PROTEGE

We all do it as we write our scripts: pretend we’ve landed that studio deal or show-runner gig and need to figure out which famous actors we get to hire.  Sometimes it helps us better realize a character we’ve created; sometimes it’s just fun to play. So, here’s my partial dream cast for PROTEGE:

Lance Reddick (Fringe, The Wire, Lost) most resembles the Trane in my mind, but Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, Revolution) is one of my favorite actors, and I think he’d bring some interesting depth to the character.

If we decide to go authentic and cast an Algerian woman to play Allumette, Leila Behkti (A Prophet) would kick ass. If we go for bigger name recognition, Rooney Mara (Side Effects, Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) is one of the best young actresses around, and I’d love to see her in an action role. UPDATE: I’ve started watching the BBC series Orphan Black and Tatiana Maslany has jumped to the top of my dream list. Not only does she have the perfect look for Allumette, she is an impressive actor, too.

Give John Francis Daley (Freaks and Geeks, Bones) some glasses and he would be great as our resident weapons expert/hacker. I don’t watch True Blood, so I have no opinion of his acting, but I’ve seen Joe Manganiello in person and at 6’5″ he’s the perfect size to play Uzi.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers (The Tudors, Mission Impossible III) is a perfect fit to play the scarred, myth-obsessed antagonist Lanois.