h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

You mean Laurie, or are you just trying to confuse us?

I agree Jeff G would be right for Ford - there is nothing saying that an Alien can't have an American Accent after all...

I'm not sure Jeff G is really the right person for Ford. He hasn't got the right kind of mischievous atitude he might fit Zophod though.

I'm not sure Jeff G is really the right person for Ford. He hasn't got the right kind of mischievous atitude he might fit Zaphod though.

Jeff G as Zophod and Zaphod? Have we got a new character here?

I don't see Jeff G as Zaphod somehow - too clean cut...

Zophod could be a new character I'm not sure what he would do though. I think Jeff G would make a better Zaphod than an Aruther. Though I see what you mean he is too clean cut.

I think Jeff G would be more successful as Ford (although not perfect casting by any means) but would not be right for Zaphod. His style is that of the "quirky mumbler" and I think Zaphod is meant to be more loud and rock-star theatrical. To bring this argument back full circle, perhaps Jim Carrey would do a good job as Zaphod, but I would be inclined to go for Jeff Bridges (although he might be a little old now). I also think Michael Keaton in Beetlejuice mode might be a good choice.

MK on stilts would be a good big Zee

I don't know why but I see Ford with a very English accent. Probably because I am English, though I do see Zaphod with a loud American accent.

Maybe Ford has a very stilted Englsih accent - trying very carefully not to blow his cover? - that's not Ford's Style.....

I'm sure I remember him as American in both TV and Radio versions...

How about an Ozzie though?

Stephen Curry, perhaps? He's got the odd part down pat, but maybe a little young. I'd suggest Michael Caton, but he's got too broad an Aussie accent to be trying to fit in in England.

hmmmm....

How about Chris Eubanks.... He's strange enough for it...

That is not true, we allow British people to play good guys, on occasion.

Carey shouldn't be allowed withing 20 miles of the filming much less be allowed to be a member of the cast.

I know this is fairly pointless as no one in Hollywood reads this but.....

Jim Carey as Arthur? No!

1) He is American, Arthur isn't

2) His character is all wrong. The closest American actor I can think of to play Arthur would be someone like Kelsey Grammar

Jim Carey *could* play Zaphod Beeblebrox, though. This is a part that would suit a flambuoyant Yank

I heard rumours that Hugh Laurie was being considered for the part. He is a little old to play Arthur, I feel, but apart from that is fairly spot on.

Hmmm.. Kelsey Grammer - as Slarti??? Or am I pushing it a bit here?

I think you're pushing it a bit

I actually like the idea of John Cleese playing Slarti, or am I alone in saying this ? Although, Kelsey Grammar isn't an awful idea, he is a hugely talented actor, I agree. (I love him in Cheers and Frasier.)

I can't help but feel the American producers of this h2g2 film are going to totally Americanise it and take away what attracted me to the whole thing in the first place. It was written by a good British writer, starred good British actors playing good British roles. I'm not overly patriotic am I ?

Titch

I agree about the essential "Britishness" of Hitchhikers but there are transatlantic elements. I always felt there was something distinctly American about Zaphod (and possibly also about Ford). But it is essentially an Englishman's view of the universe and that's why I think a British actor is essential for Arthur. (Hugh Laurie, as ever, gets my vote.)

PS I agree Cleese would be great as Slarti.

One for the Rumour Mill, I decided to do some reading about the Film and Script on the Web yesterday (so much for work ) and came across this snippet:

According to one guy (Stax) who reviewed a 1999 draft of the Script DNA let it be known that "He'd like to see Nicolas Cage in a major role" - I suggest Ford.
"Hugh (Stuart Little) Laurie as the main character of Arthur Dent" as we've been saying all along.
And
"Nigel (The Madness of King George) Hawthorne as Slartibartfast"


Stax then goes on to soundly trash said script - which is perhaps one reason why DNA went away and rewrote it.... Also I read something else where DNA distanced himself from this Script (by Josh Friedman)...

More details as I unearth them!

Sorry, the Script was dated March 2000, not 1999.

Also Stax had never read the book, I'm reading a review by someone who HAS read the book now....