I have, as many authors do, often fantasized about what my movie would look like, were The Sword & Shield to grace the television and/or movie screen. As I mentioned in previous posts, I have a very clear lead actor in mind, though by the time production would (in my hypothetical dreams) begin, he’d be a bit too old to portray the 32 year old Ezra Toth.
Below you will find my fantasy cast. Not a feasible cast as I have yet to gain access to the Fusion Energy Reactor that Doc uses to power his DeLorean. This cast is based on a combination of acting talent, mere appearance as it relates to my vision of the character, and hopeful daydreams. My original intention was to list them based off importance but that very much did not happen, lol.
So I ask you to go with me and, under the assumption that time travel is one day utilized by Hollywood, please see below for my dream cast:
EZRA TOTH As seen above, Zach McGowan portrays the pirate captain Charles Vane. It was from this character that I drew a good deal of inspiration whilst describing Ezra and if I had my ways a 30 something Zach would be my Ezra in whatever screen adaptation I might be blessed with.
While Kylie Rogers doesn’t have a huge body of work to her name, as soon as I saw her face I saw Marya. I can’t speak to her acting but, as a woman in her late teens she is the right age and look to play the fiery Ruskin seamstress and sister-figure to Ezra.
As an avid fan of K-Drama I will admit that Lee Dong-Wook’s acting in the show ‘Goblin’ made me sob. He would undoubtedly bring Christophe to life in ways I couldn’t begin to imagine. He’d definitely be too old to play the 20 something prince but a girl can dream.
The stern and dignified Joseph (Joe) as portrayed by Timothee Chalamet would be nothing less than perfect. His rare needs to meet the comedic bickering that ensue between himself and Ezra had me doubting Chalamet as a choice until I remembered his recent role in the film ‘Don’t Look Up’. No time machine would be necessary for this actor though given his A-List status, the chances of nabbing him for the role are just as unlikely as those requiring time travel.
Colton Haynes doesn’t just have the looks to match Prince Daniel, he has killer acting chops to boot! If you are a fan of the campy MTV tv series ‘Teen Wolf’ you’ll know he can convey both the sociopathic, rageful, and rare vulnerable moments that are necessary for this role.
Another big name I have no hopes of nabbing, Mads Mikkelsen is King Lionel to a T.
Another ‘Teen Wolf’ alum, Dylan O’Brien is a comedic genius without compare in his age range. Ian’s character would only be elevated to new heights if Dylan was willing to sign on for the role.
Are these the only characters in my book? Not even close! But these are some of the key players and some of the most vivid to be sure.
I would LOVE to hear from anyone who has read The Sword & Shield to chime in with their own ideal casting pics. Especially for characters not listed above.
Fan-casting Ezra (one of my all-time favorite characters): Keanu Reeves