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'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell' screenplay complete
Christopher Hampton has written an adaptation of Susanna Clarke's best-selling novel.
Nov 9 2005
Christopher Hampton, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of 'Dangerous Liaisons', has finally finished the first draft of his screen adaptation of Susanna Clarke's epic fantasy novel 'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell'.
'It took a fair amount of time to work out some way to encapsulate that enormous book in a film of sensible length,' he said. 'But it was lots of fun – and very unlike anything I have ever done before.'
The story unfolds at a time when England is struggling to cope with the hardships brought on by the Napoleonic Wars and practical magic has been all but forgotten – that is until magicians Strange and Norrell appear on the scene and begin to stir up ancient and uncontrollable powers.
The film is due to go into production next year, and will be distributed by New Line Cinema, though no cast or director has been decided on as yet.
However, main character Strange is a good-looking ginger chap, so the choice of Hollywood actors is somewhat narrow. Eric Stoltz perhaps?
User comments on this story
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- Stephen said...
- I mean it's the best fantasy book ever! Too bad I couldn't get any email adress of any production company or director... Posted on Oct 31 2011 20:42
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- Jan Bidner said...
- Would someone please kick NLCs ass? This thread is what six years old now. Please have this movie made. Just a short with selected scenes featuring Steve Coogan would do. Posted on Oct 24 2011 00:25
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- cosmo said...
- How about Benedict Cumberbatch for Strange? Ginger and perfect in To the Ends of the Earth. Jude Law as Lascelles, I see him being all sarcastic like in Holmes. Posted on Oct 18 2011 19:00
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- JW said...
- An 800 page novel as a movie? You've got to be kidding! Posted on Sep 18 2010 10:31
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- reginabee said...
- ALthough I love David BOwie, I think he is too old to play the fairy with the thistle down hair. I imagine someone young with perfect features, like a young Adam Ant or a young Billy Idol. Posted on Sep 15 2010 16:23
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- reginabee said...
- THey better make this movie! Domhall Gleason for either strange or the gentleman with the thistle down hair! I jsut saw him in a movie trailer with Keira Knightly. Please someone get this movie out SOON!!! Posted on Sep 15 2010 16:20
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- Chelsea said...
- And I agree, I kinda don't believe in this production anymore. It is past time New Line sold the film rights to another production company. However, I loved the book, and I don't want the movie slaughtered. It's going to be very hard. Posted on Jul 14 2010 20:45
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- Chelsea said...
- In terms of casting, I think Alan Rickman for Mr. Norrell (or Childermass); I'm not totally sure of Srange but I think it should be an unknown; Helena Bonhman-Carter for Mrs. Strange; definitely don't want any David Bowies in this movie! Posted on Jul 14 2010 20:39
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- J R Ward said...
- Jake Curran is a little known British actor whose face IS Jonathan Strange - otherworldly yet curiously handsome. We don't see him much- alas his most prominent role was as Bernard (also played by a goat) in Stardust. There is an episode of Primeval and a few other roles. Check him out Posted on Jun 05 2010 20:50
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- Stephen said...
- Does anyone still believe in the production? New Line shall sell it to another producing company. It could be a great great movie! Posted on Jun 03 2010 18:50
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- cassie said...
- michael sheen for mr.norrel Posted on Mar 21 2010 14:59
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- cassie said...
- lee pace for mr.strange Posted on Mar 21 2010 14:54
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- Hugh Firebaugh said...
- I think Paul Bettany would be good as Strange... Posted on Jan 26 2010 22:34
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- Karen said...
- Loved the book and think David Tennant must play Stange. I would be very disappointed if it was anyone else as he just jumped off the page him as I was reading it. Must be all British cast - please! Posted on Oct 19 2009 22:48
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- Rachel E said...
- After reading the book recently (put it off for over a year!)- can't help but think Richard Armitage would be great as Strange. Posted on Sep 24 2009 13:29
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