The Forsaken
"They were thirteen altogether and bound in the sealing--
Not in the prison that holds the Dark One.
Thirteen of the most powerful Aes Sedai of the Age of Legends.
The weakest of them stronger than the ten strongest Aes Sedai living today.
The most ignorant with all the knowledge of the Age of Legends.
And every man and woman gave up the light
And dedicated their souls to the shadow.”
*Christopher Lee*
Described as tall and athletic with close-cropped white hair. A cunning planner, a master of manipulation—called the Netweaver—and a capable fighter—a true blademaster. Lee is known for his skill at playing the bad guys. But not just any bad guys. Highly intelligent and methodical bad guys. Who could possibly be better to play the Netweaver than Lee?
We really only get one scene with Balthamel before he's turned into Aran'gar, so it's really not important to cast this role. Balthamel's one scene can be done by some extra-type person.
*Lucy Liu*
The soul of Balthamel in the body of a woman. What we know of Balthamel is that he was a historian—specializing in vanished cultures. He was reckless with a short, wildfire temper, that he couldn’t control. Was almost bound against doing violence. Spent considerable time in the lowest taverns fraternizing with criminals and footpads. A womanizer. Physically Aran’gar is described as having the body of a gorgeous woman stolen from the borderlands—slender and lush. She has green eyes, an ivory oval-shaped face, and long glossy black hair. I say give Lucy Liu some green contacts and call it a perfect casting job.
*Steve Buscemi*
Since we see Osan'gar more than Aginor I decided to go off of his description. Described as having a body stolen from the borderlands--in his middle years, with a plain face, and lank hair. A vague and dreamy sense to him--like he was slowly going mad. It was the vagueness and absentminded look that Osan'gar frequently wears that finally made me decide on Buscemi.
*Bernadette Peters*
Described as being of average height and appearance. She is hard-headed, practical, intelligent, and introspective. She likes real power. There is not much to really go on when it comes to Mesaana. Much of her remains a mystery do to the fact that we can only guess at who she is masquerading as in the White Tower. Peters (aside from being my all-time favorite actress) is known for playing bad girls. My personal favorite role of hers is the Witch in the musical Into the Woods, but that’s another story never mind…Anyways Peters is very talented and if anyone could pull of the roll of Mesaana having such little to go on it would be her.
*Keanu Reeves*
Described as taller than most and in his middle years. Attractive with dark deep-set eyes and dark hair. A musician. For some reason I really can’t explain when I think of Asmodean I think Keanu Reeves. He is cast for no other reason except when I picture Asmodean I see Reeves. Plain and simple.
*Antonio Banderas*
Described as tall, dark, and as handsome as Lanfear was beautiful--with a very deep-set chest, strong hands, wings of white at his temples, and dark eyes. Womanizer. Rarely had a woman without using compulsion. Very power hungry. No matter how old Banderas gets he will always be sexy. The pic shows a lot better than I could explain his capability to pull off Rahvin.
*Angelina Jolie*
Described as taller than most men, well proportioned, with long slender fingers. She is graceful and calm. Dark eyes. Takes enormous pleasure in cruelty and anguish. Because Lanfear wears white Semirhage wears black. This comparison is pointed out many times, so I like some others on the net picture Semirhage as totally opposite of Lanfear. Lanfear has dark wavy hair. I picture Semirhage with blonde straight hair. The sadism is mainly what made with think of Jolie. Not saying that Jolie is a sadist or anything, but I believe that she could have some fun with this role and play it best.
*Kiefer Sutherland*
Described as having blond hair, blue eyes, and a neat square-trimmed beard. Compact, solid, and seemingly large. He is above average in looks except for a poker like scar down his face from hair to jaw. He has a quick stride and abrupt manner. One of the best generals—especially at defending. Loves honors and privileges. For the longest time I had Brad Pitt cast in this role. However, I never really liked Pitt. I’m not exactly sure why I cast him in the first place. Sutherland however was pointed out to me by my sister, and I couldn’t help but chastise myself for not thinking of him myself. It seemed so obvious once she said it. I know he usually plays good guys, but after watching him on the show 24 I decided there’s no contest of who should play Sammael.
*Ali Larter*
Stunningly beautiful--but pleasantly pretty next to Lanfear--buxom and voluptuous with fair skin. Long red-blonde hair and wears a lot of jewelry. Indulges herself to the extreme. The only men she won't flirt with are Chosen who stand above her. The best at compulsion. Has a fixation on sexuality and sensuality. Uses people of power for decoration. A picture is worth a thousand words in this case.
*Russell Crowe*
Described as almost handsome and reasonably tall with a hawk nose. Almost and not quite are the words that describe Demandred’s life when compared to Lews Therin. He has a very deep hatred of Lews Therin. I know a lot of people out there think Russell Crowe is all that, but for me I describe him using the words “almost” and “not quite”. I’ve never been really impressed with anything he’s done. So that’s how Crowe ended up as Demandred.
*Halle Berry*
Described as sturdily handsome with large dark eyes and dark hair to her shoulders. She is vengeful and never forgetting. Hides and takes no risks. The master of Tel'aran'rhiod. The Spider. Something in that nickname and just my observations of Moghedien made me think instantly of Halle Berry. The only other person I considered for this role was Bernadette Peters (who is my all-time favorite actress), and I couldn't even see her in the role as well as Halle.
*Tom Cruise*
Now the character of Ishamael is basically a man who is on fire more or less. So once again I decided to focus the casting of Ishamael after he is turned into Moridin. Described as very tall and broad shouldered. He has very blue eyes and a deep voice. Looks like he’s in his mid-twenties and has black hair. He is insane—quite literally. Now try as I might I could not find a single actor in their mid-twenties who I thought could play the role of Ishamael/Moridin well. Cruise, though not tall or in his mid-twenties, on the other hand could play it well.
*Catherine Zeta-Jones*
Described as tall, very dark eyes, and flowing raven dark hair. Creamy, pale, smooth, and soft skin. Thin waist. Moves with amazing grace. Always wears white. Basically the most beautiful woman known to mankind. Cares for only two things…Lews Therin and power. Although I guess there might be more, I have only met one man who does not think Catherine Zeta-Jones is the most beautiful woman in the world. There are no more than five roles that once they were cast I never even considered changing them. She is one of them. Before I saw her in Chicago there may have been a very little doubt (somewhere very deep down inside) that I could possibly find someone better, but now that I’ve seen her in Chicago I have no doubt at all that there isn't anyone better.
