As we see more and more adaptations of books, there’s always that one actor we would fan-cast in a heartbeat. For instance, after Suzanne Collins announced Sunrise on the Reaping, there were countless fan cast options for who could play young Haymitch, and I can’t wait to find out who it ends up being. Follow along as we delve into our team’s fan casting for 2023-24 books.
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
I would love to see an Ali Hazelwood book adapted into either a TV show or movie, specifically Check & Mate. I believe that the book would follow well with the recent boost in YA adaptations hitting the screens. For the narrator and main character, Mallory Greenleaf, I think it would be interesting to see Mckenna Grace step into the role. Mallory is a strong character who has faced many hardships, and I think Grace’s diverse resume would be a perfect fit. Her role would also allow the actress to establish herself in a more mature genre of acting and showcase Grace’s talents as a film lead rather than her previous child acting performances as a side character.
For Nolan Sawyer, the Kingkiller, I immediately fancasted Charlie Bushnell. Best known for his portrayal of Luke Castellan in Disney’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, I believe that Bushnell could be a strong fit as the 20-year-old chess champion. With their combination of acting experience, I believe that Grace and Bushnell would do one of my favorite YA couples justice!
Caroline Noland, Social Media
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
I think the epic fantasy elements and political intrigue of The Cruel Prince by Holly Black would be perfect for a TV/movie series. The main character, Jude, would need to be played by a strong female lead, so I think Adriana Greenblatt could match Jude’s fierce, calculating attitude.
As for Jude’s main rival/love interest, Cardan, I could see Lucas Zumann as he already played the sort of aloof, enemies-to-lovers love interest in Anne with an E. I also like David Mazouz, who portrayed a young Bruce Wayne in Gotham, which has vibes similar to Cardan. Both characters are kids with far too much power and a kind of morally gray background.
Emily Chang, Outreach
Girls and Their Horses by Eliza Jane Brazier
I love this book. It’s an equestrian psychological thriller. I got a Fifty Shades/Gone Girl vibe from the book.
Vida is very aggressive. I would cast Hailee Steinfeld as Vida’s close friend, Effie. Someone like Pierce Brosnan as Kieran. Kieran is very calculating. I might cast Dominic Sherwood or someone similar to him as Douglass since Douglass is supposed to be 18. The cast of season three of The Saddle Club might be around the right age to play some of the background characters. Maybe someone like Jodie Comer (Killing Eve, The White Princess), Rebecca Ferguson (The White Queen), or Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows) as Heather because of their work in various movies and TV shows that I’ve seen.
Christina H, Graphics
The Legendborn Cycle by Tracy Deonn
I would love to see Tracy Deonn’s The Legendborn Cycle adapted into a TV series. While reading the first book, I got major 2000s CW show vibes — the college campus setting, the supernatural romance, the love triangle, everything!
I might cast Jaz Sinclair as Bree Matthews; I felt like Jaz’ acting on Sabrina gave me a glimpse into her potential for a darker, younger role like Bree. I’m honestly stumped on Selwyn’s casting! Maybe someone tall, dark, and handsome like Louis Partridge, Taylor Zakhar Perez, or Australian actor Josh Heuston. Whoever would play our beloved characters, I think this series could come to life on screen.
Fiona Hansen, Editorial & Outreach
Canterwood Crest Academy series by Jessica Burkhart
I love this series. I would cast someone like Heli Simpson (Veronica from The Saddle Club), Troian Bellisario, and Janel Parrish as one of the Belles. Since the series is a fictional boarding school for middle school and high school, I think that the original cast from The Saddle Club could play the older high school girls that ride.
They could even keep their character names from The Saddle Club since there aren’t any characters in the books with those names. Hailee Steinfield’s work in True Grit and the Pitch Perfect trilogy makes her a good choice for one of the older high schoolers who are in Lauren’s glee club or even one of the cast members alongside Khloe’s character in Beauty and the Beast. I might cast Daniela Nieves (Vampire Academy TV series) as Lauren since she can sing. A younger version of Hailee Steinfeld would also be a great choice for Lauren or Sasha. I need younger versions of Josh Hutcherson and Matthew Daddario for Eric and Jacob.
Christina H, Graphics
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