The latest rumors from usually reliable sources indicate that Liam Neeson and Russell Crowe are being considered for the part.
I've also heard Sean Bean mentioned as being on the "short list", as well as the ever popular "unknown actor".
Who would you cast, if you had the choice?
Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
I would go with "unknown actor". He's done such great work in the past. Unless I am confusing him with someone else...
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
"Unknown Actor" is usually confused with his cousins "Anonymous" and "Uncredited".
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
I can't believe how close they're cutting the voice work. . . the film is supposed to come out in Dec, for crying out loud.
Posted by SC Carver (Member # 8173) on :
I don't believe Aslan has too many lines. So it shouldn't take too long
If he hadn't been Darth Vader I would go with James Earl Jones.
Patrick Steward does a lot of voice work, He would be good.
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
Well, they did originally have Brian Cox cast much earlier in the process....but his voice quality changed before they finished recording his lines.
They have more than a hundred and fifty days of post-production left. That should be enough time.
Aslan doesn't turn up until near the end of the film's second "act"...so there won't be as much work to do.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
James Earl Jones was also Simba's dad in The Lion King, and for that reason I think he shouldn't be Aslan.
Posted by The Pixiest (Member # 1863) on :
How about the guy from the Aflak commercials?
Posted by Olivetta (Member # 6456) on :
LIAM NEESON!
Seriously, the man has a great voice. You don't usually notice because you get distracted by the over two yards of fine actor that comes along with it. But the voice is fabulous. Deep, comforting and gentle at times but also rumbling and godlike at others.
He read The Polar Express for an audio book, and I have the IMAX Everest movie, which he narrated.
Sean Bean wouldn't be bad either, but his voice isn't as striking as Neeson's.
Posted by ill malkier (Member # 8244) on :
If any of you seen 24 on Fox, the voice of President David Palmer is very reassuring (he also does the latest bout of Allstate commercials). I don't know if he'd be a good Aslan, though, but I love his voice, so I thought I'd throw him into the mix...Dennis Haysbert.
Posted by TheHumanTarget (Member # 7129) on :
James Earl Jones!!! He's already played a lion once (Lion King), and you know that you're dying to hear him say "Diggory, The White Queen did not kill your father! I am your father!"
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
Um, no. Posted by unicornwhisperer (Member # 294) on :
Deffinitely Liam Neeson, he needs to be known as someone other than Quigonn Jinn. Because he's too good of an actor. Posted by TheHumanTarget (Member # 7129) on :
Liam Neeson would be good, as long as Aslan stays away from midochlorians...
Posted by ill malkier (Member # 8244) on :
quote:Originally posted by unicornwhisperer: Deffinitely Liam Neeson, he needs to be known as someone other than Quigonn Jinn. Because he's too good of an actor.
He's done a lot-- he was Schindler in Schindler's List and Val Jean in one of the many Les Miserables movies, and was also in Love Actually (a great movie if you can find it edited). And he's slated to be Abraham Lincoln in an upcoming (like 2007) Spielberg movie.
I know he's done a lot, but like James Earl Jones has always been known as "The Voice of Darth Vader" Liam Neeson may always be known as Qui goon Jinn.... but something tells me he won't be cursed with that. Posted by Olivetta (Member # 6456) on :
I got Kinsey from my Netflix queue, but I've had it for weeks now hoping for someone to watch it with me. Ron isn't interested. *sigh*
Rob Roy was also very good. Esp the last scene with him hacking away with a... is it called a Claymore? A really, really huge sword.
He was in the first five miinutes of The Gangs of New York as Priest Vallon, father to Leo what-is-face. That was the only five minutes of the movie worth seeing, but he was good in it.
He was also in Gun Shy, but that sucked. Except for maybe the bit with him being thrown mostly naked over a table full of watermelon. No, actually, that scene sucked, too, but the image lives on in my brain.
Anyway, he's been in a lot of stuff, and deserves to be better thought of than as Qui-Gon Jinn (even though he was the only person in that film that made it bearable to watch - and this coming from a die-hard Ewan McGregor fan - no one else (except maybe Shmi) in that film seemed remotely human).
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Liam also does a fine bit of work in the latest batman... and he'd be an excellent choice for Aslan's voice...
it needs to be able to sound young and vibrant, and his can... that's an important point.
Sean Bean is a criminally under used actor. Patrick Stewart can certainly sound commanding enough...
all good choices...
Posted by unicornwhisperer (Member # 294) on :
"Liam Neeson may always be known as Qui goon Jinn...."
I deffinitely misspelled that... but it makes sence doesn't it? Qui Goon Jinn. Ha ha ha ha ha! ...OK I feel as if I'm the only one laughing at that...
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Mmmm. I vote for Sean Bean.
It's funny, I just watched Legend yesterday and I was so impressed at how beautiful and fantastic Tim Curry's voice was for the Lord of Darkness. I think he could do it too.
Posted by Olivetta (Member # 6456) on :
Yeah, Tim Curry is another phenominally gifted voice actor best known for his live-action roles. Especially the ones where make-up is involved...
Great. Now I can't get that SONG out of my head!
Posted by ill malkier (Member # 8244) on :
Tim Curry's mostly ever done the bad guys in a movie, though... I dunno if I could hear his voice as Aslan with the image of Lord of Darkness in my head.... Out darn spot, out!
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
Darn it!
Now I can't either.
Curry is good.
Posted by Olivetta (Member # 6456) on :
*resists sudden urge to apply super-oil-slick lip gloss*
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
Don't make me picture Aslan wearing...no...*....NOOOOO!!!
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
Tim Curry? Seriously? I don't want to hear the butler from Clue every time Aslan speaks.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
*heaven grant me patience*
He wouldn't do the SAME voice that he's known for as the Lord of Darkness or the muppet pirate or the butler from clue!!
Posted by Olivetta (Member # 6456) on :
MUAHAHAHA!
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
Tim Curry can do many different voices. Though it is true he usually does villainous/morally ambiguous characters.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Did you see Oscar? He was so funny in that.
"You have a dangling participle."
Posted by ill malkier (Member # 8244) on :
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
quote:Originally posted by Narnia: *heaven grant me patience*
He wouldn't do the SAME voice that he's known for as the Lord of Darkness or the muppet pirate or the butler from clue!!
What? You mean Tim Curry is a talented voice actor? I had no idea!
Yeah, I know he can do a lot more than that, but still, I just can't imagine him making a good Aslan.
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
I think I'm leaning towards Neeson. He just sounds so warm, rich and..."not tame". Heh.
Posted by ill malkier (Member # 8244) on :
The Chosen One (2005) (post-production) (voice) .... Lucifer
hmmmmmm...... The voice of Lucifer AND Aslan..... ???????
(and wasn't Aslan a metaphor for Christ?)
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
Not quite a metaphor. Lewis called Aslan a "supposal".
"Suppose there was a world of Talking Beasts, magic, and mythical nature gods. What form would the Savior use when visiting such a world?"
Or words to that effect.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Liam's voice is great, but it's just not...deep enough for me. I suppose James Earl Jones has spoiled me.
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
quote:James Earl Jones was also Simba's dad in The Lion King, and for that reason I think he shouldn't be Aslan.
Lucy.. remember who you are.
hee hee hee
I think I'll vote for Rowan Atkinson. No! Tom Hanks!
Posted by ill malkier (Member # 8244) on :
quote:Originally posted by Annie: [QUOTE] I think I'll vote for Rowan Atkinson. No! Tom Hanks!
Mr. Bean as Aslan Posted by Olivetta (Member # 6456) on :
Liam's voice ISN'T deep enough? Wow.
Then I suggest CT's hubby. His voicemail message makes Leonard Cohen sound likee a castrati.
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
Mr. Bean as Aslan?
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
You better believe it.
Posted by ill malkier (Member # 8244) on :
Heck, as long as we're at it, what about Sean Connery... he did the voice of Draco in Dragonheart-- "Yesh, Edmond, I am the lasht... I mean, I am Ashlan."
Posted by Ryoko (Member # 4947) on :
Brian Blessed would be perfect.
Posted by ill malkier (Member # 8244) on :
Brian Blessed... he did a lot of Shakespeare movies, no?
I think someone who did a lot of shakespeare would be great-- they all seem to have royalty in their voices..... though I'd go for someone unknown, or less well known-- not Curry, Liam, James Earl, Connery, or Mr. Bean Sad, I know.
Sean Bean or Brain Blessed (less well known) would be good.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I vote for less well known Shakespearean actor too. That way when we hear it, we won't be thinking "oooh, that's Liam Neeson!"
I want to hear Aslan. Not an actor I'm already familiar with.
Posted by Ryoko (Member # 4947) on :
I'm thinking of Blessed's portrayal of Exeter in Henry V (Branagh version)
When he delivers his message to the King of France he manages to have this booming/regal quality to his voice while actually speaking very quietly. I could definitely imagine him speaking gently with Lucy, etc. and then open a can of whoop ass when needed and not seem out of character.
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Gilbert Gottfried.
Posted by ill malkier (Member # 8244) on :
Hey, I know.... I've got it....
Leonardo Dicaprio.....
After all, he was in that Romeo and Juilet remake.....
And....
Picture it.....
Lucy and Aslan on top of a mountain. Lucy whispers, "I'm flying, Aslan, I'm flying..." Just as the Ice Queen shows up to shove her off the cliff.... Aaaaaahhhhhhhhh
Posted by Ryoko (Member # 4947) on :
"Gilbert Gottfried"
Only if Pauly Shore can play Father Christmas.
Posted by ill malkier (Member # 8244) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ryoko: "Gilbert Gottfried"
Only if Pauly Shore can play Father Christmas.
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
Oh, very well.
Adam Sandler as Aslan.
Posted by TheHumanTarget (Member # 7129) on :
I was going to suggest Chris Rock...he made such a good zebra...although...Ben Stiller was a pretty good lion...
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
No. I have it. JONATHAN TAYLOR THOMAS!
Corporate synergy, man!
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
Garrison Keillor!
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
Garrison Keillor couldn't sound untamed if his life depended on it. Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
And Fran Drescher as the White Witch?
Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
James Earl Jones would work for me. So would Liam Neeson.
But, if you want a very talented voice actor who ISN'T a well-known actor, I think it should be Keith David.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
quote:And Fran Drescher as the White Witch?
Ooh . . . I think I just developed an ulcer.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Believe it or not, I'm serious with this one... think on it before you pass judgement:
Cary Elwes.
Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
Wesley!
*considers*
Nah, I just can't take him seriously. Ever.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Watch "Glory" sometime. I used to think I couldn't take Matthew Brodercik seriously either...
Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
I suggest Clancy Brown.
Anyone who watched Carnivale can relate I am sure. He's gotten loads of voice work for commercial's since he was in that show.
Oh man, the voice that guy has. Blows me away.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I don't know - can he pull off sounding youthful but ancient, sad and joyous, gentle and terrible?
I'm thinking Denzel Washington maybe. Charlton Heston (10 years ago - now, maybe not). Maybe even Val Kilmer.
Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
Oh, I can take Matthew Broderick seriously; Cary Elwes, though, will always be a bizarre combination of Westley, Robin Hood (of Men in Tights), and the stepdad from Liar, Liar.
My vote is still Keith David. His voice can be almost as compelling as James Earl Jones, but is less ...ubiquitous.
Posted by Olivetta (Member # 6456) on :
Hank Azaria
*ducks*
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Steven Wright?
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
I loved Keith David's work as "Goliath" on 'Gargoyles'.
The White Witch is a moot point, Tilda Swinton's already filled that role. Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
John Cleese?
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
"Would you like to be an EX-Witch?!?"
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
I put my vote to "Unknown Actor". Someone who's voice I don't recognise, or I don't recognise well, but just gives me the warmest glow.
It should be an old(er) man with a deeper, timeless voice.
Patrick Stewart is about right, but too recognisable.
EDIT: There are plenty of classically-trained unknown British stage actors who would be fabulous for the job. Anyone thin, good-looking and movie-star-ish is wrong for me.
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
Some involved in the production have mentioned that Lewis' step-son, Douglas Gresham is a stage actor, even though he's never done voice over work.
Hmmmm. Depending on his quality of voice, he might be an interesting choice.
Posted by Vadon (Member # 4561) on :
Well, the person I was going to reccomend turns out to be dead... bah, why does no one tell me these things!? (Would have been Thurl Ravenscrof.)
But out of the given choices I'd have to go with either James Earl Jones or Sean Connery. Sean Connery did do a good job as Draco in Dragonheart.
Posted by ACD (Member # 7763) on :
How about John Rhys-Davies?
You proably know him as Gimli from Lord of the Rings or Sallah from Raiders of the Lost Ark. He also did the voice for Treebeard in lotr.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Billy Connoly
John Cleese can be Aslan in the parody.
I'd say John Huston, voice of Gandalf in the animated LOTR movies, but he's dead. Otherwise would have been PERFECT. For the most part though I think it needs to be someone we won't associate with ANYTHING else. Or maybe Stephen Thorne, voice of Aslan in the most popular cartoon version of this that already came out.
Ralph Fiennes is the only other voice I can see working. It's strong, but relatively unknown. Depending on how he sounds as Voldemort.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Aslan, as Dag sort of points out, needs to have some youth and vigor in his voice...
There's a scene where someone asks Aslan who He is and three voices answer "Myself."
One is ancient and wise and perhaps a little sad. One is young, strong, and joyful. One is a subtle, intimate whisper.
The second one is the one that should be Aslan's main voice. I could see Liam Neeson pulling off all three.
Posted by Earendil18 (Member # 3180) on :
I would have to vote for Tony Jay. He was the voice of Megabyte in that great ol' weird CG tv show "Reboot", and also the voice of that soul eating underworld creature in Legacy of Kain: Defiance.
I'm sure he's done other stuff tho.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
Jafar, Scar, and Claude Frollo, for sure.. I believe he's been other Disney bad guys as well...
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Ooh i could totally have seen Thurl Ravenscroft!
Posted by antihero (Member # 8156) on :
Samuel L. Jackson. Hands down.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote:Originally posted by ACD: How about John Rhys-Davies?
You proably know him as Gimli from Lord of the Rings or Sallah from Raiders of the Lost Ark. He also did the voice for Treebeard in lotr.
I vote for him! Great character actor, and a really nice guy. Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I still say James Earl Jones.
I've got a man-crush on his voice.
quote:John Cleese can be Aslan in the parody.
John Cleese did a wonderful Wormtongue in the audio book of Lewis' The Screwtape Letters.
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
I think James Earl Jones is too recognizable now - I mean, come on, the man is doing cell phone commercials and people know it's him! John Rhys-Davies is an intriguing suggestion. James Woods could also be interesting (we're watching Hercules right now... well the kids are watching and I'm sort of listening)
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
James Woods? All I'd be able to hear is Hades, or any of a number of roles he has played.
Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :
quote:Originally posted by mr_porteiro_head: John Cleese did a wonderful Wormtongue in the audio book of Lewis' The Screwtape Letters.
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
Because he's too good of an actor. ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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Out darn spot, out!
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Sad, I know.