# Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy Movie **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 27, 2003, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217 "2003-12-27T03:16:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2003, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/61 "2003-12-28T20:25:57Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by zoo \* > **After thinking about this all day, it seems to me that Eddie Izzard might make a better Ford than Zaphod. Ford is somwhat more sophisticated than Zaphod and I think Izzard would do well. Zaphod needs a “Smooth but stupid” actor of which many might fill the role.** Cary Elwes comes to mind. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2003, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/62 "2003-12-28T20:44:29Z")
> [@](#): > > If you make The Hitchhiker’s Guide less English, it becomes less The Hitchhiker’s Guide. Bollocks :D. Douglas Adams didn’t think so. He said the only person that HAD to be English was Arthur (though I’d expand that to Trillian and Ford). Making Zaphod American wouldn’t make it any less The Guide. Hell, I read them with an American accent :p. ---
**Author:** ![zoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/71c47a/32.png) [@zoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoo)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2003, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/63 "2003-12-29T01:08:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ISiddiqui \* > Hell, I read them with an American accent :p. \*\* Thats funny, having read the books after listening to the radio production, I read them all with a Brit accent. ---
**Author:** ![Alan\_Smithee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/2acd7d/32.png) [@Alan\_Smithee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alan_Smithee)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2003, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/64 "2003-12-29T15:58:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Alan Smithee \* > \*\*Ya know, I actually think this is a pretty good suggestion. (Owen, not Jackie.) I’d hate to see them make Arthur (or any of the characters) American, but I also think that there is something about the book (and the radio show, in fact) that just wouldn’t work as a movie. A straight, faithful, Peter Jackson-style translation to film would be disasterous, in my opinion. I can’t quite explain why, but watching the TV episodes might give you some idea. The key is for the movie to find its own vibe. That Wilson-brothers drollness would be different from but compatible with Adams’ style, and could be just the thing to give it the perfect cinematic groove. I wonder if Owen does accents? \*\* The more I think about it, the more I think Owen would be perfect for Ford. Especially since he doesn’t _have_ to be English. ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/65 "2004-01-09T12:52:12Z")
I think if it’s to be done at all, it should be animated. The satire is just too broad for live action. And I wouldn’t look forward to hearing every hardcore fan sneer “obvious CGI! That looked so fake!” ad nauseum. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/66 "2004-01-09T13:02:03Z")
As long as Alan Rickman is in it somehow, someway. ---
**Author:** ![Pabitel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@Pabitel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pabitel)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/67 "2004-01-09T13:50:48Z")
I think Patrick Stewart would do a good job as The Book. Shame Peter Cook isn’t around. I think I’d tap him for Slartibartfast. What about Jason Isaacs as Ford? I’m having a tough time coming up with a young actor who could muster the intensity to play Zaphod. Disregarding age I would suggest Jeremy Irons. I think Ben Stein would be a great Marven. ---
**Author:** ![h.sapiens](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e0b2c6/32.png) [@h.sapiens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/h.sapiens)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/68 "2004-01-09T13:59:46Z")
Stephen Fry as the voice of The Book. Simon Jones and David Dixon in cameos as Majikthise (sp?) and Vroomfondel. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/69 "2004-01-09T14:05:31Z")
How about Patrick Stewart or Jeremy Irons as the voice of the guide? How about Michael Dorn as the young Vogon officer, or the malicious poetry reading Vogon leader? (Ok, so not both at the same time, but one or the other might be cool?) Brent Spiner as Ford Prefect? Rowan Atkinson is the PERFECT Arthur Dent. Anthony Hopkins as Slatirbartfast. The Cure’s lead singer Robert Smith would make a good Marvin I think. Maybe Keanu Reeves as Zaphod? I think he could carry off the arrogant, but charming side, as well as the “ambitious tortured genius”. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/70 "2004-01-09T14:38:45Z")
Hugh Laurie as Arthur Dent Steve Coogan as Ford Prefect Neil Morrissey as Zaphod Beeblebrox Stephen Moore as the voice of Marvin Delta Goodrem as Trillian Stephen Fry as the voice of the Guide Richard Wilson as Slartibartfast ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Matrix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/34f0e0/32.png) [@Red\_Matrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Matrix)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2004, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/71 "2004-01-09T19:44:43Z")
Why does it have to be _known_ actors?.. …To pull in non-fans? Who’s **not** a fan? The sheer production itself will pull in the big bucks. (or should i say pounds 🙂 £ ) **ISiddiqui** , i too read it with my accent… english. I’ve never seen or heard any other HhGuid other than the book. (brit or otherwise) As an aside, SouthParks’ Cartman could be the guy who curses everyone in the universe, one at a time. (yes, a cartoon with live actors)… .okay, so i’m only jesting. ¥es! ---
**Author:** ![drewbert](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drewbert/32/15890_2.png) [@drewbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewbert)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/72 "2004-01-10T01:17:03Z")
_Exactly_, **RedMatrix**. It’s going to be hard enough accepting anybody _but_ Simon Jones, Peter Jones, Mark Wing-Davey, etc. I don’t want to compound it by trying to ignore the fact that it’s Ace Ventura drinking that Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster. Cast because they’re good for the part, not because they’re famous. ---
**Author:** ![CadburyAngel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c2a13f/32.png) [@CadburyAngel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CadburyAngel)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/73 "2004-01-10T06:01:25Z")
Arthur Dent: Colin Firth. Ford Prefect: Eddie Izzard. Zaphod Beeblebrox: Johnny Depp. Trillian: Portia de Rossi. Marvin and My Lover: Alan Rickman. Slartibartfast: Ian Holm. The Book: John Cleese. Max Quordlepleen: Kenneth Branagh. ---
**Author:** ![saramamalana](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/74df32/32.png) [@saramamalana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saramamalana)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/74 "2004-01-10T06:37:32Z")
Wow, I think **CadburyAngel** just about summed it up right there. Though I’m not sure I’m sold on Portia De Rossi, something about her gets to me…but I still haven’t thought of who I want for that part anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Nader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Darth\_Nader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Nader)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/75 "2004-01-10T07:38:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by CadburyAngel \* > \*\*Zaphod Beeblebrox: Johnny Depp. \*\* :smack: :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Teelo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8491ac/32.png) [@Teelo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teelo)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2004, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/76 "2004-01-10T07:39:56Z")
It could work!!! ---
**Author:** ![CadburyAngel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c2a13f/32.png) [@CadburyAngel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CadburyAngel)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2004, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/77 "2004-01-11T23:35:24Z")
Dammit, I’ll keep stuffing that ballot box until you fold! ---
**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2004, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/78 "2004-01-12T06:33:57Z")
Zaphod HAS to be Bruce Campbell! It’s a big typecast, but who cares! Bruce always plays the guy with the HUGE ego and so much cockiness he always think he’s right, yet is almost always wrong, but hates to admit it. “I _may_ have not inflected the right syllable, but I got most of the words right, yeah.” (nothing like the actual quote from _AoD_ (if there even is one like it, I may be making it up.)) ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Q](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/898d66/32.png) [@Johnny\_Q](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Q)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2004, 9:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/79 "2004-01-12T09:26:24Z")
How about Bruce Campbell AND Kurt Russell (in full on Jack Burton mode) as Zaphod’s heads… Oh Goddess, I’m starting to think like a studio exec. Next thing you know I’m going to suggest they argue throughout the whole movie. ---
**Author:** ![Who\_me\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/958977/32.png) [@Who\_me\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Who_me_1)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2004, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217/80 "2004-01-13T02:40:36Z")
Well, you can stop speculating on some things… from [url=http://www.comingsoon.net/news.php?id=2973]Comingsoon,net[/url we have this… > [@](#): > > BBCi Films reports that Love Actually star Bill Nighy and Martin Freeman (Tim from The Office) are set to topline sci-fi comedy The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy. > > Nighy says he’s been cast as alien planet designer Slartibartfast in the long-gestating adaptation of Douglas Adams’ novel. Freeman will play Arthur Dent, the everyday Earthling thrust into an interplanetary adventure. I tried to post this before the board went down… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-movie/221217.md?page=5)