Casting Cersei
This should be a fun role to play and easier to cast them some of the others. Cersei, Jaime’s twin sister, is described in the script as in her thirties with beauty that “has already become legendary.” Although it is somewhat important that Cersei and Jaime look like twins, it is more important they find someone who can act. Fortunately there are quite a few beautiful actresses that could play the role. Let’s take a look at some of the possibilities.
Tricia Helfer – Looks to be most people’s first choice for the role, Helfer would be a great fit. A Canadian-born model-turned-acctress, she is best known for her role as Number Six in Battlestar Galactica. In that role, Helfer demonstrated she can pull off a role that is very similar to Cersei in many respects. The only problem is she is set to star in the new FOX drama Inseparable. Assuming that doesn’t get canned immediately, she will most likely be unable to be cast as Cersei.
Rosamund Pike – A London-born actress, Pike has a well-established film career. A former Bond-girl, she also is no stranger to period pieces, with roles in The Libertine and Pride & Prejudice. She has the right look and would be right around 30 when it comes time to film. However, it seems she focuses more on film than on television. Would she be willing to take on the huge committment this series would require and make the jump to the small screen?
Sophia Myles – Myles, who is also from London, has bounced from film and television. Her first major film role was in Underworld. She is also no stranger to the costume drama, having starred opposite James Franco in Tristan + Isolde. Most recently she had played one of the lead roles in the short-lived CBS vampire drama Moonlight. She may be ready to move from the broadcast net to a premium cable channel like HBO. The one drawback is, at 28, she is a bit on the young side, but I don’t think that would be a deal-breaker.
Diane Kruger – Another former model, German-born Kruger’s first major role was in the David Benioff penned Troy. She has also appeared in Wicker Park and the National Treasure movies. She would appear to be a perfect fit for the role. The right look, the right age and an established actress, but not too big a star. Her connection to Benioff may also help her. She, like Pike, does not have much television experience however. So it remains to be seen if she would even take the role.
Like I said, I think this role shouldn’t be too difficult to cast. Many actresses have the right look and could pull off the role of Cersei. If they decide to match up the actors for Jaime and Cersei, that may present more of a challenge. My guess is they will look for similar actors, but focus more on screen presence and acting ability than trying to make a perfect set of twins.
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