At the end of the day, I didn’t hate the American/English version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I liked Daniel Craig a lot in that version, and Rooney Mara was decent. Of course, I thought the original Swedish films – starring Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth Salander – were much better, and Noomi’s performance as Lisbeth is still the definitive on-screen portrait for me. The Craig/Mara film version didn’t make back its cost. It made over $100 million of course, but David Fincher just went overboard with the budget. Plus, the Swedish films did crazy box office in Sweden and beyond – they were some of the most successful Swedish films of all time.
Anyway, long story short, it didn’t seem like Sony Pictures was all that interested in making the sequels to TGWTDT. Rooney was recently asked about it and she was all “meh” and “I don’t think anyone is doing another one.” Turns out, Rooney should have just spoken for herself. Sony is going to make The Girl in the Spider’s Web – which is the latest Lisbeth Salander book based on the writings of the late Stieg Larsson – and no one is interested in having Daniel Craig or Rooney Mara reprise their roles. Ouch. And guess who they want for Lisbeth now? Alicia Vikander!
Sony’s rebooting the Lisbeth Salander franchise as Steven Knight prepares to adapt “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” Rooney Mara will not reprise her role as hacker heroine Lisbeth Salander in Sony’s forthcoming adaptation of “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” and Sony Pictures is interested in having Alicia Vikander replace her in a proposed reboot of the franchise, an individual familiar with the studio’s thinking has told TheWrap.
Director David Fincher and star Daniel Craig are also unlikely to return for the sequel, which will be based on the fourth novel in the late Stieg Larsson‘s Millennium series that was written after his death by David Lagercrantz. Sony had initially been planning to adapt “The Girl Who Played With Fire,” shelling out mid-seven figures for a script by Steve Zaillian. “Fire” is now expected to follow “Spider’s Web,” which Oscar-nominated writer Steven Knight (“Locke”) is in negotiations to adapt for the studio.
Scott Rudin and former Sony chief Amy Pascal will produce “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” with Elizabeth Cantillon and Swedish production company Yellow Bird, which produced the original movie starring Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth.
The “Dragon Tattoo” sequel is expected to come in at a much lower price than Fincher’s film — a holiday release that had difficulty recouping its $90 million budget, not including P&A costs. Sony isn’t expected to start the high-profile casting process until after Knight delivers a script, but Rudin and Pascal are said to be fans of Vikander, who has the right look to play Lisbeth — which could make for a smoother transition.
I can understand the thought process of “well, we’ve already spent so much money on the book rights and the screenplays, why not just make the film?” But how many different actresses are going to play Lisbeth, for the love of God? And no, I don’t believe Alicia Vikander would be all that impressive as Lisbeth. Alicia is Swedish and petite, and that’s it. Those are her only similarities with Lisbeth. I also don’t understand how this “reboot” is supposed to work when they’re planning on starting the reboot with the fourth book chronologically (The Girl in the Spider’s Web) rather than the actual second book (The Girl Who Played With Fire).
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Good call. Alicia is a better actress.
Based on what I have seen, not even close. Rooney is a much stronger actress, IMO.
I would agree. And I feel people’s criticism of her portrayal of Lisbeth is not because of bad acting, but because they prefer Noomi. Having never seen the Swedish film, I was blown away by Rooney’s performance.
I agree with this…a lot. I can’t stand Rooney, but she’s a decent actress. Alicia, on the other hand…I don’t get at all. She’s bland in every way.
Agreed with Rachel. I never saw the Swedish version, and I thought Rooney was exceptional in the film.
I’ll hop on this train. When she was first cast, I was super skeptical, but Rooney was simply outstanding and I have been checking in on her IMDB page to see what would happen with the sequels. Would be a HUGE mistake to make a sequel to this without her, let alone some vanilla actress that we would all be comparing to Rooney. I saw the Swedish version too, but the subtitles are too distracting for me to focus on the performance.
I read the books, saw the Swedish films and the American one. I personally preferred Rooney to Noomi though both are good. I just thought Rooney’s combination of vulnerability and strength was spot on.
I adored Noomi in the films (much preferred her), but Rooney is definitely closer to book!Lisbeth.
Yep Rooney was amazing. I read the books but didnt see the original film. I think Noomi looked way too mature to be believable as Lisbeth. Rooney was perfect looking and her acting was great. She got an Oscar nomination for it ffs.
I will concur with this as well. I saw the Swedish version before the American version, and had no idea who Rooney was, when I first saw it. Rooney’s performance simply blew me away. For me, she was Lisbeth, though Noomi is certainly a capable actress. Alicia is also a decent actress, but I’m not convinced she would commit to the transformation to Lisbeth as believeably as Rooney did, or could even if she wanted to. The complexity of Rooney’s portrayal, including the strength and vulnerability, and the intensity she brought to the role would be hard for anyone to match. Personally, I think it would be a mistake to bring anyone else in, unless Rooney won’t do it.
Rooney won the best actress award at Cannes for Carol and has received rave reviews. She’s given several very well received performances in indies. All of this occurred without the hype machine that surrounds Alicia or Alicia’s pretty, more palatable public persona. To be fair, Alicia is also an excellent actress but let’s not pretend like Rooney is chopped liver.
“Lol people did not notice her in Anna Karenina, ”
So all the international critical praise that Alicia received was made by non-people? Who, ghosts? Alicia and her love interest received the most praise from that film. Stealing it from the lead. It’s OK to have a different opinion of an actress but it’s not OK to distort facts.
IMO Alicia is hated because non-Indie film watchers hadn’t followed her impressive career until she appeared in the gossips rags with Michael Fassbender. Then it was “who the hell are you to be riding the Fass dong and I’m not”. Let’s face it actress are usually hated if they are too pretty or dating an actor who is viewed as a sex symbol.
It’s not the PR since no real people I know who watches mainstream movies knows who Alicia is. And let’s face it, if she never appeared in Celebitchy for her personal life, 95% of readers who still have no idea who she is.
Actually, she “stole” praise from the lead in Anna Karenina because the movie didn’t go well so she was a good thing in a failed movie (they were hoping for a second Atonement but it didn’t happen) Plus, she “stole” praise because her character was amazing as it was. Any actress could have done it.
So, if people don’t find her extremely talented that means that they do not watch indie films, so they cannot appreciate her? This is so unfair.
Why would you even mention Fassbender? Nobody talked about him until now. She can screw whoever she likes, that’s a whole other thing. Actresses are hated when they have a profile that doesn’t match reality. In this case, “extremely talented actress” is the profile. If she was THAT great no one would notice her because of the Fass
I agree, EN. I like Alicia a lot. I can’t really understand the amount of vitriol she seems to attract.
> Maybe because the hype arround her is not (yet) justified by her performances?
But have they seen her in anything?
I was kind of in the same boat – I saw all these articles about her, and I was – who is she and what has she done to deserve it? And I understand too much publicity can cause a blow-back.
But I saw her work and she is outstanding and I want her to do more, so that I can see it.
I’ve seen Mara too. Mara to me is wooden and one note.
I don’t really say anything to people who are so harsh on Alicia because I understand where they could be coming from, but I disagree.
I think she is “hated” because she has the profile of a super talented woman with a lot of potential and in reality she’s done NOTHING yet. This year she has a lot of films to be released but we haven’t even seen them and yet we MUST already think of her as a talented actress. It’s like we don’t even have to have our opinion, it is said that she is good so we have to believe it. Also, it’s really not charming how smug her attitude is. It’s like, take it easy, girl, we don’t even know who you are yet lol
Personally, I’ve seen 9 films of her so I think that I can have an opinion about her acting and really, it’s not that great. She’s ok, nothing more, nothing less
> I think she is “hated” because she has the profile of a super talented woman with a lot of potential and in reality she’s done NOTHING yet
She’s been working for years. She got where she got thanks to her talent, not any kind of connections. Do you think it is that easy to make it being from a small country and not even a native English speaker?
People already noticed her in Anna Karenina, Royal Affair, Testament of Youth.
Her rise is not quick for a female actress where by 35 y.o. the career is usually over. They have to make it by the time they are around 25-27 y.o., That is why it always seems they come out of nowhere.
Lol people did not notice her in Anna Karenina, she was supposed to be the next big thing since then but they didn’t manage to make it happen. You’re only commenting one phrase of mine, though. Don’t just stay there, I made my point perfectly in my previous comment
@anon, I didn’t understand what you meant by “she has done NOTHING” yet, given that you said you watched 9 of her movies.
You don’t like her, that is fine, there are plenty of actors I don’t like. And I know I will not change your mind. I am definitely not trying to.
I just didn’t understand what is meant by NOTHING. No recognition? No good performances?
@anon She was supposed to be the next big thing with The Fifth Estate?! AFTER Anna Karenina and A Royal Affair she filmed the movies released this year.
Oh sorry. By “nothing” I meant nothing that proves her talent. She HAS done films of course but nothing that great. It’s not that I don’t like her, I just can’t see it. I’ve tried 9 times, forgive me lol
The only reason they want to cast her is because she’s hot right now and she’s Swedish. She’s not right for the part. I thought Rooney was underwhelming especially in comparison with rapace. But at least she has an androgynous brooding quality that works. Vikander is too much of a pretty girl next door type.
When I see both Alicia & Mara the only thing I think of them is “Meh”. I loved the Swedish films & my girl Noomi Is Lisbeth to me. Can’t she reprise the role in the 4th? It would make more sense than getting a new actress.
Rooney has all the charisma of a soggy gym sock. That blandness actually worked well for her as Lisbeth but let’s face it: we all want Noomi back.
I was going to say..Lisbeth is not supposed to be charismatic anyway. This is not Elle Woods. She needs to be dark and broody, which Mara was.
Yeah sometimes it’s just a case of good casting more than good acting. Sort of like how Orly Bloom’s wooden acting was quite suitable for the perpetual dreamer/ethereal/spacey quality of Legolas.
I loved those books, and Noomi is the only Lisbeth I want to see. Is she unavailable for this movie? Otherwise, there is no excuse for her not to repeat her outstanding performance as the character.
She didnt look right for the part years ago, how is she gonna play a character thats supposed to look 13 now?
Aren’t they jumping to the fourth book, wouldn’t Lisbeth be older too. I didn’t read the fourth book as it wasn’t Larson’s so I don’t know for sure.
I agree 1000% Lizzie. Naomi is Lisbeth and anyone else put in that role is going to suck by comparison.
I wish they would never had made another version. The swedish one was perfect. I’m glad that the new version flopped.
Completely pointless. That film was flawless, it was like remaking the Godfather.
The direction was too severe, Daniel Craig had none of the warmth needed for Mikael…the only good thing about the American version was Rooney walking around in her underwear, her body is work of art.
You people never saw the Swedish movies. The first one was passable but the other two were horrible and low-budget. Noomi was ok as Lisbeth but too old for the part. Rooney Mara was the perfect Lisbeth. Regarding The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, both the Swedish movie and the Fincher were adaptations of the book, but the Fincher movie was far superior. Unfortunately, I think it was made too soon after that crappy Swedish tv movie known as the “original.”
Yeah I only saw bits of the original one but it seemed low budget whereas Fincher’s version was very well done
I didn’t see the American one, but I did see all the Swedish films, and I liked them. It’s really about the story and acting, and the Swedish versions were very good in that department. I heard the American version was good too, and I am sure Rooney Mara was great as she got an Oscar nod. I don’t think it was the time between the films, because that happens quite often with foreign films and the American version, but I think Fincher just spent too much money on it for the studio to think it is profitable to keep going that way. These movies have a type of audience and he just went overboard. Interesting that they are skipping two books.
So they’re going to Spiderman this franchise till something works? Alright then.
I’d say the bad call is making a movie out of the fourth book. It wasn’t written by Stieg Larsson, it’s apparently not very good (I haven’t read it) and it was met by quite a lot of controvercy. I have no real oppinion on who’d play Lisbeth, but I’m a little surprised since Rooney got an Oscar nod for it and she really wants to do a sequel.
I started reading the 4th book the other day and put it down after 20 pages. I just couldn’t seem to get any traction with it, unlike the first 2 books, which really drew me in.
I completely agree. I’m halfway through now and am thinking of just scrapping it.
As a book it was okay, but as a Lisbeth book it was awful. The plot didn’t even have anything to do with fighting misogyny, which is pretty crucial. And, God, the whole ‘Lisbeth mentors an autistic child who’s also a maths genius because of course he is so he’ll crack a code for her’ thing. And not even having Lisbeth and Mikael have any scenes together; in the second book they were mainly apart but for a good reason. There was no reason to keep them apart here.
I really liked the Swedish movies, very well done. There is absolutely no need for these to be done again
Ah, but this is Hollywood, and there is money to be made!
I liked both. IMO, it was like watching two different theater houses do their own take on a play.
I really liked the reality of the Swedish version, but I also really appreciated the stylized version from Fincher. I thought the darkness and imagery was very powerful and made for more suspense. The opening sequence with the morphing images and Karen O screeching the Immigrant Song blew my mind.
I agree with this. Michael Nyqvist from the original swedish films would be a good addition.
I think that the first is sort of stand-alone, then the second and third made it a trilogy, although I’m sure “trilogy” or “series” was planned all along. (Actually, I always thought there was so much more he had planned. He gave details about Lisbeth’s twin that were just not necessary if she was never going to pop up in later stories.) I’m guessing they’re thinking since the second and third have already been made, and made well, then skip to the fourth. I haven’t read it yet. Is there as much graphic violence? If no, maybe they think it will be more palatable for US audiences
I think that’s exactly what they’re doing. Skip to the story that hasn’t already been filmed. It’s actually an interesting idea…that likely won’t work. 😉
The fourth one is also supposedly not as violent or full of sexual assault and sexual abuse. I got so sick of that I never finished the trilogy.
I will never understand why they made $100 million dollar movie that featured graphic sexual assault like that. “The feel bad movie of the Christmas season” – you think?
the heavy subject matter also limited their audience heavily. its mostly kids who pay for tickets sadly, and no ones gonna sell those to them.
Rooney wanted a sequel, bad. This was part of the Sony hack.
Her career needed the franchise.
Yeah, read her email to Amy Pascal… she really wanted to do these movies.
that was my 1st thought. im sad for her, she was meangirled by the sony gossips and kept out of the loop even though she did an amazing job and was not the reason the film flopped in any way, she was the best part of it.
Ouch. Rooney really wanted that sequel to happen. Didn’t she even keep the piercings for when it happened?
yeah. It’s sad. I think she really gave her heart and soul for the role. There was discussion she/fincher starved her on the expectation of doing more films too. (Apparently he gave her a LOOK when she dared to eat some fish. A-hole).
“..gave her heart and soul.” Yes. I remember when they were on the press tour, Rooney said that the part left her with a lot of darkness, that it was difficult to separate herself from Lisbeth. Sad for her if she really felt like she had become the character, along with the physical transformation, and then doesn’t get to reprise the role.
That movie was her big break and still as of now her most notable work. It’s no surprise she’d want to keep going. But I side-eyd some of her big proclamations about her ‘method’ and her artistry.
@MP:
Fincher clearly stated that he did NOT ask Rooney Mara to lose weight. She was already thin when he choose her. It’s ROONEY who decided to go on a crash diet AND get real piercings AND live as the character when not on set. She also decided to keep the piercings and ambiguous appearance until the sequel is made.
They was an interview of Fincher and Rooney eating a meal and Fincher joked about Rooney’s eating something when she usually doesn’t eat when she’s with the cast. Rooney instead goes off to some cemetery site to be all method and snack on her diet food.
When Rooney was first cast in the role everyone doubted that the pretty girl from the Social Network could transform into a sexually ambiguous Lisbeth. It’s called acting and costumes! A good actor can do any role. We have just gotten used to actors playing themselves.
Original TC: well, he would say that, wouldn’t he? I doubt any director would admit “yep forced a woman to starve herself!” There are independent witnesses who saw him policing her diet. I don’t believe him for a second when he claims not have been the one ordering those things.
I thought Rooney did a great job as Lisbeth. Noomi was more kick-a**, but Rooney showed more of Lisbeth’s vulnerable side. And while I liked the Swedish version, the US version was a much better movie and script.
Fincher’s script was less good for me even if the movie was better but the Sweden movies cost peanuts contrary to Fincher’s version ( $100 millions)
Jenns – totally agree with you. I liked seeing the more emotional side to her as well. I am a sucker for Fincher, so I loved his take on it.
Agree with you both and I think the Fincher GWTDT is the best book-to-movie I have ever seen.
Whhhhhy are we doing this again? Noomi Rapace FTW.
But I really liked the chemistry between Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara.
I hated what they did to lisbeth and crags character in the american version. It was like they diluted the relationship into a hot affair with james bond and made lisbeth needy to make her more feminine. The way they ported the relationship in the original swedish movie was a lot more complex and interesting.
This is completely stupid. The new book wasn’t even written by the same writer, it’s technically official fanfic. The first three books form a trilogy, whereas this one is standalone, so it just doesn’t work – major events happen in the second and third movies, so skipping straight from the first to the fourth will leave huge gaps. For example the second and third deal heavily with revealing the secrets of Lisbeth’s childhood and her relationship with her father, and also cover the death of her father. The fourth book covers her relationship with her sister. I guess they’ll have to use a lot of stuff from the second and third otherwise it won’t make any sense at all.
They weren’t intended to be just a trilogy – Larsson had plans for a full series of books, as they tracked down Lisbeth’s other siblings. And if I remember correctly, the 4th book was based off of Larsson’s own unfinished manuscript, so I wouldn’t describe it as fan fiction (controversial: yes).
It wasn’t based on Larsson’s unfinished manuscript. There is an unfinished manuscript which Larsson’s partner of over 30 years possesses and won’t let anyone see. She’s adamant that no one else should write or co-write his books. Due to a stupid oversight control of Larsson’s estate wound up being given not to her (as he wished), but to his estranged brother. The brother and the partner had a lengthy and bitter legal battle, which resulted in the brother hiring a ghostwriter to write a fourth book from scratch. It’s been very controversial in Larsson fandom.
She also said that Larsson never planned to write the books as a series, that the fourth book was spontaneous.
It seems to me like most Hollywood scripts bare little resemblance to the book anyway, so it probably won’t matter. It’s not going to be good no matter what.
Why not hire Noomi? If it’s because of age, then stick to Mara. We don’t need so many Lisbeths.
the film was 4 years ago, some actors have moved on. robin wright for example is probably too busy with her show. daniel craig maybe too with other stuff. it would be weird to have some old and some new actors…
no no no ! I have not seen the Swedish version, but I am absolutely a fan of the American version, and especially Rooney absolutely blew me away in this role to Alicia .When I only saw in Royal Affair and any newcomer would have like , really nothing special . When Rooney I think she has a great talent and made choices interressant .Its interpretation at Cannes went a bit unnoticed damage
You are a fan of the American version, because you haven’t seen the Swedish version. The Swedish version rules!!! As InvaderTak said, Noomi WTW!!
Totally agree. Swedish version was far superior.
Why do the posts in here not come in order? It’s a little annoying when you go to page 2 and discover new posts that you woul’ve missed.
Anyway, I think Noomi was great in the Swedish films.
You mean on the home page? If that is what you’re referring to, it is assorted by popularity..so the posts that are trending the highest (most views/comments) are usually on Page 1 and then Page 2 will have less popular posts from that day. if something happens later in the day, there is often a final post of the day with links that dont have the most comments, but are the freshest content. Hope this helps!
I was just annoyed that they remade the first book in English anyway. The Swedish movies were great and since the books are so much about location and culture — it just lost something in translation. But God forbid Americans should have to read a subtitle….
AGREED.
Noomi was fantastic, Rooney was meh as Lisbeth. I like Vikander as an actress, but not sure she’s really right for the role.
I am American, and I ONLY watch subtitled films, so HA.
Okay, not really, but I do watch a lot of foreign films with subtitles. And really, you’re not wrong; I don’t understand why so many of my fellow Americans are terrified of reading subtitles. It’s not rocket science, people.
I’m American too, which is why is I feel free to make snarky blanket statements about the subtitle aversion of my fellow citizens. 🙂
It is actually possible to also voice over movies. I wonder why it is not done in the US.
I am fine with subtitles, after 5 min the brain does it automatically.
I know I am in the minority, but I hated the books. Stieg needed an editor. How many times did we need to read about the now outdated computers Lisbeth used? And how many times did we need to hear about eating Billy Pan Pizza and 7-11?
THIS!!! i only read the first one and thought it was 3/4 too long.
haha. showers, cofee and sandwiches too.
Alicia is beautiful and a great actress, she’s much more watchable than Rooney who just isn’t.
Why recasts while Rooney was great ? Recast Craig’s character is more interesting
Whatever the first book was the best .
I really like Vikander, but I’m not sure about this role…
I greatly admire Alicia’s beauty and acting talent as well, but I think this role called for an actress who is able to project a brooding quality and who is a bit rough around the edges. I doubt Alicia would be right for this part, but I would love it if she proves me wrong.
to be fair though, rooney looked like a cutesy goody two shoesbefore her transformation. look up her pics from the social network promotion
The only reason why they may cast her for this role is because she is hot right now (I can’t understand why, don’t even go there) Such a flat actress, no charisma, no spark, she’s so blah it’s annoying. Good for HER though, she’s trying SO hard to be somebody in the film industry, poor thing. I wonder how long they’re going to shove her into our faces until we like her. Rooney on the other hand is lovely. Ah what a shame
I saw both versions, and, to be honest, was quite surprised with how well Ronney did in that role. It had to be daunting when Naomi’s performance was so iconic. That being said, if they are doing this, prefer Rooney over Alicia.
Noomi and the Swedish version 100% all the way, no other way will do.
Wouldn’t pay to see it. I LOVED the Fincher film. I thought it was brilliant and still watch it every Christmas (I know weird movie choice but I saw it in the theater on Christmas Eve and the setting reminds me of winter). The look of Finchers film was beautiful and not a Mara fan but I liked her as Lisbeth. Never saw the Swediah version though.
I agree. Both Rooney Mara as well as N. Rapace have a certain “sinewy” look to them. Like a steely cat with lean muscles. Both are beautiful women but in a slightly non-ordinary no-barbie kind of way. Vikander simply doesn’t have that. I can’t picture her as Lisbeth Salander either.
I actually really liked the American version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, so Im bummed that they never went ahead and did the sequel.
Alciia is fine and all, and yes she’s Swedish, but considering this is based on the book that is not Steig’s….Im not interested.
“But how many different actresses are going to play Lisbeth, for the love of God?” Right? They’re all just dying to, it seems. These plans need to be scrapped, a seriously terrible idea. But Hollywood can never leave well enough alone, so.
Noomi Rapace all the way!
I always stick with the original. There was no reason to remake the film just because a bunch of lazy asses don’t want to read subtitles.
I have watched both. The Fincher version is much better and Mara is a far better Lisbeth. The Swedish actress is so humorless the character has no light. Mara gave it a dark humor. Vikander is too pretty for it frankly.
Loved the American version. I think is one of Fincher’s finest films. And this change of director and cast is odd since Fincher not long ago said he was ready for the sequels and he really liked the script for the second film. I remember reading that not only the low BO was one of the facts that slowed the franchise but also Craig’s involvement with Bond and that they had to wait for him.
Rudin and Pascal are producing.
Wow… it seems incompetence and cruelty have no professional consequences whatsoever.