The Ultimate Choice: The Perfect Actor to Portray Tamlin in the Court of Thorns & Roses TV Show

Summary

Tamlin's character in A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show is complex and requires an actor with striking looks and physical presence.

Jamie Campbell Bower, Luke Eisner, and Will Poulter possess the ability to perfectly embody Tamlin's complex persona.

Henry Cavill, Austin Butler, Sam Heughan, Nick Slater, Cody Fern, Dan Stevens, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson all exhibit the essential traits required to portray Tamlin.

Header image credit: morgana0anagrom

Warning: This article contains spoilers for the Court of Thorns and Roses book series.

Hulu is currently developing a TV show based on the book series "A Court of Thorns and Roses." Among the many challenging character castings, Tamlin proves to be the most difficult. The story revolves around Feyre, a human huntress, who unknowingly kills a Fae while hunting and is subsequently taken beyond the Wall that separates humans from the Faerie realm. Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court, is the one who retrieves Feyre and brings her to his estate, reminiscent of the tale of Beauty and the Beast.

However, Tamlin's character goes beyond the traditional Beast archetype. The actor portraying Tamlin in the upcoming "A Court of Thorns and Roses" cast must possess both the enchanting beauty of a Fae and a commanding physical presence. They must embody warmth, generosity, and patience, while also revealing a simmering well of violence and fury beneath the surface. The ability to elicit both love and hate from the audience is crucial. Choosing the right actor for this role is paramount as their portrayal will greatly impact the success of the entire show. This list presents 10 potential actors who could aptly portray Tamlin in "A Court of Thorns and Roses."

10 Jamie Campbell Bower

One aspect that the Court of Thorns and Roses books consistently highlight is the striking contrast between the Fae and humans, emphasizing their alien and unfamiliar appearance. In this regard, Jamie Campbell Bower stands out as one of the few humans who possess the innate ability to naturally embody the Fae aesthetic, courtesy of his distinct and remarkable features, including his high cheekbones. However, it is not solely his physical attributes that make him notable. Bower brilliantly showcases his immense talent, as exemplified by his unforgettable portrayal of Henry Creel/Vecna in Stranger Things season 4, thereby reminding audiences of his remarkable acting prowess. In addition, Bower effortlessly exudes both warmth and an underlying ruthless streak essential for flawlessly executing the character of Tamlin.

9 Luke Eisner

With the help of Hollywood's hair and makeup artists, it's possible to transform any actor into a character from a book. However, sometimes the perfect casting is already there, waiting to be noticed. In the case of Luke Eisner, he is the embodiment of Tamlin from A Court of Thorns and Roses. With his long, blonde hair and strong jawline, it's no wonder he began his career in modeling. But his breakout role as Stig in Tall Girl proves that he is not just a pretty face, but a talented actor as well.

8 Will Poulter

Will Poulter has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from an awkward child actor to a strong, muscular antihero in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. He possesses the physical presence required to embody Tamlin's imposing nature, and he has demonstrated the ability to tap into his aggressive and ruthless side. This is crucial for portraying Tamlin and Feyre's troubled relationship when it takes a negative turn. However, Poulter also possesses a wealth of experience in both drama and comedy, making it equally effortless for him to portray Tamlin's initial kindness and compassion when he welcomes Fayre into his home.

7 Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill would be a fantastic choice for the role of Tamlin in the TV series. With his maturity and presence, he brings the gravitas that the character requires. As seen in his performance in The Witcher, Cavill effortlessly embodies a powerful, otherworldly being who succumbs to his darker desires. Out of all the actors mentioned, Cavill's physique alone commands attention and would seamlessly translate to the world of A Court of Thorns and Roses.

6 Austin Butler

On the surface, Austin Butler may appear to be an obvious choice for this casting of Tamlin due to his breakout success as Elvis and his bright blonde hair. However, dedicated fans of OG Austin Butler will recall his previous portrayal of a fantasy character in the TV series The Shannara Chronicles, another book adaptation. In the show, he skillfully brought to life the character of Wil, a half-elf, showcasing his ability to immerse himself in the type of world that A Court of Thorns and Roses' story might present. Through this role, he has demonstrated his capacity to deliver a compelling performance, an essential quality required for playing the role of Tamlin.

5 Sam Heughan

When it comes to fan-casting a tall, strong protagonist for a fantasy series, it's hard not to immediately think of Sam Heughan. The beloved Scottish actor, known for his role as Jamie Fraser in Outlander, possesses the perfect combination of charm, kindness, and physical prowess that would make him a fitting choice for the character of Tamlin in the initial part of the books. Furthermore, Heughan has also demonstrated the ability to portray aggression and intensity when required, making him an ideal candidate to portray the formidable High Lord of the Spring Court.

4 Nick Slater

Though lacking the dominant presence of his peers on this list, Nick Slater possesses the attractive appearance and irresistible charm befitting of Tamlin. His portrayal of Prince Henri in Reign serves as a fitting background for him to step into the role of Tamlin. While initially portraying a timid character, just like Tamlin, Slater's character gradually gains confidence and cunning, immersing himself in the intricacies of court politics as the season progresses. With politics playing a significant role in Hulu's upcoming TV adaptation of A Court of Thorns and Roses, playing the role of Tamlin could potentially serve as the catalyst for Slater's acting career evolution.

3 Cody Fern

Cody Fern's acting resume may not be as extensive as some of the others on this list, but he has already demonstrated the required intensity for capturing Tamlin's darker depths. His portrayal of the antagonist Michael Langdon in American Horror Story: Apocalypse showcased his ability to embody a truly sinister character, as the literal Antichrist. Although Tamlin does not reach that level of malevolence in A Court of Thorns and Roses, any actor undertaking this role must possess a compelling sense of menace, capable of erupting into bursts of violence while also conveying remorse. These are precisely the qualities that Fern can bring to the table as Tamlin.

2 Dan Stevens

Few actors on this list possess the level of versatility demonstrated by Dan Stevens, making him the perfect choice to portray Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court, who transitions from being a hero to a villain, and a character who potentially deserves a redemption arc. Stevens has even taken on the role of the Beast/prince in the live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. He has portrayed a range of characters, from a charming prince to a sinister psychopath. Despite the limited humor in A Court of Thorns and Roses, particularly in the Spring Court, Stevens is also capable of adding a touch of goofiness to his performances. He is more than capable of handling the various moods required to portray Tamlin.

1 Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Tamlin's untamed grace and power, coupled with his almost primal instincts, are beautifully showcased in A Court of Thorns and Roses. For this reason, Aaron Taylor-Johnson perfectly embodies these qualities. Not only does he possess the imposing physical presence required, but his portrayal of Kraven in the upcoming Kraven the Hunter film demonstrates his exceptional ability to embrace an animalistic essence in his performances. He is undoubtedly capable of capturing Tamlin's untamed nature while also skillfully portraying his compassion and humanity. Additionally, it's worth noting that his captivating eyes would be a fitting attribute for portraying the High Fae.