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'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell' screenplay complete

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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

Frank Carroll said...

I think David Bowie might have made a good "gentleman" 20 years ago but not now. Cillian Murphy would be an interesting choice for the gentleman. How about Dustin Hoffman as Norrell? I pictured Strange as looking like Adrien Brody when I read the book, but I'm not sure he could capture the character. It might be best to cast a relative unknown as Strange. Depp as Byron? Definitely. Posted on Aug 30 2007 01:06

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J Strangest said...

Bettany IS Strange, the sardonic smile is his natural look. Ian Holm isn't bad for Norrell. Chiwetel Ejiofor IS Stephen Black...just check him out in "Serenity" if you have any doubts. Simon Pegg should play one of the main servants...perhaps Lucas, he's too good not to use. They dude who did Gollum should be Vinculus...he's perfect too. Christian Bale should play the Raven King...he never appears in the book, but they will need to show him in the film for flashbacks etc. Posted on Aug 07 2007 03:04

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Tommy said...

Im terrified about this film. The book is so powerful and dense, i just carnt see how it can be broken down for a movie. The thought of Mr Depp going anywhere near this truely makes my heart sink...Think Bettany, think Holm, think Daniel Day-Lewis as the Duke Of Wellington... The gentleman with the thistle-down hair should go to that welsh guy, Rhys Ifans...suitably awkward and menacing...I hope the movie does the book justice...I believe in magic !!! Posted on Aug 06 2007 14:37

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jonathan church said...

I would like to see anthony hopkins as norrell and james mcavoy as strange.
I would also like to see michael sheen as the gentleman with the thistle down hair.
But I am beginning to wonder if this film will ever be made... Posted on Jun 18 2007 16:55

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amber said...

I think that if johny depp is cast then it should be as childermass. Posted on Jun 02 2007 21:44

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kevin said...

Ian McKellen for Norrell, no others could be considered. Posted on May 26 2007 15:30

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Dale Campbell said...

Some people should read read the book with thier eyes open. It says that he would have been handsome where it not for certain facial characteristics, hair colour etc.
so no do not have a 'handsome' actor as that was not what he was like. Posted on May 05 2007 15:40

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Rebecca Clarke said...

Ian Holm - absolutely Norrell
Lascelles - Jonathan Firth, rather than Colin
Johnny Depp is about the only American I can think of, who could pull it off. Heath Ledger as the man with the Thistle Down hair could be interesting - Casanova in his twighlight years! Posted on May 05 2007 06:44

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IPW said...

Derek Jacobi for Mr. Norrell please. Posted on Apr 25 2007 17:39

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RVance said...

I saw Russell Crowe easily on all 782 pages as Jonathan Strange.
Bring back Stephen Fry as Wellington. And do cast Hugh Laurie and Gabriel Byrne somewhere. Posted on Mar 14 2007 03:06

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Dale Campbell said...

Johnny Depp should obviously play Lord Byron, perhaps a minor role, (if it has not been culled) but he would be perfect. Posted on Mar 03 2007 16:16

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Jenifer - Miami said...

The actors + actresses should be from the UK...it would make the film so much more authentic
Ben Chaplin for Strange....elegant and non-assuming
Gabriel Byrne for Childermass - mysterious and deep - Irish accent should be ok
David Bowie for the man with the thistle-down hair Posted on Feb 21 2007 16:16

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ali said...

what do you mean, look at his face? i think hes one of the cutest actors ever. and Jonathon strange was described as handsome. Posted on Feb 12 2007 14:19

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Duogo said...

I am not sure I agree that Christian Bale is the right man for the job. I mean, look at his face! Posted on Feb 12 2007 11:18

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Jan Bidner said...

David Bowie is a bit stiff perhaps... And he's getting old. Even though woderful as Tesla in one of the latest great movie about magicians and illusionists (The Prestige). The gentlemen must have an aura of danger close to insanity like a playful massmurderer to him. Or I could be wrong. After seeing Maid in Manhattan I must agree to Nefers suggestion about Bob Hoskins as being potential material for Norrell. Ian Holm is still the perfect cast. Posted on Feb 12 2007 11:11

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