Cast the Legend of Drizzt Movie (should it ever be made)

[That-Guy]

Lately I've really gotten into R.A. Salvatore's Drizzt Do'urden books. Drizzt, for those of you who don't know, is a renegade dark elf set in the fantasy world known as the Forgotten Realms. I doubt it will ever happen, but I personally would love to see a movie based on Drizzt hit theaters. I personally think it would be great if they started from the beginning, doing a film version of the Dark Elf Trilogy, which is the story of Drizzt's beginnings, and possibly Salvatore's best books, but I suppose they could also do the Icewind Dale series as well, as that series introduces a lot of other important characters like Wulfgar and and Artemis Entreri. But anyway, if such films were ever made, who would you cast? Here are some ideas I had:

Drizzt Do'Urden: Here's a character who should be dark but noble; a little crazy but certainly resourceful. An actor portraying this part should be someone who is in excellent shape but also slim and not overly tall. I had to jump on the Jude Law bandwagon (I personally never wanted him to play Superman, Batman, James Bond, the Joker, or any other character people were petitioning to have him play) butI think he'd be the perfect Drizzt. His features and range would match up perfectly. But Law is a fairly big star right now, so it might be better to go with a less known actor, so in that case I'd go for Sean Patrick Flannery. Why? Well, the guy has some interesting range (check out his character in Boondock Saints and contrast it with the guy he played in Suicide Kings) and he certainly doesn't mind doing roles that require a lot of weird makeup (Powder). A while ago there were people saying that he'd make a great Silver Surfer. Silver Surfer, in many ways, is a similar character to Drizzt, and that's what made me think of Sean for this part.

Zaknafien Do'urden: For the part of Drizzt's father and mentor, you'd need someone who can portray the whole "old and weathered warrior" part without actually looking old and weathered. My first choice would have been Liam Neeson, but since he's playing a role similar to Zaknafien in the new Batman film, I'll go with Timothy Dalton for Zaknafien. Although he's definitely my LEAST favorite James Bond, Dalton has done better when he's played darker, more embittered characters.

Jarlaxle: I hate to cast an actor in the role of a bald character just based on the fact that the actor is bald, but damn, Michael Rosenbaum would make an awesome Jarlaxle. This is a part that would require an actor to be manipulative and calculating while at the same time charming and boisterous (if you've ever seen Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Johnny Depp's character is pretty much Jarlaxle... the only reason I'm not naming him for this role is because he's such a huge star). Rosenbaum has proven himself to play this type of role (to a lesser extent) on Smallville and I think he'd make a great Jarlaxle.

I'll add more when I have more time... please feel free to give me your imput as well.

[Vapor]

When I first saw this topic title I thought you meant a movie based on the game Fantastic Dizzy, the one with all the egg people, and had just mistyped Dizzy.

[The Avatar]

I know Drizzt from the Baldur's Gate series and such, but that's about it. He is an awesome character though.

[Movies205]

My friend is always telling me how there are tons of drizzt's fanboys, and how I should read the books, haven't gotten around to it yet though

[The Avatar]

I think Ronnie James Dio would be great in this movie somehow.

[That-Guy]

The Drizzt books are great. I read the Icewind Dale series first, and that was pretty cool, and now I'm currently on the last book of the Dark Elf Trilogy, which is flat out amazing. Drizzt might be the most fully developed character in fantasy literature. Salvatore really lets you delve into his psychosis... the books are very philosophical, and a lot of the situations in them are easy to relate to despite being set in a fantasy world.

Here are some more ideas I had for the cast:

Matron Malice: Jessica Lange. Okay, she's kind of a big name, but she hasn't been in a huge hit in years so she might come pretty cheap, and after seeing her chilling portrayal of Tamora in Titus, I'd have to say she'd be perfect as Drizzt's evil mother.

Artemis Entreri: This is a tough one. For Artemis, you need someone who is powerfully built and intimidating but also slim and short. Most of all though, you need an actor who can just play a genuine bastard who cares for no one but himself. Some names I would throw out here (but I can't come to a conclusion on who would be best) are Billy Crudup, Stuart Townsend, and Colin Farrell (the last one may be too big of a star, but he really would look and act the part well, I'm sure).

[Hudson]

he's got one great moment in the demons stone game for the ps2

[That-Guy]

I was wondering how that game was. Does Drizzt have a big part in it? Also, where in the Realms is it supposed to take place?

I believe Marc Dacascos would be perfect for Drizzt. He has the exotic look I'd expect from a dark elf. He is also in great physical shape.

For artemis, maybe someone like hugh jackman?

wulfgar... i'd love to say nathan jones from troy, but i don't know how good an actor he is

[That-Guy]

Hugh Jackman would rock as Artemis. Good suggestions!

[The Lizard]

Originally Posted by That-Guy

The Drizzt books are great. I read the Icewind Dale series first, and that was pretty cool, and now I'm currently on the last book of the Dark Elf Trilogy, which is flat out amazing. Drizzt might be the most fully developed character in fantasy literature. Salvatore really lets you delve into his psychosis... the books are very philosophical, and a lot of the situations in them are easy to relate to despite being set in a fantasy world.

I've read the Icewind Dale Trilogy myself, mostly just to see where the whole Drizzt thing started. It was pretty good, but considering some people were saying that the Drizzt books were "better than Tolkien", I was expecting more than I got from that trilogy.

Actually there seemed to be an awful lot of derivative elements taken from LOTR in the Icewind trilogy, from some of the names ("Cryshal Tirith", "Alustriel") to certain events (an abandoned Dwarf mine is home to an evil army, a father-figure to the group goes over a cliff in the grips of a flaming creature only to survive, a halfling loses his finger, characters "keep score" of dead foes, etc).

Overall it was a fun read however, and since it was written back in 1989-1991, I realize that Salvatore probably got sharper with his characterization and originality in later books. I'm going ahead to read the Dark Elf Trilogy next (after I finish the latest Harry Potter that is), since there seems to be a lot of potential for orginality in that storyline.

Is The Dark Elf Trilogy the best of the Drizzt series, or is there a better storyline later on?

[That-Guy]

Originally Posted by The Lizard

I've read the Icewind Dale Trilogy myself, mostly just to see where the whole Drizzt thing started. It was pretty good, but considering some people were saying that the Drizzt books were "better than Tolkien", I was expecting more than I got from that trilogy.

Actually there seemed to be an awful lot of derivative elements taken from LOTR in the Icewind trilogy, from some of the names ("Cryshal Tirith", "Alustriel") to certain events (an abandoned Dwarf mine is home to an evil army, a father-figure to the group goes over a cliff in the grips of a flaming creature only to survive, a halfling loses his finger, characters "keep score" of dead foes, etc).

Overall it was a fun read however, and since it was written back in 1989-1991, I realize that Salvatore probably got sharper with his characterization and originality in later books. I'm going ahead to read the Dark Elf Trilogy next (after I finish the latest Harry Potter that is), since there seems to be a lot of potential for orginality in that storyline.

Is The Dark Elf Trilogy the best of the Drizzt series, or is there a better storyline later on?

In my opinion, the Dark Elf Trilogy is the best of the series, in particular the first two books, Homeland and Exile. They really help you understand Drizzt a lot better and all of the Tolkien-derivative elements are pretty much gone at that point; I agree with you that as Salvatore wrote more, his writing became a lot sharper and more original. I think you can even see that in the Icewind Dale series... my favorite of those three books was "The Halfling's Gem," simply because it went in a lot of different directions and had a lot of out of the ordinary scenerios for a fantasy novel.
I've also read the "Legacy of the Drow" series, which picks up after Icewind Dale and is also very good, and right now I'm about halfway through the "Paths of Darkness" series, which is also kickass thus far.

[The Lizard]

Good to know - I'll be sure to check out the Dark Elf Trilogy ASAP.

[That-Guy]

Rokken.

[Movies205]

Originally Posted by The Lizard

I've read the Icewind Dale Trilogy myself, mostly just to see where the whole Drizzt thing started. It was pretty good, but considering some people were saying that the Drizzt books were "better than Tolkien", I was expecting more than I got from that trilogy.

Actually there seemed to be an awful lot of derivative elements taken from LOTR in the Icewind trilogy, from some of the names ("Cryshal Tirith", "Alustriel") to certain events (an abandoned Dwarf mine is home to an evil army, a father-figure to the group goes over a cliff in the grips of a flaming creature only to survive, a halfling loses his finger, characters "keep score" of dead foes, etc).

Overall it was a fun read however, and since it was written back in 1989-1991, I realize that Salvatore probably got sharper with his characterization and originality in later books. I'm going ahead to read the Dark Elf Trilogy next (after I finish the latest Harry Potter that is), since there seems to be a lot of potential for orginality in that storyline.

Is The Dark Elf Trilogy the best of the Drizzt series, or is there a better storyline later on?

It should be noted though these books are merely off-shoots of DnD, that these books are novelazations of adventures meant to be played in DnD so some of the things read are actually mandates from the then TSR(now Wizards of the Coast) and in actuality DnD is really LoTR made into a table-top RPG game, and all the various worlds just branch off that. I'm surprised there aren't any Elric fans around.

[Hogan]

I've read all things Salvatore. I started from the beginning when The Icewind Dale books came out, way back when I was in grade school. I don't read much fantasy, but I swear by these books. The characterization is beyond anything I've ever read in a sword/sorcery type book. While the Tolkein books read like history textbooks, the Drizzt books are more like journals and fireside stories told by the ones who lived the adventures. I agree that Drizzt is an incredibly fleshed out character, and it doesn't hurt that he's a supreme bad-ass. His "journal entries" at the beginnings of each section are very introspective and wise, but never seem out of place with the fantastical storylines.
The Dark Elf Trilogy is definitely one of my favorites, but the latest series (The Hunter's Blade) was just as good, if not better than any of the previous books. The new series (started with Servant Of The Shard; the new book comes out in October, I think) is focused on Entreri and Jarlaxle. Should be good stuff.
I'd also recommend the Demon Wars saga by Salvatore. Not set in the same universe as Drizzt, but incredibly compelling and definitely more epic in scope. It is a fantasy series, but contains some very astute criticism (or at least discussion) of organized religion. Not quite as lighthearted and fun as Drizzt or The Cleric Quintet (also recommended), but arguably better written.
My friends and I have often discussed Drizzt movies, and I think that the Icewind Dale trilogy would definitely translate better than The Dark Elf, especially since The Dark Elf trilogy is almost completely set in the underdark, with no light whatsoever!
I'd almost rather see the films be animated rather than live-action, because I don't know that they would be able to do the stories justice. Plus, with animation, the sky's the limit as to what they could accomplish without the limitations of special effects. I wouldn't want it to be half-assed just because it was animated though. It would have to have top notch people behind it, and not just some lame anime rip-off DTV. I have some drawings somewhere of what I would want it to look like, but I'll have to hunt them down again.

Edit: Something kinda like these: http://lavendereyes.rivkashome.com/m...view_album.php

[That-Guy]

Good ideas, Hogan. Glad to see that there are some other hardcore Drizzt fans. Have any of you checked out the new Drizzt comic books that are out? They're based on "Homeland" from the Dark Elf series. I just found out about them at my comic shop today, so I was only able to get issue # 2 (1 was sold out). I didn't get to read it yet (just flipped through it quick) but the art looks pretty good. I'm really glad they started the series out in chronological order, with my favorite book first!

[SuperFerret]

I haven't been able to find #2. But I have #1.

[That-Guy]

#2 came out yesterday. Apparently there are 2 covers for each issue... a pianted one for $8.95 and a drawn one for $4.95.

[Hogan]

Originally Posted by That-Guy

Good ideas, Hogan. Glad to see that there are some other hardcore Drizzt fans. Have any of you checked out the new Drizzt comic books that are out? They're based on "Homeland" from the Dark Elf series. I just found out about them at my comic shop today, so I was only able to get issue # 2 (1 was sold out). I didn't get to read it yet (just flipped through it quick) but the art looks pretty good. I'm really glad they started the series out in chronological order, with my favorite book first!

Yeah, I read my friend's copy and liked it, but still prefer the books by far.

[That-Guy]

Yeah, I'm sure the comics won't be able to pull of the narrative genius of the books, but its still pretty cool to see what the artists interpretations of some of the creatures and characters look like. I'm also glad to see that they did it because putting the books into comic format will up Drizzt's popularity considerably among comic fans and who knows? Maybe we'll see a live action or animated movie someday.

[The Lizard]

An animated Forgotten Realms series could indeed be cool.

Just as long as the elves aren't the typical "anime elves" with those silly foot-long ears sticking straight out from their heads!

[The Phantom]

Drizzt Do'Urden: Jim Caviezel


Cattie-brie: Alexis Bledel


Wulfgar: Brandon Routh


Brueonor Battlehammer: Bob Hoskins


Regis Burrfoot: Peter MacNicol (Probably too old, so I'll consider him a filler, but I have someone else in mind, just can't figure out his name.)


Artemis Entreri: Leonardo DiCaprio

[The Phantom]

Originally Posted by That-Guy

I was wondering how that game was. Does Drizzt have a big part in it? Also, where in the Realms is it supposed to take place?

You get to play as Drizzt for most of one level. That level is basically Trolls trying to break the doors to the Dwarven city, and you can use Drizzt as a playable character to defend the city. I found it to be a pretty hard level, but it's rewarding to actually play as the legendary Drow Ranger. You get to witness why he's considered one of the greatest swordsman of the Forgotten Realms, he's just flipping crazy.

The game itself takes place all over Faerun if I remember correctly. I don't think there are any unlockables, because it would have been cool to play the whole game again as Drizzt.

But they should really take that gameplay forumula and apply it to the Companions of the Hall in possibly an adaption of the Icewind Dale Trilogy, or in an all new, original story. One of the boss levels could be Drizzt v.s. Artemis Entreri, which would be a ball to watch as well as play.

[That-Guy]

Originally Posted by The Phantom

You get to play as Drizzt for most of one level. That level is basically Trolls trying to break the doors to the Dwarven city, and you can use Drizzt as a playable character to defend the city. I found it to be a pretty hard level, but it's rewarding to actually play as the legendary Drow Ranger. You get to witness why he's considered one of the greatest swordsman of the Forgotten Realms, he's just flipping crazy.

The game itself takes place all over Faerun if I remember correctly. I don't think there are any unlockables, because it would have been cool to play the whole game again as Drizzt.

But they should really take that gameplay forumula and apply it to the Companions of the Hall in possibly an adaption of the Icewind Dale Trilogy, or in an all new, original story. One of the boss levels could be Drizzt v.s. Artemis Entreri, which would be a ball to watch as well as play.

Agreed. A game where you play as Drizzt the entire time would kick total ass. Drizzt seems to be gaining some more notcie lately with the comic books that have come out and there is a even a medieval weapon company that recently put out Twinkle and Icingdeath (which both look AWESOME by the way), so maybe a Drizzt game is in the works. It would also be cool if they came out with a Marvel vs. Capcom type tournament game with fantasy characters, like Forgotten Realms vs. The Lord of the Rings or something. I know it would never happen, but just imagine Drizzt vs. Aragorn, or Sauron vs. Errtu.