Summary
Tom Hiddleston would be a compelling choice to play Kvothe in the live-action adaptation of
The Kingkiller Chronicle
, bringing his cleverness and quick temper to the role.
KJ Apa's combination of musical talents and vibrant red hair make him the perfect candidate to portray a youthful version of Kvothe. He effortlessly embodies the character's quick-witted nature and sharp tongue as he embarks on a journey of growth and learning.
Asa Butterfield's impressive acting repertoire and versatility in portraying both compassionate and mysterious qualities make him an intriguing selection for the role of Bast. As Kvothe's assistant and the prince of the Fae, Butterfield has the ability to captivate audiences with his portrayal of a complex and enigmatic character.
The highly-anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved fantasy series, The Kingkiller Chronicle, has sparked discussions about the perfect cast to bring this enthralling story to life on screen. Authored by Patrick Rothfuss, The Kingkiller Chronicle is a trilogy series that captivated readers with its first two novels in 2007 and 2011. However, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the final novel, The Doors of Stone. This unfinished book series takes readers on a journey through the innkeeper Kvothe's past as he recounts his remarkable experiences and the various names he earned, including the title of "Kingkiller."
Originally, the rights to the series were held by 20th Century Fox, but they expired after two years. In 2015, Lionsgate obtained the rights and announced plans for a television series, movies, and video games. Lin-Manuel Miranda was also involved in developing the series for Showtime, but no significant progress has been made. The lengthy development may be attributed, in part, to the extended wait for the release of The Doors of Stone. Despite the delays, one crucial element for the success of The Kingkiller Chronicle adaptation will undoubtedly be the careful selection of its cast members.
15 Kvothe - Tom Hiddleston
Gaining international recognition for his portrayal of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tom Hiddleston is a compelling choice to play the role of Kvothe, the "Kingkiller" turned innkeeper. Hiddleston's performances in Midnight in Paris, War Horse, and Crimson Peak have further showcased his versatility as an actor. Similar to Kvothe, Hiddleston brings a sharp wit and resourcefulness to his characters, allowing them to navigate challenging situations with ease. Additionally, both Kvothe and Hiddleston's Loki possess a certain unpredictable nature, making them fascinating to watch on screen. By casting Hiddleston as the present-day Kvothe, the audience would be treated to an exceptional performance as he brings the character's extraordinary tale to life while guarding his own share of hidden truths.
14 Kote - KJ Apa
In the narration of Kvothe's life story, the portrayal of a younger version of the character requires an actor. KJ Apa, renowned for his role as Archie Andrews in Riverdale and his appearances in films like A Dog's Purpose and The Hate U Give, proves to be an excellent choice. Apa's musical abilities, including his singing and guitar playing skills, perfectly match the role of the lute-playing hero. Notably, Apa has already showcased fiery red hair in his portrayal of a character in Riverdale, which aligns with Kote's distinctive characteristic. Apa's depiction would effectively capture the youthful Kote's quick wit and sharp-tongued nature as he develops and learns at the University.
13 Bast - Asa Butterfield
The role of Bast, the assistant to Kvothe, student, and prince of the Fae, has been intriguingly casted with Asa Butterfield, well-known for his lead role in the TV series Sex Education. Butterfield entered the film industry at a young age of eight and gained recognition with his breakout performance in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas when he was only ten. He has since starred in various television shows and movies including Hugo, Ender's Game, and Sex Education. With his extensive acting background, Butterfield brings a wealth of experience to the role, allowing him to effectively portray the usually kindhearted and boyish prince with cloven hooves, while also delving into the character's darker aspects.
12 Chronicler/Devan Lochees - Sacha Dhawan
Sacha Dhawan, a British actor, embarked on his career with the ITV series Out of Sight in 1997. However, it was his portrayal of The Master in Doctor Who that truly catapulted him to stardom. Known for his versatility, Dhawan captivates audiences with his performances. In The Kingkiller Chronicle, Devan Lochees, an accomplished scrivener, devised his own shorthand technique to swiftly transcribe spoken words. With his talent, Dhawan would excel in portraying this scholarly character, who persuades the renowned "Kingkiller" to share his tale amid the challenges posed by Bast.
11 Denna - Sadie Sink
Sadie Sink, who began her acting career at the tender age of seven, made her television debut in 2013 on the popular show The Americans. However, it was her remarkable portrayal of Max Mayfield in the hit series Stranger Things that thrust her into the spotlight and paved the way for her success. Sink's talent has extended beyond television, as she has also impressed audiences with her performances in projects such as Fear Street, Taylor Swift's All Too Well short film, and The Whale. Known for her sparkling personality and utilizing her beauty and intellect to enchant those around her, Sink would undoubtedly bring an effortless charm and sophistication to the character of Denna. Thus, she is deemed a strong and fitting choice for the role.
10 Master Elodin - Eddie Redmayne
Eddie Redmayne is renowned for his performances in My Week With Marilyn, Fantastic Beasts, and The Theory of Everything, which earned him the coveted Best Actor Oscar. His characters often carry a distinctive charm, a trait brilliantly portrayed by Redmayne, such as his portrayal of Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts series. Given his unique qualities, Redmayne would be a remarkable choice for the role of the young and peculiar Master Namer at the University, frequently observed wandering barefoot across the campus grounds.
9 Elxa Dal - Idris Elba
Idris Elba is renowned for his performances in acclaimed series such as The Wire, Luther, and Hijack. Additionally, he has graced the screen in a plethora of remarkable films including Thor, The Harder They Fall, and Molly's Game. Elba possesses a unique ability to exude an imposing, almost sinister exterior, while effortlessly portraying a gentle side in many of his roles. This duality is perfectly suited for the character of Master Sympathist in The Kingkiller Chronicle, who, draped in his robes, appears as a malevolent sorcerer but embodies one of the most benevolent individuals within the series.
8 Master Hemme - David Tennant
David Tennant, a versatile actor, has gained recognition for his notable roles in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Broadchurch, and Good Omens. He is particularly adored for his portrayal of the 10th Doctor in the long-standing sci-fi series, Doctor Who. Tennant has successfully taken on darker characters such as Barty Crouch Jr. and Crowley, making him a perfect fit for the role of Master Hemme, the Master Rhetorician and Chancellor at the University. Throughout the story, he consistently demonstrates his antagonistic stance towards Kote, utilizing his position of authority to impose severe consequences for even the slightest transgressions.
7 Master Kilvin - David Harbour
David Harbour, renowned for his roles in Stranger Things, Suicide Squad, and War of the Worlds, possesses an imposing stature and a voluminous, bushy beard which renders him an ideal physical embodiment for the character of Master Kilvin. Embodying a captivating blend of strength and warmth, Harbour's portrayal of the Master Artificer impeccably conveys Kilvin's unwavering commitment to non-violence, ensuring Kote's innovative Artificery concepts remain devoid of harm.
6 Ambrose Jakis - Dacre Montgomery
Renowned for his role as Billy Hargrove in the popular series Stranger Things, Dacre Montgomery delivered a truly exceptional performance. Expertly embodying the multifaceted and captivating antagonist, he portrayed Billy's aggressive nature and lack of empathy with remarkable skill. Given his exceptional talent, Montgomery would be an ideal fit for the role of Ambrose, the 11th in line to the Vintic throne and Kvothe's primary rival at the University. With ease, he would bring the same compelling traits he displayed as Billy, making him a flawless choice for the adaptation's perfect antagonist.
5 Simmon - Lucas Hedges
Lucas Hedges, known for his breakout performance in Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom and his exceptional portrayal in Manchester by the Sea, has a knack for playing sympathetic roles with an edge. This can be seen in his impressive performances in Lady Bird, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and Boy Erased. Considering Hedges' ability to capture a gentle and affectionate disposition, he would be an ideal choice for the role of Simmon, Kvothe's closest friend. He would effortlessly maintain the character's light-hearted nature while skillfully depicting his complex relationship with his overbearing father.
4 Wilem - Shameik Moore
Having made appearances in Tyler Perry's House of Payne and Joyful Noise, Shameik Moore gained major recognition for his portrayal of Malcolm in the 2015 film Dope. However, it is his best-known role as the voice of Miles Morales in the animated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse movie and its sequels that solidified his reputation. In the role of Wilem in The Kingkiller Chronicle, Moore would infuse the character's deadpan and sarcastic nature with an abundance of humor. Despite Wilem's occasional stoicism, Moore's talent would shine in bringing the lighter aspects of the character to life, particularly in his friendship with Simmon and Kvothe.
3 Fela - Amandla Stenberg
2 Devi - Kiernan Shipka
Amandla Stenberg gained recognition in the entertainment industry by portraying Rue in The Hunger Games, for which she received the Teen Choice Award for Best Chemistry. She has also appeared in other notable projects such as Sleepy Hollow, Everything, Everything, and The Hate U Give. In The Kingkiller Chronicle books, the character Fela is depicted as highly intelligent and stunningly beautiful, establishing a close bond with Kvothe after he rescues her. Stenberg would excel at bringing this powerful character to life, utilizing her wit to assist Kvothe in sneaking into the Archives and her charisma to build a relationship with Simmon.
Having gained fame for her portrayal of Sally Draper in Mad Men, Kiernan Shipka has since made appearances in various movies and TV shows, including Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Riverdale, and Totally Killer. In the role of Devi, a moneylender in Imre who extends financial support to Kvothe for his tuition, Shipka's strong and witty disposition makes her an excellent fit. Her portrayal would bring depth to the character of the loan shark, someone who prioritizes favors over merely collecting money.
1 Auri - Elle Fanning
Having made her acting debut in I Am Sam, Elle Fanning started her career by portraying the younger version of her sister Dakota Fanning. Since then, Fanning has been involved in various projects such as Maleficent, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and The Great. With her ethereal charm, Fanning perfectly embodies the enigmatic character of Auri, who resides in the hidden passages beneath the University. In the adaptation of The Kingkiller Chronicles, Fanning would be a fantastic choice, effortlessly capturing the whimsical and graceful essence of Auri.