Who would you want to star as Dale Barbara in the movie?

[voxangelikus]

I am about 300 pages into the book and I can't stop imagining James Gandolfini as Big Jim... even though I don't think he'd be right for the part. John Goodman either. I am trying to imagine Ron Perlman, who I think would be good. But it's just not working.

For Dale Barbara I am completely picturing Sam Rockwell ("Moon", "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind"). Although Tobey Maguire from that movie "Brothers" (but only from that movie) might work.

And for some reason I keep hearing Jane Lynch when I read Julia Shumway. She plays the badass cheerleading coach on "Glee", but I know her from "Best in Show" and "Party Down".

[jpino98]

Dale Barbara = Guy Pearce
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm189504000/nm0001602

Gotta check him out in the movie Memento. Crazy amazing film. SK fans will love it.

[Haunted]

I am about 300 pages into the book and I can't stop imagining James Gandolfini as Big Jim... even though I don't think he'd be right for the part. John Goodman either. I am trying to imagine Ron Perlman, who I think would be good. But it's just not working.

For Dale Barbara I am completely picturing Sam Rockwell ("Moon", "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind"). Although Tobey Maguire from that movie "Brothers" (but only from that movie) might work.

And for some reason I keep hearing Jane Lynch when I read Julia Shumway. She plays the badass cheerleading coach on "Glee", but I know her from "Best in Show" and "Party Down".

Gandolfini can carry off an evil Big Jim. John Goodman just makes me giggle.

Gary Sinise is my choice for Barbara. Although, having him play two of Mr. King's heroes may raise some questions.

Jane Lynch is perfect for Julia!!!

[Terry B]

Dale Barbara = Guy Pearce
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm189504000/nm0001602

Gotta check him out in the movie Memento. Crazy amazing film. SK fans will love it.

Lived him in "The Time Machine" remake.

[andreasmith762]

Johnny Depp as Barbara. I just like JD.

I'm with you on Johnny *sigh* he's so dreamy!!
although I can't see him as Barbie

Dennis Haysbert would be a good choice I think http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Haysbert

[Black Flagg]

I'm really trying not to come off as a jerk here, because my question to the whole board is serious...

How much attention do you really pay to the descriptions of characters (age, physical)? I ask because I've seen some very "interesting" casting choices for characters throughout these entire boards (not just in this thread). While I feel that it isn't 100% important to match a character's physical characteristics exactly with an actor, it should at least be the starting point. There's some casting suggested in the Dark Tower threads that really make me wonder if I read the same book as the person making the suggestions, for example.
Dale Barbara is described as being 13 years Julia Shumways' junior (so early to mid-30s at the oldest). While I think some of the actors suggested here are great at what they do, it doesn't make them right for the part at all. I would never cast an actor in his late 40s or early 50s as Barbara anymore than I'd cast Robert Pattinson as Big Jim just because I might like his work in other things.

[Wanderer From Ys]

I'm surprised no one has answered this, but Dale Barbara is supposed to be 30. Julia Shumway is listed as being 43,

Show Spoiler

and around the time when they hook up

She says something like, I'm old enough to be his mother.......If I had him when I was 13.

[mrs.thebus]

Hi, all the suggestions have been great so far! especially Steve Bucemi for chef, I actually imagined him asthat character while reading but couldnt think of his name! I also imagined Big Jim as Brian Dennehy for some reason, maybe because he plays a believable bad guy.

[MsPolyTheist]

Lots of great suggestions here. I particularly like the idea of Gary Sinise. Personally, though, while reading the book, I inexplicably pictured Dale as played by Steven Weber!

[BRANDYWINE]

Josh Duhamel would play Barbies part very well.