Bit late as I’ve been out for a couple of days so I know the diehard book fans already know, but for passive/potential new fans (the one’s we need for the show to succeed), I got a note from HBO alerting me to a new cast addition to HBO’s adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones. A couple of week ago we found out who would we be playing her twin brother, and now we know that Lena Headey will be playing the role of Cersei Lannister.
Definitely can dig this casting, and it goes beyond my remorse of the loss of the The Sarah Connor Chronicles. I never considered her before, but when considering HBO’s traditionally ace design, the hair color is not an issue, and looking over that, the cast seems almost perfect in hindsight. I’ve noted in previous posts how key this particular role was, because while I know some people view the character with extreme opinions, it is not a character that I find myself set in my ways with. One of the most memorable bits dialogue in the series for me (in a series full of great examples ) was her talk with Ned Stark in A Game of Thrones–a powerful moment that I hope makes the cut, and one that I will focus on as a reader of the novels. The quality of that exchange will very much (for me) tell me a lot of the nature of the adaptation, as I think it pays off both characters.
I mentioned Sarah Connor Chronicles, but I first saw Headey in the adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s Remains of Day (w/ Anthony Hopkins) in a bit role, and she was something for the fellas to gander at in the 300, amidst all the eye candy for the ladies.
Last month brought us the castings of the Stark Sisters, Theon Greyjoy, Rob Stark, Jorah Mormont, and Daenereys Targaryen. These announcements were additions to the earlier castings of Sean Bean (Ned Stark), Kit Harrington (Jon Snow) Harry Lloyd (Viserys) Jack Gleeson (Joffrey) Mark Addy (Robert), Peter Dinklage, and Jennifer Ehle as Catelyn Stark.
A Game of Thrones is based off of the novel by George R.R. Martin, the first book in his A Song of Ice and Fire series.
When I found out that this had moved into casting, I asked myself, “What about Cersei?” Probably the most pivotal role in the series thus far. Perhaps that is why they took a little more time and care with this selection? It is SO hard to find good villains. She definitely has the looks to pull this off, but can she act evil and arrogant enough?
I do know her from 300 and those last few scenes were really the highlight of the film for me.