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Summary
Nesta Archeron presents a multi-dimensional and occasionally difficult personality in the Court of Thorns and Roses series, posing a casting challenge for the upcoming TV show.
Sophie Turner, Natalie Dormer, Anya Taylor-Joy, Saoirse Ronan, Maya Hawke, Thomasin McKenzie, Hunter Schafer, Clare Foley, Sadie Sink, and Kaya Scodelario stand as potential candidates for the role, each showcasing their individual skills and attributes.
The selected actress should capture Nesta's regal and composed demeanor, showcasing her icy disposition. Moreover, she should skillfully make the audience feel a deep sense of empathy towards her character, particularly as her persona undergoes transformations in the series.
Note: The article includes spoilers for the Court of Thorns and Roses book series.
With Hulu's upcoming TV adaptation of "A Court of Thorns and Roses," casting the character of Nesta Archeron poses a significant challenge. As the eldest sister of the Archeron family, Nesta's relationship with her younger sister Feyre is strained. Although Nesta and her other sister Elain have minor roles in the first book, their roles expand later on. Furthermore, Nesta's troubled relationship with Feyre greatly shapes her backstory, making it essential to find the perfect actress to portray her.
However, this task is more difficult than it appears at first glance. Nesta is a complex character who is often unlikeable. Even at her best moments, she remains distant to the point of rudeness, maintaining a standoffish demeanor with the people she loves. This masks the fact that Nesta is the sister who feels the most deeply, concealing her emotions behind a defensive wall of coldness. Any actress who takes on the role of Nesta must embody all these qualities while also eliciting empathy from the audience, especially as her character arc unfolds. Here are ten talented actresses who could successfully tackle the challenging role of Nesta in the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series.
10 Sophie Turner
Sansa Stark on Game of Thrones, portrayed by Sophie Turner
In truth, this list could arguably start and end with Sophie Turner. Nesta is often described in the Court of Thorns and Roses books as a queen without a crown: regal, reserved, and ice-cold. It's difficult to find a character who embodies these traits more accurately than Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones, a role brilliantly portrayed by Sophie Turner for several years. Sophie Turner's portrayal of Sansa Stark showcases her ability to deliver cutting lines effortlessly, a skill that is crucial to bring Nesta's character to life, known for her razor-sharp tongue. Sophie Turner flawlessly encompasses Nesta's refined grace and sharp features. While physical resemblance is not as important as acting prowess, it certainly adds to the overall appeal.
9 Natalie Dormer
Nesta Archeron in A Court of Thorns and Roses could be portrayed by another talented Game of Thrones alum. Natalie Dormer, known for her role as Margaery Tyrell, possesses a captivating on-screen presence that exudes strength and resilience. While her character may not have shared Sansa Stark's reserved nature, Dormer's masterful ability to convey hidden depths and a sharp wit mirrors the complexity of Nesta. From her role in The Hunger Games movies to her unmistakable charisma, Dormer is the ideal choice for bringing Nesta Archeron to life.
8 Anya Taylor-Joy
Anya Taylor-Joy is undeniably one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. Her undeniable talent and wise demeanor, which exceeds her years, make her stand out from her peers. Not only is she strikingly beautiful, but there's a certain ethereal quality about her that sets her apart. This ethereal quality in Taylor-Joy could serve as inspiration for Nesta's character, allowing her to carry herself in a way that is both separate and detached from the world around her. What truly showcases Taylor-Joy's versatility is her impressive range of roles, ranging from the thrilling horror film "The Witch" to the captivating projects like "Last Night in Soho," "New Mutants," and the acclaimed series "The Queen's Gambit," among others.
7 Saoirse Ronan
Saoirse Ronan has already secured her place as a fan-casting favorite for the character Feyre in A Court of Thorns and Roses. However, her exceptional talent makes her equally suitable for the role of Nesta. Ronan possesses the ability to portray strong and independent characters who may sometimes distance themselves from others, much like her portrayal of Jo March in Little Women. Not only does Ronan have the versatility required to depict Nesta's eventual transformation in the later seasons of A Court of Thorns and Roses, but she can also effectively showcase Nesta's development into her sister's trusted companion and ally.
6 Maya Hawke
Maya Hawke may be most famous for her role as Robin Buckley on Stranger Things, where she portrayed a quirky and anxious character. However, her talent goes far beyond playing eccentric roles. Hawke has proven herself capable of taking on challenging characters, like Nesta Archeron, which can propel her career to new heights as a young and emerging actor. She has demonstrated her ability to excel in more serious and complex roles, such as her captivating performance as Jo March in the 2017 BBC adaptation of Little Women. Additionally, her portrayal of Flannery O'Connor in Wildcat and her work in Maestro have received significant acclaim. Considering her past successes, A Court of Thorns and Roses could be the perfect next step for Hawke.
5 Thomasin McKenzie
Despite being just 23 years old, Tomasin McKenzie exhibits a level of maturity on screen far beyond her years. Her breakthrough performance in Taika Waititi's JoJo Rabbit showcased her talent for delving into complex subject matter and captivating every scene. However, it is her starring role in Last Night in Soho that truly exemplifies her ability to embody Nesta. As Eloise, her character undergoes a remarkable transformation, evolving from a timid and timid girl plagued by fear to someone consumed by dangerous desires. While this may not mirror Nesta's journey in A Court of Thorns and Roses, it undeniably highlights McKenzie's versatility in portraying a profound character transformation that resonates with audiences.
4 Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer's breakout role as Jules in the critically acclaimed TV series Euphoria showcased her immense talent. Although Jules and Nesta may seem different at first glance, they both possess a stubborn nature that often leads them to defy authority and think independently, even to their detriment. This shared trait between the characters makes Schafer an ideal choice to portray Nesta in the upcoming Court of Thorns and Roses TV show. Additionally, Schafer's ability to convey powerful emotions, if internalized, would be a perfect match for Nesta's complex personality. Moreover, her striking features align with the overall vibe of the character.
3 Clare Foley
Clare Foley adds an exciting element to this list of talented actors. Despite her lesser-known name, her inclusion brings a refreshing absence of preconceived notions or lingering influence from past performances. Foley gained recognition for her portrayal of a youthful Ivy Pepper in the first three seasons of Gotham. Her character, Ivy, initially repels people and resents being told what to do. Additionally, Foley showcased her acting skills as the eerie child antagonist, Ashley, in the 2012 movie Sinister. Although Nesta deviates from being a villain in the Court of Thorns and Roses books, she does play the role of an antagonist on occasion. Even when she joins Feyre, her temperament remains prickly, causing harm to those around her. With her extensive experience, Foley is poised to bring her unique touch to the role.
2 Sadie Sink
While some may have expected the second Stranger Things alum on this list to be Millie Bobby Brown, that would be too easy a choice–and also not the right one for Nesta. As Max, Sadie Sink's portrayal of the character has always been infused with a coolness and sarcasm that sets her apart from the rest, even prior to facing her own immense tragedy. Following Billy's death, Max isolates herself from everyone and everything, tucking her emotions away from the outside world. Sink's remarkable talent in portraying characters who appear distant yet still manage to elicit sympathy from the audience is precisely the quality required to truly capture the essence of a character as intricate–and at times exasperating–as Nesta.
1 Kaya Scodelario
Although Kaya Scodelario may be slightly older than the intended age range for Nesta, her portrayal still works due to Nesta's mature nature and keen observational abilities. Scodelario's acting repertoire encompasses a wide range of genres, from the young adult science fiction in The Maze Runner series to her portrayal of the complex and unsympathetic character Cathy in the Gothic romance Wuthering Heights. This level of versatility is essential for bringing Nesta to life on screen. Unlike her sisters Feyre and Elain, Nesta distinctly remembers the time when their family was affluent, and this has greatly influenced her personality. As her story unfolds in A Court of Thorns and Roses, Nesta's journey and personal growth become increasingly significant. Taking on the role of Nesta requires an actor who can convincingly portray all aspects of her character, and Scodelario undoubtedly possesses the necessary range and talent to do justice to the role.