Let's dreamcast a live-action adaptation of The Silmarillion
4) Beren the Renowned - Richard Madden
Who doesn't remember Richard Madden as Robb Stark in Game of Thrones? Madden played a young and noble leader thrust into a bloody political thicket, which is pretty similar to Beren's journey from a simple mortal man to a legendary hero. Madden's Robb Stark was a paragon of strength, vulnerability, and raw humanity, qualities essential for Beren, who is not just a warrior but a lover, a dreamer, and a survivor.
Madden's performance as Robb showed he could balance the intense physicality required for battle scenes with the tender, touching moments of romance and heartache. This is crucial for Beren as he engages in daring deeds all in the hope of winning the right to be with the elven princess Lúthien. There's is an impossible union, but they make it happen anyway, by overcoming impossible odds.
Madden's portrayal of David Budd in Bodyguard is another good touchstone. In that role, Madden displayed his ability to play a character carrying deep emotional scars in touch with a complex inner world. From the fierce determination in his eyes to the subtle shadow of a smile, Madden's range as an actor would breathe life into Beren's legendary adventures and his timeless romance with Lúthien.
5) Melian the Maia - Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer, known for her incredible performance as Jules in Euphoria, would be an impeccable choice for the role of Melian the Maia, who is the wife of the elven king Thingol, the mother of Lúthien, and one of the most powerful characters in The Silmarillion.
Schafer's portrayal of Jules puts on display her ability to embody characters who are both ethereal and profoundly emotional. Melian is a Maia, an ancient spirit who helped the Valar shape the world in the days before even the elves walked it. She has a deep connection to the natural world and a powerful, enchanting presence. That requires an actor who can bring a certain ineffable mystique. Schafer is up to the task.
In Tolkien's world, Melian isn't just a powerful person; she is also a symbol of protection, wisdom, and love. Her will creates a protective border around the forest of Doriath, where she and her husband rule their elven kingdom. Hunter Schafer, with her unique combination of otherworldliness and emotional depth, would not only embody Melian the Maia but also breathe into her a life that would resonate deeply with audiences.