Header image credit: Charlie Bowater
Summary
Casting Feyre Archeron in Hulu's A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show poses a challenging task, given her essential role and intricate traits. Lucy Boynton, Jodie Comer, and Daisy Edgar-Jones exhibit the potential to authentically portray Feyre's solitude, resilience, and intricate emotions.
Other actresses who possess qualities that align with Feyre's character include Olivia Cooke, Peyton List, Joey King, Maddie Ziegler, Dafne Keen, Maude Apatow, and Saoirse Ronan.
Hulu has quietly been developing a TV show based on the book A Court of Thorns and Roses, and book readers have been eager to know who will be cast as the protagonist, Feyre Archeron. The story revolves around Feyre, a human huntress from a poor family, who unintentionally kills a Fae. In order to repay her debt, she is taken across the Wall, a boundary that separates humans from Fae, and forced to live in the Fae realm. This marks the beginning of a journey that she could have never imagined for herself and her loved ones, especially her sisters Nesta and Elain.
Casting Feyre will be challenging as she is the central character in the world of A Court of Thorns and Roses. Not only is Feyre young, only 19 at the beginning of the story, but she possesses the wisdom of someone much older. Despite her defensive nature and guarded exterior, which stem from a lifetime of struggle and providing for her family, Feyre is also a sensitive artist. Finding an actress capable of portraying all these layers will be a difficult task. Here are 10 young actresses who have the potential to excel in the role of Feyre Archeron in A Court of Thorns and Roses.
10 Lucy Boynton
Lucy Boynton, a rising star in both the UK and the U.S., has garnered attention for her exceptional performances in TV shows and movies such as Sing Street and The Blackcoat's Daughter. In particular, her portrayal of an isolated and desolate character in The Blackcoat's Daughter suggests her potential to capture the initial loneliness of Feyre Archeron in A Court of Thorns and Roses. Moreover, Boynton's experience tackling darker themes, as seen in her role as the daughter of a cult leader in Apostle and as an addict in Gypsy, would enable her to delve into the complex relationship Feyre shares with her father and sisters.
9 Jodie Comer
It's difficult to find a more suitable candidate for a character who needs to embody both resilience and grace than Jodie Comer. Comer has proven her ability to excel in action-packed sequences and physical roles through her acclaimed portrayal of Villanelle in Killing Eve and her role as Millie, also known as Molotovgirl, in Free Guy. However, as Feyre in A Court of Thorns and Roses, the character eventually assumes the responsibilities of a leader and queen, and Comer possesses the acting prowess, strength, and charm necessary for the evolution of Feyre's character.
8 Daisy Edgar-Jones
Daisy Edgar-Jones is renowned in Hollywood for her exceptional talent. She has gained immense recognition for her remarkable portrayal of emotionally intense characters, such as her breakout role in Normal People and her captivating performance as Kya in Where the Crawdads Sing. In A Court of Thorns and Roses, the story predominantly unfolds through Feyre's internal perspective, making it crucial to find an actress who can adeptly convey the complexity of her character's inner turmoil without resorting to excessive exposition. With her remarkable skills, Daisy Edgar-Jones is the perfect choice to bring life to this challenging role.
7 Olivia Cooke
6 Peyton List
Even before discovering her true destiny in A Court of Thorns and Roses, Feyre Archeron embodies the essence of a queen. Olivia Cooke, widely recognized for her portrayal of Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon, seamlessly embodies the complexities of a regal figure adept at maneuvering through treacherous court politics while fiercely fighting for her passions. While some may envision Cooke as a more fitting fit for the character Elain, her impressive performances in movies such as Ready Player One, The Sound of Metal, and Bates Motel prove her resilience and versatility. As she hones her skills through her portrayal of Alicent in upcoming seasons of House of the Dragon, Cooke will undoubtedly be prepared to embrace the challenge of bringing Feyre to life in the highly anticipated adaptation of A Court of Thorns and Roses.Peyton List is widely recognized by American audiences for her portrayal of the fierce and tenacious Tory in the hit series Cobra Kai. Her exceptional performance in this role demonstrates her ability to effectively capture the resilient and resourceful essence of Feyre, a character who refuses to succumb to adversity. In addition to showcasing Tory's strength, List also skillfully portrays her vulnerable side as a sensitive young woman who has learned to shield herself from the world's pain. This mirrors the embodiment of Feyre depicted in the first installment of the captivating Court of Thorns and Roses series, further highlighting List's suitability for the role.
5 Joey King
Joey King's reputation as an actress hadn't initially revolved around action-packed roles. However, her portrayal as a fearless warrior princess in 2022's The Princess shattered that perception. King's performance not only captivated viewers emotionally but also showcased her physical prowess as she valiantly protected her castle and loved ones. These remarkable attributes make her an ideal candidate to embody Feyre Archeron, a defender of her family and realm. With a wealth of experience in the acting realm since her early years, King exudes a sense of assurance and confidence whenever she graces the screen. This self-assurance is a valuable quality for Feyre as she navigates the treacherous land of Prythian, where she must stand her ground.
4 Maddie Ziegler
Maddie Ziegler is not as familiar to audiences on this list as some of the others, but she is a rising star with immense potential. While some may question her inclusion due to her background in dance rather than acting, it is worth noting that Feyre's character is defined by her physicality. Whether she is hunting in the woods or exploring her newfound powers, Feyre exudes the strength and grace of a dancer – qualities that Ziegler possesses in abundance. Moreover, Ziegler's acting abilities should not be underestimated. Her performance in the 2021 film, The Fallout, not only earned her praise for her stoic but sensitive portrayal of Mia, a teenager navigating the aftermath of a school shooting, but also bagged the Grand Jury Prize at SXSW.
3 Dafne Keen
Dafne Keen could potentially be an unexpected choice for this list, depending on the direction the Court of Thorns and Roses TV show takes with its casting. Throughout the narrative, particularly in the early stages where Feyre remains guarded against everyone and everything, there are moments where she exudes an almost untamed, primal energy. For instance, she clandestinely hides butter knives in her bedroom as a means of self-defense. Keen's previous performances as Laura in Logan and the feral Lyra in His Dark Materials demonstrate her ability to successfully embody Feyre's wild and fierce nature, a characteristic that remains with her even as she blossoms into a queen.
2 Maude Apatow
Maude Apatow has demonstrated her ability to embody the intricate character of Feyre through her acclaimed portrayal of Lexi Howard in Euphoria. Like Feyre, Lexi possesses the traits of an astute observer and a skilled diplomat. However, she conceals a profound ardor and fearlessly voices her dissent when she perceives injustice or fights for her convictions. These qualities make her an ideal candidate for the role of Feyre in the upcoming Court of Thorns and Roses TV show, as Feyre initially presents herself as reserved and guarded before gradually blossoming into her true self.
1 Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan is a versatile actress who has showcased her talent in a wide range of roles. From portraying the feisty and independent Jo March in Little Women to embodying ruthless action in Hanna, she has consistently delivered captivating performances. Ronan has also demonstrated her ability to portray regality, portraying a queen in Mary Queen of Scots, and to navigate complex family dynamics, as seen in Lady Bird. Additionally, she has proven her aptitude for romantic drama with her role in Brooklyn. With her remarkable range and versatility, Ronan is well equipped to bring to life the complex and dynamic character of Feyre Archeron in A Court of Thorns and Roses.