Image Credit: Solarpix/PR Photos; David Gabber/PR Photos; Chris Hatcher/PR Photos; Gaye Gerard/Getty Images; Wild1/PR Photos; Don Arnold/WireImage.comWith a release date of Dec. 21, 2011 now looming for Sony Pictures’ Hollywood version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, it’s no wonder the studio, and director David Fincher, are ramping up their casting process. It seems Daniel Craig is still in talks to star as Mikael Blomkvist, but no deal has yet been struck, and it’s unclear whether scheduling hurdles with Cowboys & Aliens and another Bond feature are holding up the deal.
As for the role of Lisbeth Salander — the part Sony chairman Amy Pascal calls “the role every actress in the world wants” — Deadline Hollywood reports that in addition to the commonly talked-about Ellen Page (Inception), Carey Mulligan (An Education) (UPDATE 7/22: Mulligan tells EW she will not play Lisbeth), and Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland), the list of candidates includes a group of more obscure actresses that could be breaking out in the next 12 months due to the high profile projects on the horizon.
Included on that list is Rooney Mara (pictured, back row, second from left), who will be seen next in Fincher’s The Social Network. Sources told EW the actress is definitely in the mix, but it’s not yet clear if she’s tested for the part or if any kind of test deal is in place for the actress, who in the past year appeared in both the Nightmare on Elm Street remake and Youth in Revolt. Emily Browning’s name has also popped up. The actress (pictured, center) will star in Zack Snyder’s sci-fi actioner Sucker Punch next year as the lead character Baby Doll, but you might also remember her as Violet Baudelaire in 2004′s Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events or last year’s horror film The Uninvited. The two other names on the list are Australian actresses Sarah Snook (pictured, third from right) and Sophie Lowe (pictured, right). Snook just finished starring in Julia Leigh’s erotic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty while Lowe has appeared in a number of Australian productions, including Blessed and the upcoming Blame.
Though Sony isn’t confirming anything, it’s safe to say not all of the names listed above have screen-tested, and it’s likely that the studio is also interested in some actresses that haven’t been named yet. What little we know for certain about the studio’s plans comes from Pascal, who in a conversation with The Wrap’s Sharon Waxman earlier this week said the studio plans to be very faithful to the books, and that she hopes Fincher will direct all three films in the saga. “We’re doing the book. That’s why we hired David Fincher,” she said. “We’re going to really do this, in all their glory. Otherwise why do it? They’re very R-rated movies. It’s the shock of what’s really going on underneath the surface of society. If you don’t actually make good on that, you haven’t told the story.”
Also: ‘The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’: Carey Mulligan will not play Lisbeth (EW Exclusive)
How about Noomi Raspace (I think that’s how it’s spelled) who starred in the Swedish version?
I believe she’s been offered the part but she refused.
I don’t care who they cast, who directs, or who else is in it, NO ONE can ever top Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth. I think this “American” version is doomed before they start. These were Swedish books, about Swedish people, set in Sweden, about Swedish politics. Puh-leez. Just let the superb Swedish films alone. They are brilliant. There’s absolutely no need to have an “Americanized” film. yuk
@devon…this is america, you dolt.
Totally agree with you Devon. See the Swedish versions. They are ten times better than anything Hollywood will crank out.
You are the dolt, who obviously doesn’t understand the point Devon was making. American films have a tendency to make everything “pretty”. I’ve read all three books and they are pretty dark. We don’t need some waifish cute little girl trying to fill the role of the very complicated Lisbeth. So, Who Cares, learn before you speak.
That is true. She was offered, but called the role of Lisbeth too exhausting and made some suggestions on who might play her
@strickens_girl
There is nothing wrong with having two versions. Lots of US movies and TV shows are ripoffs from other countries. If Martin Scorsese and William Monahan can win an Oscar for a scene by scene rippoff of a HK movie why not make Dragon Tattoo.
Lastly the books are themselves ripoffs of Sara Paretsky and Sue Grafton.
If they wanted to get real they would have someone like Rosario Dawson in the part. Most of the “named” names on the list are just not edgy or hard enough.
I love the Swedish versions, but I’m kind of interested to see what David Fincher does with the series! He’s a really talented director and will no doubt have a bigger budget to work with. I think the US versions have the potential to be even better than the Swedish versions (but don’t quote me on that yet).
My ideal cast would be:
Lisbeth Salander–Ellen Page
Mikael Blomvist–Daniel Craig
Erika Berger–Vera Fermiga
Cecilia Vanger–Ellen Barkin
Martin Vanger–??
Aree with Devon. Can’t believe they’re Americanizing this movie. I’m beyond peeved.
Btw ‘who cares’, ew isn’t America you dolt.
In keeping with the general temperament of this thread, I agree that the ONLY reason English-language versions are being made is that English-speaking audiences (particularly American ones) refuse to read subtitles because it’s “too much work”. The studios will undoubtedly make their money out of these versions, but it saddens me that movies that were so well done to begin with [cf. *Let the Right One In* and *Ringu*] are remade, even if the remakes are that bad albeit with more beautiful people. However, I feel differently about American re-interpretations that rely heavily on the premises and sometimes plot of excellent foreign-language films, Scorsese’s *The Departed* and Tarantino’s *Reservoir Dogs* being the most prominent examples in my mind.
read: “AREN’T that bad”
Ellen Page is someone who might be able to pull it off, not as well as Noomi but since they insist on remaking it…
@Erin. Thank you!
What about Vanessa from high school musical? This could be a huge step for her.
Go away, PLEASE!
Terrible suggestion.
Anyone who hasn’t read the books or seen the Swedish version of the film, should not participate in this discussion.
to be fair, there are PLENTY of Hollywood movies that are remade for local international markets in their own languages. Bollywood (India) is very famous for remaking Hollywood movies in Hindi with famous Indian actors. And they do this w/o getting copyright permissions. At least when Hollywood remakes GWDT movies, it will pay the requisite royalties to the author & other Swedish concerns.
I read the books, loved them, and I’ve seen the first of the movies. I have no problem with subtitles and am generally a fan of foreign films. So with that said, I really didn’t love the Swedish version of the movie at all. I don’t have super high hopes for Hollywood doing better justice to the story, but unlike (apparently) most of the people posting here who have seen the original film, I see plenty of opportunity for another movie to give it a shot. Noomi was a good Lisbeth, but that’s about the highest praise I can come up with for the movie.
harpier, not to be antagonistic, but when anyone says “The Ring” is a crappy, Americanized version of “Ringu”, well, that person is not very credible to me. When I heard from my movie snob friends that Ringu was so much better than the Hollywood film (which I liked very much), I eagerly checked out the Japanese movie (never minded reading subtitles, though I have to be in the mood) and was astonished at how poorly made it was. At first I thought the silly dialogue and actions of the characters were problems with the translation. Then I began to hope it was the cultural differences. But when they came to the part where the idiots emptied the well one bucket at a time (correction: the snarling, melodramatic ex-husband ordered the doormat, melodramatic ex-wife to empty the well one bucket at a time), I knew that it was not just my “stupid, lazy, Americanized brain” that was the reason I found the movie ridiculous. Also, Ringu didn’t have the atmosphere of The Ring. At least the Hollywood version tried to inject some logic into the storyline and made the investigations of the characters add to the mystery and buildup of suspense. In Ringu the director had the grouchy (clinically depressed, if you ask me) ex-husband see “visions” to spell out and explain the entire mystery, plot , MOVIE to the audience, which is a lazy device (if you ask me).
@thin I agree. I wasn’t that impressed with the Swedish film. Everyone said how great the film version was, but I was meeh about it. And all the comments about the pretty, waifish actresses don’t make sense. Isn’t Lisbeth a tiny little thing? And Isn’t she supposed to be attractive to a certain degree? All of the tats and rings are the job of the make-up department. i have hope that Fincher will do a good job and have the opportunity to stay even closer to the book.
Yes, The girl who is the original actress should continue in the films. If you use a american or well know actor is takes away from the first rendition to all these sequals. Noomi Raspace is brilliant and should continue in the rest of the movies to come. Not Brad Pitt or Daniel Craig. They should use actors we have never heard of.
She did do all three of the Swedish films.
Really? That’s how we ended up with the likes of Heather Donahue…remember Blair Witch Project? She SUCKED in it!!!!
Meat Machine, do you really think the only time unknowns have been used was The Blair Witch Project? That wasn’t even a real movie, in the studio sense. It was a project that blew up. Anyway, they should go unknown with the cast of this. But Noomi will be near impossible to top.
how about Melanie laurent (shoshanna in inglourious bastards) and ewen mcgreggor?
TOTALLY AGREE!!!
Noomi gets my vote, but since we can’t have her…I’m fully behind Ellen Page.
I could deal with Emily Browning, although she’s way too pretty; and I also like Rooney Mara.
Thank goodness, the twilight girl isn’t mentioned.
Have you seen what Noomi looks like when she’s not made-up like Lizbeth?
She’s radiant. I don’t think “too pretty” is a criticism that can be leveled at an actress. That’s why makeup artists exist. She’ll be as pretty, or as not-pretty, as the director says she should be.
I agree with “Someone”.
I’ve seen pictures of the Swedish actress and she really is quite pretty in real life.
Make up artists really can make any actress look edgy with the piercings and tattoos.
ellen paige? Are you kidding? She is so totally wrong for this. Lisbeth requires depth (and possible real life experiences) and some sort of acting chops. I really like Ellen Page…but only in certain things. She’s pretty much the same in everything she does.
MY CHOICE: Natalie Portman. Melanie Laurent. Or a complete unknown.
Why do they need to remake this movie already?
M O N E Y
I don’t think Ellen Page is right for the role you need someone that looks edgy and can pull off some of the scenes that are critical to the storyline. How about Jessica Stroup? She fits in the physical profile.
Have you seen Hard Candy? It’ll make you rethink Page.
I agree with Cappy. “Hard Candy” shows Page’s ability to be a character like Lisbeth. For one thing, she has the combination of edge and intelligence needed.
Noomi refused it because she is anti-Hollywood and she prefers the European film making
ei, I read on some website (Inside Movies, Cinematical, maybe EW online?) that Noomi was campaigning very hard for the part but an “insider” (they quoted him and named him, I just can’t remember who it was) said it was not likely because of her accent. Then in the Entertainment Weekly cover story regarding these American remakes she said the part would be too exhausting to play again. She had to sit alone in a corner for a year while filming the Swedish versions in order to get into character. That sounds much more likely than a disdain for Hollywood. Many European artists would love to break into the American cultural psyche no matter how contemptuous they may pretend to be. Well, Noomi’s already done that to a certain extent with the Swedish films. Myself, I would not look forward to years of such a demanding role I’ve already put everything into once before.
Noomi Rapacce should play the role. I mean she is the best the highest. If we cannot have her, wait for her there is no rush.
I love Carey Mulligan and Ellen Page. If they could pull it off, I’d love to see them shine. I also like another name I heard recently: Shannyn Sossamon. She has the looks and dark energy. And she has become somewhat obscure lately, making it a bit of a find but not a total risk.
no on the ellen page–that monotone has really got to go. and shannyn sossamon is wayyy too old.
The Shannon Sossamon suggestion is a joke. Not only is she too old, but she’s also not that talented. Just sayin.
No Ellen Page, PLEASE!!! She is untalented and absolutely dull…
Go watch Hard Candy and then try to make that same statement.
Also “Mouth to Mouth.”
Ellen’s bada*s in that too.
Another movie to convince people of Ellen: “The Tracey Fragments.”
Noomi Rapace is now the standard for Lisbeth- in real life she looks like a sweet little elf… If Noomi can play a bad*ss then so can one of these American actresses. Also, who would’ve thought Heath Ledger would be an amazing Joker?
Yikes. Ellen Page? Has no one read the books? All of the actresses mentioned seem wrong to me. I know everyone’s dissing K.Stewart for this role and I’m not a big fan of her and not a Twilight fan, but she’s got the right vibe for it. That kind of socially dysfunctional thing. That’s the key to the role. Ellen Page? Wow. So wrong.
Christina Ricci!
Agreed. Didn’t Noomi Rapace mention her as someone she liked? I think she would be much better than Ellen Page, although I think she’s too pretty for the role. Then again, I’m sure Hollywood would never cast anyone who’s not a bombshell in a title role.
I think K.Stewart can play anti-social well enough but I don’t see her beating the crap out of anyone. The role of Lisbeth requires a physicality that K Stewart does not seem to have. I can see Ellen Page doing this but they could always go with a new fresh face.
Anna Kendrick
OooooH! I kind of like that, but Ellen Page will always be number one in my head for this role.
her boobs are way too big… great actress but she is not Lisbeth
this is the first time Ive heard that Big boobs are a problem, usually big boobs get you the job
if youve seen the swedish version youll notice that lisbeth’s are almost non existent.
If you’ve read the books, a lot is made of Salander’s body issues: she’s very thin, with no hips and non-existent boobs. People who take only one look at her think she’s 14-16.
She’s too perky/cute. Not hard at all.
Anna Kendrick’s voice is a little annoying, for some reason I pictured Lisbeth to have a slightly monotone and husky voice.
She as a very high pitched voice.
Lisbeth is supposed to have a pretty high pitched voice as well, because she’s so small.
k stew
stfu
I think Kristen Stewart would have been an awesome lisbeth but I think her schedule was full or somehting and couldn’t do it. But I think Ellen Page should do it!
I would love Ellen Page or Carey Mulligan in the role, more Ellen than Carey though. They are the best actresses mentioned above. Anna Kendrick would be great too.
i’m so confused. aren’t second from the left and third from the right the SAME PERSON?
The second from left is Mia Wosikowska, from Alice and Wonderland and The Kids Are Alright. The third from the right is Carey Mulligan, from Pride and Prejudice, the upcoming projects Wall Street 2 and Never Let Me Go (can’t wait for that one!), not to mention Oscar nominated for her leading role in An Education. Two completely different actresses. A) Did you even read the accompanying article?, B) What the hell are doing on this site if you can’t differentiate between those two?
hahaha, they both look the same to me as well. p.s. no to carey. i just very much dislike her look
I think Anna Kendrick would be great
I was really hoping for an unknown to get the role…
me too… i think that’s the only way to do it right
I think Keira Knightley would be great…ever see domino? Carey Mulligan would be great too though
I am already against the idea of there being the need for an american remake…. AHHHH! PISSES ME OFF! but i will most definitely boycott the film if Keira gets the role
Kiera is far too tall, Lisbeth is tiny and small boned. Her size is crucial to the plot.
I agree, but after seeing this list… I think Emily Browning could pull it off too. Rooney Mara has the look. It’s hard to tell what kind of actress she is after Nightmare on Elm Street.
God no. I don’t think Lisbeth is supposed to look like she’s sucking in her cheeks all the damn time.
Someone on another thread suggested Pauley Perette…I like!
She’s great, but is 20 years too old and a foot too tall for this part!
I would have thought EW would be championing Kirsten Stewart for this role?
I love it how the same guys who complain that every EW article is about Twilight, are nonetheless the same guys who MAKE every article be about Twilight. Methinks the fellow doth protest too much, and has a secret crush…
Kristen stewart is a terrible actress.
LOL!
They have been. I think the casting directors may have gotten the point that the fans do NOT want Kristen Stewart anywhere near this movie.
Malese Jow
Based on the Swedish version I thought Natalie Portman would be a good match.
Natalie Portman is pushing 30, and looks it. Next!
So 30 yr. olds can play high schoolers, but a 29 yr. old can’t play a 25 yr. old?
Natalie Portman may be pushing 30, but does NOT look it. I just watched Beautiful Girls the other day, which she was, like, 13 in, and she looks exactly the same!
Lisbeth may be 25, but she’s supposed to look much younger. Natalie is still beautiful, but sorry, she does, in fact, look her age. If you think she hasn’t aged since Beautiful Girls, you’re smoking something I want to get my hands on. She very convincingly played a mother of two school-age kids in Brothers, and I’m telling you, she can no longer pass for someone who looks like they’re in their late teens.
Don’t ever change your name, Mary, it fits you too perfectly.
I disagree I think Natalie has the physique and the acting to pull it off. She is my top pick. I think they need to go with someone who is known to draw people to the box office. Daniel Craig would be perfect also but if not my favorite Ralph Fiennes.
Natalie occasionally pops in my mind when I’m reading the books, but I think she would be too obvious. Ellen Page would be perfect.
It should totally be Allison Scagliotti! She’s perfect for it.
Looks-wise, she’s dead on. Talent-wise, not even close.
Funny you mention her because she is who I was thinking of. As far as not having the talent for it, maybe she’s never had the chance to play drama. Just because she hasn’t doesn’t mean she can’t. They should at least screen test her.
Megan Fox.
Yes. Megan Fox
Are you high?
Dropping out of the 3rd ‘Transformers’ movie was the best decision anyone has made in a long time. She needs to prove us wrong, but this role would be WAY too much for her.
I think that Rachelle Laferve is a great actress and after being screwed with by summit deserves this part she would kill it but id hate to see that hair go but she could do it.
Are you high?
Ahahaha. I think so mary.