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

[urrutiap]

Its hard to choose for the right actor to star as Dale Barbara aka Barbie. The only people that I can think of are

Bruce Willis
Thomas Jane again
Ed Harris - hell he's starred in like 3 Stephen King movies years years ago so the 4th time would be cool
Denzel Washington for a different race role change for something different
Jason Statham maybe?

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

I kept seeing Gary Sinise cThe Stand.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Cowboy]

Bruce Willis is a good choice....if Jim Nabors isn't available, I think he did a military type role once or twice before.

[sam peebles]

I like the Bruce Willis idea. I could definitely picture him playing a beaten, bruised and frustrated Barbie.

Ed Harris might be too old to pull it off (but hell, how old is Bruce these days?). Denzel's got the skills, and there's no reason Barbie couldn't be black. If you can't get Denzel, why not Will Smith?

Clive Owen maybe. He's got that rugged but intelligent mien neccesary for the role.Can he do an American accent?

How about Michael C Hall? He's a little young, but for my money, that guys not in enough films (get well soon Mikey!)

I didn't picture anyone playing Barbie while reading, but besides Dick Cheney for Rennie, I also imagined a bloated Jack Nicholson.

[vslayer]

How about Mathew Fox, he's the guy that plays Jack in Lost.
I think Bruce Willis would have been a good choice 10 years ago! He's too old now.
He could play Cox!

[bookworm101]

Johnny Depp as Barbara. I just like JD.

[RandomMan]

James Caviezel...he would be perfect!!!
http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTU2NDg2NDg0OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMDIzMjA3._V1._ CR54,0,346,346_SS100_.jpg

Was thinking about Cox...Robert Forster
http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1414417293068&id=e8e4b818ce9d46ce309ced94710f8bcf&url=http%3a%2f%2fimages.titanmagazines.com%2fconte nt%2fHeroes-UK%2fissues%2f8%2fcontent%2fmain_3.jpg

[Just Me]

Hi,

I kept seeing Gary Sinise cThe Stand.

Long days and pleasant nights

I also think Gary would be my choice. That is the face I pictured as I was reading.

[ShootDaSquirrells]

I like the Nicholson idea for Rennie and I could see Damon playing Barbie, I could also see him playin Carter. But Willis, Denzel, and Will Smith would all be good choices for Barbie

[Terry B]

As I'm reading the book I get the impression that Dale Barbara is younger than Bruce Willis or Ed Harris. Jason Statham? Too tough-guy. Thomas Jane is possible but I'm liking Joshua Jackson of Fringe fame. He's about the right age and doesn't come off as a super action hero. That's how I see Barbie - just a guy caught up in the situation but not super action. So...

Joshua Jackson - Dale Barbara
John Goodman - Big Jim Rennie

[johnmarinville]

Personally, I think Dale should be played by a fairly young guy. Matthew Fox and Clive Owen are both good suggestions (not mine). But what about Simon Baker? He's the guy from the television show "The Mentalist".

[Bryan James]

Ron Jeremy as Rennie.

Jon Bon Jovi as Barbara.

[Srbo]

For Jim Rennie`s character exists only one choice and one choice only - James Gandolfini.

As Dale, more options are open, Tim Daly from Storm of the Century comes to mind and also Jason Patrick ( Sleepers, Narc )

JMO.

[ginapenn]

In the book, wasn't Dale Barbara in his early thirties? To me, that would leave out a lot of the suggestions, no offense. Timothy Olyphant would be my first thought. Then Josh Duhamel.

[Srbo]

In the book, wasn't Dale Barbara in his early thirties? To me, that would leave out a lot of the suggestions, no offense. Timothy Olyphant would be my first thought. Then Josh Duhamel.

Yeah, he was.

And Red was a white guy in the story about Shashwank.:wink2:

[urrutiap]

well we dont need a young actor to star as Dale Barbara. Then his backstory of his past and Iraq wouln't work well on the big screen.

Some older like Bruce Willis or Ed Harris or even Thomas Jane.

Thomas Jane did pull it off pretty good in The Mist movie.

Also for "Chef" the religious Radio DJ I'm thinking of Micheal Shannon from Bug
Julia- Julianne Moore
Scarecrow Joe and the other good teens: Shia The Beef, Dakota Fanning, anyone else for the young kid actors
Peter Randolph- James Cromwell maybe?

Brenda and Duke Perkins: the actress that starred as Aunt May in the Spider-Man movies and for Duke it would maybe be Robert Duvall.

[Terry B]

In the book, wasn't Dale Barbara in his early thirties? To me, that would leave out a lot of the suggestions, no offense. Timothy Olyphant would be my first thought. Then Josh Duhamel.

Josh Duhamel - yeah - he could work.

[Tery]

I agree that Dale seems to be much younger than some of the actors suggested (not that I dislike any of them!). I like all of the younger actors that have been suggested, too. I'm seeing a dirty-blond-haired guy for some reason. Maybe Josh Holloway (Sawyer from Lost)? Or Peter Horton? I'd like to see Justin Timberlake in the role (he's a bit young, maybe). He really is a very talented actor (though I'm ambivalent about his music).

[Terry B]

well we dont need a young actor to star as Dale Barbara. Then his backstory of his past and Iraq wouln't work well on the big screen.

Some older like Bruce Willis or Ed Harris or even Thomas Jane.

Thomas Jane did pull it off pretty good in The Mist movie.

Also for "Chef" the religious Radio DJ I'm thinking of Micheal Shannon from Bug
Julia- Julianne Moore
Scarecrow Joe and the other good teens: Shia The Beef, Dakota Fanning, anyone else for the young kid actors
Peter Randolph- James Cromwell maybe?

Brenda and Duke Perkins: the actress that starred as Aunt May in the Spider-Man movies and for Duke it would maybe be Robert Duvall.


I'm not understanding everyone's obsession with Dale Barbara as being an "older guy" because he was in the Iraq war. Good Lord people, that war is only a little over 8 years old. My own son was in the first Gulf War and he's only 40. Bruce Willis is 54 years old. Old enough to have fought in Viet Nam. Ed Harris is almost 60, also old enough to have fought in Viet Nam. I agree Thomas Jane would do very well. Shia LeBeouf is a little old for Scarecrow Joe. Now Robert Duvall as Duke Perkins is spot on.

[Terry B]

By the way - Shia LeBeouf is only 3 years younger than Thomas Jane.

[M-O-O-N that spells Nikki]

I'm not sure what age Barbara is supposed to be but Shia Labeouf would be ever so nice....

[jenboxer77]

I pictured Dale Barbara Paul Walker or Josh (Sawyer) from Lost.

http://www.karenmoning.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=170&pictureid=1293
http://www.michellerowen.com/mich27/michellerowen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/joshholloway.jpg (http://www.michellerowen.com/mich27/michellerowen.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/joshholloway.jpg)

[Bryan James]

When honestly making your picks, be mindful of the fact that it is going to be a relatively low-budget movie...if it even becomes a movie.

Which I doubt.

(Molly Ringwald in 'The Stand')

I REALLY like to be wrong about such things, though.

~BJS

[vslayer]

Jon Bon Jovi as Barbara.

He could belt out a soundtrack song too!!!:biggrin2:

[mojomofo]

Johnny Depp as Barbara. I just like JD.

Nope, nothing wrong here! :biggrin2::love:

[ginapenn]

Yeah, he was.

And Red was a white guy in the story about Shashwank.:wink2:

Touche. But truthfully, the Iraq war isn't THAT old. My brother is only 36 and he just finished up a tour there. Someone older than that may give someone the impression that he was further up the ladder than he was in the army (BEFORE being promoted by the big prez himself). I'm just saying for believability, that's all. Plus, Julia Shumway is supposed to be older than him.

[JayneH]

Kinda thinking of someone like Robert Downey Jr as Barbie.... although JD's choice of Gary Sinese would always work for me (LOVE him)
for a younger sort of Barbie - Sean Astin
Cox - I am liking Stephen Lang... kind of distinguished looking ( he was in Avatar)
Rennie - agree that John Goodman is the obvious choice

[Black Flagg]

OK, here's my cast for some of the main characters:

DALE BARBARA - Sam Worthington
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2354810368/nm0941777

BIG JIM RENNIE - Powers Booth (plus a few pounds)
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm353015552/nm0000959

JULIA SHUMWAY - Vera Farmiga
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3509618688/nm0267812

JUNIOR RENNIE - Kellan Lutz
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm1250529024/nm1553725

RUSTY EVERETT - Paul Bettany
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3325729280/nm0079273

[MariainIowa]

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTgyOTY5NTAwMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMzkwMDI0._V1._ CR0,0,313,313_SS80_.jpg

Donnie Wahlberg is who I keep picturing as Barbie as I'm reading (not done yet). I didn't even stop to analyze whose picture I was seeing until this thread, then the light dawned.

[ms.darkside]

To play Dale Josh Halloway is kinda the character I was thinking of when reading. Rough, but good-looking. Matthew McCohnohay(sp )in Too Kill a Mockingbird)) too.Bruce Willis would be an awesome Cox!! Ed Harris would be great there as well.
James Gandolfini as Big Jim. Good Idea!! But, I love Gandolfini, I would hate to "hate" him!! Therefore, I'd go w/ John Goodman.

[boogerb53]

I think Ethan Hawke would be a good choice.

[clownshooter]

I have to applaud your choices Black Flagg. I can find no fault with them. Others I considered for Mr. Barbara were Clive Owen, Dylan Mcdermott. I like the idea of John Goodman for Big Jimm Rennie however when I read the book, I kept seeing Boss Hogg from the old Dukes of Hazard series. The actor who portrayed Boss Hogg has passed away. Other actors I see for other roles are Steve Buscemi, Anne Heche, and Robert Duvall as Duke Perkins (already suggested). I could see Kristen Stewart as one of the teen girls. I really need to think about this some more.

[Black Flagg]

Hmmm, good choices there boogerb53 & clownshooter.
- Barbie is supposed to be in his early to mid 30s, so Ethan Hawke would be a perfect choice (I think Hawke is a bit older than that, but looks plenty youthful enough).
- Goodman would do well as Big Jim, but the only reason I didn't mention him is because that casting almost feels a little TOO obvious, and I'm not sure if Goodman could portray that level of quiet sustained menace.
- Buscemi would be PERFECT for Chef Bushey (I assume that's who you had in mind for him), as would Duvall for Perkins. I DID picture a younger Kristen Stewart for Noree Calvert too.

Some more casting thoughts...
- Originally, I was thinking Michael Chiklis for Cox, but now I can't get Gary Sinise out of my head.
- I also like Jeremy Renner for Barbie, and I think would be interesting to maybe cast an African-American actor too. It would certainly add another interesting dimension to Rennie's hate for him.
- John C. Reilly could make a nice Rusty.

-

[VegasAngelo]

In the book, wasn't Dale Barbara in his early thirties? To me, that would leave out a lot of the suggestions, no offense. Timothy Olyphant would be my first thought. Then Josh Duhamel.

Yeah, Timothy Olyphant for sure...
And for Rennie I also like John Goodman..

[clownshooter]

Excellent choices once again Black Flagg.

[JayneH]

OK, here's my cast for some of the main characters:

DALE BARBARA - Sam Worthington
BIG JIM RENNIE - Powers Booth (plus a few pounds)
JULIA SHUMWAY - Vera Farmiga
JUNIOR RENNIE - Kellan Lutz
RUSTY EVERETT - Paul Bettany



Hey Black Flagg, I had thought of Sam Worthington too .... he has the right sort of looks for how I imagined Barbie in the book but didnt say him because I had already thought of Stephen Lang as Cox and couldnt have both stars from Avatar in the same movie :smile2:

But, after seeing the photo of the scrumpcious Paul Walker - have to agree that he would also suit Barbie down to the ground. Dont know why I hadnt thought of him....

Could never imagine Gary Sinese as Cox .... I imagined Cox as quite distinguihed and silvery or grey hair ....
Steve Buscemi as Chef ... another perfect choice

and lastly.... totall agree with Paul Bettany as Rusy - couldnt convince me of anyone else after that suggestion ... he would be PERFECT.....

[mrblonde]

Big Jim … John Goodman
Junior … Ben Foster
Barbie … Jeffery Donnavan
Rusty … Jason Lee
Julia … Bebe Neworth
Carter … Jeremy Renner
The Chef … Clifton Collins Jr.
Andy Sanders … Matthew Frewer
Cox … Brian Cox
Jackie … Katey Sagal
Linda … Rachel Weisz
Andrea … Mimi Rogers
Burpee … Peter Stromare

[Terry B]

Hmmm, good choices there boogerb53 & clownshooter.
- Barbie is supposed to be in his early to mid 30s, so Ethan Hawke would be a perfect choice (I think Hawke is a bit older than that, but looks plenty youthful enough).
- Goodman would do well as Big Jim, but the only reason I didn't mention him is because that casting almost feels a little TOO obvious, and I'm not sure if Goodman could portray that level of quiet sustained menace.
- Buscemi would be PERFECT for Chef Bushey (I assume that's who you had in mind for him), as would Duvall for Perkins. I DID picture a younger Kristen Stewart for Noree Calvert too.

Some more casting thoughts...
- Originally, I was thinking Michael Chiklis for Cox, but now I can't get Gary Sinise out of my head.
- I also like Jeremy Renner for Barbie, and I think would be interesting to maybe cast an African-American actor too. It would certainly add another interesting dimension to Rennie's hate for him.
- John C. Reilly could make a nice Rusty.

-

Did you by any chance see John Goodman in the movie "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" (2000)? Yeah - he's perfect as Big Jim Rennie.

[Black Flagg]

Did you by any chance see John Goodman in the movie "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" (2000)? Yeah - he's perfect as Big Jim Rennie.
I did, but that's why I said "quiet, sustained menace". Goodman's character was pretty over-the-top, and the actor portraying Rennie would have to be able to put forth the impression that this is a man just boiling under the surface...a calculating figure that basically treats the people around him as nuisances. Basically an overweight, small-town Dick Cheney.
I'm not saying Goodman couldn't do it, I just see Boothe's calculating stare and gruff voice as fitting Big Jim.

[Terry B]

I did, but that's why I said "quiet, sustained menace". Goodman's character was pretty over-the-top, and the actor portraying Rennie would have to be able to put forth the impression that this is a man just boiling under the surface...a calculating figure that basically treats the people around him as nuisances. Basically an overweight, small-town Dick Cheney.
I'm not saying Goodman couldn't do it, I just see Boothe's calculating stare and gruff voice as fitting Big Jim.

Basically an overweight, small-town Dick Cheney. :rofl:

Flagg - you nailed it. Thank you.

[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, 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.

[Black Flagg]

I really like the suggestion of Brian Dennehy for Big Jim, in fact I'm a bit perturbed that I didn't think of him. I haven't seen him in much lately, but he can certainly play the part of a blowhard in way over his head (FIRST BLOOD, anyone?).

Also, Josh Duhamel is as good a suggestion for Barbie as any I've seen here.

[~Ally~]

I really like the suggestion of Brian Dennehy for Big Jim, in fact I'm a bit perturbed that I didn't think of him. I haven't seen him in much lately, but he can certainly play the part of a blowhard in way over his head (FIRST BLOOD, anyone?).

Also, Josh Duhamel is as good a suggestion for Barbie as any I've seen here.

Ooh Brian Dennehy is an amazing actor, I always love watching him.
I could see him as Jim if he was younger but now I think he's too old to pull it off.
I would definitely go with John Goodman as Jim, another great actor with spectacular screen presence. And very talented.

As for Baaarbie, I'd say Ryan Reynolds. Just because I like looking at him, and he is "military" fit. Yes please.:wink2:
I would nominate him for any movie role though if it meant I got to watch him more so don't take my views seriously.

[Terry B]

Ooh Brian Dennehy is an amazing actor, I always love watching him.
I could see him as Jim if he was younger but now I think he's too old to pull it off.
I would definitely go with John Goodman as Jim, another great actor with spectacular screen presence. And very talented.

As for Baaarbie, I'd say Ryan Reynolds. Just because I like looking at him, and he is "military" fit. Yes please.:wink2:
I would nominate him for any movie role though if it meant I got to watch him more so don't take my views seriously.

Ryan Reynolds - I can see that.

[slycer2002]

For Barbie, I was picturing Sam Worthington. I really think he could pull this off. For Big Jim, I like John Goodman. I really think he could pull this off. I'll have to think on the others for a bit. For now, there's my two cents worth.

[slycer2002]

For Barbie, I was picturing Sam Worthington. I really think he could pull this off. For Big Jim, I like John Goodman. I really think he could pull this off. I'll have to think on the others for a bit. For now, there's my two cents worth.

I just reread my message from before. Eek. Apparently I got a little crazy with the "I really think he could pull this off." part of it. Sorry about that!

[Clustermugger]

Me, me, me PICK ME!!!! Okay... probably not.

I don't know about Baaaarbie.... But for Big Jim..... lol....I can see Tom Cruise in the SAME costume as he had in Tropic Thunder LOLOL.... that is who I kept seeing while reading UTD.

[kyhottie]

O.k. no one get pissed at me for this but I think it would be ironic to have Robert Pattinson star as Dale Barbara.I think Stephenie Meyers would be plenty mad. I know he probably couldn't pull it off. But its was just a funny idea I had.:biggrin2:

[Mcnessa]

As we now know it will be a TV Series I've cast with that in mind

Big Jim … Brian Cox
Junior … Mark Salling (glee)
Barbie … Domonic West (the Wire)
Rusty … Sam Trammell (tru Blood)
Julia … Gillian Anderson (X-Files)
Carter … Robert Iler (A.J Soprano)
The Chef … Elias Koteas
Andy Sanders … William H Macy or William Sanderson
Cox … Keifer Sutherland
Linda … Julie Bowen (modern Family)
Burpee … Andre Royo

[Terry B]

McNessa - you have a pretty good list there but there are a couple of questions. Why Elias Loteas as The Chef instead of Matt Frewer (Trashcan Man in the Stand) ? Frewer is tall and skinny and would be perfect. Also, isn't Cox supposed to be a bit short and balding? And Andre Royo as Burpee? Why? Your choice of Brian Cox as Big Jim is brilliant. That man never played a good guy in anything and your choices for Dale and Rusty are very good.

[Black Flagg]

As we now know it will be a TV Series I've cast with that in mind

Big Jim … Brian Cox
Junior … Mark Salling (glee)
Barbie … Domonic West (the Wire)
Rusty … Sam Trammell (tru Blood)
Julia … Gillian Anderson (X-Files)
Carter … Robert Iler (A.J Soprano)
The Chef … Elias Koteas
Andy Sanders … William H Macy or William Sanderson
Cox … Keifer Sutherland
Linda … Julie Bowen (modern Family)
Burpee … Andre Royo
This is maybe the best complete ensemble I've read yet in this thread.

[Sareena]

I like Chris Pine for Barbie!

[autumnmamabear]

I see John Cena from The Marine and 12 Rounds playing Barbie. Bruce Willis is just too old. Johnny Depp is too scrawny (even tho I LOVE Johnny Depp - just not for this). Gary Sinese is good, too. It's funny that everyone likens UTD to The Stand - that's exactly what I thought once I got into it, too. What about George Clooney? Is he too old, too? Just a thought.

[no bounce no play]

I also pictured Gary Sinise as Barbie while I was reading UTD :grinning: but... CSI-NY needs Sinise sooooooooo how about Adam Rodriquez (CSI-Miami)? I really wanted to cast Randy Orton in the part but that's only because I like looking at him lol.

The only other characters I pictured while reading were Matt Frewer as Chef, and Geoffrey Lewis as Alden Dinsmore. If Lewis isn't available, maybe SK could play Dinsmore :D

Y'all are going to think I'm nuts for thinking this but... I think Ethan Suplee (Randy Hickey in My Name is Earl) might could pull off the Big Jim role... or maybe better yet, the Andy Sanders' role.

Another actor I'd like to see in UTD is Keven Sussman (he plays the manager of the comic book store in The Big Bang Theory). I have no idea as to what role he could play though lol.

[no bounce no play]

I watched Fringe last night and I've changed my mind as to which actor I'd like to see play Barbie. I gots to agree with TerryB... Joshua Jackson seems perfect for the role :)

[Terry B]

I watched Fringe last night and I've changed my mind as to which actor I'd like to see play Barbie. I gots to agree with TerryB... Joshua Jackson seems perfect for the role :)


Hooray!

[Kasey]

I agree that Bruce Willis and Ed Harris seem a bit old to play the part of Dale Barbara. While reading this book I always pictured Alex O'Loughlin (from Moonlight and Three Rivers) as Barbie. He just seemed to fit the part for me.
I think Bruce Willis would be good as Cox though, he would play the military role well.

Alex O'Loughlin--Dale Barbara
Bruce Willis--Cox
John Goodman--Jim Rennie

[lawbpaul]

Big Jim Rennie....Ned Beatty
Dale Barbara....Nicholas Cage
Cox....Tom Berenger

[Mr Nobody]

A lot would depend on budget, but I like Joshua Jackson as Dale Barbara. The action scenes he has in Fringe are quite convincing, IMO. But being realistic, he'd be the 'marquee' cast member.
For me, though, ages play a big part. Gillian Anderson or someone like Anne Heche for Julia, yeah. But Kristen (sp?) Stewart as Norrie Calvert? Isn't she meant to be about 13? Nah. She'd have to be one of the candy-stripers or possibly one of Junior's 'girlfriends' - and they're minor roles, so...
I can't really get past John Goodman as Big Jim, but how's about William Sanderson as Chief Perkins?
Oh, and SK could have a cameo as that guy Barbie talks with just after the dome comes down (I forget his name. Sorry). :smile2:

[tipsypenguin]

Brandon Routh for Dale Barbara

Chi McBride for Big Jim Rennie

Bonnie Hunt as Julia Shumway

[wkedklwnz]

To me Big Jim, has to be someone who can be loud, obnoxious, sarcastic and play a down right devilish character. Whenever I read a passage involving Big Jim, the only person I see in my mind is Stacy Keach. Don't believe me? Check him in Titus and Two and Half Men. These are not ground breaking shows, but Stacy shows me some Big Jim in both the shows. If you don't know him here is some info...

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005078/

[Terry B]

Brandon Routh for Dale Barbara

Chi McBride for Big Jim Rennie

Bonnie Hunt as Julia Shumway

Why Chi McBride?

[GNTLGNT]

I want Sam Elliott for the role. Don't give a damn how old he is-that there is a man's man...if I could come back as anyone, it would be Sam-especially in his Roadhouse regalia. Plus, he's got that great voice. It might not be logical, but it's my emotional choice. And yeah, I'm secure enough in my manhood to say he is one sexy dude...If not Sammy, then I vote for Gary Sinise.

[michal]

He has to be cute in a rug-ruff kind of way. I'd go with Sam Worthington, but maybe that's just 'cause I recently saw Avatar and have a HUGE crush on him.

[JimTheAnvil]

It is funny the different pictures that people have in their own minds of what they see written on pages. I love these sort of threads.

While I was reading it, I had Peter Krause (Six Feet Under) as Dale Barbara. I kept picturing a beefed up Ian McShane (Deadwood) as Big Jim Rennie. Julia to me was Gillian Anderson (X Files).

[tipsypenguin]

Jerry Trainor as the Chef

I don't like to watch movies that always have the same people in them. if it were made it should have lesser known actors in it.

[Haunted]

I want Sam Elliott for the role. Don't give a damn how old he is-that there is a man's man...if I could come back as anyone, it would be Sam-especially in his Roadhouse regalia. Plus, he's got that great voice. It might not be logical, but it's my emotional choice. And yeah, I'm secure enough in my manhood to say he is one sexy dude...If not Sammy, then I vote for Gary Sinise.

And from a different viewpoint, when he wears that mustache he is soo soo scrumptous, YEPPIR

[tipsypenguin]

Why Chi McBride?

because Chi McBride is awesome of course. and I picture Big Jim similar to the Vogler character he played on House.

[Haunted]

because Chi McBride is awesome of course. and I picture Big Jim similar to the Vogler character he played on House.

You are so right, Chi McBride is an extraordinary actor and deserves a starring role. He is now in Human Target on the telly and it does not appear that that show is going to last much past this season.

[Terry B]

You are so right, Chi McBride is an extraordinary actor and deserves a starring role. He is now in Human Target on the telly and it does not appear that that show is going to last much past this season.

And that's too bad because I like it.

[JayneH]

I love the idea of WH Macy as Andy Sanders ... he fits it perfectly
and Keifer as Cox sounds pretty good

[Chatsometimes]

Don't know if somebody already said the name, but what would you think of Viggo Mortensen?

[twiztidmojo]

How about Anthony Micheal Hall? He has proved himself a very good actor

[LASoundCrafter]

My first and only choice for casting would be
Barbara -- Sam Worthington (star of Avatar),
and Big Jim -- be John Goodman.

Sam Worthington has that "Everyman" look about him and John Goodman is well, John Goodman.

[CruelHandLuke]

Bruce Willis would definitely fit the roll. But I'd also consider Daniel Craig, if he faked an American accent.
Could you imagine Samuel L. Jackson in this film adaptation? "Get this mothaF'n dome off this mothaF'n town!" haha.

[LadyJess]

Barbie - Jensen Ackles
Julia - Rachel Griffiths
Big Jim - John Goodman
Junior - Ron Lester
Chef - Aaron Paul (I'm sorry I just think that both Buscemi and Matt Frewer are waaay too old. He wasn't all that long out of high school.)

[Phillygirl]

I know this is out of left field, but I think David Morse would make a good Barbara. He plays a reluctant hero well.

[Suzana]

Bruce Willis!! Bruce Willis!! Bruce Willis!! \o/

Just perrrrfect :)

[JohnDalglish]

Bruce Willis!! Bruce Willis!! Bruce Willis!! \o/

Just perrrrfect :)

Hi,

Too old? Too old? Too old??????????

Long days and pleasant nights

[Suzana]

Hi,

Too old? Too old? Too old??????????

Long days and pleasant nights

:rofl:

I can't imagine but think if you did the same as I thought about doing (if I wasn't working, where I have to at least look like a normal person), like jumping and clapping hands...

Ok,he's a bit old... but I can see him just the same... Something about his looks and personality... and his eyes, the look in his eyes.

:D

[Terry B]

Hi,

Too old? Too old? Too old??????????

Long days and pleasant nights

I love the "thank you" button but sometimes there is a need for a "chuckle" button.

[~Ally~]

but what would you think of Viggo Mortensen?

I think a lot of things about Viggo, and they're all good. :love:
I'm currently watching LOTR and he is my new crush. BIG SIGH!
For Baaarbie though, I think he's too old...damnit!
I'm sure we could find another role for him though.

[Suzana]

I love the "thank you" button but sometimes there is a need for a "chuckle" button.

I thought the same when I read it... :D

I think John lost his patience with me... LOL

And I said something meaningless on my previous post, I hope you understood me! When I said something like "I can't imagine but think" lol I meant "I can't help but imagine"
anyway...

:biggrin2:

[SamLacho]

bob saget

[JohnDalglish]

I think John lost his patience with me... LOL


Hi,

Far from it, heaven forfend! LOL

Long days and pleasant nights

[Suzana]

Hi,

Far from it, heaven forfend! LOL

Long days and pleasant nights

lol

but it was funny. :wink2:

[Yomiuri Giant]

bob saget

Haha. good one, seriously no sarcasm LOLZ.

For me I'd pick Josh Brolin, or for an older version maybe Chris Cooper, actually Chris Cooper might be better for the other guy outside of the dome, Barbara's Col. -- can't remember his name though.

[susan.oflaherty]

How about the guy who played the main part in Prison Break - the one who went to prison in the first series to break out his brother.

[upinurface]

I personally think Hugh Jackman for Dale and deffo for Jack Nickleson for Cox or Bruce Willis

Newbee upinurface

[ClaireFerguson]

I'd like to see Edward Norton as Barbie.

[Terry B]

How about the guy who played the main part in Prison Break - the one who went to prison in the first series to break out his brother.

Who - Wentworth Miller or Dominic Purcell?

[Starzy]

i'm certain barbara is in his late 20es so i think bruce willis would be to old for this role. who i really think would be perfekt is the guy who playes the terminator in "terminator salvation", Sam Worthington (http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Worthington). He would be cool.

[Teddy Duchamp]

I just finished the book and have actually lifted it again to re-read after reading these threads. At the beginning of the book is says Dale is 30.

Quite young really - does anyone remember the name of the actor who starred with Patrick Swayze in that series he did last year? arrrgh I cant remember his name but I can just see him as Barbie.

[Teddy Duchamp]

Right just googled him - the series is called "The Beast" starring Patrick Swayze in his last role. The actor I remembered is his partner and his real name is Travis Fimmel.


A rookie actor but to me looks and acts exactly what I see as Barbie - he deserves a chance to see what he can do!:grinning:

I think Bruce Willis etc could maybe play Barbies dad - its obvious reading the book last night that although he has served in the forces, he is only 30.

[HarmoniumGuard]

I'm actually surprised no one has pictured Dale the same way I did. It's fascinating how many totally different impressions we can have, isn't it? I actually only had a few of the main cast picked, the rest are sort of just images I made up.

Dale Barbara - Edward Norton
Big Jim - John Goodman (see him in Studio 60? That, but evil.)
Rusty - Sam Rockwell

[Terry B]

Right just googled him - the series is called "The Beast" starring Patrick Swayze in his last role. The actor I remembered is his partner and his real name is Travis Fimmel.


A rookie actor but to me looks and acts exactly what I see as Barbie - he deserves a chance to see what he can do!:grinning:

I think Bruce Willis etc could maybe play Barbies dad - its obvious reading the book last night that although he has served in the forces, he is only 30.

You made me Google him too Teddy but you're right. He'd be a very good Dale Barbara.

[Terry B]

I'm actually surprised no one has pictured Dale the same way I did. It's fascinating how many totally different impressions we can have, isn't it? I actually only had a few of the main cast picked, the rest are sort of just images I made up.

Dale Barbara - Edward Norton
Big Jim - John Goodman (see him in Studio 60? That, but evil.)
Rusty - Sam Rockwell

I can't see Edward Norton as Dale and when I first mentioned John Goodman for the part of Big Jim he WAS Big John but he's lost of lot of weight - approx. 200 lbs. Way to go John Goodman.
http://www.examiner.com/x-20836-Celebrity-Fitness-and-Health-Examiner~y2010m6d19-John-Goodman-weight-loss-How-John-Goodman-dropped-200-pounds-with-diet-and-exercise-Video

[Teddy Duchamp]

I can't see Edward Norton as Dale and when I first mentioned John Goodman for the part of Big Jim he WAS Big John but he's lost of lot of weight - approx. 200 lbs. Way to go John Goodman.
http://www.examiner.com/x-20836-Celebrity-Fitness-and-Health-Examiner~y2010m6d19-John-Goodman-weight-loss-How-John-Goodman-dropped-200-pounds-with-diet-and-exercise-Video

Thanks Terry - his physical appearance and the way he acted in that series made me think he would be perfect!

[mrblonde]

Jeffery Donnavan is Dale. Check him out in Burn Notice on USA network.

I also thought of Sam Worthington, and Nick Stokes from CSI.

[JellybeanJay]

I could see Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles or Jeffery Dean Morgan (I love those Supernatural boys!) playing Barbie and definitely John Goodman as Big Jim Rennie.

[Madame A]

I like the Thomas Jane suggestion. Good eye candy, and I think he'd pull it off.

[scottdesign]

I think Mathew Fox (Jack from Lost) would be a good choice. Or Jamie Bamber who played as Lee Adama on SyFy's Battlestar Galactica. I always pictured Big Jim Rennie as Glenn Shadix who played Otho in Beatlejuice!

[Terry B]

I think Mathew Fox (Jack from Lost) would be a good choice. Or Jamie Bamber who played as Lee Adama on SyFy's Battlestar Galactica. I always pictured Big Jim Rennie as Glenn Shadix who played Otho in Beatlejuice!

I think Otho is too chubby-faced and silly looking to be taken as seriously as Big Jim is supposed to be. Any other thoughts?

[scarywriter]

How about Terrance Howard?

[Tia]

I think Gerard Butler would be a good choice for Dale Barbara.

[Breger3]

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTgyOTY5NTAwMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMzkwMDI0._V1._ CR0,0,313,313_SS80_.jpg

Donnie Wahlberg is who I keep picturing as Barbie as I'm reading (not done yet). I didn't even stop to analyze whose picture I was seeing until this thread, then the light dawned.

That's funny, cause I pictured him as Chef..... like he was in The Sixth Sense.

[ArthurKidd]

I think Leonardo DiCaprio would be perfect for playing the role of Barbie.

[Karrie]

I like Bruce Willis for Barbie. . .or Jason Statham - definitely go with the bald head!!!
I see William Shatner as Rennie!!
I pictured Julia Shumway as older, but then had to change my image when she hooked up with Barbie! :blush:

[Breger3]

I like Bruce Willis for Barbie. . .or Jason Statham - definitely go with the bald head!!!
I see William Shatner as Rennie!!
I pictured Julia Shumway as older, but then had to change my image when she hooked up with Barbie! :blush:

Shatner would help me get my husband to see the movie, he's a huge Shatner fan.

[TPG555]

While reading the book, I could only think of "Boss Hogg" from The Dukes of Hazzard for Big Jim Rennie. I could see John Goodman playing that part.

Junior could be played by Jesse Plemons (Friday Night Lights fame).

Baaaaaaarbie could be played by a number of good actors. Josh Holloway (Sawyer from Lost) would be good.

[davemelnick]

The guy who played Sayed on Lost will be xcellent! :cool2:

[mynerva]

I always imagined him as Sawyer from Lost.

[bioshock]

definitely gary sinise.. :)

[KiwiKingFan]

I've got Vince Vaughan in mind for Rusty... Barbie has me kind of stumped, for some reason I keep picturing Matthew Lillard?! A few years ago anyway, I think he looks a bit old now. OR Having watched The Omen 666 recently, I kind of like Liev Schreiber for Barbie. And he's not quite so " big box office" that he wouldn't do made-for-TV, maybe?

(First post by the way... hi everyone... been lurking for a while and finally beat the time difference!!)

[Terry B]

I've got Vince Vaughan in mind for Rusty... Barbie has me kind of stumped, for some reason I keep picturing Matthew Lillard?! A few years ago anyway, I think he looks a bit old now. OR Having watched The Omen 666 recently, I kind of like Liev Schreiber for Barbie. And he's not quite so " big box office" that he wouldn't do made-for-TV, maybe?

(First post by the way... hi everyone... been lurking for a while and finally beat the time difference!!)

Kiwikingfan - welcome. I've got to say though - Matthew Lillard? OMG, I'd never be able to watch without thinking of "Hackers" and those awful dreads he wore as hair. Interesting choice for Phil "The Chef" Bushey don't you think?

[scarywriter]

As Big Jim, I kept imagining the guy who played Roy Biggens on Wings back in the 1990's, David Schramm.

[KiwiKingFan]

OK Terry you've converted me: Matthew Lillard would make an INCREDIBLE Chef Bushey. You just have to think of him in Hackers or Scream... he can definitely do that sly kind of crazy that's required!

[KingIsKing]

I think Neal McDonough would suit the character of Dale Barbara

[Terry B]

OK Terry you've converted me: Matthew Lillard would make an INCREDIBLE Chef Bushey. You just have to think of him in Hackers or Scream... he can definitely do that sly kind of crazy that's required!

Now we're talking.

[Terry B]

I think Neal McDonough would suit the character of Dale Barbara

Neal McDonough is 44 years old. Way to old and way too nasty.

[Terry B]

As I was passing by the newspaper my hubby had on the kitchen table this morning I happened to see the Parade Magazine on top. On the cover was a photo of Jon Hamm of Mad Men. OMG - there is the perfect Dale Barbara. I'd post a photo of him but while I was trying to find a good one on the internet I inadvertently downloaded a virus. It took me all day to clean up that mess. But Hamm is 39 years old and looks a lot like I imagined Barbie to look as I was reading the book.

[KingIsKing]

Neal McDonough is 44 years old. Way to old and way too nasty.

Yeh you have got a point, but it's how I pictured Barbie; although I agree he would play a good villain. :biggrin2:

[Terry B]

Yeh you have got a point, but it's how I pictured Barbie; although I agree he would play a good villain. :biggrin2:


That's what makes this whole thread so much fun. We all have such different versions of these characters in our heads as we read the book.

[deroche]

Mathew Fox definitely, (Someone else's idea). He is Barbie to a T.

[Dhasek]

I know that this is a totally random, but I could see Matt Damon playing the part. I could see Gary Sinise playing A LOT of characters from King's novels, Barbie included :smile2:

[marlao]

Are you a casting agent? Those are FAB-ulous choices - I can totally see it!

[Nabila]

Definitely Josh Holloway or Michael C Hall as Dale Barbara.

And definitely Elizabeth Mitchell (Dr. Juliet Burke in Lost; and currently FBI special agent Erica Evans in V) as Julia Shumway. Ms Mitchell is 40 years old.

[purplechaos]

Personally, I think Johnny Depp would make a good Dale Barbie.

[blunthead]

I have Barbara pictured other than any actor I can think of, but I've thought Keifer Sutherland would fit, mainly due to the 24 persona he already has. I like John Cusack, too, but am biased and can't tell if he fits.

[Lizziee]

I'd love to see a British film version. Perhaps the town could be somewhere like Chatteris in cambridgeshire (sort of backwater, rural and very parochial), and my stars would be:
Barbie - Max Beesley; tough but can be soft too
Cox - Ross Kemp; the ultimate soldier
JR - Robbie Coltrane; big and he's a great actor; could play evil with the best (imo), or Brian Blessed if you want a real OTT comic portrayal
Julia - Helen Baxendale; attractive, sassy and the right age

Oh, and Thurse is so obviously Bill Nighy :cool2:

[wamceachern]

ok these well one of these

Timothy Olyphant
Neal McDonough

[Ranger_Strider]

I would say Gary Sinese because he does have that low-key attitude about him, but we've already employed him as Stuart Redman in the Stand so that would be redundant.
I'm thinking Matt Damon with that 'Good Will Hunting' silent stare would work.

[Kevin R]

How about Lucas Bryant from "Haven"?

[Bryan James]

Barack Obama. He's proven to be a pretty good actor.

[smooth operator]

I agree with all the votes for Timothy Olyphant. I also like Sam Trammel (he plays Sam Merlott on TrueBlood) as Dale - he seems just the right type for the role.

[RobotDan]

Id love to see Thomas Jane in the role personally. It would have to be someone in their mid to late 30's. Anyone younger I would have a hard time believing he's had enough time in his life to be that well respected by the military. Nobody huge and intimidating though because he needs to have people underestimate him in the beginning. And since he's a liked member of the community due to his cooking at sweetbriar, the actor should be funny friendly and neighborly before tough and intelligent. So I really don't know who could fit that at this moment. But I still say Powers Boothe for Big Jim!

[ChickenStu]

Like my friend above, I kept seeing Gary Sinise in my mind's eye when reading this. That doesn't mean I'd necessarily want to see him do it...
What about that Jeremy Renner fellow? You know, the guy out of The Hurt Locker? He has that "military hard-ass" look about him, but his face is also quite generous and kind at the same time. I could see that dude as a good choice for Dale Barbara.

[Crimson Door]

Kiefer Sutherland, seriously who didn't read the novel and didn't want Barbie to go all Jack Bauer.

[~Ally~]

Kiefer Sutherland, seriously who didn't read the novel and didn't want Barbie to go all Jack Bauer.

I would have loved it if he had done that...unfortunately he didn't, and for me was a big letdown.
I will still watch a movie when/if it is made though.
I'm more curious as to who would play Junior...now HE was a good character.

[Marston]

Kurt Russell for Baaarbie
Ed Harris for Cox

[jenniegeo]

I love the idea oof Michael C. Hall! He is fantastic and I think that in this season of Dexter he shows some more caring qualities. Campain for Michael C. Hall!

[cndcbraxton]

I was picturing Jeff Bridges as Rennie while I was reading. Like TRUE GRIT Jeff Bridges. :) And I also LOVE Timothy Olyphant as Barbie!

[keto]

When I read the book I pictured Barbie as Paul Newman (Cool Hand Luke age) - but as that's out of the question I think Thomas Jane would be a good choice.

[friend of Oye]

Josh Brolin? Great in No Country for Old Men

[Nancy Battaglia]

Janson Stratham.

[elysian]

As others have said, I'm puzzled by all the way-too-old suggestions for Barbie. He's clearly described as being 30ish.

While reading it, I pictured him as Nathan Fillion circa Firefly (it turned out my mother pictured him, too!). I think he's around 40 now, so if that's too old, maybe he could be Rusty? Or someone... anyone? Lol.
I also liked these suggestions that I saw in this thread: Sam Worthington, Chris Pine, Josh Holloway, Matthew Fox. As someone else posted, I pictured Chef as being similar to Donnie Wahlberg's character in The Sixth Sense. He wouldn't be "right" nowadays, of course. I loved the suggestion of Elizabeth Mitchell as Julia Shumway, that's perfect!

[vitaminc]

Definintly John Goodman for Big Jim but Barbie, well.....um this might sound stupid (hell, it is) but I pictured someone that looked like Dan Cook (stupid I know) but that's who I pictured from the very beginning, and I don't even like Dan Cook lol.

[muskrat]

Gary Busey

[blunthead]

Gary Busey (I think you need help, Rat! :rofl:)

I can't help picturing Timothy Olyphant as Barbie.

[Turner]

I have been watching the True Blood series before I had read Under the Dome and so when I read it I immediately pictured the character Terry Bellefleur (played by Todd Lowe) as Barby because in the True Blood series he plays an ex-military guy who works as a short order cook in the local bar and he behaves a bit bizarrely due to his military experiences.
I made the connection in my mind between him and Barby as being the same guy but under an alias, having left the one spooky place and ending up in another spooky town.

[Terry B]

I have been watching the True Blood series before I had read Under the Dome and so when I read it I immediately pictured the character Terry Bellefleur (played by Todd Lowe) as Barby because in the True Blood series he plays an ex-military guy who works as a short order cook in the local bar and he behaves a bit bizarrely due to his military experiences.
I made the connection in my mind between him and Barby as being the same guy but under an alias, having left the one spooky place and ending up in another spooky town.

That's a pretty good choice.

[itweet317]

I actually saw more of Tom Hanks, or a Tom Hanks type of guy in the role of Barbie when I read it.

[TheWhitelighter]

I imagine Thomas Jane as Dale, he would be great and I loved him in The Mist. I also think that Lucas Bryant would be a good choice.
Nicholas Campbell would be a great Big Jim.


Julianne Moore or Gillian Anderson as Julia.
And as for Joe I imagine Shane Haboucha from the movie Desperation, whenever there is a child around 13 in a King's novel I imagine him, I don't know why.

[morganelafee]

I've read the books in french, and there's a suggestion that Dale is a black men...is it the same in the original english version?

[indigonegative]

A agree with those who prefer Matthew Fox. I'm not familiar with Lost, but it sounds like a good fit and he looks the part. Even Denzel would be too old.
My personal preference would be Michael Biehn c. 1986 in Aliens. I think that would be perfect but he's obviously too old.
Incidentally, the perfect person to play Editor Shumway would be Marcia Cross, Bree from Desperate Housewives. The characters are the same age, both Republicans, both fierce and attractive middle-aged women. I think it'd work.
The more difficult part to cast would be Big Jim Rennie. That grin could make the movie. We'd need a big man with as violent as Sling Blade with the grin from Heath Ledger in the Dark Knight.

[Adricakes]

Thomas Jane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JBuckner]

I thank you for mentioning Matthew Fox, that is perfect. Bruce Willis is more the age of Cox, but perhaps not the right fit.

[Puro]

I'd hate to mention it, but if this TV show ir miniseries, (whichever it is they're going to do), is coming out in 2011....

Shouldn't we have seen something by now?

I've seen nothing, :( .


In other news....

If I was casting, I think I'd want Jensen Ackles (from Supernatural) for the part of Barbie. Something about him just seems to fit for me, nowadays. Strangely, off the top of my head, I can't think of any actor that really resembles the Barbie I saw in my head as I was reading, but I think JA would play the part very well.

[Rosetinted]

I've just finished the audiobook version of UTD and was so impressed by the narrator Raul Esparza. Turns out the guy is an actor - have a look - now he looks like Dale Barbara to me.

I'd like to see unknowns in the main roles. Otherwise it just becomes an addition to the CV of a flavour of the month actor eg Jensen Ackles, or the usual high profile "stars" get discussed eg Bruce Willis etc.

This is sad I know but since starting this book I've thought of nothing other than who would play Big Jim....NOT John Goodman though...way too pantomime imho.

[ghost19]

I wish J.T. Walsh was still alive, I think he would have made a perfect Big Jim Rennie.

[cat in a bag]

I wish J.T. Walsh was still alive, I think he would have made a perfect Big Jim Rennie.

That's exactly who I pictured Big Jim as, too. He was perfect as Buster in Needful Things. Kind of the same low down, dirty character you just love to hate!

[ghost19]

That's exactly who I pictured Big Jim as, too. He was perfect as Buster in Needful Things. Kind of the same low down, dirty character you just love to hate!

Yep. J.T. Walsh always played a conniving underhanded cheat very well. The more I read about Rennie in UTD, the more I saw Walsh as playing him. I think he would have been perfect.

[katelynandsamsmom]

For some reason I see David Andrews from Graveyard Shift as Barbie.

[chrise1985]

I've given this a lot of thought....here are some choices I think would be great

Baaarbie - Jake Gyllenhaal

Julia - Anne Heche (w/long hair)

Rusty - Jon Hamm

Linda - Elizabeth Banks (She had a great dramatic role in The Next 3 Days opposite Russell Crowe)

Chef Bushey - Jeremy Davies

Thurse - Dave "Gruber" Allen (the guidance councelor from Freaks & Geeks)

Junior - Sam Whitwer (I remember him from an episode of Dexter, turns out he was also in The Mist. Kismet?)

Burpee - Johnny Depp (w/a pencil thin mustache and his hair slicked back, lol)

Brenda Perkins - Susan Sarandon (or someone like that)

Big Jim Rennie - Stephen Root (I pictured him the entire time I read the book)

[Unregistered]

Josh Duhamel!

[Unregistered]

Current actors I'd go for Russel Crowe or Will Smith as Barbara and maybe Wayne Knight as Rennie.

Long gone great actors - Signet Greenstreet as Rennie with Van jonson as Barbara........what do ya think ?

[blunthead]

Yeah, he looks the part. But can he act? :smile2:


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Josh_Duhamel_2009.jpg/220px-Josh_Duhamel_2009.jpg

[jjd]

How about Jeffrey Donovan from Burn Notice as Dale Barbara? http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0232998/

[Icingsugar]

Michael C Hall is a good choice. I thought he was supposed to be fairly young (mid to late 30s) as Julia is always making jokes about how shes old enough to be his mother and alit of the suggestions are old or at least old looking.

[lucasoule]

Big Jim … Powers Boothe
Junior … Cayden Boyd
Barbie … Timothy Olyphant
Rusty … Dillon Mcdermott
Julia … Maria Bello
Carter … Hunter Parrish
The Chef … DJ Qualls
Andy Sanders … Kevin Pollack
Cox … Bradley Whitford
Jackie … Kristin Bauer van Straten
Linda … Jorja Fox
Andrea … Rachel Griffiths
Burpee … Aaron Eckhart

[Chris1974100]

For me i will pick Bruce Willis he is the right choice if ever the Under the Dome will be made into a movie

[moonbeam66]

Barbie is YOUNG, so it can't be Bruce Willis or Russell Crowe!! Crowe could be Colonel Cox though.

Barbie - Josh Hartnett or Jeremy Renner.

[Moderator]

I don't know exactly why I had this impression but when I was reading it, I thought of Dale being a vet of the first Gulf War, not the more recent one, so would have been older. Maybe it was because of his rank when he was in the service that I just jumped to the conclusion that he'd been in longer to have achieved that than someone who was in their 20s or early 30s.

[Lily Sawyer]

Barbie is YOUNG, so it can't be Bruce Willis or Russell Crowe!! Crowe could be Colonel Cox though.

Barbie - Josh Hartnett or Jeremy Renner.

That's the thing - Barbie *isn't* all that young. While I don't have a copy of UTD at hand, I'm almost positive he's a vet of the first Gulf War, as Ms. Mod says.

Tim Daly is fifty; I think he'd be perfect for Barbie. He'd have been around 30 in 1991, he's good-looking enough to draw a female audience, and cool enough to draw a male audience without being intimidating. Crowe is also 50, so he's a good fit as well. And Josh Brolin could do it, too.

But that's just my $0.02.

[moonbeam66]

That's the thing - Barbie *isn't* all that young. While I don't have a copy of UTD at hand, I'm almost positive he's a vet of the first Gulf War, as Ms. Mod says.

Tim Daly is fifty; I think he'd be perfect for Barbie. He'd have been around 30 in 1991, he's good-looking enough to draw a female audience, and cool enough to draw a male audience without being intimidating. Crowe is also 50, so he's a good fit as well. And Josh Brolin could do it, too.

But that's just my $0.02.

No, I'm pretty sure he's a vet of the second Iraq war. The incidents he talks about or that are mentioned in the book, make me think so. Second, it fits in better with the relationship between him and Cox considering Cox' rank and the time that has passed since Barbie was in the Army. "20 years ago" just doesn't fit in in my opinion. Barbie retired as a Captain (though I just came across the line where Cox addresses him as Lieutenant), and I don't get the impression it was all THAT long ago, so I picture him in his thirties. He also thinks that he would consider having a relationship with Rose if only she was a few years younger. So if he's really a first gulf war vet, that line of thought would make him look pretty stupid -because I think Rose is her 50s or maybe late 40s? If he was a first gulf war vet, Rose would be EXACTLY the right age for him. (Unless he was a bit of a chauvinist and of the opinion that men need younger women which I don't think is the case.)

Nope, Barbie is young and cute. I have nothing against Bruce Willis but when I think of Barbie, I picture the young Army officers I've known, not a middle-aged (or past it!) balding man. Sorry. And really, even IF Brabie was a firt gulf war vet (which I don't think he is), Bruce Willis would be too old.

We need to find new screen heroes because Bruce Willis just can't do it anymore.

[moonbeam66]

Barbie remembers Fallujah and bad things happening there, and if you read this Wikipedia entry about Fallujah, it seems a whole lot more likely that he's thinking about Fallujah related events in 2004 than 1991.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallujah#Modern_Era

I'm pretty convinced that he's mid/late thirties. And obviously he has to be cute enough to attract young Amy's attention. Sorry, but I really don't see an old man when I think of Barbie.

Who would play Cox if Barbie was Bruce Willis? Sean Connery?? lol

[vickilynn]

That's the thing - Barbie *isn't* all that young. While I don't have a copy of UTD at hand, I'm almost positive he's a vet of the first Gulf War, as Ms. Mod says.

Tim Daly is fifty; I think he'd be perfect for Barbie. He'd have been around 30 in 1991, he's good-looking enough to draw a female audience, and cool enough to draw a male audience without being intimidating. Crowe is also 50, so he's a good fit as well. And Josh Brolin could do it, too.

But that's just my $0.02.

Anyone considered Leonardo DiCaprio? I'm new and this thread is too long to read the whole thing.

[moonbeam66]

Anyone considered Leonardo DiCaprio? I'm new and this thread is too long to read the whole thing.

No :) But I guess we all have our own mental image of Barbie.

[moonbeam66]

I hate to sound like the person who just has to be right but...

early in the book Julia's age is given as 43.

Later on when she and Barbie have sex, her thought is that she is old enough to be his mother. She then corrects that to "if I had given birth at 13!" So Barbie is definitely not an old-ish man... he's in his 30s and young looking. And he can't be a gulf war one vet. I also seem to recall that the year 2004 is mentioned at some point in the book, in the context of Barbie's military career but I don't recall where in the book that was and I'm not reading it on the kindle so can't look for it.

Just one more thing I love about the book! Women, kids and retired super market managers have to save the day while two male heroes are stuck in jail... and the middle-aged woman gets the young hero. Way to go Mr. King! I'm loving it.

[Moderator]

Good catch!

[~Ally~]

Ms Mod, is there any news on who has been cast in this production yet?

If filming is going to start in February then surely they definitely know who will star in it by now.

[blunthead]

No, I'm pretty sure he's a vet of the second Iraq war. The incidents he talks about or that are mentioned in the book, make me think so. Second, it fits in better with the relationship between him and Cox considering Cox' rank and the time that has passed since Barbie was in the Army. "20 years ago" just doesn't fit in in my opinion. Barbie retired as a Captain (though I just came across the line where Cox addresses him as Lieutenant), and I don't get the impression it was all THAT long ago, so I picture him in his thirties. He also thinks that he would consider having a relationship with Rose if only she was a few years younger. So if he's really a first gulf war vet, that line of thought would make him look pretty stupid -because I think Rose is her 50s or maybe late 40s? If he was a first gulf war vet, Rose would be EXACTLY the right age for him. (Unless he was a bit of a chauvinist and of the opinion that men need younger women which I don't think is the case.)

Nope, Barbie is young and cute. I have nothing against Bruce Willis but when I think of Barbie, I picture the young Army officers I've known, not a middle-aged (or past it!) balding man. Sorry. And really, even IF Brabie was a firt gulf war vet (which I don't think he is), Bruce Willis would be too old.

We need to find new screen heroes because Bruce Willis just can't do it anymore.Well, Willis has been balding since he was younger than most, but that's beside the point. All your points are excellent. I think the studio should hire you as a consultant! Awesome!

[Moderator]

Ms Mod, is there any news on who has been cast in this production yet?

If filming is going to start in February then surely they definitely know who will star in it by now.

Have only heard about the part for Joe which will be played by Colin Ford (Supernatural).

[Tery]

I was thinking that Stephen Weber would be good as Rusty.

[Lily Sawyer]

More casting news on the Linda and Junior Renny roles:

http://www.deadline.com/2013/01/natalie-martinez-alex-koch-cast-in-cbs-under-the-dome-series/

[blunthead]

For an unidentified reason when, in terms of Hollywood, I think "Dale Barbara" I think "Timothy Olyphant". I think what it is is to my artistic sensibilities Olyphant seems intrinsically sK, he somehow belongs in a sK movie. That's just me, I assume.

Timothy Olyphant

[Paul Edgecomb]

dont worry. the movie premiere in on cbs on June 24 2013. Stephen King and Steven Spielberg working together :laugh: