BridgeToTheStars.net

What the…..?

Can't say I was expecting that. He seems like he'll make a good Asriel.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

Seriously, bad choice.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

*tuts* I can\’t say I see the Asriel in him. Perhaps the idea is to make the movie appeal to the mums.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

argghh damn!!

I was relieved when i heard the confirmation that bettany wasnt playing Asriel….but i hate this guy!!

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

You know, he's not somebody i'd considered before, but sitting back and considering it I think he'll probably play the roll pretty well

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Hmm, I think I see their move here. His career is kicking off now because he's the new James Bond. So they're cashing in on him because he's "the next big thing". Or maybe not. I don't know. I can't say I'm pleased OR upset with this choice. He's no Viggo Mortensen but I suppose I'm quite happy to wait and see if he can pull it off. Now if they'd just get Michael Madsen as Lee Scoresby…

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Noooooooooooooooooo!

Paul Bettany

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

I am curious about the negative reaction. I have known about him since Our Friends in the North and think he is a fabulous actor, I am glad he is finally getting big movie parts. And as they were never going to pick my first choice, Bruce Campbell (author of how to make love the Bruce campbell way) I think he will make a fine Asriel.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Wow I never thought about him, but really I think this is a good choice. I could see him pull off Asriel really well . I say it's good news. I'm actually kind of suprised at the bad reactions some people have had…

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

James…Bond…Lord…Asriel…

I don't really know what he looks like. Will have to do some major IMDb work. However, at this moment in time, I prefer Paul Bettany over him.

Also, I am in love with Eric Bana, but he's no Asriel.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Humpf.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Very good choice. He's not Jason Isaacs or Christopher Eccleston, but he's a much better choice than Bettany or Mortensen, neither of whom have a powerful enough presence.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Fantastic news. Daniel Craig is a wonderful actor who completely inhabits every role he plays. Much better choice than the equally talented Paul Bettany who just didn't look the part.

People seem to have gotten caught on this James Bond thing. It's just a character, and Daniel has had a varied career because of his great range. I don't see a problem.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Wow, quite an unexpected choice. Certainly not my Asriel, but figuring out the way they're going with this adaptation, I can say I am much happier with Craig over Bettany. He's got the fanatical energy that Bettany offered, but he also has the physical presence that Bettany didn't have. I just hope he has a beard of some kind… I just can't picture Az without one… Oh and yes, since no one pointed this out yet… Timothy Dalton played Asriel on stage and a lot of people wanted Connory for the movie… They are both past Bond's!

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

this is so great! the films really moveing along now, so many characters have been casted!daniel craig is as i imagined Lord Asreil. he's a great actor and i really hope he fulfills the part, i just can't wait 'till the film comes out November next year.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

I think it's brilliant casting. This guy has a smoldering look about him that Asriel would have; you can see he would be harsh and unflinching. Plus, he looks the appropriate age to be Asriel and to be cast with Nicole as Marisa Coulter. I approve!

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

i cant say i am overly pleased with this news, i seen the stage plays both runs, the first time had ex james bond actor timothy dalton, and he just acted more like james bond than Lord Asriel, whereas the second guy was David Harewood and he was much more convincing, i think Daniel Craig doesn't look powerful enough to play Asriel, too much of a pretty boy in my opinion.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

hoobits- Oh and yes, since no one pointed this out yet… Timothy Dalton played Asriel on stage and a lot of people wanted Connory for the movie… They are both past Bond's!

grr, I was going to point that out!!

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

This guy has the right look. i'm just wondering if he can pull off the Asriel-ness.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

I think he is alot better than that Paul Bettney guy. He has the right look. That other guy was way to young!
Perfect!

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Good call. Pleased with that choice – I always pictured somebody closer to Timothy Dalton or even Colin Firth (only due to his part in Pride and Prejudice though) in the role, so Craig seems a close enough fit despite even *shock shock* having blonde hair. Maybe they'll be very clever about things and dye his hair, if needs be.

That much is purely about looks and demeanour though. Acting wise, he is definitely a good choice, as everyone seems to agree. He will be a good Asriel i think, and even though it's difficult to the point of sillyness to predict such things, if the complete package is there to support him, he could get a supporting actor nomination or two, it just seems to me a role that properly performed would struggle not to impress.

Here's hoping anyway.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

My armor is officially broken.

I don't agree with the choice. He is indeed a very good actor, but his stage or camera presence is too raw (in terms of agressiveness) for Lord Asriel. I think that, the person who would take the role, should have a more induced subtle power kind of presence. As if it would be needed only one glance, or his body language to silence the men under his command with a mix of respect and, yes, fear.It's also a type of agressiveness indeed, but one more fluid in opposite of sheer emotional roughness. Lyra was afraid of her father, but it was more of the shrewd apparent coldness of his mind than the impulsiveness of his heart. And from what I observed in Daniel Craig's performance, he has that certain untameid impulsiveness which strenghtens the quality of his talent, however, that isn't the best characteristic for a role as Lord Asriel's.

Let us say, that Daniel Craig's deamon should have the shape of a lion, not a white leopard.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

sigh of relief all i have to say

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

he does look like i imagined Asriel, and i don't know what New Line are planning to do with the character or the film, so i can't really object.
but i can NOT WAIT!!!!! :tongue:

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Ahh… You ca'nt win em all. Not a bad choice, he'll probably do an average job, only Bettany was perfect for the role. Oh well just glad things are still moving.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

what!? ahhh… i never thought of him, but now that i have, i think he will be a perfect Asriel.. this choice has made me completely happy!

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

hmmmm…. I dunno, JamesBond/LordAsriel?
I'm s bit lost. I mean, he has potential…but the way he carries himself may not be 100% appropriate for Asriel's character.
As an actor, I can see why playing such a role would be INCREDIBLE for him and his career. And I can see why he was casted.
Hopefully he can develop Asriel's character in such a way that it isn't a dissappointment for us readers and fans who have such high expectations.

People, let's try to keep an open mind. I'm an actress, i can see how hard it'll be for him to fill in the shoes of a character like that. It's daunting.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

When I first read TGC/NL I imagined Asriel with dark blonde hair. Anyone else?

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

hmpf, i got really excited at the paul bettany rumour, he would have been great. but fake bond? no!!! :crying:

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

I also imagined Asriel with dark blond hair. Like Lyra's.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Hm. It would seem as though this guy will work well enough for Lord Asriel, but I hope that the costume artist will at least give him some sort of beard; I don't know why, but I've always imagined Lord Asriel with some sort of short, well-manicured and graying beard. :wassat:

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

yeah, me too. even if he just had a tiny soul patch
that'd work.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Erm – to all those who are complaining that he's blond… there is such a thing as hair dye!

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

I didn't think we were complaining. To me it seems we're just commenting on what we personally imagined Asriel to look like as compared to Craig.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

I think people are getting a little too caught up on the Bond thing… It's just a character, give him a break. Knowing New Line, they'll be able to make him look completely different than his Bond character, anyways, so I don't think there's much to worry about there.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

i think people should be glad they have got such a good (and intense) actor for the role

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

This is an interesting thing… About half the fan art for Asriel on BTTS looks a lot like Craig.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Wow. I thought it was a really good inspired choice… until someone pointed out the leopard deamon aspect. I can't see the leopard "fitting" with Craig –>when i read the books, the leopard deamon was perfect for Asriel because it was just another aspect of his personality. Unfortunatly I can't picture Craig as sort-of "being one" with a leopard. Lol.

Here's hoping I have nothing to worry about and that the final film will astound me in the smae way the books did!

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

This is my final word on the subject;
firstly ; Hugh Jackman 6ft.5"; Paul Bettany 6ft.3"; Daniel Craig 5ft.11".
Secondly Paul Bettany has had Major roles in a Beautiful Mind (Oscar Winning Film); Master and Commander ( Oscar nominated film) Da Vinci Code; A Knights Tale; and Gangster No.1 ( one of the bloodiest films in British Film History).
Thirdly i NewLine should have pushed the boat out on Bettany or Jackman because the female leads are so strong they will dominate the film ( which is no bad thing). Who will have the presence the counterbalance the leads playing Mrs Coulter, Ma Costa, Serrafina Pekkala etc.
All we need now is for Q from the original james bond films to be given the role of lee Scoresby. And why is Phillip Pullman himself so quiet on this issue?

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

I've only seen this guy "act" in that horrid Tomb Raider film. He wasn't a bad actor, but I just don't see him being able to pull of Asriel. I pray its not true. :crying:

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

i don't know why so many are complaining about daniel craig.. paul bettany, whie a great actor, was completely not right as lord asriel. i know its not just about appearance, but i just watched a knights take again the other day and he is so lanky and skinny. i'm not saying asriel was buff, but he defintely had a powerful air about him and to me bettany did not fit the bill at all. and people keep mentioning bad films daniel craig has been in like tomb raider. paul bettany has his fair share of bad films too, but what about a film like munich? that is such a great film and daniel craig's role in it was fantastic. i personally think he will be brilliant as asriel and can't wait.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

by the earlier comments(soz, i haven't really got a big atention span, so i don't know what the last comments said) you ae judging Daniel Craig by his past roles. come on, just because he was James Bond a couple of moons ago does not mean he's pull out a gun when he opens the wardrobe to see Lyra there (start of the book. i think…) if he's like any other actor they have differant faces. so what i'm trying to say (give me hope that u can understand me) is please don't try 2 judge him by his past roles. i bid u goodbye.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Daniel Craig is the right choice, his acting in the BBC2 drama 'Our Friends in the North' is enough to convince me that he is a very talented actor. When I watched the last episode of this great story I was reduced to tears by his portrayal of a broken man who had suffered so much in his life, you really did believe he had gone through all the worst things that this world can throw at you. I am very glad they have chosen a real actor. Philip Pullman's Lord Asriel is in safe hands.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Craig is fine with me. I always thought Asriel and Bond shared similar character traits…

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Anybody want to make a bet on who gets cast next? I'm going with Lee.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

I think he looks perfect

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

what about james earl jones as king ogunwe? (is that how you spell it?) or is he too old?

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

goodbye hugh jackman,goodbye william snow
I have nothing against daniel craig i think he will be a good bond,however as an Asriel.No thanks.I see Asriel also always with darker hair of course there is dye for the hair but who wants a fake Asriel.He simply does not fit in the role.Bad news,……..again.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

sorry, but if you think that craig dyeing his hair makes for a "fake Asriel" then you're in for a few more disappointments, i'm afraid. Nicole Kidman and Dakota Richards almost certainly won't look the same as they do in real life, but that doesn't mean they can't act the parts they were cast!

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

The name's Asriel. Lord Asriel.

*Wanders off chortling*

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

aeron is right. all the actors and acteresses don't look the same in real life.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

true, craig wouldn't be a ideal first choice for the part. i'd much rather see some one like jack mar, russel crow or clive owen (who wasn't given the bond job, and don't say he didn't want it or was to big because he has a dreadful part in the new pink panther film as a british 007 type secrect agent). in a perfect world i'd like a certian mr connery to play asriel but hes 20 or 30 years to old (about right for john faa ?). the roll could have gone to a lot worse ppl. ie bettany or val kilmer. also think of the money they saved by not signing a huge name comparable to kdman which can be beeter spent on effects etc. give the guy a chance. stop whinning

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

darn it…i hate that guy…

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

I am not against Daniel Craig per se, but remember, NewLine are spending 150m on this one film ( almost as much on the first 3 Lord of the Rings Films). if this first film does not do a well as they expect at the box office,there wont be a second or third film!! They need to do everything they can to make the film a success, given that Nicole Kidman's recent films have not done all that well at the box office. Remember the lesson , Orlando Bloom was chosen over Paul Bettany ( ridley scott wanted ) for Kingdom of Heaven and the film bombed badly.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Alewyn: i think that Roger will get cast next. i don't know why… :wassat: :laughing:

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

I do know they look different in real life.Somewhere somebody has marked now we have a brunette Serafina and a blond Coulter.It irritates me that nobody pays attention on such things when they cast the people.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

i think newsround said that filming was going to start in september, is that right? i mean, i still think there's alot more character's to cast, like Roger.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

You idiots, don't you see that instead of going for people that look exactly like their characters, they are going for people who can act real well, so that the movie actually is watchable. I think it should be great, they've made brilliant and really high profile cast choices.

Now as for who would do the music:

Yasunori Mitsuda. Man, that is never going to happen, but I would probably die of joy if it ever did.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

I didn't think of Daniel Craig but he is very talented and should make a great Asriel-Although his eyes are blue, they always capture your attention in every film he's in, could get the accent spot on and looks solid enough to play someone so powerful. Anyone else think that native Texan Denis Quaid should play Lee Scorsby?

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

thank you, The Bard

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Oh, and Lisa Gerrard and the whole Whale Rider music team would be amazing

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

u know u should not say people r idiots, 'cos that is just so mean.if every1 put down wot they thought of eachother then this website would totally shut down. so shut up u'r feelings 'Bard' and lock them with a key. matey.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

They start filming REALLY soon…will they even be able to film anything with the cast they have now or is it too small?

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Alewyn: Yeah but not much – they'll be able to do preperation stuff and characterisation rehearsals and stuff, and maybe some scenes with just those characters in (like Lyra talking to Mrs Coulter / Lord Asriel, and I bet they'll end up doing a flashback bit of the whole Mrs Coulter/Lord Asriel love story bit). Whatever filming they do, I really want to be in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

True. I REALLY want to know who else they cast.

More food for thought- when does anyone think the first trailers will appear?

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

i dont think we have even the slightest chance of getting a trailer before christmas, seeing as still have not even seen a picture of dakota richards. at best i'd hope for one early in the new yr along with a website for the film…thats probably a bit optimisic tho…lol

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Daniel Craig YES!! He'll make a great Asriel. Agree with the person who suggested Dennis Quaid to play Lee Scorsby.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

Lol, sorry if I offended you then Shannon, I get carried away .

I would really like to see a trailer soon, there's quite a lot of excitement towards this move from people I've talked to. I'm looking forward to getting a good look at Lyra too .

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

i accept u'r apology.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

yes! this is excellent news!

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

I'm quite releived, I have to admit, I don't think Paul Bettanny could have pulled Asriel off. I was hoping they would get Liam Neeson for the part, but Daniel Craig is just as good.

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

I really wanted Jason Isaacs. Ah well…

July 31, 2010 7:08 am | link

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