In my November newsletter, I announced that a television drama series based on the Josephine B. Trilogy was in the works, inviting readers to play “The Casting Game.” They responded with great suggestions!
Nancy Russell suggested Johnny Depp for Napoleon. Sister-out-law Wendy Milne said that a number of women would be happy if Depp played Napoleon, and according to Lee LaFont, he is short enough.
Nancy Russell also suggested Angelina Jolie for Josephine.
Paul Headrick suggested I use pull to get the role of Josephine myself. (I’m told that “Snerk!” is not a word, but I bet you know what I mean.)
Fran Murphy suggested “smoldering beauty” Sophie LaFont as Josephine. (Sophie, I can feel you blushing and smoldering from here!)
Marnie Mackay suggested Brad Pitt and felt that Johnny Depp was a bit too cute. Brad can do anything, she notes, and he might also be short.
Sue Lievers would like to see her daughter Jordy as Josephine.
Jordy, an actor, studied French for six years and lived in Paris.
Interior designer Bonnie Sachs suggested that David Straithern would make a wonderful Napoleon (unless he’s too old, she noted).
Novelist Roberta Rich suggests Jessica Chastain (above) for Josephine, but conceded that Napoleon was more of a challenge. (Yes!)
Another novelist, Lauren Davis, suggests Thomas Hardy (above) for Napoleon.
Debbie Pollock’s picks for Napoleon are Brad Pitt (Brad again!), Mark Ruffalo, Chris Pine, Josh Duhamel, Patrick Dempsey, John Stamos and Eric Bana—with Patrick Dempsey the favourite (above).
For Josephine, she suggests Emily Blunt, Jennifer Connelly, Kate Winslet, Julia Stiles, Hilary Swank and Natalie Portman, with favour going to the ever-graceful Kate Winslet (above), a suggestion son Chet Gulland seconds.
Soon-to-be-son-in-law Bruce Sudds suggests the great character actor Toni Colette for Josephine (such eyes!), and another great actor Ed Norton for Napoleon (below). Thumbs up from Chet on that one too.
Victoria Sorenson (shown below, before attending a ball at Versailles) is a direct descendent of Josephine. She has had wide theatrical experience and would love a chance to audition for a role.
Ivy in Germany would like to see Astrid Berges-Frisbey as the young, grown-up Hortense (a lovely suggestion, I think) …
and could very well imagine Olivia Williams (below) as “late” Joséphine.
Marie suggests either Marion Cotillard or Charlize Theron for Josephine (below) …
and Joe Pesci or Javier Bardem (who is 5’7″) as Napoleon.
Stephen Solomans has cast Kevin Spacey and maybe Giovanni Ribisi as the younger Napoleon. (I am struck by how much alike they look.)
Joanne Zomers feels that Helena Bonham Carter (above) would make a fine Josephine. “And how about the producer Kelsey Grammer as Napoleon?”
Now there’s a thought!
A bit late to this one, but Emily Blunt would make a fabulous Josephine (in my opinion). Adrian Brody for Napoleon….
I loved the books and have read them multiple times…
I always envisioned Juliette Binoche playing Josesphine… but Marion Cotillard would also be great.
Nice suggestions, Karol. I adore Juliette Binoche.
I would love Ed Norton as young Napoleon and Kevin Spacey as he becomes older. For Josephine Marion Cotillard would be great!
Josephine comes across as highly intelligent – so I recommend Jennifer Ehle, a beauty with brains…I like Joe Pesci as Napoleon – he should not be movie star handsome, but have a kind of arrogant earthiness…
Hi Pat! Interesting suggestions. An intelligent Josephine: absolutely. “Arrogant earthiness” for Napoleon: I like that.
How about James Franco, an amazing actor as the younger N and definitely Bardem for the older. For Pauline, I would go with Portman or Cotillard. love your writing, thank you.
Thank you, Rebecca! Great suggestions!
my vote would be Helena Bonham Carter and Clive Owen.
Hi Paulette! Helena Bonham Carter is also one of my favs. Happy New Year! I love following you on Pinterest. x0x
I love you and I love the Josephine Trilogy. But go with unknowns who possess Josephine, Napoleon et all.. I nominate myself. Je suit Josephine.
;-) That’s sweet of you to say!
I just thought of who could play Josephine and I am loving Natalie Portman these days.
or
Isabelle Adjani
and for Napelon i don’t know im just throwing suggestions out because mainstream actors and actress really don’t seem fit to play the emotional character. That is needed to play.
Lovely suggestion, Krystal.