Guy Ritchie and 'The Few'
What does everyone think about this?
http://www.digitalspy.com/british-tv/news/a447011/guy-ritchie-directin g-world-war-two-tv-drama-the-few.html
News to me. Cool. Have no idea what it will be like but it sounds promising. I wonder if it will get any international attention?
shareIt will definitely get attention in the United States. I could name you several dozen actors who are big stars in the U.S. who, if attached to this project, would make it a big deal over here, and not a one of them would be American.
shareI haven't heard anything about who is in it yet. I don't know how they are going to play this. If it is about The Few then the RAF pilots should be very young to keep it authentic (except for the few older heads/commanders like in the Battle of Britain). No older than mid 20s. Unfortunately the well known British actors are not all that young.
Who do YOU have in mind?
Yes, the young pilot leads should be played by young unknowns, which is all the more reason why there would be no point in casting Americans to "cater to American audiences". A few names could play some of the Squadron Leaders, at which point names like Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hardy, and even Christian Bale would work (although Bale might be a bit old). It'd be fun to see Damian Lewis in a role, with the obvious attendant connections. Then there's Michael Fassbender or Michael Sheen. I don't think it would be so absurd for Martin Freeman or Simon Pegg to have a go at something.
Then there's commanders like Dowding and Leigh-Mallory. I'm wondering if Anthony Hopkins or Ian McKellan would be too old for those roles. Or Hugh Laurie, Tom Wilkinson, Brendan Gleeson...
These are all off the top of my head. These are also all people that American audiences are VERY familiar with.
EDIT: Then there's Daniel Craig. And okay, this is probably insane, but I just have to say it: Daniel Radcliffe and/or Rupert Grint among the young pilots.
Well thanks for your suggestions DD-931. What you seem to be proposing is a modern updating of the Battle of Britain, with it's star studded cast.
I think I'd prefer a more Band of Brothers type feel with the main actors who are not international house hold names.
I'd be fine with that too. But if it takes names to get the funding to actually produce this...
shareUnfortunately, between the dwindling of numbers of WWII aircraft, and the desire by most film makers to use computers as much as possible, the aerial combat scenes will not have the authenticity of those in "Battle of Britain", but will appear video-game-like instead.
shareFighter squadron commanders tended to be in their late twenties with the rank of Squadron Leader (equivalent to an Army Major). One on his early thirties, like Douglas Bader, would be considered a bit old. Radcliffe and Grint are actually about the right age to be flight or squadron commanders!
Hugh Dowding, then a Air Chief Marshal (four star general) commanding Fighter Command, was 57 in 1940. That's the same age as Hugh Laurie who looks like he might be a reasonable physical match. Hopkins and McKellan are both way too old.
Leigh-Mallory and Keith Park, then Air-Vice Marshals (two star generals) commanding 12 and 11 Groups, were 48.