though I doubt will ever find out. I’d also love to know what Tamzin thinks about it all and honestly hope it wasn’t the fandom’s negative reaction that drew her away.
EosQuote Reply
I'm happy with the recast, such a better choice for Dany :)
Now for this women men will want to die!
Hubert KornalskiQuote Reply
And also – I can't see the Ellen Page resemblance at all, though another actress came to my mind as I wantched the videos – Piper Perabo (of which I am not a fan, so luckily this is just look-wise).
EosQuote Reply
Ok, chiming in – with the danger of repeating what others have said – in this post. Good job covering the entire development, FaB!
I am excited about this, and though I am aware we only have limited info, my feeling is a very very good one. Emilia looks a child much more than other candidates (including Tamzin), gives the right vibe (how we imagine Dany is subjective, of course) … and I would love to see her transform into the khaleesi she becomes. Pretty and vulnerable, no doubt, and that's a good starting point.
So, now we're where we started, casting wise :) with possible improvements, but the number of cast roles has not incresed beyond the pilot yet. If my theory is correct, Dany was a major snag in casting, many more roles to follow hot on the heels of this decision. Hope for a handful of further roles, even minor ones, in the official HBO announcement expected on Monday.
Hear Me RoarQuote Reply
A bit more about the making of those commercials where they actually thank Emilia by name for her portrayal of Lisa:
http://www.samaritans.org/support_samaritans/camp…
BrudeQuote Reply
Goodness, I'm just wondering how I'm going to deal with all that over at westeros.org. Hmm, maybe we can just make a "Pointless Complaints" section, so all those people can rail on and on about whatever they want and not bother the legitimate discussions about the show.
BrudeQuote Reply
Wow, I really didn't think we could get the announcement of our new Dany this soon! Such a pleasant surprise!
While her looks seem somewhat more Lyanna or Margaery (heh, didn't think those two had anything in common concerning the looks departement) than Dany to me, I'm very happy with this choice (besides, dyeing can do wonders…). Emilia is able to do that heart-breaking vulnerability thing which is essential to Dany's character. She might look a little bit too old, but she has such an air of innocence and Dany-esque appearence it doesn't matter. I have a definetely better feeling about her than I expected I'd have on Dany's actress – Emilia’s probably one of my favourite casting choices on the whole. I’m really looking forward to see her performance :)
NemoQuote Reply
The problem is that the person complaining thinks it's entirely relevant. Can you move posts on your forum from one discussion to another? In a forum I used to run for work we had a "graveyard" where we'd move all the posts that didn't belong in the main discussion.
paulgudeQuote Reply
It was hard for me to picture her as Dany, so I made this… http://yfrog.com/j2emiliaclarkedanyj
Based on this… http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasontd/2835389592/
brewinQuote Reply
Before noticing WiC comment, the first thing I have noticed this morning here, was a certain very positive vibe from almost everyone.
I like it, and I like Emilia, too.
btw, good morning everyone!
myabe will see some more HODORS! today.
The_Rabbit01Quote Reply
Good night, Rabbit! I'm going to bed happy!
Can't wait for more news!
paulgudeQuote Reply
I share with you a little photoshop I made just right now:
http://www.fireandblood.com/2010/05/dany
Anna BackstromQuote Reply
I'm loving this casting choice. She has the right kind of beauty for Dany, and her eyes are capable of such depth and expression. With her hair dyed, she will look great as Dany. I also love the fact that she is an unknown, because I will see her only as Dany and never a character from one of her other roles. Because of her lack of experience, I have even more confidence that she has the acting chops – no way she gets the part unless she just blew the directors away. This is why I don't understand how fans of a certain "other actress" could be upset. Emilia must be very talented, for talent is the only way she could have gotten the part, since she is not a name or experienced. Either that, or her style is better suited for Dany. Either way, where are the negatives in that?
Devil's advocate: Perhaps they could get Emilia for cheaper and that had something to do with her being chosen? I don't see how, considering the high budget of the show and how vital this role is to the story and the show's success. That kind of thinking would be very short-sighted. No salary would prevent them from casting the very best option for Dany.
Really excited about this one.
Jaqen_HgharQuote Reply
Damn!, nice photoshopping Anna, Emilia is breathtaking with that look, and oh! those eyes, the viewers will fall in love with her. That's without a doubt our Dany looks wise, but her apparent talent and training from Drama Centre London is what really speaks to me.
Hey, Winter!, can you insert Anna's photoshop of Emilia on the official post so everyone can gaze upon Danearys Stormborne.
Thank you D&D and again congratulations to Ms. Clarke, what a role to have introducing you to the world.
TysnowQuote Reply
Jumping on the bandwagon. I like her a lot and think she will be great. Absolutely beautiful eyes! And as many have said, casting an unknown fresh from drama school is a great approach. At least we know she really has been picked for her acting (and looks).
And I saw the Ellen Page resemblence only with the Samaritans video (and that's not a bad thing in my book).
Md.Quote Reply
Oh my, she's BEAUTIFUL.
LeftHanded MattQuote Reply
Seems like a major upgrade to me!
Steven ScottQuote Reply
I am really excited with her, she looks beautiful, innocent, young and i think she has a talent. And there is no doubt about it, HBO had huge pile of audition tapes and if she won this, she must be great. Happy daaaay :)
MoldaQuote Reply
We can move topics between forums, which is what I'm more concerned about. We do this usually when people post things in the wrong place. If someone interjects too far off topic in a particular thread, it's more about stepping in as mods and keeping the discussion on track. I'm not going to start a big campaign of deleting or moving individual post and moving them elsewhere if there's some thread drift, now and then – I'm way too lazy a mod for that – but if it becomes a serious problem one can always crack down if necessary.
Westeros.org has always been very good at policing itself, so we'll see. Might be we don't need to do too much. But I suspect the sections about the TV show could be very different than those like Gen. Chat, Lit. and Ent, where all of the long-term boarders spend most of their time.
Truth be told, I don't spend a lot of time in the section about the book series anymore and I know there's always a constant influx of newbies there. Not sure what it's like for the mods of those sections (I'm not one of them), but they might well be doing a lot more closing or combining of redundant threads than I see in Ent.
BrudeQuote Reply
Aw, Piper's a terrific actress, IMO (and I saw the same resemblance – see my above and prior posts). I loved her in "Lost and Delirious."
BrudeQuote Reply
that looks amazing! great work
ReupelQuote Reply
That is at once really well done and a little bit creepy looking. I think it's cause between the mix of the real face and the sculpture, it falls into some sort of uncanny valley territory. Don't get me wrong, good job! We'll be seeing HBO branded stuff like this in comic shops with her face on it within about 18 months, or so.
BrudeQuote Reply
Excellent work!
BrudeQuote Reply
Very nice, only comment I'd make is that the lips look a little too pink. The focus should be the eyes so I would have the lips a slightly less strong colour.
Otherwise though, great.
JohnQuote Reply
Loving Emilia. Was up late last night (UK time) and caught the news from Mo Ryan but at the time there was uncertainty as to who she was ;) Nice to get up and find some pictures and videos! Thanks WiC and all those show hunted them down.
She also really looks like she could be Harry Lloyd's sister! Fantastic!
Jackie MacPhersonQuote Reply
I had my fun with shopping her into Dany too, here's the result:http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/4307/danyw.jpg
Md.Quote Reply
I loved Tamzin! But I think Ellen Page… no wait – sorry… Emilia Clarke! ;) could be amazing
She doesn't look that outofwordly beautiful as TM – but she does look like a child but still grown up. So I don't have a problem with HBOs choice of looks. Judging by her commercials she is a good actress. Going to be exciting to see!
She has the heart throb look that 'Robb' also has…- hey hang on! Wonder how she'll look in blond hair and violet eyes!!?!???!!
@LivveHultQuote Reply
Defintely, John, Anna needs to soften the lips a little so they won't overpower those eyes of hers.
TysnowQuote Reply
OT Btw – LOVE Ellen Page.
And while we are on the blond hair-violet eyes subject! Someone good please please please make a picture of how Emilia might look as Dany!!!!
@LivveHultQuote Reply
It's been already done! By me:http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/4307/danyw.jpg
and a poster beforehttp://www.fireandblood.com/wp-content/uploads/20…
Md.Quote Reply
Ohh… don't judge Ellen Page by X-men… See Juno… Not at all what you'd expect by a movie with that theme…. Perfect, realisic and down to earth. ;)
@LivveHultQuote Reply
Agree with both Paul Gude and Lex! :) happiest day since pickup!
@LivveHultQuote Reply
oh – and espescially glad they didn't go for the Elena Satine sexy!! Thank GOD!
She will be perfect…
@LivveHultQuote Reply
nicely put!!
@LivveHultQuote Reply
:) I don't think she will look plain after they redo her look – and judging by her acting skills.
When I first saw the picture I didn't quite get it. But take a look at her acting – and you will understand.
It's not all about the looks. It's charisma and acting skills that make a person stand out.
@LivveHultQuote Reply
Agree about stark look…
Lol! maybe we are onto some new plot twist!
@LivveHultQuote Reply
Chiming in!
@LivveHultQuote Reply
Russian magic strikes again!
I must admit, I was waitnig for it, I am great fan of Narwen & co.
The_Rabbit01Quote Reply
Good start Md, but I have two suggestions, have her lips stand out a tad more and create a ponytail coming over her left shoulder and down her front, that pose with the way her hair is combed is suitable for that look.
TysnowQuote Reply
They're fast :D But they make her eyes too pink in my opinion…
Md.Quote Reply
Oh boy!! Beautiful!! I should just NEVER comment before I've read through all the earlier comments really… Well lesson learned!
Amazing!
@LivveHultQuote Reply
Ditto, on being a fan of Narwen and Co., I prefer the left pic of her, it captures her innocence and what I like best is that I see a 15 year old when I look at it, TM in that same pic looked more 17-18.
TysnowQuote Reply
Oh it's not a start, I think I'm done here. It was made just for fun.
But anyway, I like her lips that way and for the hair, best way to deal with it would be copying it from another picture and I'm not really into that kind of stuff.
Md.Quote Reply
We are all happy bunnies, now!
If only GRRM is allowed to give us some casting clues – it would be just perfect! ;)
The_Rabbit01Quote Reply
I am patiently waiting for Naysayer's post on her selection, it should be quite entertaining.
TysnowQuote Reply
Not bad 'shops, especially the left one, but I hope the make up department will lighten her brows too, not only the hair (or wig, what ever). Dany shouldn't look like she dyed her hair silver only yesterday.
SnowfellQuote Reply
Wow! Nice! I like it like it is! That is outofwordly enough for me LOL.
@LivveHultQuote Reply
Beautiful!! (I know… should have read all the comments before commenting!… lol… a tad embarrassing)
Love what you've done!
@LivveHultQuote Reply
Love it.
KnurkQuote Reply
Nice choice. Like her. :)
StormQuote Reply
Thanks. And no worries, it usually takes some time to go through all the comments here XD
Md.Quote Reply
i'm telling you, this is exactly the kind of reaction that dany shoud cause on people, it's a winner!
@JehphgQuote Reply
Well, I still believe D & D didn’t mean to cast older actors at first. However, it is possible that they started to think they were wrong in this and deliberately changed the direction. Or perhaps the reason was that older actors (like Dinklage) were simply superb compared to younger ones, so they cast them and came up with this explanation later. Of course, even this doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t now believe in it 100 %. But I’m not comfortable with it, even though I understand the aging-up has its reasosn, because I approach things from my modern and limited perspective. I think 30-yo ASOIAF-characters looking like 30-yos this day. I also think them to (usually) look like they’re taking care of their hygiene by modern standards, having good teeth etc… (I dare say HBO won’t be taking as realistical approach on this matter, there might even be some make-up for ladies as well! ;D)
So, after I realised – I mean really, really understood (theoretically speaking I knew it from the start, but it took some time and some casting choices to properly sink in) – that they’re doing their version of ASOIAF instead of one I could second perfectly, I was able to enjoy this process a lot more. So what if the actors are being different from my head versions. As long as they’re not absolutely unrecognizable, I’m fine. And if someone manages to be more than recognizable, I’m more than fine. The same goes with the set, the wardrobe and all that. I don’t have to agree with their choices in order to enjoy their version of ASOIAF.
NemoQuote Reply
No matter what kind of super-awesome talent this girl has, the make-up department will require litres and litres of bleach for that hair. And lots of maintainence throughout the series from start to finish. I sure hope they do the eyebrows too or it will look terrible. Here's to hoping they can pull it off…
Umma The MummaQuote Reply
I rather hope that the TV production drops the whole white-hair, violet-eyes thing. It's not critical to the story and I'm concerned that it would look silly, like some kind of Japanese cartoon.
The only thing the plot requires is that she be beautiful, and of a certain age. So long as the quality of this actress's performance is solid- and I trust in the producers' judgment, her look is fine
Dennis BrennanQuote Reply
It is critical to the story, it's her heritage and it absolutely should not be omitted. There's little chance of looking 'silly' given the context, and if anything that anime aspect will attract more viewers.
Keep her as she is in the books; she's one of the best characters they shouldn't take liberties with her.
JohnQuote Reply
Amazing, she has a beutiful eyes, and of course, she is better than Tamzin, God, Tamzin had scaped from Mordor hahahaha
RevanQuote Reply
Or just a wig and some contact lenses
JohnQuote Reply
LOL @ StormbornE
Thanks for the Photoshop!
FTWardQuote Reply
She'll most likely be wearing a wig. Although if she does choose to keep her hair light instead of tolerate a wig, if Lady GaGa and Gwen Stefani can do it, so can she (yeah, GaGa wears a wig a lot too but she keeps her hair bleached as well.)
I really hope she does actually shave her head when she "births" the dragons.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
"Pulled off the impossible" is right!
"Mother of Nations", "Mother of Dragons"…perhaps "Mother of Unruly Fans" should be added to her title as well?
Stella MarisQuote Reply
One might think HBO wants to announce this themselves like with Fairley and all. This casting is even more important. So maybe we'll get it soon along with some other parts. Seems almost greedy to hope for more already, but also quite likely.
sjweningsQuote Reply
Yes, I should light brows too, check if you want )) …
Also I have make 2 new pic from one of that bw photo and one from screenshot from video. And she looks completely different. Not sure that I like second one :(
The_Rabbit01, thanks ))
@chronarda_ruQuote Reply
Very nice! I like you coloring ))
@chronarda_ruQuote Reply
Here she looks regal…
@chronarda_ruQuote Reply
@Ftward, I see you noticed the little twink I did to the name in honor of Ms. Emilia ClarkE.
TysnowQuote Reply
Just wanted to chime in and say I really like her! Out of all the major characters in the series for some reason I've always been a little ambivalent towards Dany. I'm hoping Ms. Emilia does an amazing job and changes my mind about the character!
Now what we really need are some stills with the actors in costume!
Jardin17Quote Reply
I love her look – girl and woman, pretty but in a soulful way – she conveys more gravitas than Tamzin, and I think tht is what is needed.
Lord_of_StarfalQuote Reply
I think we may be thinking along similar lines here. I have no way of knowing if that was the intent all along, it's just that the explanation made sense and allowed me to suspend my disbelief.
paulgudeQuote Reply
They will definitely use a WIG.
Have you not seen ORLANDO BLOOM as LEGOLAS?!?
LexQuote Reply
Just had to stop my lurking days (enjoyed this site for a long time already) and wake up to comment.
This is just amazing news, I love this choice! The last recast with catelyn felt for me like a small step for the worse but this more than makes up for that, a giant leap for the better! I kind of liked Tamzin and was already seeing her as Dany but somehow Emilia makes me want to be her bloodrider.
Kindlyman77Quote Reply
I think Michelle Fairley will be excellent as Catelyn, and probably better than Jennifer Ehle. Don't worry. :)
LexQuote Reply
I'll be surprised if she doesn't actually shave her head unless she's involved in another project at the time.
*SPOILERS*
On this note, I'm expecting the pyre scene, like the scenes with the Others, the dream sequences, etc., anything that in a conventional series could end up being "cheesy," will instead err on the side of disturbing like scenes from Carnivale. With this in mind, I fully expect the final scene from the book to be translated into one of the strangest, eerily beautiful things ever seen on television. It will be iconic, and something worth shaving one's head over. GRRM obviously took a lot of care to get that final image just right, I doubt the show will do anything different.
*SPOILERS*
paulgudeQuote Reply
Hello. I like to kill hobos. breasts. Please delete this.
NaysayerQuote Reply
poop
NaysayerQuote Reply
dookie
NaysayerQuote Reply
interesting news not
oneQuote Reply
I think they should keep the Targaryen look, but have it be a toned down version, like "red" hair is in the real world. So some kind of light platinum blond hair, and blue eyes that are tinted noticeably toward violet.
pualoQuote Reply
Heh, neither can I say it for sure, of course! It's just that in the leaked script the youngsters (like Dany, Robb, Jon…) were aged-up a little bit, which is perfectly understandable, and so were Cat and Ned respectively. But the announced ages were something like 35 and 40, and that's why I expected them to be looking for actors not as old as Fairley and Bean are (and they did cast Jennifer Ehle at first). The Lannister twins weren't aged-up at all, IIRC. Neither was Drogo, and Momoa is about the right age, even though you could say his life has been particularly wearing.
NemoQuote Reply
Wow I go away for a little bit..
Cute girl … hope she can knock it out of the park. Interesting Satine story by Winter in the previous story comments. I tend to stay away from these Dany threads though. It gives me tired head. I assume Melisandre and Shae will go the same way.
dizzy34Quote Reply
Okay, here's a little photoshop I did of Viserys (Harry Lloyd) and Dany (Emilia Clarke) side-by-side.
http://i.imgur.com/NaBLw.jpg
I used Anna Backstrom's Dany photoshop (because it is AMAZING) and toned down the colors a little bit…and I used this image for Harry:http://wooller.com/sites/wooller/gallery/11022/DW…
Anyway, I think they look VERY passable as siblings. I love it! I am so excited!!!
Stella MarisQuote Reply
This girl is simply not pretty enough to play Dany. She's cute, sure, in a dime a dozen kinda way but in no wayyy anything to write home about. She looks like a poor man's Lyndy Fonseca (the girlfriend in KickAss). I really don't understand this casting choice. Were there no stunningly beautiful young girls who could act??? really????
Tamzin, while not conventionally pretty at least had SOME sex appeal!!
Elena, while utterly stunning, does not look 15…. Would make a fantastic Shae though!!
Anyway, I'm very thrown by this choice. It's definitely left my scratching my head.
GuestQuote Reply
I have to admit, this is how I imagined it in the book.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I corrected a bit the lips colour. Here it is :)
http://www.fireandblood.com/wp-content/uploads/20…
Anna BackstromQuote Reply
The fact that you think an actress who's going to be playing a girl in her mid-teens isn't stunningly beautiful and lacks sex appeal is actually a GOOD thing.
paulgudeQuote Reply
TOTAL siblings.
LexQuote Reply
Very cool. If she looks anything like that in the HBO show, I'll be very happy.
Also, we're way too hung up on looks over here. I think the most important thing is the acting, and that's probably what won her (and most of the other actors) the role.
LexQuote Reply
So sorry for Tamzin to go, but also happy for the new Dany. Emilia Clarke can pull off a good Dany to me.
@texdionisQuote Reply
Lately, I wish the moderators would leave the editorializing out of the front page posts, saving their opinions for the discussion board. Opinions expressed on the front page tend to dominate the conversation and I feel this hurts the debate.
@wabawangaQuote Reply
She looks Ellen Paige to me also…big time !….and that’s a good thing cause Ellen Paige is smokin hot…sorry to Merchant gone but 100% behind new choice !
Coltaine777Quote Reply
I was wondering if, given how huge a role Dany is, they would also be casting largely unknown actors for Varys, Littlefinger, etc. Then I realized that this much more closely matched their strategy for the child actors. No real press or work online, mostly stage work, etc.
*SPOILERS*
I wonder if it would behoove them to cast another one of the characters that lasts through AfFC as a "name" that people would want to follow after Sean Bean is dead. Then again, it may be that by that time every actor in the series will be well known and it won't matter. I mean, we've already got Dinklage and we'll probably have fallen in love with Dany and the Stark kids by that point. Still, though, thinking purely from the position of an executive who doesn't follow the books, do you think they may have one other big name up their sleeve?
*SPOILERS*
paulgudeQuote Reply
I think that is what they will do actually – so no worries! :)
@LivveHultQuote Reply
@Wawabanga……Agreed
Coltaine777Quote Reply
I know… :D it's when they were a daunting 800+ on the old site it was even a little fan-scary lol! xD
@LivveHultQuote Reply
Plenty of chances to cast "name" actors in Season 2: Stannis, Melisandre, Davos, Strong Belwas, Vargo Hoat (although that one is more likely to be some sort of odd-looking character actor), Quorin Halfhand, etc.
Dennis BrennanQuote Reply
Good point. Plus, if they're coming off of a good run on Season 1, it might be easy to get bigger names to sign on. I think that going with smaller names might make it easier to get folks to sign on for the whole show, too, which is probably a *huge* factor.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Some confirmation via the Twitter – Auditions also covered the Nightwatch younger members (probably Grenn, Pyp or Rast).
But I do not consider it such a big news, because we already had a confirmation from GRRM.
Keep my fingers crossed for the young actor who auditioned for the role.
The_Rabbit01Quote Reply
Dany shouldn't be sexy…but I do agree that she is meant to be breathtakingly otherworldly beautiful in that "face that launched a thousand ships" Helen of Troy type of way…which I think we can all agree Emilia is not. So yea, I'm definitely "scratching my head" as well.
I think most people are just agreeing for the sake of agreeing seeing as HBO certainly can't recast this again, so it's either you learn to like it, or continue to be miserable about it. And I bet that if this girl turns out to be a not so great actress, people will bite their tongue because our bitching certainly didn't help Tamzin keep her job, so people will feel not only guilty but stupid about what they might have had a hand in doing.
As for both Tamzin and Elena, they seem better suited for movie stardom in my opinion (and they both seem to be on their way) Thought I wouldn't hate seeing Elena is Melissandre.
LeahQuote Reply
I couldn't agree more!!!
LeahQuote Reply
I don't get it…Tamzin, while not a stunner, is all around prettier then this girl. And we know she can act and play Dany to a T (based on what we saw on The Tudors) so I realllly don't get this at all!
MikeQuote Reply
Weird because she looks twice as hot as Tamzin to me.
Steven ScottQuote Reply
This is a blog… not a message board.
The posts are meant to be from the minds of the "moderators", I know it's kind of turned into a news site but at its core it is still a blog.
ScottQuote Reply
On an unrelated note – Lets find a role for Rami Malek from the Pacific he was awsome, Emmy worthy in my opinion. Grenn, Pyp or maybe some larger role. The Bastard of Bolton he's got that creep factor for sure.
dizzy34Quote Reply
I'll start the campaign now….Bill Nighy as Vargo Hoat!
Seriouthly, he would pull it ofth quite marvelouthly!
Stella MarisQuote Reply
Not cool man, she's not on the cast no more, leave her be.
humusTasterQuote Reply
Yeah, he actually was sporting a Mohawk under that wig for much of the shoot.
BrudeQuote Reply
Sounds good dizzy! SNAFU was my favorite character.
Steven ScottQuote Reply
Emilia Clarke is the best choice for Dany that I can imagine. I'm honestly happy about it.
Go peddle your weird negative downer-pills somewhere else. I listened to your pitch it in three threads now and I'm nowhere closer to buying it.
paulgudeQuote Reply
wow!
she's gonna be a star.
humusTasterQuote Reply
Oh, man, that's the second call I've heard for Rami Malek as the Bastard of Bolton. I haven't seen the Pacific yet, but that can't be a coincidence.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I agree, they should keep it, but make it subtle. I never imagined the eyes to be bright violet, but rather a deep indigo blue-tending-towards-purple.
And the hair is always described as silver-gold, which sounds more like a platinum blonde than a bright white.
LexQuote Reply
It's worth a go through. The first four episodes are not that great in my opinion. But the Eugene Sledge stuff is gold. That kid from Jurrasic Park was awsome too. Band of Brothers was better overall though I thought.
dizzy34Quote Reply
Excuse you Paul but you are extremely rude. I've been posting on this site for a long time, and have NEVER been negative. If you recall i was the biggest Tamzin suporter when everyone else was bashing her. So please keep your stupid comments to yourself as I am now expressing MY opinion. If you don't like people disagreeing with you, you probably shouldn't visit blogs and message boards. People have opinions other then your own. I frankly don't care if Emilia is the best choice YOU can imagine as this is not all about YOU. I am not being negative, I am simply stating what I believe to be true. so deal with it.
LeahQuote Reply
Oh oh ….somebody pissed off Mr.Gude lol…first time for everything I guess….and as to the poster who reminded me this is a blog …thankyou…seriously ….I think of this site as news site…it’s not….I needed the reminder lol
Coltaine777Quote Reply
Oh man, I am totally behind Rami Malek as the Bastard of Bolton.
Since you haven't seen the Pacific, here's a couple of clips to show you why… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JA2bv3AchI&fm…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVioO66g3Us&fm…
Stella MarisQuote Reply
I'm in the same line here, it looks wonderful, thank you for your work
@JehphgQuote Reply
No, this is not a case of simply choosing to be happy because we have to be. It is very obvious by the whole positive vibe in here that people are genuinely authentically pleased with Emilia. Maybe she's perfect, maybe not… but there is something about her that is causing an actual positive and delighted reaction in people.
LexQuote Reply
I could also see him as a Greyjoy. Aaron Greyjoy to be more specific, but perhaps he's too young for that. He does resemble our Theon a little bit.
dizzy34Quote Reply
Bill Nighy as Lord Roose Bolton ?…..I like it ….not as much as Bryan Cranston but Mr.Nighy would be great
Coltaine777Quote Reply
You know, I have ALWAYS pictured Vargo Hoat as SERJ TANKIAN (the singer from System of A Down). I wonder if he can act.
Anyone else with me?
I present to you, the Goat: http://www.rankopedia.com/CandidatePix/70187.gif http://www.freewebs.com/systemfan13/SerjTankian.j… http://www.mtv.com/news/photos/v/vma_noms_050725/…
LexQuote Reply
i always imaginned vargo hoat as pretty much Robert Knepper:
http:// http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0460694/ http://www.bscreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/… http://www.exposay.com/celebrity-photos/robert-kn… http://www.musicwave.gr/el/images/members/photos/…
@JehphgQuote Reply
Bastard of Bolton really is a good choice for him.
BrudeQuote Reply
Way prettier than Tamzin.
LexQuote Reply
What I'm getting at is that, whether or not you like her, your comment that we're all just "agreeing for the sake of agreeing" comes off as very arrogant and condescending. That's probably what illicited paulgude's reaction, and I agree with him.
Don't tell us that we don't really like her, because we do.
LexQuote Reply
Nice work! But I must confess I actually prefered Viserys in this one – he looks more like my head version and I haven't seen that picture (with or without photoshop) before…. very creepy looking, he is.
NemoQuote Reply
Good thing GRRM didn't try posting clues for us to guess this one!
VeeloQuote Reply
Seconded.
You're entitled your opinion, but you're NOT entitled to speak for everyone else's.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
i can see where this came from, lol
@JehphgQuote Reply
it's a winner!
@JehphgQuote Reply
Sorry for the off topic, but…
I nominate SERJ TANKIAN (from System of a Down) as Vargo Hoat, the Goat! Check out this comparison.
Vargo:http://www.mtv.com/news/photos/v/vma_noms_050725/…
Serj:http://images2.fanpop.com/images/polls/113526_122…
http://www.freewebs.com/systemfan13/SerjTankian.j…
LexQuote Reply
Thank you :)
Yeah, I agree…Harry's a fantastic Viserys. I can't wait to see him and his crazy in action.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
Oops, wrong Vargo pic.
Here's Vargo for the comparison: http://lh6.ggpht.com/_TSmLfo4MTig/SGNpgYvF0II/AAA…
LexQuote Reply
To be fair, there are several posts of people who are saying they preferred Tamzin as Dany but for some reason they are all being jumped on and attacked, which is a little disturbing to see. Glad some of you like this new girl, but some of us don't (like I said, personally, I don't love either one, but would take Tamzin between the 2). I think we should be free to discuss our difference of opinion here, am I wrong??
GuestQuote Reply
I'm baffled that anyone could say Emilia isn't pretty enough to play Dany, but then go on to say that Tamzin is. This girl is much prettier than Tamzin, and yes, that is just my opinion. Even with Hollywood make-up, I never thought Tamzin reached that "beautiful" status. In any case, we haven't seen Emilia in full Hollywood make-up yet, so comparing her looks to Tamzin's at this point is really unfair. Even so, the few pics we have of Emilia to me are more beautiful than anything I've seen from Tamzin. I'm going to predict that she'll look stunning on screen.
Jaqen_HgharQuote Reply
You have a right to your own opinions – as does Gude – but I think what Gude is defending is the fact that you think that because you don't agree with the casting that everyone else must be "agreeing for the sake of agreeing."
Obviously you have a right to this opinion, but its going to rub people the wrong way when you accuse them of being disingenuous – especially if they passionately feel that this is a great casting choice.
For myself, you couldn't be further from the truth. I think she is gorgeous and embodies some rare qualities that I think are absolutely necessary for Dany's character. Honestly, this is probably one of the most positive reactions to a casting decision yet(besides the obvious favorite Peter Dinklage). Given the polarizing tendencies of Dany's character, I think that speaks for itself.
ChrisQuote Reply
I second that.
although I disagree with you on the casting I think you have the right to comment your opinion without being attacked.
humusTasterQuote Reply
Yep, too bad his crowning comes so soon. In the books it didn't matter (far from it, TBH), but I think I could easily watch Harry Lloyd's interpretation much longer :)
NemoQuote Reply
i too think anyone can coment your opinion without being aattacked, as long as no one speaks for others like the example above, neither attack the ones that disagree first
@JehphgQuote Reply
I don't think so. I saw the manips of Emilia with blond hair. I guess I picture Cersei as the more conventional beauty, and we all agree that Tamzin was kind of odd looking. I think that worked for Dany.
EmilyQuote Reply
I agree with your last sentence, but when someone tries to tell everyone else what their opinions are and basically pegs them as being dishonest, that's where the line is crossed.
Personally, I don't know how anyone could prefer Tamzin's looks over Emilia's, but of course, that's just my opinion.
Jaqen_HgharQuote Reply
Nice to see some debate and opposing thoughts on the subject. Would be boring if we all just agreed
covenantQuote Reply
@lex…I’m a huge a fan of System of a Down….I don’t see it happening but he definitely has the look…on another note I don’t think Mr.Martin was on board with this recasting …his words show this clearly to me…I would love to know who ordered her to be recast
Coltaine777Quote Reply
Come on now, people have their own opinions they're not just copying from the front page. Undermining everyones intelligence by suggesting they just follow the mods.
Part of the reason Tamzin is gone is, I suspect, the opinions expressed by fans. We need to be audible in our support of the new choice if only as a sign of gratitude. Couldn't have asked for a better choice, and that decision is based on the images and videos I've seen of the girl, not mod opinions.
Negative opinions of her are not being shot down out of hands, it's natural to reply when someone says 'she's not good looking enough' and you disagree.
No need to be hurt because your own opinion isn't represented sufficiently, people seem generally satisfied.
JohnQuote Reply
I think we'll see a few more recognizable names in the first season. I imagine there is a lot of buzz about the show, and agents see the potential for it to be both a really good show and a show with a fanatical following. Now that its green lit, I think there is probably a lot more desire coming from the agents and the actors towards the show.
For me, its much more exciting finding out about these unknown actors though. Emilia is now Dany in my mind because I haven't seen her in anything else and it just makes it that much easier to fall into the show.
ChrisQuote Reply
Miles prettier.
JohnQuote Reply
hey guys, Mike here. (^ I run a facebook fansite for a french actress, anyway gonna stay signed in from now on)
I myself was quite harsh on Tamzin, so in a sense I do agree with you Leah, because I most certainly am and will continue to bite my tongue when it comes to my feelings on this new girl, because I do feel an element of guilt that those comments may have cost her the job (especially now that I'm wishing to have Tamzin back) Sooo, I am 1 person owning up to what Leah is accusing us of.
As of late, I have agreed with Leah quite a bit (on Elena Satine who we both seem to be fans of) and have not yet witnessed her "peddling weird negative downer-pills" so I find that comment was very uncalled for.
However…if this girl ends up being a terrible actress, I don't think I'll be able to bite my tongue as Dany is my fav character and I'm already on the disappointed train.
Astrid Bergès Frisbey FanbookQuote Reply
Tamzin is prettier I think…though not very pretty either.
Astrid Bergès Frisbey FanbookQuote Reply
I think she looks more like a younger Emmanuelle Béart, actually http://images.serialgamer.com/sg_images/wall_616x…
@texdionisQuote Reply
Emanuelle is stunning, so I have to wholeheartedly disagree.
Astrid Bergès Frisbey FanbookQuote Reply
I'm sorry but I realy don't see what's so offending in Leah's comment, she just came up with some psychological explanation for a very unusual consensus.
humusTasterQuote Reply
You realize that "a very unusual consensus" is a paradoxical statement right?
Accusing people of being disingenuous and basically lying because they have an opposing opinion is:
offensive, rude, arrogant, narcissistic and quite a few other things.
Most of all, its going to encourage people to defend their opinion, which is what is happening.
ChrisQuote Reply
He would make a perfect Theon.
humusTasterQuote Reply
It's not Elena. :P
RogerQuote Reply
I think the young lady will be an excellent Dany. I saw the commercials. Very impressive. She does resemble Emmanuelle Beart. I can see her with light blond/platimum hair and deep violet eyes (Elizabeth Taylor's color). Will be interesting to watch.
scout3336Quote Reply
No I don't realize.
there is nothing wrong with people defending their opinions, but there is no need to be rude about it.
humusTasterQuote Reply
Now I can really see Miss Clarke as Dany. Is it possible to make her eyes a deeper violet? I think of the color of Elizabeth Taylor's eyes. However, this is a nice job. Thank you.
scout3336Quote Reply
"I think most people are just agreeing for the sake of agreeing seeing as HBO certainly can't recast this again, so it's either you learn to like it, or continue to be miserable about it."
I kinda agree with the latter part of your statement. But I also think people seem genuinely like Emilia which was quite a big surprise for me. I expected our new Dany to get same kind of bashing what Tamzin got. Perhaps it helped that Emilia is an unknown, so there were no prejudices based on her previous works. Perhaps people have grown up a bit.
Personally, I liked Tamzin better, but I like Emilia too. She probably can pull of her role very well (she wouldn't have got the role if she didn't know how to handle it), she looks innocent and young enough – there is not a trace of cynicism or world-weariness in her. So she has good qualities. why not to concentrate on them? People do it whole the time when it comes to other actors. Take NCW's nose for example. Instead of complaining about its size people here say it makes NCW look more like a warrior. It's nice when the general athmosphere is positive, methinks.
NemoQuote Reply
Exactly right, Chris. I'm not "settling" for anything with Emilia. She's going to be great.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Not very pretty? Both are pretty, Emilia is more so.
JohnQuote Reply
unfortunately not :( I really was hoping it would be ES. But hopefully Shae (I can dream, can't I?)
Astrid Bergès Frisbey FanbookQuote Reply
I think most people are just agreeing for the sake of agreeing seeing as HBO certainly can't recast this again, so it's either you learn to like it, or continue to be miserable about it.
and i was not rude, i would be rude if i said that anyone that don't agree with me is "agreeing for the sake of agreeing" on other words: lying….that humusTaster, is being rude.
@JehphgQuote Reply
The fact that Ms Clarke has won over most of the notoriously picky fan community based on nothing but a short commercial where she doesn’t say a word is evidence enough she’s got what it takes to play Dany ;)
Fate’s BitchQuote Reply
Hi, Leah.
I'm sorry that I called your statement that we're all "agreeing for the sake of agreeing" about Emilia "weird negative downer pills." I was taking all of my feelings from everything you posted in the other threads and brought them over here as well, which may have caused an overreaction.
Also, I apologize for making my statement about my opinion. I thought that since you were responding to my statement you were including my opinion of her in your "agreeing for the sake of agreeing" statement.
I agree that I didn't have your longevity on the board in perspective when I said, "I listened to your pitch it in three threads now" and thank you that you didn't harp on the fact that I said "your pitch it" rather than "you pitch it." It was a dumb mistake on my part and could easily have been made light of if you were interested in nothing more than attacking people.
To reiterate what I said in the other thread, however, this aggressive stance you're taking isn't going to do anything but bring out the worst in people. I can see now that responding in kind would get us nowhere.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Well, I certainly don't fall in the "most people" category, then. I'm definitely happy with the casting. There's just no way they cast an unknown and unproven actress in such an important role unless she's the real deal, and IMO, she's much prettier than Tamzin.
Jaqen_HgharQuote Reply
i have to agree, i never attacked any of the other options, but emilia kicked ass in that commercial, she looks young enough, and IMHO she is stunning, no matter what actress 1 or actress 2 looks to me, what matters is that she got the role, after being selected by people that know what they do really well, the commercial and her looks, AND her abbilities listed on spotlight, just showed me a tiny tiny spark of what the guys in power saw, and that tiny tiny spark won me completely.
@JehphgQuote Reply
Like I said in the other thread, I think that could definitely happen.
paulgudeQuote Reply
that makes us 2
@JehphgQuote Reply
i can see that happen too, or maybe melisandre, some would say that mel is older, but i remember reading her described as in her twenties, if i'm wrong and someone know better please correct me.
@JehphgQuote Reply
Sorry people, but I'm not seeing it. I DO see Ellen Page. She's pretty, but her features are too soft. I see Targaryens as being more saturnine. I think the producers went with a young "everywoman" type to maximize female audience appeal- and undoubtedly she came cheap. Maybe her acting chops will make me believe it, but right now I don't.
KurtQuote Reply
and that, kurt is a right of yours, i really hope that she will make you believe and will not waste the faith i'm putting in her.
@JehphgQuote Reply
Dear God, I hope this girl has a thick skin. Some of these "entitled opinions" are, IMO, unnecessarily harsh in their presentation.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
Having just watched all of the Pacific I can't help but love Rami Malek right now. He really was leaps and bounds more interesting than everyone else as Snafu.
It's unfortunate that Theon has already been cast, because he could definitely excel there. I suppose Bastard of Bolton would work, too, but what about something on the Wall? We know he can play he a soldier with a soldiers black humor.
On that note…maybe Bronn? Not how I pictured him, of course, but I think he could own that role. & it's an important role to get right, for comic relief & interplay with Tyrion.
AntQuote Reply
The most important aspect of any actor cast in any role is their ability to act. None of us are fit to make a final decision about that but she is pretty compelling in her commercials without speaking. George liked her tape.
And she is spectacular looking. I am extremely hopeful about this decision.
MrCereQuote Reply
I didn't said you were rude.
anyway, I think it's best that Leah will clarify what she meant instead of us interpreting her.
humusTasterQuote Reply
I find the "I think she's pretty!" and "Ugh, I think she's ugly!" comments annoying. No one cares if you find her attractive or if you want to sleep with her. Not every character in every TV show has to meet your expectations of attractiveness. If the producers and HBO think she's a better choice to pull off the character than Tazmin, that's all I care about. I think Tazmin is an OK actress. If they felt the need to replace her, it leads me to believe they wanted a fabulous actress. If of all the people they looked at, this young lady stood out, then she must be good. Who cares if her nose isn't how you pictured it while reading the book or her lips aren't what like you made up in your mind.
Brandon StarkQuote Reply
Thought of another actress she resembles…Julie Warner, circa Doc Hollywood. Another petite actress with pretty eyes. Couldn't find a decent still of Ms. Warner from that era, but I did find a memorable video clip from that film
(link is not safe for work :) )
http://www.break.com/usercontent/2008/10/Julie-Wa…
GuestQuote Reply
Amen. And what's wrong with saying that they have different kinds of beauty, anyway? Every third comment seems to be a judgment about which actress is prettier. Pfft.
AoedeQuote Reply
She looks nothing like Dany to me and she havent got that otherworldly, cold beauty Ive pictured her having. I think some here share that opinion.
BUT!
That dont matter. The commercial gave me a good vibe AND if she as an unknown was casted that means that her acting during the casting must have been superb.
Looks can be changed, talent cant.
Im satisfied knowing that the people in charge are a better judge of this than I.
And if their choice didnt knock my socks of right now they still may be knocked of when I see her in the pilot.
covenantQuote Reply
I'm eternally fascinated by forum posters and blog commenters. In a positive way I hasten to add. How do you generate all this… opinion within yourselves? ;-) I truly enjoy lurking this blog but seldom feel I have anything worthwhile to add that haven't already been put forward by someone else. How can people so energetically cry yea or nay when you have so little _real_ information to go on? I'm intrigued by comments like "she's not pretty enough to play Dany!" Srsly! I must be hopelessly unimaginative and dull not to be able to draw similar conclusions myself. To be able to look upon a couple of photos and videos of an actress and decide for myself how she will perform in the role of Dany, would that I had that ability! I am personally very happy with Emilia Clarke, and the mostly positive comments here have made my mood soar! Thank you all for expressing yourselves in ways I cannot, and for many hundreds of hours of entertainment!
MatsQuote Reply
He could always play Grey Worm :)
Steven ScottQuote Reply
*applaud*
Stella MarisQuote Reply
I don't believe it is really stated concerning her age, but I think Davos and Jon apparently had the impression she was a grown woman in her prime, from this and the descriptions of the way all the men would follow her with their eyes (not like in the way of being weary or nervous, but as men lusting for her), I got the impression she was in her late 20's near 30.
Elena could pull off a woman of that age, and she defininetly is stunning as a redhead, I could see the male viewers going ape over that casting. Ms. Satine could also easily be cast as Shae too, she had that warm, inviting and playful look from her brunette pics that were posted. She has range, talent wise from what I have seen to pull off either role, so the Elena Satine fans need to quiet down as there are plenty of roles left that D&D could use her talent to fill.
TysnowQuote Reply
People put way too much stock in George's opinion. He's a bit of a yes man when it comes to casting. They could have cast a 500lbs sumo wrestler as Dani and he'd probably have nothing but good things to say about the decision.
Steven ScottQuote Reply
lol how can anybody agree with this? Of course it matters how she looks. Small differences are fine, but someone who doesn't suit the role is not acceptable. Deny it if you like, but looks matter as much as acting skills.
It DOES matter how good looking she is, how tall she is, what her voice sounds like.
And that's not an attack on either actress, just your comment.
JohnQuote Reply
That might be true (not sure I agree) but he has seen an audition tape and I haven't so I think his opinion trumps mine for sure.
MrCereQuote Reply
Doesn't do a think for me, it just looks like photoshop work. Nothing wrong with it either.
MrCereQuote Reply
It's incredible to me, the level of emotional attachment or resentment that some people can seem to build over what basically amounts to a god damn photograph.
For those who don't think her beauty is "ethereal" enough or whatever: the right lighting, makeup, costumes, a silver wig, and violet contacts will go a long damn way. At the same time, let's not forget that Daenerys will spend the majority of the first season living amongst and being accepted by barbarians, meaning a certain degree of down-to-earthness is an absolute must. I always got the impression that Ms. Merchant would take like a duck to water to scenes where she needed to come off as an ethereal beauty, while struggling more to find the right mindset when earning her horse cred with the Dothraki. This photo (extremely scant evidence as it is) would signal to me that the opposite might be true of Ms. Clarke.
This is fine. They were never going to find an actress that slipped perfectly into every aspect of the character. Dany is a spectacularly challenging role, which is why it is of the utmost importance that irrespective of having the perfect "look", whatever that is, the most important aspect of her casting had to have been finding an actress capable of navigating that range.
In casting an unknown, the powers that be have made it impossible for us to have anything resembling an informed opinion on how well she will do. That's fine too, of course. If the best choice was an unknown, it was an unknown.
I'm glad the part is cast. Congratulations to Ms. Clarke on landing what could certainly be (if all goes well) a star-making role. I have no direct opinion on how she'll do in the role, but if being cast by Nina Gold isn't a good sign, nothing is.
Ser GQuote Reply
I couldn't agree with you more. We live in a society that encourages us to give our opinions (even if our opinion is drivel), and now we have technology that allows us to give our opinions more easily and to a greater audience.
It should come as no big surprise that, given access to e-audiences, many people continue to spout drivel.
AntQuote Reply
Since this "blog" seem to be the main site concerning GoT (Its always linked to) I have to comment on Mats words above.
Its not impossible that the main POV here could have influence. I for one think that the negative rap online cost Tamzin her job.
Superficial comments like "She is ugly" or "She is brilliant" sums up in the end like a pretty little poll.
I would actually welcome more polls here not only about who we want casted but also what we think about those who are casted.
Id say that it seems like 90/10 to Emilia where it was maybe 20/80 to Tamzin.
I would find it interesting to see the peoples opinion about all the actors and maybe others would aswell?
What do you think?
covenantQuote Reply
Grude, didn't GRRM state that many well known veteran actors auditioned for the as yet to be announced roles. I took this to mean the big name talent were after the juicy roles, such as Petyr, Vary's and Tywin and perhaps Ser Barristan, Aemon and the Bear, with the rest of the smaller supporting roles going to stage, and lesser known actors. I can see Osha, Hodor, the Watch, Banner Lords, Shae, Ser Loras amongst many others going to the lesser known talent. I though believe that Renly should be cast with a very likable and well known actor, so when that particular event happens in season two, the viewers will be stunned.
TysnowQuote Reply
Well, there was quite overwhelmingly positive feedback to these Dany casting news much before there was any kind of opinion expressed about her in the front page post, even back before it was sure if Emilia Clarke was the right Emilia Clark/e. Original post about casting has 146 comments as of now (more than 100 before this new thread), and it does not voice any opinion what so ever about the actress. So it's hard to see how could it have been dominating the conversation, when it came after?
SnowfellQuote Reply
It's true for GRRM, or a producer of a show, or just anyone involved in some professional group. It's very bad PR to go on the record with anything negative regarding your show, actors or just product in general.
So we are pretty much going to hear positive things from those involved, or nothing at all. That said, I think they have done a really good job with the casting so far, so it is also possible that they are all really happy with the cast and are being honest.
ChrisQuote Reply
Thank you!
As a female fan, I always get very uncomfortable reading these posts. ASoIAF fandom already seems like an enormous boy's club, on this site and especially westeros, so reading pages and pages of fanboys ripping an actress apart, makes me all sqiurmy. You can say that similar discussions happened when NCW was cast, but I remember some ribbing about his nose, not creepy nitpicking about sexual power, etc. Ugh. The GoT actresses have been under enormous scrutiny by the fandom. When the Arya/Needle pictures were posted, I nearly fell off my chair reading some of the comments. Talking about an 11-year old actresses budding breasts was verging on horrific.
Let's have a little class here lads, ok?
EllenQuote Reply
My guess is that the reason Tamzin (and Jennifer Ehle) were let go had more to do with their cost than their acting. HBO wanted reshoots on the pilot, and to cut costs they cut the multi-season "semi-name" actresses. To believe otherwise is naive.
Also, while I am the first one to say talent matters more than looks, that is not the same thing as saying that looks are irrelevant. Again, naive.
KurtQuote Reply
Costs? Really? I don't think talent is nearly as much a cost issue for a show like this as costumes, sets, travel, horses and everything behind the production. I don't believeHBO decided it needed cheaper actresses.
MrCereQuote Reply
While I think that GRRM probably would not go out of his way to trash anyone cast in a role that he didn't agree with, allegations of his being a "yes man" when it comes to the casting are wildly, almost hilariously unfounded. Would it make you happy if he had said "I hate Lena Headey as Cersei, she's going to suck and because of her I wash my hands of this entire fiasco. Send me the paycheck but don't pretend this piece of crap series is in any way mine."?
His enthusiasm could just as easily be explained by the hypothesis that the HBO casting department is actually doing a fantastic job at getting the right actors for their roles.
Ser GQuote Reply
My gf just asked me what the hell is so much fun about this place that makes me check it every hour :-)
She also said that she is already sick to death of this f-ing TV-series of mine.
She would actually make a decent Cersei right now… Recast!!!!
covenantQuote Reply
I agree with it. "Attractive" or "hot" (which seems an odd word to use) is completely subjective as is how a character looks. YOUR image of Dany might be quite different from mine or the author's or the casting director's. I feel strongly that I would much rather have a more talented actress who can sell emotions and lines and inhabit a character than one who looks like somebody's idea of "as hot as Dany." (Not your words I realize.)
Discussion of these actresses falls quickly into comments that would be right at home on a dating website.
The post didn't say the talent's looks don't matter he said (or what I got from the post) that the thumbs-up or thumbs-down attractiveness posts are empty and not interesting and I agree. I think the writer didn't want to feel like he was reading comments on 'Hot or Not'.
MrCereQuote Reply
You might want to notice that OP didn't say anything along the lines of "looks are irrelevant". What he actually said was "how much she pings your personal attractiveness radar is irrelevant" and "natural nonconformity to small details of canonical appearanace is irrelevant", which I would agree wholeheartedly with. Especially the first.
AoedeQuote Reply
I like her a lot!
She has an almost asian touch to her face when smiling, and really very emmanuelle beart when serious.
I loved Tamzin for Dany, but I do think this girl will do just as well, if with another connotation.
I can imagined HBO decided against Tamzin because of her notoriety from the Tudors. Fans might not be able to rearrange their image as fast as they would have to and probably HBO believe that GOT audience is similar to the Tudors audience.
JennyQuote Reply
Indeed. I call it inflation of opinion. Not that I am complaining too much. If everyone was a sceptic of my calibre not much would be said at all. For me, a really good thing about this blog and many of its commenters is that I have learned a lot about how a TV-series is made. Not a subject I would otherwise be interested in, but in the context of aSoIaF it becomes worth looking at for me. Also, many of the posters here are very witty and entertaining (hi Rabbit!) and there really are a lot of people here whose opinions I can take seriously (yes Rabbit, you too). Best of all, it is wonderful to take part of a shared fandom! The time and effort many of you dedicate to this fandom as expressed by this site is heart warming.
MatsQuote Reply
sorry for the typos, there's been some red in my glass tonight.
JennyQuote Reply
I think everybody's relieved it didn't turn out too bad ;-)
JennyQuote Reply
Ummm… the picture after "Vargo:" is just another picture of Tankian, so of course they look alike. Also, even if you had an artist's rendering of Vargo, that is just Vargo in the mind's eye of that artist, and should not be taken as the blueprint for this character.
Thirdly, there is no way this character is going to be cast based on looks. It's literally not going to happen at all, so there's no point in finding people who match what you think he looks like, and then suggesting them, especially if that person, like Serj here, is not even an actor.
GeorgeQuote Reply
I had the same thought. People with strong opinions or with strong urges to express themselves tend to dominate internet forums like this, and may not at all reflect the views of the majority (for want of a better term). Still, I don't know if polls can be seen as solutions to this problem, as they in part suffer from the same flaws. Also, it is notoriously difficult to find a consensus on how poll results should be interpreted. There is always the risk that the whole thing backfires and just feed the less serious debate. As an example, there were two polls in my local newspaper aiming to find the most and the least beautiful building in town. The same building won both polls. The only conclusion that I could draw from this was that the building in question was very controversial and that the polls were very poorly thought out. I'm sure there grew an entire ecology of opinions on what the results meant, which I suppose must have been the REAL point. That's the local press for ya! Sorry for the OT-ishness here, but I suppose MY point is that polls do not necessarily have the effect you desire.
MatsQuote Reply
Saturnine? I've never really thought that Dany looks melancholy, gloomy, or sullen… In my mind she's beautiful, but girlish, which is why she is often underestimated (e.g. Titan's Bastard), so I'm quite happy with this girl.
I'm sure I'll be disappointed in some other character. I'd be an idiot and ridiculous if I assumed all of the actors would match their characters the way I see them.
GeorgeQuote Reply
Hey everyone. I'm actually really excited about this choice. I LOVE Tamzin and am consoled by the fact that she was on one of my favorite shows and is in some upcoming movies I really want to see…
I uploaded some clips to my YouTube channel of her acting. I must say, her agency photos make her look older than she really is. She is adorable in "Doctors" :D
http://www.youtube.com/user/SarikaSarks
@allMywondersQuote Reply
It's not impossible but I think it's highly unlikely. My observation is that fandoms – not just ours but others too – tend to exaggerate the levels of influence they have over TV shows, especially when there is some sort of 'relationship' with someone linked to the show like we have with D&D, GRRM etc.
HBO is not looking to cater to the hardcore book fans' every whim . Our comments on WiC/Westeros make up a tiny proportion of the book fandom in general anyway. The opinions of a group of often overzealous commenters on a blog, most of whom have no experience in TV/casting, are not going to hold much importance next to those of seasoned professionals and industry veterans.
Yeah, sometimes the opinions of the fans and pros at HBO converge, such as with Dinklage, but the showrunners are not going to radically change course on something simply because some vocal fans don't like it.
Fate's BitchQuote Reply
As a female fan too, I agree with you 100%.
I have the same reaction with de Arya pictures's post.
MargaQuote Reply
Now there is something to really begin to form an opinion on. It is still one tone in one situation of one character but it sure tells a lot more than a photo.
From the scant information here, she seems to be quite an actress. Clip #1 was best for me.
MrCereQuote Reply
Mel's age is never stated, only that she is very beautiful. To me, she carries herself as someone with more years than a 20-something. At least 30's, if not a very well preserved older woman than that. I mean, for all we know she could be using blood magics to keep her looking young and actually be SIGNIFICANTLY older than what she looks. Remember the Warlocks in the House of Dust? Such things are possible in this world.
BrudeQuote Reply
That's actually a really good idea for why the role was recast. They knew before they casted her that she was going to be on The Tudors, but perhaps she couldn't quite break away from that role.
GeorgeQuote Reply
Why do so many people feel the need to find someone to compare her looks to? It's not really a helpful detail when you have to post a link showing that this relatively unknown actress looks a lot like some other relatively unknown actress.
Even the Ellen Page comparisons are unnecessary. If we've gotten far enough to read the comments, then we've seen her picture, and we know what she looks like.
GeorgeQuote Reply
Wow, if your +1 is Cersei – casting material, you're a seriously lucky guy, dude :-)
CaedesQuote Reply
Thanks for posting these!
paulgudeQuote Reply
If you always express yourself in such a clarity and eloquence, you should do it way more, Mats.
CaedesQuote Reply
Well said. The comments may have been in the background, but they certainly wouldn't have forced an opinion.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I was really excited to find a speaking role. From the two works I've seen, she's shown quite impressive acting talent. I actually feel guilty for being glad that she's joined. Hopefully the DVD set will have the unaired pilot or something with Tamzin, but I think GRRM denied that on his blog :(. I can't wait to see her work with Harry Lloyd, one of my favorite actors.
@allMywondersQuote Reply
You're exactly right, he did, and I agree with your assessment. I was thinking the Maesters would be a good place for veteran actors to show up as well, the most obvious being Pycelle who's had someone "waiting in the wings" for the series to be picked up.
paulgudeQuote Reply
LOVE these clips. I feel much, much better about her now.
VeeloQuote Reply
I realize I posted the wrong pic for Vargo, but my reply keeps disappearing. Hope it works this time.
Here is the Vargo pic for comparison. It's the beard in particular that makes me imagine Serj when I read the books.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_TSmLfo4MTig/SGNpgYvF0II/AAA…
I realize this is probably just a fantasy, but I'm just having fun.
LexQuote Reply
This is what I said, earlier in this thread. People are way too hung up on looks here. The acting is the most important part, and obviously her acting is good enough.
Sure I have my own mental images of what the characters look like… but nitpicking over things like noses or eyes is just ridiculous.
LexQuote Reply
No, I think many people are overemphasizing physical looks at the cost of acting skills. Perhaps it's because the books do mention a lot of physical description, based on the various physical traits of the different families. But expecting them to find perfect physical replicas of one's mental images is just silly.
LexQuote Reply
Those type of comments come from the severely-nerdy.
Hopefully there are members of this fanbase that are slightly less retarded.
LexQuote Reply
A matter of taste… I think the new girl is prettier.
sjweningsQuote Reply
I highly doubt that they re-cast one of the most pivotal roles of the series merely in order to save some money on the pilot re-shoot.
LexQuote Reply
I love the pic, but I don't think we should be putting photoshopped pics into official posts.
LexQuote Reply
When was she on this show???
Wonder how old she is in these clips.
sjweningsQuote Reply
Wow! She's a better actor than the adults in those clips.
LexQuote Reply
IMDB says it's 2009, so I'd say sometime between a year and a year-and-a-half younger than she is now.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3592338/
paulgudeQuote Reply
I may just have forgotten it – it's been a few years since I last read the books – but do we actually get told that Dany is incredibly beautiful? My impression of her was always that she's quite striking and distinctive, but not exactly beautiful in a conventional sense.
elderinoQuote Reply
lol
@JehphgQuote Reply
What I think is even MORE amazing than finding clips to a speaking role is my wanting to know what happens after the end of Clip #4. Her dad is a creeper supreme….but the fact that I'm interesting in the plot of that show is probably even more deranged.
AntQuote Reply
i agree, i count myself as someone that should never have left the lurking mode btw, just can't help but express me poorly sometimes
@JehphgQuote Reply
thank you guys
@JehphgQuote Reply
You state your ideas well. That's all that matters, I think.
paulgudeQuote Reply
lol, really i can see your point
@JehphgQuote Reply
i think that are lots of fans here that are slightly less retarded ;] even if we like any other fandom have our severely-nerdies one thing that i always liked in here is the general high-class level of the fans
@JehphgQuote Reply
I know! SO creepy! I think Clip 2 took place later in the episode, though. There's a good scene when she's confronting him about it, which I thought was the best example of her acting.
LexQuote Reply
Sorry, Clip #1. It seems to be the last clip, chronologically.
LexQuote Reply
Here's my problem with the casting of Shae…she's described in the books as being attractive for a war camp following whore. If it's a girl that is "ES pretty" then I think it takes away from the "realism fantasy" that the story is going for. Feel free to disagree Elena Satine defenders.
dizzy34Quote Reply
omgosh…now i'm curious as well…
@JehphgQuote Reply
Yes, we read books…and long ones at that.
dizzy34Quote Reply
I never thought I would say this, but I miss the days we were discussing fake snow, extra-dude's costume and carved wolf in wall. That was some innocent stuff. We could go on and on without bickering on eachother.
On this thread I'm a huge lurker, but somehow the discussion on some points is going nowhere at all. Not that there aren't any good arguments stated here, but is's really annoying when people are screaming their opinions from the rooftops.
As for me, I hold my opinions untill I see the endproduct. I liked Tamzin, I liked the Satine girl, I like this girl. But the only thing that matters is if I'll like here when she is playing Dany, and that opinion can only be formed in over a year from now. Everyone has the benefit of the doubt until I see the show, even if they cast Orlando Bloom in this show. Let's see how the girl does in a year from now!
KnurkQuote Reply
While some folks might think me less of an Elena Satine defender, as I've stated numerous times I don't have an issue with her as an actress. I think she could do this. With the idea that she'd be too pretty in a certain way, hair and make-up can do wonders the other way as well. I also completely believe that Elena Satine would have the ability to drop out of the more poised version of herself and portray Shae exactly as she's described in the books.
Again, that doesn't mean that another actress couldn't play Shae as well, but there's no reason Elena Satine couldn't.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Based on the two ads we've seen (about abuse), and those clips from Doctors (about a creepy stalker father), there seems to be a bit of a creepy/odd vibe about Emilia's work (or at least what we've seen so far).
Daenerys sounds like a logical progression for her, with all kinds of creepiness (the Targaryen idea of a relationship between brother and sister, the marriage to Drogo, the Targaryen streak of madness, the bloody nature of her journey, etc.).
LexQuote Reply
Can you imagine the change in the spoiler climate once the board has more folks who have only seen the TV show?
paulgudeQuote Reply
yep…
dizzy34Quote Reply
Nerdiness is fine. Geekiness is cool these days. What I meant to say was that comments like those about the Arya pics seem to imply an incredible lack of social intelligence/skills. I think that anyone that would complain about Arya's "development" has some problems. I'm not trying to be insulting, although I guess I am being so. But it's like the "fake snow" thing… even worse, actually.
I really think we need to take a couple breaths and stop being so obsessive about every little detail.
LexQuote Reply
WOW. WOW. Perfect choice! I thought I'd never be happy with anyone as Dany, but this Emilia has entirely changed my mind. What a gorgeous girl. I can't wait to see her in costume!
Happy, happy, happy! :)
HilaryQuote Reply
If everyone thought like you this would be a very boring place.
Steven ScottQuote Reply
****************SPOILER*****************
********************************************
She needs to be beautiful enough to convince the audience that the famously whore-hating Tywin would have kept her for himself after Tyrion's fall…even if it was some kind of elaborate setup by Varys.
I say that physically, Elena would be a great Shae.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
"I miss the days we were discussing fake snow, extra-dude's costume and carved wolf in wall. That was some innocent stuff. We could go on and on without bickering on eachother."
Are you serious?? LOL. Nothing was ever innocent. The fake snow and the carved wolf generated HEATED debates! I thought they were totally ridiculous, but I've accepted that our fandom is pretty … obsessive.
LexQuote Reply
Awright. So about the same time as the Samaritans clips. Good.
sjweningsQuote Reply
woah…i think that anyone who just see the show and comes to a blog full of readers has to be prepared…at least in some level
@JehphgQuote Reply
It's actually kind of tricky to pin down. The first statements we get regarding her appearance are from her brother, who is less than reliable when it comes to objective statements about her. From that, however, we do get information that it's possible she'll look too young for Drogo to find attractive.
After that, I get the impression that a lot of the feelings about Dany-as-Helen-of-Troy are based on two things: The ability she seems to have to put people in her thrall and the prophecy that a young beautiful queen will take away everything she holds dear.
The thrall thing is kind of big. People fall in love with her, people want to follow her, it's pretty huge. BUT this is where we get into the question of "what is beauty?" She doesn't automatically turn into a tall goddess when she turns 15 in ACoK. I take this to mean that she may be physically attractive for a young girl but there's also her Targaryen charisma that comes through and makes her mesmerizing beyond her years.
As far as the "beautiful queen" prophecy goes, if it *is* her we've got a while before Dany gets to Westeros. She'll be doing some growing on the way.
Now, all that said, I've heard quotes about Dany being "the most beautiful woman in the world," which may be a quote from GRRM or somewhere in the books. I remember another thread where someone asked for quotes from the book where it talks specifically about Dany being aesthetically beautiful, but I don't remember what turned up, if anything. The one other thing is that we've got the words of flatters, which may inform but may also be as tainted as her brother's.
Of course, this is all the *book* Dany, who is 13 when we meet her. The TV Dany, as we now know, is Emilia Clarke at whatever age and look HBO decides to give her. I am *confident* that we're going to get more than one facet of Dany out of Emilia as the series progresses. Her Spotlight page says her age range is 16-25, and while she may not get any taller, we know that she changes a great deal in response to her experiences. Dany's transformation is a huge part of the story.
paulgudeQuote Reply
How on earth is being interested in whether the actors/actresses look like your mental image obsessiveness?
This is a casting process, LOOKS MATTER. Discussing looks has absolutely no implications regarding social intelligence… To be an actor is to submit to this kind of examination. If you think it's vulgar then just don't read it, but it will remain an integral part of casting forever.
Rules about discrimination don't apply here, you can select by race, weight, gender, LOOKS. I'm not saying acting isn't important only that looks are too, and that to suggest otherwise is bull.
Now please stop complaining about discussion of looks. If you want to feel conscious about it think about the people doing auditions for 'ugly' or 'fat' parts, drop the self-righteousness it does not serve you…
JohnQuote Reply
Have done in the past and I don't see any reason why they shouldnt continue to do so. It lets people see what we're getting up to without trawling through hundreds of comments. At least give a reason in future.
JohnQuote Reply
On the flip-side, we may be in for a lot of insane theories we'll know are never going to happen.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Exactly why I felt good after seeing the commercials, that one aspect of her character. For the other facets, I'm completely confident in the casting process.
paulgudeQuote Reply
***SPOILER***
Also, she has to "clean up well" when she goes from being a kept woman to being on staff. Elena can do that, too.
***SPOILER***
paulgudeQuote Reply
I get what you're saying. Those were heated debates that were sometimes pretty ridiculous, but very fun to follow. What I meant with innocent stuff that it wasn't judging a young actress just by her looks etc. This thread isn't nowhere those levels of the carved wolf: "I can't believe they carved a cat in that wall, those fucking idiots, I lost my faith in D&D!" Here you have (just a few) people screaming: "This girl needs serious make-up!" It's the judiging of people who haven't had the chance to prove themselves that annoys me.
KnurkQuote Reply
Well I found Ms. Clarke's talent agency Emptage Hallett, you can check out the other actors they represent. They have a few big names, Richard Dreyfuss, James Callis, our own The Hound.
TysnowQuote Reply
hmm…i liked her better based on the photos. i don't know now… don't love her acting/ also don't love how she looks on film. don't think she looks very young or nearly as pretty as in the headshot.
JakeQuote Reply
No, the clips are in order. There is a brief scene (after clip #4) with her running out of the creepy room… she tells her friend on the phone she wants to go teach in China… then back to her dad, who calls a doctor for help with his problem. It ends quite abruptly.
allmywondersQuote Reply
Some big(ish) names at that agency.
Gareth Thomas would make a great "old Bear".
Just trying to think of a role for the lovely Laura Fraiser now.
MormegilQuote Reply
Wow, Gareth Thomas!
I'm hoping for a Blakes 7 reboot so that they'll release the originals in Region 1.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I wonder if they put Derek Dick forward for the role of Marillion?
MormegilQuote Reply
The fact that James Callis is on there will be heartening to some.
I have to admit, having finally been through season one of Battlestar Galactica, I can see why people like him. I'm liking what I've seen of him in Flashforward, too.
paulgudeQuote Reply
It's the casting director's job to find someone with more or less the right look and the ability to be completely convincing as a character. No one here (unless they are involved in casting) NEEDS to think about what one of the actors looks like because they have nothing to do with the process and probably don't affect the end outcome. I mean, anyone's allowed to, but it just seems so pointless to discuss it because a) people will probably never agree or seriously impact each other in their own personal taste and b) it's boring to read about someone else's personal taste in who they find attractive and why. I mean, I've got eyes and I can come to my own conclusion, non? It's annoying to have to filter through lots of comments on people's ratings of beauty to get to the good conversations.
And you say that being an actor means submitting yourself to this kind of examination… Well, I guess that is true. But think why that is. Some things that come to mind are "objectification of living, breathing people", "excessive focus on looks", "lack of respect for the art of acting", etc etc etc… So long as people choose to discuss how worthy someone is in their minds to portray characters based on their opinion on their looks and as long as people choose to discuss red carpet clothing "disasters", these things will indeed be spoken of. OF COURSE it is your choice, in this and anything else, what rules of discrimination you want to apply. It's just strange to me that anyone would waste their time doing something built on so much shallowness and negativity when they could be using that time to do much MUCH more important things. Like changing their outlook, perhaps. :)
Tanja O.Quote Reply
I don't see any screaming, just discussion.
JohnQuote Reply
You just wrote down my thoughts exactly, I couldn't have said it any better.
KnurkQuote Reply
Wonderfully put.
Also, I also think it needs to be pointed out that Lex's comments sprung mostly from Ellen's concern over the Arya discussion. A lot of that had to do not just with obsessing about appearance, but public decorum as well. I don't think it was out of hand at all.
There is a difference between discussing NCW's nose and discussing the physical development of the child actresses.
paulgudeQuote Reply
My concern isn't whose viewpoint gets the most attention. My concern is that everybody now feels the need to respond as to whether Clarke does or does not look like Ellen Page, which I feel drives down the signal-to-noise ratio.
@wabawangaQuote Reply
It's not just the pilot. Clarke and Fairley will save HBO tons of money over seven seasons, assuming it goes that long, compared to Merchant and Ehle. The delays, recasts and reshoots are starting to give me a bad vibe. If that makes me a troll around here, so be it.
KurtQuote Reply
My $0.02, I think she's perfect. Unknown actress, beautiful but girlish, with very captivating eyes. And anyone who can communicate the depth of emotion shown in that commercial with no words has serious talent.
@wabawangaQuote Reply
To be fair the Ellen Page impressions started in an earlier thread, but I understand what you mean about prominence.
The only other thing is that Winter has been adding his own take on the stories for as long as I can remember. Granted, I haven't been here as long as some. Is it just an issue with the mods doing the same thing, or the opinion part of the post in general?
paulgudeQuote Reply
geez, everytime i see some discussion like this over the image of a certain person just from a few photos… i'm struck by how little most people understand about the power of makeup, lighting, costumes, camera angles, etc. in creating the right images and moods. Makeup:http://webuildsmallbusinesswebsites.com/rootsrigh…
'nuff said. They can easily make emilia clarke look more exotic or ethereal if that's what they want to do. The more important question is can she pull off daenerys' personality, particularly the fact that she has a very radical change of character after the events of the first book. It'll be tough to pull off.
anonQuote Reply
Thanks for the make-up link. That's pretty awesome.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Oh god, you should see this one where a seemingly unattractive asian girl gets made up into the human equivalent of a doll. Makeup is scary in the right hands.
what's in a name?Quote Reply
Yeah, this stuff is crazy! Might as well post it if you can find it. Nothing's happening at the moment.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Ehle and Tamzin are not that big stars.
LouQuote Reply
http://www.themakeupgallery.info/
There's some pretty insane makeup techniques seen on the site. If anyone has any doubts about how much it can do, check this out. Some content is not work safe, for the record.
CalculonQuote Reply
How about Sean Bean as Ned? Is there someone somewhere who thinks he is not going to die? ;)
Nah, I don't think Tamzin's The Tudors backround had anything to do with her leave from the show. Sure, it affected a lot what we thought about her as Dany, but people in HBO are professionals (they don't get scared because of one previous role) and they did see her performance as Dany. We have heard nothing but praise of her.
NemoQuote Reply
Sorry if multiple versions of this show up. Intense debate seems to be chomping my replies. Calculon's makeup site link has a listing for Jeremy Woodhead, make-up and hair designer. He also happens to be the make-up and hair designer for Game of Thrones:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0940291/
The picture on his IMDB page is of him shaving Natalie Portman's head for V for Vendetta:
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3894513408/nm0940291
Not saying this is foreshadowing, but if they ARE going to have Dany's hair gone for real, he's not a bad person to get on board.
*RAMPANT SPECULATION*
Now first of all, I don't want this misinterpreted to make it seem like I'm saing Tamzin was dropped because she wouldn't shave her head. I don't know if Tamzin would have shaved her head. Let me rephrase that…Tamzin may have been thinking ahead or maybe even had another commitment that made shaving her head a problem. Even if she DID have an issue like this, I don't think that would have been enough to leave the role, but it's possible it was one of a number of factors. Obviously, though, she's a professional, there are wigs until her hair grows out, etc. This is what I'm saying. I most likely had no bearing on why she left whatsoever. Clear enough? Okay.
That said, I *do* think that a willingness to shave one's head may have been part of the negotiations for the role of Dany at the time Emilia Clarke auditioned. I already speculated this might be the case, I'm just saying that Jeremy Woodhead's involvement makes it seem like even more of a possibility.
*RAMPANT SPECULATION*
paulgudeQuote Reply
Yeah, seriously, anyone who's familiar with Sean's movies but hasn't read the books is going to be cracking jokes about him dying and then going, "What'd I say?" after getting grim stares from someone who has.
paulgudeQuote Reply
You know, I actually have the same impression of her. I always thought her to be a little bit weird-looking but in the way that suits her. Not ugly on any account, but something different, yet pleasing to eye. It would make sense that some people (like Viserys) wouldn't find her attractive enough while some others would praise her beauty to the skies. There's that Targaryen charisma as well and her distinctive-ness from the Dothraki. In addition she gets more confidence during her marriage (& after it) which probably makes her appear more beautiful compared to her cuteness in the beginning.
NemoQuote Reply
i think the only time dany is referred to as "the most beautiful girl in the world" is some bit in book 4, i'm pretty sure, where someone is trying to convince one of the charming greyjoy brothers that they should find and marry this targaryen princess…and of course claiming a girl is "beautiful" is typical in trying to push marriages to strangers.
http://www.educatedpony.wordpress.com
educatedponyQuote Reply
That sounds very familiar to what I remember, someone who was speaking about her in an exaggerated fashion.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I can see Simon Kuntz, which I remember for "The Parent Trap", as Ilyn Payne.
Just let his much-than receeding hair grow a little bit and we have the real deal, the creepy headsman of Westeros.
CaedesQuote Reply
@ Nemo – I don't mean they're scared, but Tamzin's Katherine is the only role she's known for (at least in the states). Tamzin was cast before her Tudors series was aired.
Imagine "Dr. House" Hugh Laurie joining the Gey's Anatomy cast as a benevolent surgeon, who is too good to be true (extreme example, I know) :D
JennyQuote Reply
totally agree. I hope you are right, because that would mean these negativ comments from 'a tiny proportion of the book fandom' were not the reason for Tamzin's recast. (I'm still sad she left. But let's see what Emilia is capable of.)
LibelleQuote Reply
Yeah, I think I see your point, but I beg to differ. It's oddly appropriate that you mention Hugh Laurie and Dr. House, because for me Laurie was nothing but Bertie Wooster for a long time. When I watched the first episode of House, I fully expected him to be that kind of person. Well, he wasn't. It did take less than a minute to buy his new role. And I believe other Jeeves & Wooster fans did feel the same.
NemoQuote Reply
I really liked her acting, in those clips, i would say…. hmmm… 90% extremely good though10% sort of bad, especially when doing that "I'm sort of not surprised" look we always see in Hermione Granger's actress Emma Watson (slightly act-y), but it was really mostly good. I approve!
CrabappleQuote Reply
As I said, this was an extreme example, but Jeeves and Wooster has been a long time ago, and again, let's remember the HBO target group is americans.
Also, Wooster is much different from House, whereas Katherine is not so far from Dany with costumes and all.
JennyQuote Reply
Oh also, I should say… I really like her because she's cute, and I mean, Tamzin is cute (or basically hot) ….. but you know what, I have already seen Tamzin nude in the Tudors, and I have not yet seen Emilia Clarke nude at all, which I would love to…. and like I said she's cute….. am I allowed to be male for a sec? Really, I want to see this chick nude. And I already saw Tamzin. And now we all get to see this new girl! Hottt!
CrabappleQuote Reply
All you say is very true. I was merely trying to say that if an actor is really, really good, the opinion the audince might have of her (based on her previous works) shrinks to nothing when they see her to play her new role. They forget what kind of character she was and see only what kind of character she is now. As professionals, HBO must know this and therefore Tamzin's past as Katherine should have been "insignificant".
NemoQuote Reply
Nice to see your priorities in order…
JohnQuote Reply
Its just a subject that has not been brought up yet is all i am saying. can it not be a consideration for the male half?!? or the lesbian tenth….
CrabappleQuote Reply
I completely agree with you. All I considered was the idea some marketing guy might've had. Also considering that The Tudors is running (in the US) on a competitor Network for pay TV.
Still, I guess Tamzin might've some nice Hollywood offers for movies.
JennyQuote Reply
I dunno. THey can't really do as much as this would suggest. I've seen plenty of not too convincing make up trying to make people look older or younger for example – also in big budget movies, yes. And they can't make people that much better looking either as many women would claim vigorously.
People both over, and underestimate the power of make up. Clarcke will look like herself, though somewhat more Danyish. And luckily we got a good starting point with her – they couldn't make Kit harrington look like Dany no matter how hard they try.
sjweningsQuote Reply
Yes, that is a possibility. I just hope it isn't the case. That would mean they let the perfectly good actress slip away (from one of the main roles, no less!) just because they were afraid of the possible reaction of the audience. Not a good way to adapt ASOIAF for the screen. Dealing with art and business simultaneously is always tricky stuff, but I want to trust HBO not screwing it up.
It would be interesting to know whether Tamzin got the best of Emilia in the first round, or did Emilia audition only after Tamzin had left the project.
NemoQuote Reply
The lips are better, much more natural color. Again, very nice piece of colorizing from the original B&W photo; great work.
BrudeQuote Reply
Laura Fraser as Asha. She could pull off that sardonic, tomboyish charm quite nicely.
Fate's BitchQuote Reply
With all the "worry" over whether or not makeup will help transform Emilia into Dany, it's nice to see JW's name attached to such projects as LOTR and Pirates of the Caribbean. Maybe that will put some worry to rest? I for one am not worried in the least. Makeup,lighting, and costumes can do a great deal to transform someone into someone-else.
Also, I never considered Dany's actress having to shave her head ^^ That's a good point to consider, as I'm sure not many actresses are willing to be that extreme (just a guess).
Sarah Curry BurchQuote Reply
Not saying I disagree, but there are certain things that we can comfortably keep in our heads without really needing to inform the world.
HectorQuote Reply
But it's a blog about a TV show, so anyone who comes here won't necessarily know, nor should they expect that it is filled with readers. It's filled with readers now because there is no show as of yet. If you know about this it's usually because you know the books. Some have come to it via other interests (been fans of LotR and saw posts at OneRing.net about the series, or fans of a particular actor), but most are here because of the books. that WILL change come next Spring.
BrudeQuote Reply
He is at that but not in too severe a way, and though he was Mr. Nice in Parent Trap I still had some creep vibes even then. Good recommendation, he is tall, lean with a muscular build, perfect for our Headsman, and best of all he is an accomplished actor.
I was struck by how many quality lesser known actors that are out there who don't have the name recognition, but when we see their faces we instantly remember them.
TysnowQuote Reply
I can see him as a possible "Old Bear", he has that look and is a big man, but in a good heavyset way, but of course it's talent we want most of all and he definitely has that.
TysnowQuote Reply
She kind of reminds me of Eva Green in those clips….
Steven ScottQuote Reply
Good choice there, she is very talented and has utizilized that tomboyish charm in A Knights Tale she is attractive but not in a overpowering way, though I am not sure about her athletic ability, as Asha is a lean mean fighting machine, so the actress that will be portraying her must be able to handle some serious physical combat.
TysnowQuote Reply
Interesting… well after watching the clips, I'm hoping she will pull it out like a young Emily Blunt, when it comes time for her to REIGN. I'm all for casting unknown young folks. It's often very effective.
@ProgGrrlQuote Reply
Here's another one from that agency, Steve Speirs he would be a good choice for Janos Slynt, a talented actor again, who likes to play heavies.
TysnowQuote Reply
Sorry for all the posts, but heading to work shortly and have been running through all the actors over at Emptage Hallett. So with that, I might have found a strong candidate for Renly Tom Wisdom, to me he has the look of the baby Baratheon, and if you remember him in 300, he has the build, but most of all he appears to be a very likable actor.
TysnowQuote Reply
yes you are completely right…that is something to think through
@JehphgQuote Reply
So my initial thought from looking at the picture on the cover of the thread was that she didn't look much like the Dany have pictured in my head. I tried to ignore the brown hair, wrong color eyes ect, to picture her post-makeup and I still didn't see it. Then I looked at the commercials and I could definately start to see what the casting people saw in her. I could see through her look and picture her staring out at the Dothraki graqsslands with forlorn and uncertainty. Unfortunately, then I looked at her role in Doctors and was very unimpressed with her acting talent when there was a dialogue. I'm a bit perplexed, but I will put my faith in D&D. In comparison, I think Tamzin looked more the part. Hopefully Emilia can lay my doubts to rest with a great acting job. I am definately rooting for her!
Lord Ned's HeadQuote Reply
beutifully pointed…all the time all i saw behind the words was: teenager!!! hormones!!!
@JehphgQuote Reply
Good find! I've pictured Renly looking something like Ben Barnes, but because I want to see Renly, not Ben Barnes, an unknown with some similarities to BB would be rather ideal. Tom Wisdom is pretty close to that.
Now, if we can get Mark Strong to play Stannis…
NemoQuote Reply
Yeah really!
I basically tell myself anything I write on this sight will be read by the actor/actress/authors/etc in question and I should keep it tactful for that reason.
I'm also a member of the "if you can't say something nice…" camp (with exceptions.)
But that's just me.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
Does anyone else picture the Targaryen hair less on the platinum blonde side and more on the silver side? Kind of like what Lady Gaga had going on a few weeks ago before she went full-fledged gray:http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/wp-content…
AshliQuote Reply
I think I might be bad with colors, because the color in the picture what I was imagining when people said platinum blonde.
So…yes?
paulgudeQuote Reply
The reason I bring this up is because most of the photoshops/manipulations of actresses cast as or suggested as Dany have the platinum blonde, which I think would make for a very typical heroine.
If we want her to be unique, exotic, etc. then I think the far more unusual silver-blonde hair is the way to go… I've just never seen it in a photo manipulation.
AshliQuote Reply
I thought her acting was quite good, but that's just me. Keep in mind though, that this was a year and a half ago, and I'm guessing this was her first big role. It's reasonable to think she could have improved her skill since then.
Jaqen_HgharQuote Reply
Well a) there will be several months between filming the final scene of S1 and starting filming on S2. Even then, she would need to maintain a bald head, and then variants of stubble, for months during filming. Plus, with dark hair, it'll be harder to maintain the blonde color since it will be growing out so fast.
I think the expectation that she'll have a shaved head is incredibly unrealistic. Flesh colors skullcaps can do, and have done, wonders.
AshliQuote Reply
When people say they're dying their hair platinum blonde, they usually mean "white-blonde", or even more yellow than that. Think Gwen Stefani or Christina Aguilera (so many popstar mentions today). That's about the color people look for when they head into the hairstylist's saying platinum blonde.
AshliQuote Reply
We already know that this happens, too.
*SPOILERS*
Honestly, if HBO does what I think they're going to do, the wedding night scene between Dany and Drogo is going to be as complex as it is in the book. Outright enjoying seeing someone naked on television without getting sidelined with the context of the situation is going to be the experience of some folks, I suppose, but for many of us it's going to be complicated.
*SPOILERS*
paulgudeQuote Reply
Then yes. I was thinking that platinum blond meant an a near-absence of yellow.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I really like the platinum blonde that Pink's been rocking lately:
http://static.becomegorgeous.com/gallery/pictures… http://www.thecuttingchair.com/images/stories/cel…
http://www.celebrity-hair-styles-magazine.com/ima…
Also…speaking of Pink….perfect Asha or PERFECT ASHA?
Stella MarisQuote Reply
Exactly, Paul. I look forward to it making me feel as internally conflicted about marriage consummation as the "Where The Wild Things Are" movie made me feel internally conflicted about friendship and love.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
Yeah but it just won't look real. It can be close, but not exact. I think her having a shaved head would add *tremendously* to the production quality of the series.
I think she'd look hella cute with a shaved head. Can't wait to see the pixie locks.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
I wasn't thinking about the effect at the end of Season 1 as I am for the period of time that it'll be growing back in Season 2. Your point about the dark hair is a good one.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Here's a picture of Cameron Diaz in a bald cap for the My Sister's Keeper movie a few years ago. If you google pictures of other shots of her in the bald cap, it's a pretty great quality, and it even has fake little pores and different coloration for where stubble would be growing in -http://www.waleg.com/celebrities/images/cammy-bal…
AshliQuote Reply
I've noticed that if an actress shaves her head for a movie or TV show there always seems to be a bunch of stories about it. My wife and I were discussing how Natalie Portman shaving her head got as much coverage as Christian Bale losing over sixty pounds for The Machinist.
So, yeah, it's definitely rare.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Actually, this one's even better. Natalie Portman in a bald cap last year.http://i46.tinypic.com/a23hnl.jpg (for New York, I Love You)
AshliQuote Reply
What about something that will look like this?
http://thebosh.com/upload/2007/04/25/Natalie%20Po…
paulgudeQuote Reply
The same issue is with NCW and Dinklage – both Jaime an Tyrion grow beards during the story and Jaime also shaves his head bald at the beginning of ASOS, and then grows his hair back.
Well, Tyrion's beard is partially dark, so I guess Dinklage won't be so problematic.
NemoQuote Reply
Also that show Doctor's is like the opposite of the approach Game of Thrones will take. It's basically a soap-opera that pumps out episodes every weekday it looks like. The quality and time put into the directing, writing and filming is probably fractional compared to what is going into Game of Thrones.
I think she shows a lot of promise, but it will be hard to know for sure until we see her in an episode. I am fully confident that she probably beat out hundreds of quality actresses for this role, and that shows that she must be incredibly talented – so that makes it easier for me to be optimistic.
ChrisQuote Reply
Yeah I'm just going to make the argument that maintaining a shaved and colored head is going to be magnitudes cheaper than making a series of custom bald caps and wigs.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
I've got to assume that Dinklage's beard will be fake. Tyrion's beard is too… well, weird. Maintaining a dye job like that on a beard, which grows fast and needs frequent trimming, will be prohibitive cost and time-wise, IMO.
AshliQuote Reply
I definitely thought of Renly when I saw him on the site, can totally see it.
One could assume that the agency inquired with most of their available actors about GoT so I guess it is a possibility!
ChrisQuote Reply
I thought the exact same thing!
paulgudeQuote Reply
I think lighting and make-up can go much further in photographs. But when you see them in live action, moving around, their natural looks are going to show through all the make-up and light. I just hope that whatever they do, they don't over-do it. If she looks very unnatural or campy then that is going to ruin her character and story-line for a lot of people I think.
I do think that seeing her in character with her hair, contacts and costume will make her look much more like Dany than she does in the pictures, but I agree that they won't be able to force anything, she will still look like Emilia Clarke.
ChrisQuote Reply
*SPOILERS*
Plus, after the events ACOK, the beard is going to have to be built into some other makeup effects.
*SPOILERS*
paulgudeQuote Reply
Definitely "on the silver side", yes. Picture you linked would be quite close to my idea.
SnowfellQuote Reply
Yes, I agree. I meant that the period when Tyrion is growing his beard won’t probably be too weird-looking even though his stubble is dark, because his beard isn’t completely blond.
But it certainly would be problematic to maintain that kind of (more or less) natural beard.
NemoQuote Reply
I know that this is going in the opposite direction a bit, but I was kind of amazed when I saw Jewel Staite out of character talking about Firefly. Kaylee was definitely missing for me. I expect Emilia is going to be more instrumental in bringing Dany to life than the hair and make-up folks will be.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Yes. Her hair is supposed to be silvery, not blonde. Lady Gaga's grey hair seems a bit on the dark side.
LadyQuote Reply
Definitely. I think you're right that there will be a point between when he's growing it out and when he has a full beard.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I think it will really come down to whether or not the actress is willing to go that far for the role, which probably depends a lot on what else she has going on professionally and personally.
I bet that they did factor that into the casting – whether the actress would be willing to do that – but I bet they were still more concerned with finding the right actor and if that actor wasn't willing to shave their head, they would cross that bridge when they need to.
I agree that her shaving her head would be badass and that you just can't replicate that with wigs and caps, IMO. HBO seems like the type of company that would really prefer that level of realism, so maybe they did put more emphasis on it… who knows.
ChrisQuote Reply
You're right, it hasn't really been brought up yet. I was kind of wondering when it would come up.
LexQuote Reply
One thing to keep in mind, too, is that while actors who are *primarily* in films may be a different bunch, some stage actors I know would WANT to go bald if that's what happens to their character.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I can't speak for anyone else, but it creeped me out just reading that – and I am a dude.
ChrisQuote Reply
Yea I can see that. Movies are different because they spend a couple months filming and then they are done. Stage actors and series actors are much more committed to a role. Plus, with stage actors, they seem to have a different level of professionalism, or passion (I know this is a generalization, and doesn't apply to all.)
Nude scenes and shaving her head are probably both big deals, but she also probably realizes this is a huge role and could really jump-start her career, so she may be committing to it 100%.
ChrisQuote Reply
Ugh, yeah, I don't know. I have to imagine there are some people who found Dorothy Vallens showing up naked on Jeffrey Beaumont's porch near the end of Blue Velvet hot, too. I just can't escape context.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Plus, from an actor's perspective, this is a HUGE role. Not just for exposure of being in a huge television show, but for the emotional journey of the character. A role like Dany doesn't come around that often.
paulgudeQuote Reply
There's a law that if you can think of it, it exists at least somewhere on the internet.
The 10 Greatest Cult Movie Nude Scenes of All Time *Very NSFW*
ChrisQuote Reply
Now I've got to wash my brain. Looks light I might have got the location of where she showed up wrong, too. At least they've got David Lynch's description of the origin of it and the quote by Isabella Rossellini to highlight how disturbing that scene is supposed to be.
I remember this distinctly because I saw it during my hormone-fueled teens and STILL was like, "This really isn't cool…someone should help her."
*SPOILERS*
Again, GRRM adds a layer of ambiguity by having Dany say "yes" at the end of this long ritual of Drogo checking to see if she's "okay" with everything…because if *she's* okay with it, shouldn't we be? For me, the answer is, "no," that it's still an extremely messed-up situation and the fact that she's turned some sort of mental corner doesn't somehow make all of the messed-up factors disappear. Again, though, I know there are folks that feel the exact opposite way.
*SPOILERS*
paulgudeQuote Reply
I did not remember the actors name, but the moment I her read that someone from the Pacific was suggested to play the Bastard of Bolton, I knew who they were thinking of..
TPFKA Thoros of MyrQuote Reply
Asha Greyjoy?
Sorry, I can't see it. She is too old, for one thing, for a character in her early twenties. Also, Asha is described as being slender and tall with short dark hair, a prominent nose, and a wicked, sardonic smile. Pink doesn't have any of these physical attributes.
Half MyrishQuote Reply
I always imagined silver hair on Dany rather than white-blonde. But it would be a hard color to do without making it look gray because real hair isn't metallic. I think it would be impossible to dye real hair true silver, but they could make a silver wig.
Half MyrishQuote Reply
I'm completely with you Nemo. Mark Strong is my perfect Stanis
Phoenix_tornQuote Reply
First, I'll give to you that she isn't tall. She's 5'4.
I'll argue with you on the rest. ;) They're aging all the characters up…so yeah, Pink is 30, but I think it's acceptable. She is also extremely athletic and has a very muscular body without many curveshttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0… I don't think of Asha as slender as in willowy…I think of her as in a small-breasted, plank-bodied tomboy. Which Pink absolutely is.
As for the nose, she's got a "big" wide nose that is cute as a button…and looks a lot like Alfie Allen's (playing Theon)…which I feel is important. They just look like they could be siblings.
And a wicked sardonic smile! Man, Pink's all over that. The hair? She's sported short dark hair just as often as she's had bleaches and colored hair. Easy.
Haha, anyway, this is my "just a dream, will never happen" choice. Love her to pieces. Don't mean to get all intense in defending it…I realize it wouldn't happen in a million years :)
Stella MarisQuote Reply
Yeah. You know what Elena Satine would do well in this series? If they were to show a flashback to Cersei and Robert's wedding (highly unlikely, I know), she could play young Cersei. Much better fit for her sexpot look than Dany.
AlexQuote Reply
Obviously, you saw this, right?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3stsDXki__U
paulgudeQuote Reply
Exactly. That "indigo blue-tending-towards-purple" is what we mean when we talk about someone in real life having "violet" eyes. A live-action HBO series is not going to go for exaggerated, anime-style hair and eye coloration.
AlexQuote Reply
that's beacause our hair has that much importance for us
@JehphgQuote Reply
now i want to remember but i can't, does her hair ever grow again?
@JehphgQuote Reply
Yes.
A Feast for Crows:
"When your men go forth today, send them to the homes of healers, to ask after any man seeking treatment for a sword wound. They should search for the sword of Stalwart Shield as well, and inquire of the butchers and the herdsmen as to who might have been castrating goats of late." Meereen was full of goats, and pigs, and dogs, but it could not hurt to ask. "Henceforth, see that no man of mine walks alone after dark, whether has the duty or no."
"These ones shall obey."
Daenerys pushed her hair back. "Find these cowards for me," she said fiercely. "Find them, so that I might teach the Harpy’s Sons what it means to wake the dragon."
paulgudeQuote Reply
Oh hell yeah, I saw it live and had to pick my jaw up off the floor afterward. One more reason I totally love her as a performer and a person.
I mean, it takes true talent to upstage Lady GaGa and Elton John.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
i can't see it, what video is that?
@JehphgQuote Reply
Damn, Paul. Color me impressed ;) I knew she grew back hair, but you and your precise quoting beat me to the punch.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
really!!! lol
@JehphgQuote Reply
Sometimes you get lucky. Tor has an excerpt for A Feast of Crows on their site:
http://store.tor.com/excerpt/9780553582024?format…
I looked up Daenerys Hair and Grow as keywords and this was one of the second results because "grow" was present in the phrase, "The Sons grow bolder."
paulgudeQuote Reply
i always saw her with the color of kerli's hair: http://www.melu.ee/i_storage/300×300/1198078222vB… http://media.photobucket.com/image/kerli%20koiv/A… http://media.photobucket.com/image/kerli%20koiv/A… http://media.photobucket.com/image/kerli%20koiv/A…
@JehphgQuote Reply
Pink did an AMAZING "hammock" aerialist performance at the 2010 Grammy Awards, while singing.
paulgudeQuote Reply
@Eldarino above, re: Dany as the most beautiful woman in the world
I understood Dany to be more along the lines of other powerful queens from history, like Cleopatra for instance, or Boudicca. No one knows what Boudicca actually looked like, but she's always portrayed in art as a fierce and beautiful woman nobly defending herself from the Romans. I would think that in reality, back in the day of Celtic hygiene and beauty regimens, that she was not an attractive woman. Cleopatra has been portrayed for centuries as the most beautiful, beguiling woman in the world, but actual sculpture busts of her and coin portraits show that she wasn't much of looker actually.
See:http://u21museums.unimelb.edu.au/museumcollection…
Power + history = beauty.
Although Dany is portrayed as striking, I thought that the admiration and love she received were more from her deeds, position, and background. Cersei seems to get more reaction based on her beauty than Dany (those based on pure lust). This is a very long explanation for why I don't get where this "most beautiful woman in the world" concept came from either…
Christina KolbQuote Reply
can't keep my mouth shut right now…really amazing
@JehphgQuote Reply
unknowns? like those unknown actors Ian McKellen, Elija Wood (North, Deep Impact The Ice Storm), Sean Astin (Rudy, Toy Soldiers), Sean Bean (who had been Sharpe on about a dozen British Sharpe TV movies), Cate Blanchete, Ian Holm, Chistopher Lee, Viggo Mortensen (28 Days, A Perfect Murder, The Prophecy), John Rhys-Davies (character actor extraordinaire), Liv Tyler (you know daughter of some singer guy), Hugo Weaving (Priscilla Queen of the Desert)
the only "unknown" that went on to really break out was Orlando Bloom. Dominic Monaghan went on to star in the most overated POS tv show of all time (Lost) and another bomb (FlashForward) and Billy Boyd went on to do f'all (Bride of Chucky? really?)
there are plenty of "unknowns" who have actually had some good experience in small indie films (think Hugo Weaving) but are unknown to the slackjawed yokels who are cinema philistines that you don't actually have to go with a "total unknown" straight out of acting school. i mean, Orlando Bloom may have become a star but he couldn't act in LotR and he can't act now.
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
Violet eyes: http://www.betterphoto.com/uploads/processed/0030…
Cool!
Hear Me RoarQuote Reply
I dont see why its any sort of conflict…… its not like she doesnt want to be seen in the nude, right? Like why would she take the role if she didnt want to be seen? thats like feeling conflicted about a playboy bunny. if shes got it and doesnt mind flaunting it – i say flaunt it. Anyway its like art…. in my view it is….. the female body is beautiful…. and even moreso if it has a pretty face attached to it. Not so much the male lol but hey thats just me you know?
hey so if they go full nude does anyone think she has to wear TWO silver wigs….. im just sayin
CrabappleQuote Reply
well i could have predicted that was going to start a shite storm. look these kiddies have drunk the kool-aid so trying to disagree with them is a lost cause.
i have to say i totally agree. this girl has that "girl next door" cuteness. sort of adorable and pleasant. but she has ZERO otherwordly, ethereal, alien beauty. NONE, ZIP, ZILCH, SQUADOUSH. which is the whole point of the Targeryns if i am not mistaken.
perhaps ES was too "developed" and sexy (tho i think that could be played down with costuming) but she had that sort of grace and intrinsic royal bearing that this girl entirely lacks. TM whatever her acting chops had the "weird" look at least.
i have no doubt that this girl can do "vulnerable" but dany is "vulnerable for about 2 episodes. for the rest of the show she is supposed to be a Queen. with regal bearing. can anybody really say this girl is the perfect embodiment of royal bearing and regal grace? if so i suggest you are not being objective but whatever, what is done is done … best cross one's fingers and hope for the best.
i do however reserve the right to a big fat "i told you so" if this turns out to be a disaster.
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
the man cannot even finish writing a book in under 5 years so i am not sure i trust his opinion much on anything. =)
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
for one thing Ellen Page is far more slight of build … this girl isn't exactly svelte … a bit on the round faced side for my tastes … i always pictured Dany as somebody with more of an ellen page very slight build … but hey, bottoms up the koo-aid tastes good … D & D can obviously do no wrong!
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
For me, the silver hair is the biggest stretch with any Targaryen, mostly because I've never ever seen it look realistic. In the past I've gone so far (blaspheme!) to suggest the Targs forgo their traditional platinum locks in favor of something that might look more realistic on the screen; I even went so far as to once suggest unilateral black hair for the Targaryens, with perhaps blue, green, or violet highlights when the light hits it just so, to give them that somewhat otherworldly quality … but then part of me thinks that would look fake too.
I mean really, can anyone show me someone with silver hair that doesn't look like they are A. an old person or B. not wearing a wig?
I'm not saying it can't be done. I'm just saying I haven't seen it. Eyebrows are another issue. Silver eyebrows would disappear on most Caucasian faces, unless that face is extremely tanned (which I'll note Emilia is not).
I'm very curious. GAME OF THRONES literally has some of the best people in the business for this, so if anyone can do it, they can. I just have never seen it.
Fire And BloodQuote Reply
BLASPHEMY … BLASPHEMY … MAY ODIN STRIKE YOU DOWN!!!
ok, but seriously … eva green is the most beautiful woman on the planet and this girl is just sort of "meh, i'd do her if i met her at a bar and had had a few".
the asthetic taste and judgment of folks on this blog is something i am really starting to question. first the completely off base ellen page comparisons (you know ellen is like 20% more waifish than this girl) and now this utter nonsense …
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
Ugh, "Drunk the Kool-Aid?" Really?
I'm legitimately surprised that their choice of Dany was anywhere near what I had hoped it would be.
paulgudeQuote Reply
personally i think there is a bit of kool-aid drinking going on up in this joint. but to each their own. at this point all i can do is say, not my idea of dany by any stretch and not what i would have gone with but hey, that is why D & D make the big bucks and i am an unemployed nobody …. for the record here is my "take"
Against:
A. she is a complete unknown with almost absolutely ZERO experience. it is one thing to cast a "relative" unknown … ie somebody who has done indie films or extensive character or tv work but is unknown to a philistine larger audience (think Hugo Weaving from LotR, well known to indie film buffs from his great role in Priscilla Queen of the Desert among others, as opposed to Orlando Bloom who had almost no experience whatsoever and proved it by not being able to act his way out of a wet paper bag as Legolas (and still can't btw)
B she is too much "girl next door, unassumingly pretty" sort of "cute but not striking". she has ZERO ethereal quality and ZERO royal bearing or regal grace from the work/photo's i've seen. nothing about her jumps out as otherworldy or alien or royal or cultured at all. i simply see nothing about her that makes me think she convincingly embodies the "Queen" Dany part of the role
C. she is not really the right build. i always pictured Dany as more slightly built and after the Dothraki very "wiry". from soft "pixie-esque" to tough "pixie-esque". her face in those Doctors clips is even a bit "chubby" (no before you all get your panties in a bunch she is still pretty). i always pictured Dany with more of a Natalie Portman from Leon (The Professional) kind of build. as a matter of fact can we time travel and get NP from 1994 to play this role? because that would be perfect, hindsight being 20/20. =)
For:
A. she has great emotive eyes. the eyes are very much Dany.
B. she seems to have the vulnerability of Dany down. she definitely is the best i have seen on the suggestions in capturing the childlike, innocent and vulnerable part of the Dany role
C. she seems like she might also do well being "tough" during the "acceptance by the Dothraki phase.
so, like i said … no thrilled or even impressed but what can you do. cross your fingers and hope for the best i guess. i reserve the right to a big "i told you so" if this turns out to be a disaster … and vice versa if it turns out to be brilliant.
and for those "OMG she is like so perfect i cannot believe it" how about we up the Ritalin dosage a bit … you have seen a dozen pictures and a few 1 min or less clips. nobody has enough information to make any judgment as definitive as "perfect" or "wretched".
and for what it is worth if they cannot get Eva Green to play Melisandre than i am going to hope they go with Elena Satine instead.
yo ted, we outta here. word to your mother.
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
I think that they will keep the Targaryens with their distinctive qualities, but like the rest of the show, I think they will keep it grounded in reality. I am sure that the producers and HBO won't do anything that will look campy or cheesy – they have a reputation for having a higher standard than many networks.
I agree with you, though it probably is blasphemous, in that I would be okay with them forgoing certain traits as I don't really think it is vital to the story, just adds some interesting flair. But like you said, they have the some top notch people working on the show and I am fully confident that they will make damn sure that everything looks believable and "right" before it ends up on screen.
ChrisQuote Reply
Thanks for this post. I was going to suggest that they should consider something like this, but was afraid of being eaten alive. Hiding behind your post seems like a much safer alternative…
I realize this might come from the fact that I don't have an extremely visual imagination during reading, i.e. I never picture what any characters face would look like in detail and almost never have any idea about people's eye or hair colours, but I don't see an absolute necessity for the silver hair or even the violet eyes from a storytelling point of view… (well ok, I can see how these visual features could have been important throughout history to set the Targs apart from the common folk, but so did their dragons…)
But then again, if anybody in TV could pull this off convincingly, it's probably HBO…
burthQuote Reply
Welcome back, Jacopo. I know you never went anywhere, but it took me a second to see you through my rose-colored glasses. Seriously, well thought out and damned honest. It's just harder to take when I don't completely agree with you. It feels weird. I'm not sure I like it.
Also, true story, they're starting me on Ritalin this Tuesday. GET OUT OF MY HEAD!
paulgudeQuote Reply
Wow, so…yeah, you're very entitled to your opinion of her. However, I think you cross the line into complete tastelessness and disrespect with it. "meh, i'd do her if i met her at a bar and had had a few"? Give me a fucking break.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
*looks at his kool-aid and wonders why it tastes like piss*
Oh, Jacobo is back. :)
ChrisQuote Reply
It's another example of the mental divide I think exists between readers when it comes to the book. To me, she comes across more of a child than a woman, so this "most beautiful woman in the world" angle on her just sits weird.
paulgudeQuote Reply
what. this girl is in the "not too shabby" category. she is ok, fairly pretty but nothing especially stunning or unique. "meh, i'd do her if i met her in a bar and had had a few" is just a colourful colloquialism. i mean if we can engaging hyperventilating "OMG OMG OMG SHE IS PERFECT" hyperbole i fail to see why some acerbic descriptive wit i so out of line?
eva green on the other hand is in the "uniquely, stunningly beautiful" category (see Kingdom Of Heaven) … you'll have to forgive me my post Kate Beckinsale obsession has moved to Eva Green (who now holds co-ownership of my female worship with Helena Bonham-Carter) so i am a bit sensitive to any slight, real or perceived, in regards to her.
and comparing this girl to Eva is a considerable and real slight.
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
what happened to me gemma atherton reply? weird? was it inappropriate or something?
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
i meant gemma ward .. ugh … we really need an edit button up in here
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
ok. let's try this again. weird cyberspace eating my posts.
as i was saying, i cannot really say anybody but Gemma Ward perfectly physically embodied what i thought Dany looked like to me. so, given that Ms Ward is likely as good an actor as Pauly Shore, it has always been a matter of "lesser of evils" when it comes to perfect looks and "maximize the acting ability".
and to be frank the "omg she is perfect" based on 2 commercials and a few clips from a cheezy tv drama seem a bit premature to me. personally the available material is so thin i have no real way to make a valid judgment … at least for me. but of course Natalie Portman had never done anything before Leon and she turned out fabulously. i still remember going to see it in the theater in 1994 and thinking A. i cannot help it and this is way creepy but that girl is going to be hott someday and B. holy testicle tuesday batman, this kid can really act.
so fingers crossed this girl turns out to be a super fabulous actor and i am sure that if such is the case i will quickly get over the fact she looks pretty much nothing like i picture dany (see Gemma Ward).
ps: speaking of the link above it is too bad that Devon Aoki has a too distinct asian look for Dany (well that and she is a pretty wretched actress if Sin City is any indication) and that Lily Cole is too much of a freakish giantess … a sexy sexy sexy freakish giantess mind you … to be Dany. because both also have that alien and otherworldly je ne sais quois that i think of when i think of Dany.
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
If you think that Dany is "vulnerable" for about 2 episodes and then turns into "a Queen", I doubt if we have read the same book. Obviously her self-confidence starts to rise at about that time, but it is still very much on a budding state the whole first book – all the way into the pyre scene, and even after, though in lesser quantity. So the whole season very much needs an actress who can show (also) her vulnerability, and it doesn't hurt even in the later seasons.
Otherwise I don't want to argue with you about the indivual actresses' abilities, because that is obviously completely moot.
SnowfellQuote Reply
Probably eaten by IntenseDebate. She's a real bitch with a big black hole where a lot of normal comments are sucked into.
Good post by the way. I'm pretty positive about the casting, but I still hold some reservations. It's just way too early to tell if she'll be a good Dany. The really negative and the "best news ever" comments are therefore a bit premature I think.
I still have the Jacopo Belbo book on the shelf. I'm halfway through Pillars of the Earth and then it's Eco's turn.
KnurkQuote Reply
ugh. really annoying when you put some time into a comment. seriously? just gone gone, forever? should i try again or not bother. it has disappeared twice now? no real naughty language in it or anything … just a hyper link … are hyper links not allowed anymore?
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
Don't know about the hyperlink, but the comments that dissapeared from my end eventually found their way back in an hour or so. Although I'm not sure all of them came back.
KnurkQuote Reply
stupid intertubze
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
you want to see disturbing nudity. try watching Antichrist (by Lars von Trier) with Willem Defoe and Charlotte Gainsborough … definitely an intense and disturbing film. a great piece of art even if it has been controversial and certainly isn't for everyone. i am not sure i can say i really even "enjoyed" it … but it was an intense cinematic experience like nothing else. definitely sort of wish you could find a retina and memory scrubbing service after watching it mind you …
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
ok. let's try this again. weird cyberspace eating my posts.
as i was saying, i cannot really say anybody but Gemma Ward perfectly physically embodied what i thought Dany looked like to me. so, given that Ms Ward is likely as good an actor as Pauly Shore, it has always been a matter of "lesser of evils" when it comes to perfect looks and "maximize the acting ability".
and to be frank the "omg she is perfect" based on 2 commercials and a few clips from a cheezy tv drama seem a bit premature to me. personally the available material is so thin i have no real way to make a valid judgment … at least for me. but of course Natalie Portman had never done anything before Leon and she turned out fabulously. i still remember going to see it in the theater in 1994 and thinking A. i cannot help it and this is way creepy but that girl is going to be hott someday and B. holy testicle tuesday batman, this kid can really act.
so fingers crossed this girl turns out to be a super fabulous actor and i am sure that if such is the case i will quickly get over the fact she looks pretty much nothing like i picture dany (see Gemma Ward).
ps: speaking of the link above it is too bad that Devon Aoki has a too distinct asian look for Dany (well that and she is a pretty wretched actress if Sin City is any indication) and that Lily Cole is too much of a freakish giantess … a sexy sexy sexy freakish giantess mind you … to be Dany. because both also have that alien and otherworldly je ne sais quois that i think of when i think of Dany.
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
"Colorful colloquialism" or not, some women find it incredibly insulting and degrading to be distilled down to their "doability."
You mean if you get a little dunk and your judgment is clouded – THEN you'd have sex with her? I mean, come on, seriously? Get a fucking sense of tact. That's squarely in the "go make me a sammich, woman!" zone of disrespect. You're totally entitled to call her unattractive and doubt the opinions of other people here, but wow…correct me if I'm wrong, but WiC is not a fucking frat party.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
Perhaps in modern times with hair dyes and bleach we've become desensitized to how unusual platinum blonde hair is, but it is incredibly rare to have naturally.
In the Middle Ages it would have been very unusual to have platinum blonde hair, especially as an adult (hair darkens through puberty). In a sense it would be "otherworldly" to have basic, normal platinum blonde hair.
GeorgeQuote Reply
yes. because i was legitimately making a summary judgment of her as a person not using an running cultural joke to counterpoint the absurdity of the "pro" faction passing positive judgment on her with almost as little basis as the "do-ability" judgment would be based on … but anyway, satirical and acerbic wit entirely missed apparently … i guess i will just go back to making sure my barefoot and pregnant woman doesn't manage to unchain herself from the stove …
uh huh. at this point i am going to back away slowly, smiling and nodding.
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
@PG: ok. let's try this again as a new comment. weird cyberspace eating my posts.
as i was saying, i cannot really say anybody but Gemma Ward perfectly physically embodied what i thought Dany looked like to me. so, given that Ms Ward is likely as good an actor as Pauly Shore, it has always been a matter of "lesser of evils" when it comes to perfect looks and "maximize the acting ability".
and to be frank the "omg she is perfect" based on 2 commercials and a few clips from a cheezy tv drama seem a bit premature to me. personally the available material is so thin i have no real way to make a valid judgment … at least for me. but of course Natalie Portman had never done anything before Leon and she turned out fabulously. i still remember going to see it in the theater in 1994 and thinking A. i cannot help it and this is way creepy but that girl is going to be hott someday and B. holy testicle tuesday batman, this kid can really act.
so fingers crossed this girl turns out to be a super fabulous actor and i am sure that if such is the case i will quickly get over the fact she looks pretty much nothing like i picture dany (see Gemma Ward).
ps: speaking of the link above it is too bad that Devon Aoki has a too distinct asian look for Dany (well that and she is a pretty wretched actress if Sin City is any indication) and that Lily Cole is too much of a freakish giantess … a sexy sexy sexy freakish giantess mind you … to be Dany. because both also have that alien and otherworldly je ne sais quois that i think of when i think of Dany.
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
Lol. Having actually worked as an extra on Doctors, it's not quite every week, but yes, it is a quick turn around in getting episodes filmed, and the time spent on filming them as well.
Samantha HirstQuote Reply
I gotta agree with Jacopo here. It's a typical American colloquialism that might be used by someone in their mid-30's or younger. I think that the sort of common "she's too hot or not hot enough" discussions here are a bit knee-jerk for me as well, but there ARE some really sensitive readers here on the blog. I just didn't think anything out of the normal was said. I disagree with Jacopo's opinion, but I didn't find what he said offensive. Condescending perhaps, by the end. ;P But not offensive in the beginnign.
SteveQuote Reply
"Cultural joke" – that still gets me. Would you make a "cultural joke" about a Mexican actor being good at taking another actor's job? Would you comment on a black actor's penchant for fried chicken? Or how about a Muslim actor bombing the casting location if he doesn't get the job…or a Jewish actor being stingy somehow? Because all of those are "cultural jokes" and are offensive stereotypes. It's no different than using a "cultural joke" based on the stereotype that a woman should be judged by how much a man would want to have sex with her.
Here's the core of it. If someone made that kind of statement about me, I'd be genuinely hurt. I'm sure if Emilia read that you said that, she'd be hurt too. That's what makes it tasteless. She didn't do anything to you except just land the ROLE OF HER LIFE. It's cool for your to disagree with it. But to degrade her with such a tasteless "cultural joke"? Right, buddy. You just keep prancing around with that sense of humor and keep pretending that half the people reading it don't think you're a total jackass for it.
I think you fail to recognize one big difference between what you're doing and what the people who are praising her as the second coming of Christ are doing – they're being respectful, and you aren't. There are lots of people on here who feel the same way as you and who are indifferent or strongly against it…but most of them don't stoop so low as to make slights against her personally. You might say that what you said isn't personal…but guess what? IT IS. You used a "cultural joke" to judge her by something she can't help, and like I said…if she read it, she'd likely be hurt or offended or both.
I didn't mean to write a whole novel, and if you're a troll this is exactly what you want…but really. I want to make an example of you. I do have a sense of humor, and I'm tolerant of most acerbic humor, but I draw the line at crap like this. /fin
Stella MarisQuote Reply
It's interesting to me– I never felt it was conflicted with Dany the way I might about, say, the presentation of Jodi Foster in Taxi Driver, where the context is so obviously abusive and loveless, set in a modern world, etc. BUT I get where others are coming from. I've seen the endless discussions, the endless quotes, and angry comments on this board and others, so I've seen all the evidence. George likes to complicate things, so Dany and Drogo is complicated, particularly so in the beginning, but in the end, it's pretty clear, to me, that it's written as a loving, sexual relationship. Just my perspective.
I mean, it's not Twilight or Highschool Musical or something, full of lovey teenie bopper love, but it's also just never creeped me out. And stuff can creep me out.
SteveQuote Reply
I agree to a certain extent. I always found Sansa's story and the things that happen to her more disturbing. The context of Dany / Drogo is bad, and some of GRRM's descriptions made me cringe, but I felt like they were actually into each other and she grew to really love that lifestyle. Being sold by her older brother to a savage warlord is pretty awful, but I think she actually ended up in a better situation and a better relationship in the end. (Which I guess is not saying much.)
ChrisQuote Reply
She's beautiful.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FXYJNSLUQID9…
LadyQuote Reply
And that's why I stopped coming here and posting. The level of raw judgment that goes on here is mind blowing. From both sides. Ugh. It's just ugly.
SteveQuote Reply
I can't really go see movies in the theatres these days since I spend most of my time hanging out with my four-year-old daughter, but Antichrist is definitely on my list. I catch up on things I've missed once she's in bed.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Yeah, I must have tried my "shaved head" post as a reply and lost it about three times before I finally made it its own post.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I've noticed there's been a lot of differences of opinion regarding when exactly Dany is going to come into her own as a commanding presence. I'm pretty much in line with you on this, that she gains her confidence in stages, rather than turning regal overnight. I'm interested to see how HBO plays it.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Relativity has always played a part with Dany/Drogo for me. Viserys, to me, has always been the main problem. He traded his sister to someone he viewed as a savage without any idea how he would treat her. This is the number one bad scene. Things certainly turned out much better than they could have had Drogo been a different guy. This is something I think GRRM takes pains to show us. Drogo eventually *makes an effort* to meet Dany (halfway? maybe not that far), even though it may be contrary to his culture and even though he doesn't *have* to. To me, that's what hints at the fact that this is a mutual relationship in the end.
That said, Dany is a bit of an unreliable narrator when it comes to her feelings in all this. There are two sides on this issue. If you're like me, you see a specific point in the book where she has some sort of a mental break that allows her to deal with this new life she's been thrust into, and up until that point she's in a lot of emotional and physical pain. Others don't think this exists. My argument, as always, is that emotions aren't logic and that when she loves Drogo she LOVES him. Crazily. Pathologically. I put it out there that you can't separate this into whether it's "right" or not.
*SPOILERS*
She falls in love like a teenage girl falls in love with the man who kills the abusive brother who traded her to him for an army.
*SPOILERS*
It's not going to be normal or okay. I honestly don't see why anyone would prefer it that way.
paulgudeQuote Reply
i think if i were a parent i would wait until she was in another state, perhaps even nation before i fired up the dvd and watched Antichrist. just sayin … the creepy disturbing mojo might overpower the entire residence
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
Look at what IntenseDebate spit out of it's hairy black hole!
KnurkQuote Reply
Point taken. Maybe I'll put her in a lead-lined room with a white noise generator going.
paulgudeQuote Reply
well as long as YOUR sence of humour was offended it must be a problem.
look, seriously. give it a rest. it was mining a cultural cliche to counterpoint the absurdity of those who don't know this girl, have never seen her act and don't know the first thing about her acting like she is some sort of ultimate manifest avatar of Dany made flesh. it is stupid. it is just as superficial and uninformed as saying that she is only moderately attractive in a purposefully off-handed way.
and for the record heaping unwarranted praise on an entirely unknown person, for whom the only thing you know about them are a few pictures and a few 1 minute clips is not respectful just because it is positive. i personally have no animosity of respect for her because I DON'T KNOW HER … either in a real, personal, one on one sense or even in a from a distant, famous person with a broad body of work and cultural relevance sort of way. and neither does anybody else. the comments were off handed and impersonal as if they were made about an iPhone or can of soda because effectively, as of now, she is no more real to any of us in a personal, human sense than an iPhone or a can of soda. to think otherwise is delusion and not respect. unless of course somebody on here is her mother or boyfriend/girlfriend or the girl herself. if so i will apologize and explain no offence was meant and that it was strictly an esoteric attempt at absurdist humour.
and i would also suggest that being offended on somebody else's behalf, whom you don't even know, strikes me as the height of hubris and egocentrism. but hey, you have fun with that. i am pretty sure anybody who wishes to put themselves in the public spotlight as an actress is ready to handle some barbed slings and arrows to mix a dramatic metaphor.
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
yeah. i know, right. now i look like a crazy tourettes commentor. stupid interwebz.
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
i have one word you for Asha Greyjoy:
STARBUCK …
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
reminds me of eva green
http://www.google.ca/images?q=eva%20green&oe=…
hiloQuote Reply
ok. seriously. now you are just trying my patience on purpose.
we've been over this … Emilia, cute tho she may be, isn't even in the same universe as Eva Green, much less ballpark …
now y'all just making me angry …. you guys won't like me when i'm angry =)
next thing somebody is going to have the unmitigated gall to compare her to Helena Bonham-Carter and then i am going to have to choke somebody … tehehe (for the humour impaired i would not actually choke anybody)
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
I guess to drill down into it, I have to say that my *expectation* of their choice was what lead to my, "she's exactly what I wanted!" attitude. I was harboring a secret fear that they got rid of Tamzin to get a more mature-looking Dany. I was positive, once Momoa was cast, that they were going to spin the Dany/Drogo relationship as a standard fish-out-of-water tale and leave behind all of the complicated age, familial abuse, and experience issues.
So imagine my excitement when I saw two clips where the person who *might* be playing Dany was specifically playing a victim of abuse, and doing (in my opinion) a knock-out job. I didn't know it was going to be her at the time. This was back when it was in question whether or not it was Clarke with an "e" or not.
So, when it turned out it *was* her, I was incredibly happy.
Like I mentioned with Leah earlier, there's a tendency to react emotionally when someone aggressively challenges your ideas. I obviously shouldn't claim knowledge past anything I've observed. I agree that I'm putting my trust in the casting department when I consider her ability to do scenes one can't imagine her doing based on the small amount of footage we have.
I have to admit, people bring up good points. Will she be able to pull off the "regal" aspects of the character? What will she look like in character? All of those things *are* valid concerns, but there's absolutely no way to know those things from what we saw. For those things we have to trust that the people who are putting on the show know what they're doing.
If you want to term that "drinking the Kool-Aid," I understand, but it's the *terminology* that makes me roll my eyes and sigh, not the sentiment. If you want to second-guess D&D's choices, that's there's nothing I can do to stop you. Still, it's not like they're pulling something over on me.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Quote: "Would it make you happy if he had said "I hate Lena Headey as Cersei, she's going to suck and because of her I wash my hands of this entire fiasco. Send me the paycheck but don't pretend this piece of crap series is in any way mine."?
No, no, Ser G, that would be Harlan Ellison's line. ;)
go_falconsQuote Reply
Wow, Jacopo. I'm used to you being a bit of downer in your posts but who kicked your dog today?
go_falconsQuote Reply
We don't *know* her, but we certainly know she's a person, not an object like an iPhone and a can of soda. It's empathy. I don't know when it happens, but there's a point in one's personal development where you can feel a little twinge of ick when someone says something that rubs your sensibilities the wrong way, even if it's about another person.
The thing is that it's a bit of a quixotic exercise, because the people that you're railing against don't share the ideals that you're defending. You're basically trying to teach with one hand and chastise with the other. I went through the same thing on the board a while back when calling out what I thought was a bit of an insensitive joke about Peter Dinklage's height. You don't change anyone's mind, and as you keep trying to explain your point of view you keep feeling less and less of a part of the community, and things seem less and less fun. It sucks, because it's a bit of a downward spiral.
I know I keep harping on this, but just because someone becomes an actor and knows to *expect* comments about their appearance, it doesn't mean that an absence of such comments isn't appreciated. As a karaoke MC, I expected drunk bachelorette parties to try and cut in line in front of everyone. That doesn't mean I didn't hate it every time it happened, or feel great on the rare nights that it didn't.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Well, actually….
Nevermind ;)
Stella MarisQuote Reply
Ha, I was going to say Alan Moore, but Harlan's much closer to the voice.
paulgudeQuote Reply
don't take the kool-aid comment personally. you are a bit more rational, even on this topic and especially on most other topics, so it wasn't directly aimed at you but rather the overall baseless love fest that was going on. it is the nature of die hard fans so i am not entirely surprised.
now, i understand that dany doesn't become royal overnight. i was being off the cuff earlier. but the "very vulnerable" Dany that would seem to be this girl's strength doesn't last very long. like you said somewhere earlier there comes a point, almost a single instance, where she sort of has a mental snap and just accepts her situation with the Dothraki and sort of has an instant change to more confident. the same can be said of the transition from kaleshi (sp) to queen. there is some seminal moment and she sort of just makes a leap from leader of a rag-tag band of nomads to a queen, at least in her mind, almost instantly. of course there are misteps and lapses on the way but she really does grow in stops and starts and large leaps to my mind.
i was just mostly concerned that the two things i think of as MOST emblematic of Dany in the book is her alien young semi-androgenous (ie not fully sexually developed as a woman) beauty and her general royal/regal/cultured from birth bearing. i always saw dany as somebody with royal grace and poise and bearing as part of her DNA and she doesn't so much "learn" it as "rediscovers" it was always there. which would, to me, mean that even as an exiled princess to an obviously insane brother or as a bartered sex slave to a "barbarian" to a leader of a rag-tag nomad band to a mother of dragons to a queen on rampage there is always an underlying, undeniable palpable essence of royalty. if that makes any sense. it is the sort of thing you can just sense more than explain. and i just don't get that in the slightest from what little we have to go on from this actress. and it the sort of quality that usually jumps right out when somebody has it. i thought Elena Satine had it. sure she was too vampish and developed but she screamed that quailty. but like i said unless you mad scientist merged the acting chops of Jennifer Connolly (just picked somebody i had yet to mention randomly, could be NP or HB-C or whoever) and the physical appearance of Gemma Ward anything is going to be somewhat less than that "ideal".
but as i mentioned she does have positives in her favour also. and nobody on this board, from what little we have available to go on, and what little total work she has done, can say with any certainty or rationality whether or not she has the acting chops to pull of a character as complex as Dany. for what it is worth from what i saw of TM (and it might have been the poor writing) she did not have the requisite acting talent to do so, so "unknown" at this point at least might be better than what we had. like i said, fingers crossed that her acting is so out of this world that she turns out to be amazing and overcome she doesn't have the "perfect" look and can "act" the regal presence she doesn't seem to naturally possess. entirely possible.
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
Thank you, Paul. As always, I appreciate your respectful candor…whether it be in my "favor" or not.
Regardless, I typed "/fin" for a reason .That's all I had to say on the subject, and that's all I will say.
MOVING ON :)
Stella MarisQuote Reply
come on. it had the smiley face … it was supposed to be light-hearted chiding.
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
karaoke huh? i have only been twice and each time i was amazed by the fact that most of the music selection the place had was absolutely wretched but they would have the most random hip stuff hidden in their repretoire (i read the entire 4 binder list) … BUT, even tho they had ONE Catherine Wheel song for karaoke it was like the most random, unknown song they ever had (from the last album that wasn't even widely released in the US). same thing for Billy Bragg and Elvis Costello and a few others i cannot seem to remember. it was totally random and bizarre. needless to say i didn't sing any karaoke … they didn't have the Sid Vicious version of "My Way" (which i thought would be the perfect karoke song for a drunk person who couldn't sing since Sid was a drunk person who couldn't sing when he recorded it).
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
That's a really interesting take on the whole character development that Dany goes through. Kind of like the whole "she is beautiful, but no one bothered to tell her" thing…something that's been there all along that she really just has to grow into. I definitely can see it, though it's not something I'd really thought of before. It will be neat to see how she portrays it.
Stella MarisQuote Reply
Excellent points all around.
There's *obviously* an undercurrent of royal bloodlines carrying the power of leadership that extends beyond any basic leadership inheritance rights.
*SPOILERS*
My own take is that Dany has the same form of craziness that the other members of her family has. It gives her power, even at her young age. I'm hoping Emilia has that, and trusting that she does because they cast her.
I also think that Dany might just become a bit of a monster towards the end of the series. It's pure speculation on my part, but not outside of GRRM's style.
*SPOILERS*
paulgudeQuote Reply
I loved Eva Green in the Bond movie, though I haven't seen her in anything else. I think Eva is much too long and willowy to be compared to Emilia, who is tiny; she's going to barely come up to Momoa's chest.
But I'd rate them about the same in the looks department. Green maybe a little higher, but only because I personally prefer tall. Emilia looks great though. That's like comparing a 9.7 to a 9.8. on the 10-scale.
And Helena Bonham-Carter is literally one of the top ten actresses of all time. If you even put Green in the same sentence as Bonham-Carter, you're on crack.
@AxechuckerQuote Reply
It wasn't just this post (actually it was hardly even this post). Nearly everything you've been on about in this thread has been extremely negative. Smiley face or not, this just happened to be the one that sent me over the edge into feeling I needed to respond.
go_falconsQuote Reply
It's completely bizarre because some nights no one sings, and so YOU sing for your entire shift, other times there's no way you're going to get all the way through. Ten bucks an hour was a lot for me back then, but I eventually quit. It's the ass-end of performing for a living. Although, I've never been a stripper so take that with a grain of salt.
paulgudeQuote Reply
not as an actress no. but as a unique beauty, yes. you need to see her in Kingdom of Heaven or even in that abomination that was The Golden Compass. she was hot in the Bond film but in a far more conventional way. i mean the bond films don't always bring out the best in women, just look how badly they mangled the gorgeous Olga Kurylenko by making her some odd orange tan colour. she was much hotter in Hitman (not a good film) and looks pretty amazing as Boudica like queen in the new Centurion.
i'd but both EG and HB-C in the 9.5-10 category and Emilia firmly in the 7-8 category. if i am allowed to use something so class as a 1 to 10 numeric rating system =) … quantifying beauty is so classless … tehehe.
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
"Although, I've never been a stripper so take that with a grain of salt."
Great, I have to take that vision to bed with me now. :)
go_falconsQuote Reply
Alright, completely off topic and I'm terribly sorry if this has come up elsewhere over the last week but I haven't been keeping up with all the posts for awhile.
I remember there was a lot of dissent about Mark Addy's casting as Robert. I didn't have much opinion as I don't recall having seen him in anything up 'til now. The family went to see Russell Crowe's Robin Hood yesterday. His portrayal of Friar Tuck convinced me he can pull it off. He put on a good bit of weight from his days on whatever sitcom he used to be on. I thought he did a great job in the film.
go_falconsQuote Reply
"Have" to or "get" to? I'm a giver.
paulgudeQuote Reply
i imagine, but in fiction and reality, that the psychology of royalty is a thin line of megalomaniac crazy enough to command the respect and lead nations of people and megalomaniac crazy sociopathic tyrant.
i always thought too that dany was on a one way trip to going over the edge to true blood thirst bat shite crazy Targaryen.
there is an interesting dichotomy brought up in the book between "gifted royalty" and "hard scrabbled leadership". to explain i always saw eddard as the later, a great leader of men that never went over to tyrant because he was formed by his environment. nothing is gifted in the north, everything is earned and all who survive are deserving of respect. be it king or commoner. whereas in the rest of westeros, whether it is Baratheons or Lannisters or whatever their less natural struggle existence leads royalty to a far more sense of entitlement that is pervasive and corrosive.
it is an interesting discussion i'd really like to have and explore more, i haven't fully thought it out but there are a lot of clear indications of general personality of families and philosophies of ruling/leadership being tied to geography and natural existence/struggle vs easy pastoral living and the struggle is the human struggle for absolute power and manipulation of others. i don't think it is an accident that the most reasonable and least tyranical rules are from the North, Neck Swamps and the barren Vale. the most ruthless psychotic rulers are from the easy living pastoral middle lands etc.
not a fully thought out hypothesis but you can see, even in exile, dany has lead a pretty pampered and privileged life … with bouts of struggle to be sure, and often on borrowed "t/dime" so to speak. but noting like the day to day bleak existence and struggle for survival from just nature that even the royalty of those of the North, Neck and Vale share with even the lowest commoner of their land. austerity leads to temperance if you will.
Who Is Jacopo Belbo?Quote Reply
I agree that he's a good actor, but when I told my husband in the car on the way home from seeing Robin Hood (which was hilariously bad. I love that Russel Crowe and the Merry Man whose name I can't remember with the bushy beard had NO ACCENT) that Friar Tuck was Robert Baratheon, he was definitely unpleasantly surprised.
Far, far, far too small for starters (girth and height), and I'm concerned that they might play Robert for laughs, though to be fair, I've only seen Mark Addy in humorous roles, so that could definitely be coloring my perspective. One of the few castings that I"m genuinely unhappy with, physically.
AshliQuote Reply
"the psychology of royalty is a thin line of megalomaniac crazy enough to command the respect and lead nations of people and megalomaniac crazy sociopathic tyrant"
I agree with this wholeheartedly. We'll see what happens.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I'm also skeptic about Mark Addy's casting, I pictured Robert as big and wide mature man, somebody like james gandolfini of the 'Sopranos', it's hard for me to imagine Mark as Robert as he is only 5'10 especially that Sean bean is 5'11 and Ned suppose to be much smaller than Robert.
Maybe they'll give him special shoes, I don't know…
humusTasterQuote Reply
that's exactly the impression i had of dany. that she was like a cleopatra type, who had something intangible and alluring about her that made her more desirable then your typical super-hottie. some one like cersei. i always thought dany would have something MORE then beauty, or better than, i guess. am i making sense?
a long time ago, during the tamzin uproar i posted a comment about lyndsey marshal who played cleopatra on rome. a brilliant, brilliant casting choice. to look at her head shot, i'm sure people on boards like this, before the show were like "meh. i don't see it." here's her head shot: http://www.troikatalent.com/images/large_images/M…
but when she came on screen, she was so alive with the power of her sexuality, i was like "this woman is the hottest woman on earth." plus her make-up, hair, costumes, unbelievable. here she is on the show:http://especiales.plus.es/media/PAGINADIGITALPLUS…
i think we can expect a similar transformation with the on-screen dany (not the uber sexual part but the allure and the growing into her power). and i think with what i've seen from HBO that those who aren't already sold on emilia purely on head shots and former jobs are going to be amazed at what hair and costumes and settings can do.
my additional point is that i really don't think with anyone in the cast we're really going to see what they're capable of until we all sit down and watch the pilot. http://www.educatedpony.wordpress.com
educatedponyQuote Reply
500th!!!
When's the last time we hit 500 comments?
LexQuote Reply
Or am I 495th? Damn you, intensedebate!
LexQuote Reply
The only place I see "Dany needs to be hot" is in the idea that science fiction and fantasy series don't last without a hot female lead. I was the one asking for quotes from the books to support her being outstandingly gorgeous, and no, there are none. Ethereal? My word. My impossible requirement. Once again, not supported by text.
What Dany DOES need to look is young, and that is something that this actress has over Tamzin: a much younger look. I can see Clark as a teenager. Even playing a 15-17 year old in the Tudors, I felt Tamzin looked at least college age.
I like Clarke. This is coming from someone who had the most hard to please mental image of Dany: ethereal, out of touch, vulnerable to begin with, but headstrong when she had no other options. Clarke's got young down, has abused down, and, with the page vibe, looks like she can pull off nuttily headstrong. That works for me, I'm sold.
Those who can't figure out how opinions can be made after just a small scene? Easy. Same reason speed dating works: most people CAN form an opinion about someone else within two minutes of meeting them. First impressions are easy to peg people in pigeon holes.
Critical_GeekQuote Reply
Am I not allowed to comment anymore?
I added a comment a few hours ago and it said my comment needs to be approved by a moderator(?), there are new comments now but I don't see mine.
humusTasterQuote Reply
This time it worked fine/
weird.
humusTasterQuote Reply
Agree with your concern. And Mark Addy seems so likable and friendly, I cannot see how he could have gone to war or tried to sent assassins to kill Dany. He is not a leader type, he's a friendly uncle.
We'll see how it turns out. Maybe he has been waiting for this kind of role for ages, to break away from the usual comedic stuff he gets to play
NemoQuote Reply
I'm in!
@LivveHultQuote Reply
Eva Green is a very fine actress and I wouldn't be surprised at all if she does start winning some major awards in the near future, assuming she gets the right roles, etc., etc. But I do believe the talent is there.
In Casino Royale, she took what could have been a more standard Bond Girl role and turned it, through her performance (and a very good script, IMO), into a pretty first rate piece of acting and a very interesting, well developed character. Her first encounter with Bond on the train ("I'm the money"), and that whole ensuing conversation and verbal sparring between them was fantastic stuff. Way more adult and interesting than any other Bond girl ever had before.
Check her out in these clips from the movie "Cracks":
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2696676377/
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2730230809/
I think she's first rate, all the way.
BrudeQuote Reply
The one thing I have been wanting for a long time is some other POV for Dany's storyline. We see things from her perspective only. I'm quite sure when she gets to Westeros, she will be seen as a barbarian and people won't be as enamoured with her as her followers and allies are now.
I think we can safely say that Cersei, Margaery, Sansa and others westerosi beauties are truely beautiful, because all different POVs agree with this. When it comes to Dany, we don't have such a consensus of opinion.
NemoQuote Reply
Indeed
@LivveHultQuote Reply
See Mark Addy in the movie "The Order" (called "The Sin Eater" outside the U.S.). It's a very serious role and he's very good.
Also, I think Robert SHOULD be a somewhat darkly comedic role. The guy is a gigantic, great failure of a king who spends all his time drinking and whoring instead of governing. At banquets he gets so drunk he can barely keep upright. He is so fat that they have to bring in some sort of special armor stretching device just so he can get into his own armor, which he's outgrown, for the melee at the tourney. King Robert is very much a fool, but he's one who wears a crown. Maybe he was once a great and powerful warrior, but now he's just a big failure – only nobody knows it yet, or will say it to his face, because the kingdom is still puttering along, albeit in enormous debt, and he's still got his fearsome reputation. There's a lot of elements of humor in a lot of the scenes involving Robert.
BrudeQuote Reply
Lol!! :)
@LivveHultQuote Reply
LOL!
@LivveHultQuote Reply
Thanks for the tip, haven't seen that movie.
Robert is a lot of a comedic role, I agree, but he is not just for laughs. There's also some sense of tragedy and unfulfilled potential. He's past as a mighty warrior is long gone, but it shouldn't be utterly and totally absent.
NemoQuote Reply
Amen..
@LivveHultQuote Reply
http://www.youtube.com/user/MichellePhan#p/u/20/bHVOxhEpjp0
Check this out :)
Michelle Phan is incredibly talented… and obviously has mad a name for herself through youtube…
@LivveHultQuote Reply
Thank you moderator.
humusTasterQuote Reply
She does have a certain childish plumpness which might turn out well as a contrast to Drogo.
And I agree (even as a woman) with that guy who said "We saw Tamzin naked". It's true…. Tamzin has been seen f**ing, b***ing, stripping, shoving jewelry up her *** etc. etc. etc.
I think Emily has much more innocence in her eyes, although body type and colouring spoke for Tamzin.
Still a nice take on Dany: good to form the audience's understanding of Dany's character and situation, (let's remember not all of them know the books by heart, if at all) a childishly plump Dany will do better than an anorectic model type – I guess 90% of us did imagine something Emma-Wardish – to convey the awkwardness of the situation.
Let's remember that a TV series doesn't have as much time to tell a story and explain the backgrounds as a book has.
JennyQuote Reply
Wow, men are so easily illuded. I believe if you ever saw Eva Green without her strong eye-liner you'd be in shock. :D
JennyQuote Reply
Based on the looks alone, I liked Merchant much better as Daenerys. I will however as always reserve final judgement till I actually see the show ;-)
Kenneth ØsterQuote Reply
I read the earlier post that had concerns about the address listed on her Spotlight page, you need not worry as apparently it is for Hubbard Casting
TysnowQuote Reply
For real?
I gotta see this Tudors show…
humusTasterQuote Reply
A spoiler warning is in order, I suppose.
A big part of this is that we simply don't have any other POV's in the east to give us a neutral impression of what she really looks like. The "most beautiful woman in the world" line comes from Victarion Greyjoy, who as he's sailing off to the east to woo Dany for himself, thinks about having the most beautiful woman in the world for himself. Of course, he's never actually seen Dany, so his opinion can't quite be taken at face value.
My opinion? Dany is definitely beautiful, but if she and Pretty Pia had been swapped at birth, well, Pia would be the one seen as "the most beautiful woman in the world." It's her deeds and status, combined with the fact that on the surface she's a cute young girl.
Ser GQuote Reply
Westeros's Narwen has created a couple of new posters with EC as Dany. When you look at the the last one, I can definitely see her as a 15 year old, so those of you who were adamant concerning Dany not looking older than 15-16, should be very happy.
TysnowQuote Reply
I'm amazed at the number of comments here. Think people take this just a tiny bit too seriously.
Like, half of the comments here are on hair tone. REALLY PEOPLE? REALLY?
Ser_NAQuote Reply
I'm not surprised. The core of this group wants insightful comments, as long as the comments don't hurt anyone's feelings (yes, on the internet). In the end you get the "My Little Pony" level threads.
I'm just glad I won't have to hear what's her face (some glorified porn actress that a couple of people liked as Dany) mentioned ever again.
I think they have found the perfect Dany, without any doubts. I am very happy about this news.
MiddletonQuote Reply
I think they have found the perfect Dany, without any doubts. I am very happy about this news.
Banning me is a good intention, maybe, but by today's standard is it possible? I'm already anon, so what are you banning exactly? Yes, I hurt someone's feelings because they annoyed me. Just another hazard of internet life I guess.
I'm just glad I won't have to hear what's her face (some glorified porn actress that a couple of people liked as Dany) mentioned ever again.
MiddletonQuote Reply
What I'm really really hoping is that HBO won't pornify the series like they did with True Blood.
grain of sandQuote Reply
I know what you mean. A little nudity and sex is fine, as needed to push the plot and character development forward. Considering how much is getting cut, gratuitous sex scenes will piss at least this person off.
Especially if sex scenes become jerk-session length. That means it's long enough to make you wonder what or who we are waiting, in order to end the sex scenes. Kind of like SNLs that stopped being funny 60 seconds before ending.
Anyway, I always though True Blood is vastly overrated. The best part of the show is the opening credit sequence, which is a brilliant piece of work :)
'Course, True Blood is a show for women, so I'm in the wrong demo.
MiddletonQuote Reply
Finally some casting news, even if it is a recast.
I can't imagine any fanboys crying about "fugly" this time. Emilia is gorgeous. I hope the talent is there, as there isn't a whole lot to gauge her on.
Gregory KeltonQuote Reply
My one concern, having watched the clips, would be her ability to give a stirring monologue. She's talented, and while there's room for improvement, I do think she's quite good right now at the basic feed her a line and have her respond. It's harder to judge the rest with the material available. The one that seemed a longer piece in Doctors wasn't that great. But we'll see. And I don't think Dany has as many big speeches at the beginning as she does later on.
world_dancerQuote Reply
yapp!
JennyQuote Reply
Princesses are usually quite vanilla/typical. Dany's not an exception, unless I am missing something.
But I hope Clarke can act and I hope they can depict Dany's trials in excruciating but not melodramatic detail in the TV series. I hope they don't focus on the men that have crushes on her, and other bourgeois ordeals.
Also, there's that scene where Dany turns the tables around and wins a billion phalanx slaves in one fell swoop, slaves that were about to stomp her to death, which was a little cheesy on text (maybe more effective on film? not sure). Similar to Tyrion getting the upper hand with a host of Barbarians. I hope they clean up that text so it doesn't seem so convenient, and a little more convincing.
MiddletonQuote Reply
Good post, Jacopo. I think all can agree that Clarke will be able to pull off the vulnerable Dany at the start of the series.
I understand your concern about whether she can pull off the commanding and regal side of Dany's character. Something that may help alleviate your concerns is the knowledge that the sides they were using in the auditions were two very "queenly" and commanding moments from Dany (her telling her brother off for the first time and addressing her khalasar prior to the pyre scene).
So for Clarke to have gotten the part, she would have needed to demonstrate her ability to portray this aspect of Dany's character from the very start. It seems, at least in Nina Gold and D&D's minds, she did so.
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
Don't be too harsh on her :)
I've always felt that the allure of Eva Green is founded on her slightly maniac, yet intelligent gaze. Without it she might be just another standard beauty. For that kind of person the lack of eyeliner could be disastrous (lol), but not for Eva.
NemoQuote Reply
The same has happened to me. After some hours, my comment did appear. Intensedebate is weird.
NemoQuote Reply
I agree. The sex scenes in TB sort of became ends in itself. It was like every tenth minute there just had to be the obligatory p0rn.
NemoQuote Reply
Same happened to me… A comment vanished for half a day and returned hours after I rewrote the post. And the 'Jump To' links never work for me. IntenseDebate is a nightmare IMHO. So, finding WIC's comment is nearly impossible when there are hundreds of posts. I have given up on reading posts I'm interested in because it's too much work.
MiddletonQuote Reply
I hope she plays damn good because her appearance (from these photos at least) is what i 'd call an everyday girl next door, not striking beautiful as Dany should be (beautiful doesn't mean sexy). Her eyes are of course great but i really hope her talent is equal.
D4skalosMQuote Reply
Luckily, we know a large part of the audition is delivering two monologues. So, if she sucked at them, the casting folks probably would have caught on during the process.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Thank you Paul! This really sums up what the nature of the Dany/Drogo relationship is. It bothers me when people are like "What? It's okay? They love each other." You hit the nail on the head – Dany loves Drogo in only the way an abused teen can fall in love with someone who kills the very source of their abuse can be. Dany and Drogo aren't in any form of a healthy realtionship. It's called Stockholm Syndrome people, look it up.
The Winter RoseQuote Reply
Paul, I swear you and I are on the same page: "I was harboring a secret fear that they got rid of Tamzin to get a more mature-looking Dany. I was positive, once Momoa was cast, that they were going to spin the Dany/Drogo relationship as a standard fish-out-of-water tale and leave behind all of the complicated age, familial abuse, and experience issues. "
- This was my fear too. I got really worried that's what they were going to do as well. But with Miss Clarke cast, I feel much more relieved because I think they are going to play up the vunerable side of Dany's story.
The Winter RoseQuote Reply
The thing that gets me are the people who hear "Stockholm Syndrome" and thinks that they can refute this by saying that Dany "really" loves Drogo. Emotions forged that way aren't any less real or strong, as anyone who's had to get out of a destructive relationship knows. If it was some sort of false emotion that you could just turn off, it wouldn't be so hard.
Now, the one thing that I'd missed in the past about this relationship is the whole "Drogo making an effort" thing. You can't divorce this from either the fact that he made the deal with Viserys, or his initial disconnected manner of dealing with her, but it's definitely present.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I was also hoping for Dany for a more Gemma Ward/Lily Cole look as that is always how I've pictured Dany as well and was hoping for someone more of those looks, however I was very much sold by Clarke's emotive performance in the commericial and her expressive eyes. Plus she does have a very youthful and naive appearance that is believeable to me. I often find Hollywood casts people to be "innocent" "naive" and "wide eyed" and it's not genuine. Her look and her performance in the commerical came across as very sincere to me. I can totally understand your very valid concern about her not being able to transform into a more commanding and regal presence. But I guess I am not worried as much because apparently she had to audition reading for those scenes and must have done an impressive job to have won over the role. They already had to recast, and they can't afford to do it again. So I am sure they were very careful with who they picked.
The Winter RoseQuote Reply