I search YouTube for new Outlander casting videos almost on a daily basis. It brings me such joy; it satiates my need to visualize the Outlander novels. Although this video made its premiere on YouTube three weeks ago, I would still like to introduce it with my commentary.
In September, I wrote a post entitled The Outlander Movie: Brianna and Roger in which I casted Alicia Witt as Brianna and Jim Caviezel as Roger. My mind is still set on Alicia Witt as Brianna and I’m overjoyed to see that the creator of this video shares my opinion.
We seem to differ when it comes to Roger. Jim Caviezel is still my first choice for the role; Jim is how I’ve pictured Roger throughout the entire series and I would be hard-pressed to change my imagination now. Christian Bale’s fluidity with accents makes him a close runner-up.
In the “Brianna and Roger” video, Jared Leto is Roger Wakefield, something that I’m having a difficult time swallowing. Yes, Leto has the hallmark dark hair, olive skin, and green eyes of Roger, but he’s a little too mainstream for my taste. Roger Wakefield is a straight arrow with a darker quality to his character, a quiet introspection detectable from his facial expressions and body language. After reading the series, I came away with the impression that Roger Wakefield is silently suffering from the weight of his conscience. I even see Roger Wakefield as “Reverend Arthur Dimmsedale lite.” Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t reconcile Jared Leto with those character traits; I have no problem seeing Jim Caviezel or Christian Bale silently suffering from within.
If you’ve never read the Outlander novels by Diana Gabaldon, this video may seem like a collection of celebrity photos set to the whiny vocals of Maroon 5—which it is. To an Outlander fan, this video will mean so much more. Your enjoyment depends entirely on your Outlander state of mind.
Christian Bale as Roger! I can totally see it. It’s so perfect!
Great blog!
By: Regina W. on December 17, 2007
at 12:15 pm
Jared Leto is perfect!!!Jared is Roger in my mind!!!
By: Claire on December 22, 2007
at 10:45 am
Wow!! I am such a huge fan of the Outlander series that I can’t bear the thought of a movie NOT being developed. However!! I will never ever support the idea of Jared Leto as Roger, or even as a very minor extra! I think the movie should have more dignity than that. Just my opinion though.
By: mick on February 13, 2008
at 8:41 pm
James McAvoy as Roger.
By: sherri on February 17, 2008
at 4:19 pm
check out Penny Drake as Brianna!
By: hp on April 16, 2008
at 7:39 pm
Laura Prepon has always been Brianna to me.
She has the height, the hair, and the spunky attitude.
By: Michelle on April 24, 2008
at 9:32 am
I totally agree that Penny Drake would be perfect, she certainly fits the physical description, but having never seen her act, not sure if she is any good. As for Jared as roger..Mmmm I dont think hes imposing enough..handsome sure, but I reckon Jim Caveizel is 1st choice for me, he is DEF Roger to a T, Alicia Witt could certainly play Bree, but physically..only the red hair is Bree, the rest of her doesn’t match..not like Penny.
By: Jax on April 27, 2008
at 7:23 am
Jim Caviezel would be a good Roger. Although I don’t think she’s very attractive, Alicia Witt came to mind as Brianna.
By: lil on August 1, 2008
at 11:57 pm
Check out Bryce Dallas Howard for Brianna. Shes got the look! She is the daughter of Ron Howard, so she has some serious talent in her family. I just cannot picture anyone except Hugh Dancy as Roger. Above Roger was described as “suffering from the weight of his own consience”, and Hugh just has that silent thoughtfullness that I relate to Roger. But he is not stuffy, not miserable, just thoughtful. Check out the movie “Beyond the Gate”, or “Shooting Dogs” (same movie, different title. It is a VERY sad and VERY gory movie about the Rwandan genocide that took place in 1994, but it showcases Hugh’s talent so perfectly, and proves his Roger-ness.
By: amanda on August 7, 2008
at 2:17 pm
I think this the best I have ever seen portrayed as Brea and Roger…Great Work!
By: Mitzi on August 15, 2008
at 8:13 pm
Jared Leto looks more Stephen Bonnet-y to me.
By: Gretchen on November 19, 2008
at 7:39 am
Alicia Witt for sure! Her build isn’t as big, true, but there is just something about her face that hits for me. I agree with Jim Caviezel, too.
By: Gwen on December 17, 2008
at 8:13 pm