I thought it might be fun to imagine who would play the characters from *The Path of the Fallen*. I would encourage people who have read the book to comment, and disagree if need be. If you would prefer not to have the characters imagined a certain way, then I would steer clear of this post. This is a list of actors and actresses I can imagine playing the characters based on what I have seen them in previously (I will comment briefly on what it was specifically that makes them an ideal fit) as well as the look of the character as I envisioned them.
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*E’Malkai Armen*
(Connor Jessup)
E’Malkai has always been different than everyone else, and the actor who would play him would have to be able to convey both a sense of belonging and distance from those around him. Connor plays Ben Mason on TNT’s *Falling Skies*, which, in the words of a friend of mine, is little more than a science fiction family drama. That being said, he delivers on a kind of quiet desperation and intelligence that I think would fit E’Malkai well.
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*Elcites*
(Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje)
Elcites, Umordoc guardian of young E’Malkai, must be able to convey tremendous emotion and power with only slight movements and limited facial expressions. Additionally, the beast-like appearance of the character requires much emoting without saying very much at all. Adewale has a great screen presence, and this was quite apparent in his character ‘Mr. Eko’ on * Lost*. I think his ability to convey emotional depth with a stare or a posture makes him ideal to play the remorseful and trustworthy Elcites.
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*Fe’rein*
(Ryan Gosling)
Fe’rein, born Ryan Armen, has become the All-god of a world bathed in hatred and shadow. The character undulates between a sullen hatred and a wanton desperation obscured by tremendous power. Ryan has demonstrated his ability to be a likable character, a powerful actor. His performance in * Drive* solidified for me that he had the physicality and emotional range to truly bring to life the villainous and flawed Fe’rein.
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*Arile*
(Jim Caviezel)
I have to admit that Arile is one of my favorite characters. His wry cynicism and quiet, yet powerful, demeanor makes the choice of Jim Caviezel a no-brainer. His portrayal of ‘Mr.Reese’ on *Person of Interest* has shown that he can play physically imposing characters.
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*Leane*
(Lena Headey)
Leane, E’Malkai’s mother, is a character fraught with secrets and influence. Her sadness is hidden behind a veil of confidence and command that serves her too well. Lena Headey portrays ‘Cersei Lannister’ on HBO’s *Game of Thrones* and has proven to be an incredible actress. I could not imagine a more cunning character, and as such I think she would be a perfect fit for Leane.
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*Seth Armen*
(Jude Law)
The path of the Fallen began with the exile of Seth Armen. Seth has all of the qualities present in Jude Law’s portrayal of ‘Dr. Watson’ in *Sherlock Holmes*. Seth is strong, intelligent, and somber by necessity. Though not a major component of *The Path of the Fallen*, he still has a strong influence over E’Malkai’s journey to discover his place in the world.
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*Kyien*
(Ben Foster)
Kyien is the leader of the Culouth armies and a narcissistic, unlikable jackass. Ben Foster, from the moment I saw him on *Six Feet Under*, was brilliant. He has range and I would love to see him play a power-hungry madman who at moments can be cunning and manipulative.
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*M’iordi*
(Tom Hiddleston)
M’iordi is a manicured, cultured councilman who sits at the right hand of Fe’rein. His intelligence, as well as his lust for power, make him a useful ally and a frightening enemy. The obvious selection for Hiddleston’s prowess would be his commanding villainy in *Avengers*. However, it was a quiet performance in *Midnight in Paris* that really resonated with me.
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*T’elen*
(Katee Sackhoff)
T’elen is a powerful and beautiful warrior woman who commands legions and is quick to take a man’s head for foolishness. I have two words for you: *Battlestar Galactica*. I might as well have just named the character Kara Thrace, but honestly Katee encompasses everything about the character that I could imagine.
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*Xi’iom*
(Tim Kang)
Xi’iom is a commander with a simple demeanor and a severe dislike for smiling. If you have watched *The Mentalist*, then you will no doubt be familiar with Tim Kang’s portrayal of CBI agent Kimball Cho. He has the serious demeanor and unwavering personality that defines Xi’iom so well.
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*Higald*
(Alexander Skarsgard)
Higald, proud chieftain of the Fallen, is built like a viking: blond hair, cold blue eyes, and a somberness that cannot be quelled. Sounds a bit like Eric Northman, no? Not really, but Alexander Skarsgard has the look, though he would need to put on some muscle to look the part and smile a little less. Higald is not as pleased with himself as Eric on *True Blood* is.
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*S’rean*
(Idris Elba)
S’rean is by no means a major character, but he is a significant presence in the second half of the book. Idris Elba has taken on so many fantastic roles from *The Wire* to *Luther *that I wish I could cast him somewhere else. Perhaps if the movie ever does get made, casting folks will be able to place him in a role worthy of his acting prowess. Either way, he would be a wonderful fit for S’rean.
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*Augustine*
(Ian McNeice)
This might have been the most obvious cast for me. Ian McNeice has been delighting moviegoers for a very long time, and if I didn’t know better, I would think that I created the part specifically for him. Augustine is the speaker of the Culouth population, a vociferous and superfluous orator with a powerful and distinct voice.
Check out these other posts about *The Path of the Fallen*:
http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com/p/the-fallen-chronicles.html
http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-path-of-fallen-release-weekend.html
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