# Cast Popular Discworld Characters... **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 13, 2003, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078 "2003-07-13T00:39:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![3trew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/3/13edae/32.png) [@3trew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3trew)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2003, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/21 "2003-07-14T08:17:43Z")
A second on Billy Zane. Robert Carlyle as Mr. Pin and Vinnie Jones as Mr. Tulip. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2003, 9:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/22 "2003-07-14T09:51:49Z")
Vimes - Al Pacino, perhaps. Nanny Ogg - Kathy Bates. Magrat - Rachel Weisz. ---
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Tan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/charlie_tan/32/12582_2.png) [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2003, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/23 "2003-07-14T15:23:30Z")
I just saw Ripley’s Game and want to propose John Malkovich as Vetenari. That silent voice and gentle ways, combined with the menace. I’m sure he can do a very good English accent. ---
**Author:** ![gobear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8dc957/32.png) [@gobear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gobear)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2003, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/24 "2003-07-14T15:46:50Z")
Although i’m a patriotic Yank, unless an American actor has demonstrated the ability to do a convincing British accent (James Marsters plyaing “Spike” on BtVS), the “no americans” rule should hold. Pterry’s characters HAVE to have British accents, preferably with strong regional preferences. CMOT Dibbler has to be Cockney, Vetenari has to be upper class, and Gaspode has to be Geordie (that’s how he sounds in my head), and so on. My nominations: Sean Connery as Cohen the Barbarian Derek Jacobi as Ridcully Anthony Stewart Head as Rincewind Kate Winslet as Susan Sto Helit Stephanie Cole (Diana on “Waiting for God”) as Granny Weatherwax Miriam Margoyles as Nanny Ogg Emily Watson as Magrat Jason Isaacs as The Patrician Christopher Eccleston as Vimes ---
**Author:** ![haardvark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5ac83/32.png) [@haardvark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/haardvark)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2003, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/25 "2003-07-14T16:39:27Z")
I think most of the suggestions for Magrat are too dishy so far, although I like Emily Watson. However, ever since I saw the Wyrd Sisters video I can’t shake the image of [Jane Horrocks](http://us.imdb.com/Name?Horrocks,+Jane) as Magrat. Another vote for Rickman as Vetinari…spot-on-perfect. When I read _The Truth_ I immediately saw in my head [Vinnie Jones](http://us.imdb.com/Name?Jones,+Vinnie) as Tulip, but didn’t know his name. I see he has been suggested already. Cool! For Pin, maybe [Jason Flemyng?](http://us.imdb.com/Name?Flemyng,+Jason) Similarly reading about Sweeper immediately put Pat Morita (M_A_S\*H, Karate Kid) in my head. For Lobsang I dunno…Jet Li? I am convinced that [John Hannah](http://us.imdb.com/Name?Hannah,+John) would make an excellent Vimes. He’s already got the weatherbeaten, self abusing cop thing down cold…just watch the Ian Rankin _Rebus_ stuff on PBS. Colon: [Warren Clarke,](http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/faces/warren_clarke.shtml) from _Dalziel and Pascoe_. He’s not British, but [Dominique Pinon](http://www.fluctuat.net/scenes/interview/pinon.htm) (_Delicatessen, Amelie_) could pull off a brilliant Nobby Nobbs, with his rubber face and shifty nature. I think the accent would even be a bonus, adding to the otherworldliness that is Herr Nobb. One that I don’t think has come up yet is Leonard da Quirm. Ian McKellan? (I know, overused!). John Neville? I am having a hard time working in the “joviality” aspect that seems to be required. I also have an actor in search of a role: I am certain that [Helen Mirren](http://us.imdb.com/Name?Mirren,+Helen) has a role to play in the Pterry-verse but I am darned if I can think of what it would be. And of course, the role of biggest concern to me personally: **who would play the librarian?** 😉 ---
**Author:** ![haardvark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5ac83/32.png) [@haardvark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/haardvark)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2003, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/26 "2003-07-14T16:44:52Z")
I just thought of a better Pin. Pete Postlethwaite. (_Name of the Father, Usual Suspects, Brassed Off_) ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2003, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/27 "2003-07-14T16:52:46Z")
I’ll stick to the City Watch books because they’re the best. Denise Richards would make a great Angua. She’s not the greatest actress, although she wasn’t bad in Drop Dead Gorgeous. Timothy Dalton’s performance as Vetinari would more than make up for her, though. I have no problem seeing Jerry Doyle as Vimes. I can see him laying down the law in Night Watch, and I can also see him looking out over the city in…was it Men At Arms? and, when asked to describe what he saw, going on about how when he was a kid his family had this cow, and one time it got sick, and it was always his job to clean out the cow shed, and… Tony Robinson was born to play Nobby. So was Harry Dean Stanton. So was Benny Hill’s bald little sidekick. I think the timing’s really off in all three cases. Still, it’s the role Baldric was born to play. Ah! John Turturro. There’s Nobby. I feel a swell of pity for the boy with the looks to play Young Nobby in Night Watch. Ewan MacGregor would make a swell Carcer though. Reg Shoe? Christopher Lloyd. He’ll be in zombie makeup, so what does age mean? The fellow playing the station guard in the Harry Potter movies looks more like a copper/sausage butcher than Robbie Coltrane. That guy looks like a Sgt. Colon. Or there’s always John Goodman. John Goodman can do anything. Brendan Fraser’s as good a choice for Carrot as any. Kind of old if we’re to start with Guards! Guards! though. Oh well. I bet Detritus would have to be CGI. Nigel Planar uses the same accent for Detritus in his readings that Mike Myers used in Shrek and it works wonderfully. Or it’s the same accent to these Canadian ears at any rate. ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2003, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/28 "2003-07-14T22:17:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by furr \* > \*\*maybe because the author is english and im english all the characters have english accents in my head so that vetos most american actors, unless they are very good at acents. i dont think i could stand to sit through another johnny deep and heather graham accent torture session ala ‘from hell’. > > that said im going to go against my no americans rule and suggest christina ricci for susan. it may just be my ricci fetish coming through but her turn as wednesday adams forever cemented her as the dour serious sensible type. and if she can pull off wednesday she can pull off susan. \*\* I don’t know. I am like you (englishman imagining characters as strongly-english, even though they do not exist on even the same planet, let along country) but it would be kind of ‘right’ to use badly (or exxagerated) english accents such as Depp’s for the characters - to add to the larger-than-life effect. I agree on the Ricci as susan if ricci can somehow change here bone structure to thin-girl. ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2003, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/29 "2003-07-14T22:22:10Z")
Oh, and… If only Clint Eastwood was born English - because ever since I ‘met’ vimes and he bacame my absolute undisputed fave character I have pictured him as Clint, both in appearance and attitude (but not in accent obviously)… …but now that I think of it - If he were still alive - Richard Harris would have been perfect (try not to picture dumbledore) ---
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Tan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/charlie_tan/32/12582_2.png) [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2003, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/30 "2003-07-15T10:30:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Lobsang \* > I agree on the Ricci as susan if ricci can somehow change here bone structure to thin-girl. Uuuuh? You haven’t seen [Ms Ricci](http://us.imdb.com/EGallery?source=granitz&group=1191&photo=Events/1191/ChristinaRicci_Granitz_183621.jpg&path=pgallery&path_key=Ricci,%20Christina) in a while, have you? ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2003, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/31 "2003-07-15T12:17:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by The Gaspode \* > \*\*Billy Zane is Greebo in human form. \*\* Ye flipping Gods, that’s _perfect_! Buff him up a bit, put some oil on him and an eye-patch, and make him smirk a lot. Apart from that, I’ll just have to say that Dolph Lundgren could do Carrot. Brendan Fraser would be great, but he doesn’t have the size nor the muscles to visually be Carrot. ---
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Tan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/charlie_tan/32/12582_2.png) [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2003, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/32 "2003-07-15T12:57:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Priceguy \* > Brendan Fraser would be great, but he doesn’t have the size nor the muscles to visually be Carrot. I beg to differ. [Fraser](http://us.imdb.com/EGallery?source=ss&group=0119190&photo=Ss/0119190/ScanImage28-1.jpg&path=gallery&path_key=0119190) does have the build. And I think his goofy, perpeptually surprised face would make for a great carrot. Cut his hair short and color it red. The thing is, I think he’s a very good actor too. Very under rated. He can make goof ball comedies, action (The Mummy) and serious stuff like [The quiet American](http://us.imdb.com/Title?0258068). While Dolph has the looks, and isn’t as stupid as he might seem at times, he doesn’t have the range to portray Carrot. ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2003, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/33 "2003-07-15T13:10:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by The Gaspode \* > **I beg to differ. [Fraser](http://us.imdb.com/EGallery?source=ss&group=0119190&photo=Ss/0119190/ScanImage28-1.jpg&path=gallery&path_key=0119190) does have the build. And I think his goofy, perpeptually surprised face would make for a great carrot. Cut his hair short and color it red.** Huh? That’s not Fraser… Wait a minute! I was talking about the guy who _plays_ Fraser on _Due South_, [Paul Gross](http://us.imdb.com/Name?Gross,%20Paul%20(I)). Got 'em mixed up. Brendan Fraser, you say? I suppose he could pull it off. > [@](#): > > \*\*While Dolph has the looks, and isn’t as stupid as he might seem at times, he doesn’t have the range to portray Carrot. \*\* I disagree, but then I’m a Dolph fanboy. ---
**Author:** ![Archergal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c89c15/32.png) [@Archergal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Archergal)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2003, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/34 "2003-07-15T13:38:47Z")
I would like to extend my personal thanks to **The Gaspode** for the link to the Brendan Fraser picture. That made my morning. Archergal, Brendan Fraser fangirl. And yes, he can act. Don’t forget **Gods and Monsters** too. ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2003, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/35 "2003-07-16T22:46:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by The Gaspode \* > \*\*Uuuuh? You haven’t seen [Ms Ricci](http://us.imdb.com/EGallery?source=granitz&group=1191&photo=Events/1191/ChristinaRicci_Granitz_183621.jpg&path=pgallery&path_key=Ricci,%20Christina) in a while, have you? \*\* Apparently not. Her tits are too big. :eek: :smack: :mad: :rolleyes: :dubious: Her tits are just right. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2003, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/36 "2003-07-16T23:03:10Z")
The voice of **Gaspode** should be played by **Rodney Dangerfield,** British accent or no! (A friend of mine once suggested that the _Howard the Duck_ movie would have been a lot better if Dangerfield had done Howard’s voice, and based on my collection of HTD comix I am inclined to agree wholeheartedly.) ---
**Author:** ![Marcus\_Didius\_Falco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/779978/32.png) [@Marcus\_Didius\_Falco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marcus_Didius_Falco)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2003, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/37 "2003-07-16T23:37:45Z")
Not to impugn the vocal talents of **James Earl Jones** , but the fact that the voice of Death is that of **Christopher Lee** is one of the immutable laws of the universe that one attempts to transgress at one’s peril. As for the Librarian, how about **Robin Williams** , just dye his pelt, er, hair a nice shade of orange and you’re sorted. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![3trew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/3/13edae/32.png) [@3trew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3trew)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2003, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/38 "2003-07-18T07:08:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jarod Ilcast \* > \*\*Not to impugn the vocal talents of **James Earl Jones** , but the fact that the voice of Death is that of **Christopher Lee** is one of the immutable laws of the universe that one attempts to transgress at one’s peril. > > As for the Librarian, how about **Robin Williams** , just dye his pelt, er, hair a nice shade of orange and you’re sorted. 😃 \*\* 1. Heathen. 2. OOOK! ---
**Author:** ![Odinoneeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/97f17d/32.png) [@Odinoneeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odinoneeye)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2003, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/39 "2003-07-18T09:44:19Z")
I would put Ricci as Angua not Susan. As for Leonard, I would pick John Rhys-Davies. I think because he played Leonardo DaVinci in Star Trek:Voyager so I just always picture him when I read about Leonard. Any suggestions on Twoflower? I can’t think of any offhand. ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2003, 10:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078/40 "2003-07-18T10:03:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Odinoneeye \* > **Any suggestions on Twoflower?** This may be grounds for crucifixion, but the moment you said this I saw _Stand By Me_ in my head and thought… Corey Feldman. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cast-popular-discworld-characters/188078.md?page=3)