Oh my God oh my God oh my God!!! Daniel Craig has officially signed on to play the lead role (character Mikael Blomkvist) in the English-language/Hollywood adaptation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. I’ve read the whole trilogy (beyond Dragon, there’s The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest), and I am so SO excited for this. I know film and literary purists will tell you that the books should not be made into films, or that we should just be content with the Swedish language films (to be fair, they were originally written in Swedish, by a Swedish auther/journalist named Stieg Larsson). But I’m happy that Hollywood is taking a crack at these books, mainly because they’re being smart about it. Thus far, they’ve gotten a great screenwriter to adapt the book, they hired Fight Club director David Fincher to direct, and now with Daniel Craig’s casting, I really think this project could be awesome:
Daniel Craig has closed his deal to play journalist Mikael Blomkvist in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, a deal which factors in options for two sequels based on The Girl Who Played With Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets’ Nest. The novels comprise the bestselling trilogy by late Stieg Larsson.
Deadline told you first about the Craig talks, which back in June were hardly a certainty, because there were so many hurdles to jump. I’m told that with a whole lot of juggling between three studios, Craig will be able to make the movies. Essentially, he will begin work on the first film in Sweden, as soon as he removes his cowboy hat from shooting Cowboys and Aliens in the early fall. Scheduling was coordinated between Dragon Tattoo-maker Sony Pictures Entertainment, DreamWorks partners Stacey Snider and Steven Spielberg–who were flexible on the Cowboys and Aliens schedule–and James Bond rights holders Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson. The latter situation was tougher because of the uncertainty over when the next Bond film will get made–probably with Sam Mendes directing–because of MGM’s paralysis. CAA made Craig’s deal.
This puts Craig in a position no previous James Bond ever was in. He’s got two certain franchises between Bond and the Larsson books, and possibly another in Cowboys and Aliens, which he stars in with Harrison Ford, and for which Craig has an option on a second picture. Comic-Con crowds responded glowingly to footage shown by director Jon Favreau.
Sony Pictures Entertainment, director David Fincher and producer Scott Rudin are in the middle of casting the young actress who’ll play the juicy role of Lisbeth Salander. Deadline previously released those candidates include Ellen Page, Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland), Emily Browning (Sucker Punch), Sara Snook (Sleeping Beauty), Rooney Mara (The Social Network) and Sophie Lowe (Blame).
Sony just dated the film for a December 21, 2011 release. Steve Zaillian adapted the novel for the screen.
[From Deadline]
Yes, the casting of Lisbeth will be the most crucial thing. If they go safe with someone like lip-biting hyperbole machine Kristen Stewart, it will suck. If they go with someone beautiful like Natalie Portman, it will suck. Lisbeth is not “beautiful”. She’s not some little misunderstood girl who pouts and bites her lip through every crisis. She’s a genius, she’s hardcore, she’s tough as hell, and she’s one of the most daringly original female characters of the modern literary age. You can’t go safe when casting Lisbeth. You can only choose the actress who can embody brilliance, misanthropy, casual violence and unadulterated rage. I can’t even think of anyone who can do that, not even some of the best actresses in the world (Meryl, Cate) can do that.
But they found my Blomkvist, so I’m happy. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Lisbeth comes to them, and that she’s wonderful.
let hope Lisbeth is a newcomer…none of the hollywierd “it” girls have what it takes to bring that character to life, imo
I am a huge fan of Larsson’s millennium trilogy. Watched the Sweden version of film. It was OK. But Daniel Craig is exciting. Totally looking foward to watching the Hollywood take on this!
They should use the actress who did the original version. She was perfect. Kristen Stewart is not an actress.
@Johnthing :
The original actress doesnt want to do it. I mean its a heavy role and who would want to relive that?
Kristen is actually pretty good in films outside twilight. No one could save that lousy script. But I agree shes not right for this part.
Why? The Sweden movie is good enough to USA audience too, I don’t understand why Hollywood needs to make crappy remakes (even if those movies are directed by a quite good director as Fincher) of movies that already are masterpieces… E.g. Let the right one in is one of those movies that will suffer any american remake.
The sadness.
The Swedish actress has said she is not interested in reprising the roll for the American films. She is going to be a tough act to follow because she was great. I’ve heard people discount certain American actresses for the new film because ‘she is too beautiful’, and Lisbeth is not. Google the Swedish actress – Noomi Rapace, and look at her pictures. She is lovely, really beautiful, but she is transformed into Lisbeth in a way you cannot even see the features of the actress playing her.
Everyone had an opinion about who should play Scarlet O’Hara, and the brilliant choice was made to go with a relatively unknown Vivien Leigh, instead of Katherine Hepburn, Betty Davis, or any number of other actresses of that era.
I think anyone who has read these books has a similar point of view. The actress hired to play Lisbeth will likley be someone we only know slightly, if at all.
Stewart is only playing different versions of herself, moody sexually confused emo sullen characters.
What range are people talking about?
It’s unbearable to watch her shaking head, stuttering and rolling eyes.
I think Kiera Knightly would be great as Lisbeth! BTW, My husband and I were watching The Shining the other day and he said that if Hollywood were to remake the film they should cast Tom Cruise in the Nicholson role…I thought that was brilliant.
There was a great article in Entertainment Weekly a few weeks ago about the books (there’s portions of a fourth that may never get published!), Stieg Larsson, the Swedish films, and the American film versions. I’ve heard the Swedish film is great. But unfortunately most Americans are lazy and won’t watch an amazing movie simply because they ‘don’t wanna read it.’ (I’m an American who’s worked in video stores and libraries for over 10yrs and heard ‘I don’t wanna read my movie’ literally hundreds of times so please don’t bother yelling at me for saying that.)
The Swedish actress did say she has no interest in playing the role again–that it was emotionally draining and difficult and doesn’t want to go thru it again. If they cast Kirsten Stewart or someone equally marketable but lame I will boycott them. It makes my stomach churn just thinking about that ridiculousness.
@Maggie – remake The Shining???? are you insane? and with the GMD? i feel sorry for the actress who takes on Lisbeth because Noomi was brilliant.
Solveig@5- I could not agree with you more. I’ve seen both Swedish movies (Tattoo & Fire), and they are terrific. Hollywood seems to have to piss on everything to mark their territory and take ownership. If the Swedish production company had made these movies 20-30 years ago, then maybe, maybe I could see a remake. But these are new, fresh movies based on recently written books. Love Daniel Craig and think he is a good choice to play Blomkvist, but I just do not see anyone replacing the brilliant Noomi Rapace. She was extraordinary. One of a kind.
Scarlet Vixen@9- Absolutely correct, Americans are lazy. I honestly think that many Americans (Yes, I’m a Yank) have poor reading comprehension skills and CAN’T read the subtitles. Just a theory.
the average american reading level is the ninth- grade 😀
I think this is pretty good casting. I was worried it was going to be Clooney or Pitt or someone. Craig is handsome, but he’s not, to me, model-looking, and I’m glad they didn’t cast just based on looks. Hopefully they will be as smart casting Salander. I really can’t think of a known actress that seems right for it.
NO! not the lawn gnome craig! why why why?
the swedish movies are great and I dont understand why hollywood has to get its claws in this either. i think they could have done better with the casting.
I think he sort of looks like Blomkvist should look, but I hate the idea of Hollywood “remaking” yet another movie. Where is the creativity? They’re remaking things that don’t need to be remade. And wouldn’t it be cheaper to hire a few voices and dub the Swedish movies than to remake the whole thing?
I doubt that I go see the movies anyway, because I LOVE these books, and I usually don’t go to movie versions of books that I like, because the movies are such pale reflections of the books.
Actually, I could really see Craig pulling off Blomkvist’s naive charmer persona… its a good choice!
Fincher also knows how to rip the mood from books- fight club is a great example.
I’m with others on this one- I hope its an unknown that plays Lisbeth. But I have a weird feeling that all the execs are screaming “Ellen Page vehicle!!” though.
re the comments about americans not wanting to read their movies…i rented the dvd version that allows for dubbing in english…dont know if that is normal or not. the swedish versions may be good, but this is about hollywood being able to capitalize on the sucess of the books and the ability to make more money in the us. i dont think it is about the quality of the swedish movies.
kristen stewart shouldnt even be allowed to look at this script. lisbeth has to be intense and most of all, AWAKE. stewart looks like a stoned lazy sleepy tranceface who cant muster up the energy to do anything, let alone be a badass. god, this will KILL the movie if they poorly cast lisbeth.
Oh God, here we go. I thought the Swedish version of this book was brilliant – no need for a Hollywood remake at all…
I just went to IMDB to see if anyone else was listed in connection to this, and it lists Carey Mulligan as “rumored” for Lisbeth. I’m with most of you that I don’t think there’s anyone we already know that could pull it off.
excellent. kaiser, you have summed up every one of my thoughts about this book-into-movie.
daniel will be fabulous. salander, none of the choices are right for her (from the list above).
you need to call someone and tell them who to choose.
@ bros #14
1. re: “..not the lawn gnome craig! why why..”
you’re obviously ‘biased’. i know it’s a smart book/movie, but i and some others, i imagine, wouldn’t mind this particular eye candy. and you really should check DC out in ‘Copenhagen’. he pulls off quantum physics. quite handsomely i might add.
2. for Lisbeth – jenna malone? in [not much] younger days, jennifer jason leigh, but ‘bastard out of carolina was a pretty good baseline for that young lady [malone], w/ that role at that young age.
I’m not a fan of Daniel Craig but I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. But they CAN cast a beautiful woman as Lisbeth and “ugly” her up, look at Charlize Theron in Monster. It looked nothing like her-at all, and she is one of the most beautiful women in the world.
My boss is getting the Swedish movies on Netflicks and we plan on closing the office for a day to watch them, we’re so excited.
I saw Girl who played with fire last weekend. Excellent film! And unlike many fellow Americans, I don’t mind “reading” my movie, LOL.
I’m not sold on a Hollywood version, but I do think Daniel Craig is a good choice for Mikael. They’ll probably get St. Angie to play Lisbeth (eye roll).
Totally agree with everyone who thinks that Hollywood should leave this franchise alone. But there’s money to be made, and that’s all these d*ckheads care about.
Solveig: Is HW thinking about remaking “Let the Right One In”??? Now THAT would be a tragedy — the original is such a masterpiece, and would, as you pointed out, only suffer at the hands of blockbuster-seeking HW studio execs.
I’m sorry, I love Daniel Craig, but i see no reason for Hollywood to redo these movies. Again, I’m sorry, but this decision betrays an all too common American arrogance; like a Hollywood movie with faces familiar to Americans is naturally better than a foreign film with subtitles. The Swedish film is dark, suspenseful, wonderfully acted, and very true to the book, we really don’t need another.
What about Mia Wasikowski? I’ve heard her name mentioned for the part.
I’m in favor of them finding a newcomer- the character is so completely unique it might be nice for the audience to approach Lisbeth with no preconceived notions about who she is.
carey mulligan is confirmed OUT of the movie. it wont be her.
@ spotchecker: Im not ‘biased.’ I just dont want to be watching the movie and looking at D. craig and thinking about the awesome deals he can get me on plane tickets as the Travelocity lawn gnome!
Thora Birch for Lisbeth? Or Dakota Fanning in 5 years…
I seriously don’t understand all that super-big problem with the subtitles. And that americans don’t want to read the movie. Then JUST DONN’T. In EVERY country, from Japan, Germany, France, Russia, Norway they translate the american language to their own. No one sits in the theaters and read the subtitle. They sit and watch movie in their own language. Why american companies can’t translate swedish or other movies to american language???? Is that so hard? In the whole America they can’t find actors who can do that? They do it for the animation. Why do they torture vievers with subtitles instead of translate the movie to american language is beyond me….
Would someone who is a fan of the book (GWTDT) help me understand the broad appeal of the characters?
I couldn’t get past what I thought was unnecessary violence against women. And I couldn’t get why Lisabeth fell for Mikael…now if he was Daniel Craig, well, that’s another story.
Please, a fan, enlighten me…
Don’t usually comment – haven’t read the books (but I’m intrigued) and not sure what the lead looks like – but all of the new/young “it” girls won’t cut it – I’m thinking Mila Kunis or Famke Janssen.
I think Craig is a great choice but who in the world could they get to play the part of Lisbeth Salander? It would have to be somebody very short (no more than 5’2″) and very thin or the whole characterization will be messed up. And I can’t think of any Hollywood actors under 5’2″.
Cranky Chica: It may be helpful to know that the original title for TGWTDT was Men Who Hate Women. That is how Stieg Larsson titled his book. I recall reading the publishers changed the name for more mass appeal and boy, did they know they had a mega hit, 3 actually, on their hands. One of main themes of the book is unnecessary violence against women, be it the violence within the Vanger family or the grotesque torture perpetrated on Lisbeth. And how she got her revenge. I have read several critics who agree with you on the extreme level of violence and suggest that Larsson also had some trouble with women.
As for Lisbeth falling for Mikael the character, even she didn’t understand it. I don’t want to give away the second book or movie if you haven’t read/seen it or intend to read/see it, but she did impose a distance between them. I found the actor who played Mikael to be very compelling, Michael Nykvist is apparently quite well known in Sweden and has the same rugged appeal of Daniel Craig. My opinion only, of course.
mila kunis isnt a bad choice. N. portman too, but you would have to make them both not conventionally attractive.
@ Cheyenne #33
re:”And I can’t think of any Hollywood actors under 5′2″. ”
of course, i could crack a tom cruise on lifts joke or two here, but seriously, kristin chenowith is the only other actor i can think of under that height limit, and i don’t think that’s going to happen for many reasons [none of them having to do w/ her actually quite fine acting/singing ability, unless they turn this into ‘Girl w/ The Dragon Tatoo’, the Musical..blergh [[my new favorite word again]]. {or should i not give them any ideas..?..}
@ bros #28
sorry about the lawn gnome nightmares. really, i am.
I enjoyed the swedish version and was disappointed to hear the US had to do their own version. However, with Craig attached (he does look similar to the actor who protrayed the role in the original) I’m a little less disappointed.
I agree the casting of Lisbeth will be crucial, but her struggles or at least life experiences will have to be watered down for mainstream America audiences and whoever hands out the ratings.
@ shy…. “american” language? is it not still English?
Eugh why must Hollywood insist on making an American adaptation of an foreign film or TV show instead of just accepting the original to begin with? Are subtitles really that difficult to read? Is Hollywood so drained of ideas that their best move is to remake everything??
Ok as someone said previously, it is obvious that they want to capitalize on the success but half the time, they fail miserably at it. Take the attempt to do an American version of the hit Australian TV show “Kath and Kim”. Now I live in New Zealand and I love that show. I was worried about how they might translate the local Aussie humour but decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. Then they casted Selma Blair as Kim… what the hell? The girl did not have an inch of body fat on her and a lot of the humour revolves around Kim being overweight and insisting wearing clothes that are way too small and unflattering to her body shape. And the supposed American version of Absolutely Fabulous apparently intended not to have the character of Patsy be a smoker. Which completely destroys the essence of who she was. Lastly the American version of the New Zealand TV show Outrageous Fortune…. what the hell did they do it?? Ahhh!!! These shows are not meant to be PC and are not meant to appeal to everyone.
As much as I love Daniel Craig, my biggest fear is that the Hollywood version will try to “clean up” and “sanitize” the grittier aspects of the narrative. Which would be an absolute shame which that was one of the appeals of the books and the Swedish films. They weren’t afraid to be unconventional.
Cranky chica’s comments regarding the unnecessary violence pretty much embodies what I fear will be the Hollywood reaction to the story – yes there is a lot of violence in the movie. Just as there is a lot of violence in the world. Depicting it on film is not gratuitous, it is showing the baser aspects of humanity. Sure it is fiction but let’s not kid ourselves that similar things don’t happen in the world everyday. People get raped, people get killed, people get beaten up. An unfortunate and unpleasant part of humanity but a part of it nonetheless. Do I like it? No. Do I enjoy seeing it on screen? No. But it’s part of that story and likewise part of many other stories and it makes us all aware that our world isn’t all sunshine and roses.
I agree with Julie’s comments. For me, Noomi Rapace in the Swedish version of the films IS Lisbeth Salander, and I’m convinced that no Hollywood actress could pull that off. They would only come up with a weak, watered-down version of what Noomi gives. She is amazing. I recommend the Swedish films even if you normally don’t watch things with subtitles. There is no way I’ll be watching the Hollywood version because Tinseltown cannot capture the character of Lisbeth with a box-office-pulling actress, and any attempt will be too cringe-worthy for me to cope with.
@FeeBee, English And American are similar yet vastly different. So many words are different it’s hard unless you know the differences. But technically they are the same, many sites (FaceBook) gives you a choice between English US and English UK
Fags = cigarettes being one of the most notorious examples.
I have seen the original film and it was good. I hope Hollyweird doesn’t eff it up like they usually do with foreign/remake films (eg: I’ve seen the trailer for Hollywood’s version of ‘Let the Right One In’ and it doesn’t look good. just a cheap knock off at best).
I think Daniel Craig is perfect casting for this part, I think he will do justice to it, he is far more suited to this character than he was to Bond (I thought he was damn awful as Bond. Sorry!).
While I agree that none of the actresses jump out at me as Lisbeth, I realize that a GOOD actress can transform herself into a different person. And there are several good actresses here (NOT Natlie Portman, whose range is pathetic. She’d play Lisbeth all wooden like Princess Amadala.) My money’s on Ellen or Emily.
I think Ellen Page has the right look to be Lisbeth. Larsson makes such a big deal about how tiny Lisbeth is, how she has child-like features, how brunette she is, etc. Ellen fits the bill. I’ve only see her play self-aware, ironic, East-coast types, though – I’d hope she could pull off distant, tough, and surly. (I’d definitely find her believable in love scenes with Mimi, for obvious reasons.)
As for Emily Browning, she has an okay look for Lisbeth, though maybe too pretty. I’ve only seen her play quiet, put-upon types – I don’t know if she’d be believable as a bad-ass.
I watched The girl with…and I thought it was great and I didn’t care about the subtitles. I just hope that Ellen Page doesn’t play Lisbeth I think she’s too plain and not that great of an actress imo.
If you check out Ellen Page in the movie “Hard Candy” I think you’ll see that she could potentially pull off the Lisbeth character. She did that movie before she became famous with Juno and I remember thinking to myself “I have to keep an eye on this actress.”
She can definitely do “distant, tough and surly” IMO!
Mia Wasikowski would KILL in this role. Any doubters – see In Treatment season 1 on HBO. Amazing.
I heard that they might cast Carey Mulligan for Lisbeth.
I could see Ellen Page as Lisbeth.
@Michelle and BigFan
Yes!!!! Very few people seem to have seen “Hard Candy”, and while people have an image of Ellen Page as a hipper-than-thou, wise cracking teenager; she has far more range than that, and one need look no further than Hard Candy. Then, there’s Mia Wasikowsi “In Treatment” who is able to affect hardened pathos so very beautifully.
I’ve heard of the books, but I’ve not read them. I’ve been searching for some summmer fare with which to occupy myself and I think I’ve just stumbled upon my choice.
BTW, I am categorically against dubbing. Vocal affection is just as much apart of effective acting as is physical mannerisms, and to divorce that from the person who is creating that physicality is just criminal with regards to good acting.
Cheers, everyone! And here’s to hoping that for once Hollywood doesn’t manage to fuck up a perfectly good film in the name of its own arrogance.
I think Lisbeth should be Jena Malone, Christina Ricci, or my personal favorite Evan Rachel Wood.
They should definitely get someone new and fresh to play Salander. Noomi Rapace was a relative newcomer paired with Michael Nyqvist, one of the most famous actors in Sweden, and it turned out brilliantly. I just can’t see any recent “it” girl pulling this off. Period. But, alas, I have no faith in Hollywood; they will butcher this just like Let the Right One In.
I haven’t read the books or watched the movie yet, but I think Kristin Bell could pull it off. She seems tiny and is the same age as Noomi Rapace. Maybe I just miss Veronica Mars… sigh
This has made my day! This man is perfect for this character, I couldnt be more pleased. Now lets hope they do the same with Lisbeth.
I’ll boycott this version and watch the Swedish one, if I watch it at all. I learned at the age of 13 that any movie made of a book I’ve read will NEVER meet my expectations.
Shirley Manson could’ve been perfect..but she’s already old for the role and not an actress..sigh
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