M: What kind of boy do you want to play Will in the films?

[Soapy]

We're all focusing on Lyra but does anyone have any ideas on what kind of Will they should have?

I must say that I haven't given it that much thought.

MbtE.

[Blackdragon]

I would think he would look a lot like the kid on the main page of this site.

[Watto]

A human boy. 'Nuff said... lol

Anyway (In a feeble attempt to save this post), I have agree with Blackdragon...

[Symon]

Hmmm.
Attractive.
Very attractive.
Or ALMOST very attractive as he is not old enough to be very attractive yet...

[Kevin Blott]

I just found a perfect boy to play Will. He's english from London, is 12 years-old and can be seen as Oliver Twist in a new version of Oliver Twist made for the cinema. He's name is Barney Clark!

He has a very 'WILLish' expression:
http://www.imdb.com/gallery/hh/1263280/ ... ,%20Barney

Some pictures from Oliver Twist:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1263280/photogallery-ss-0

His profile on IMDB:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1263280/

[Jez]

I think he looks a bit young really... He's twelve, yes, but I think he kind of looks like a 'young' twelve, rather than an 'old' twelve, which is how I imagine Will to be. Will is mature beyond his years, I think that ought to be reflected in the actor who plays him. But then I don't know how recent that picture is...

[Soapy]

That look is most certainly Will, in my mind. But I'm with Jez on this, he looks too young. Although perhaps by the time they get around to it he'll grow up

[Ripper]

I agree that he probably needs to be played by someone who is a couple of years older than the character.
I don't mind too much as long as he's a good actor and not some Daniel Radcliffe or Macaulay Culkin.

[Symon]

I'm in agreement with Jez and Hermit and Ripper.

[Kevin Blott]

people...he's 12 years-old and was already chosen by Roman Polanski to play the leading role of a very important film, Oliver Twist. He'll be old enough when the production of 'The Golden Compass' starts. =)

just an idea o.o XD

[Jeeb]

That kid is pretty young, but then again... this movie isn't coming out for 2 more years...

[kyrabelacqua]

Well, by the time they get round to filming, he'll probably be about 13, and he might look significantly older. I think he is one of the best suggestions I've read, though.

[SubtleWisdom]

They need to pick someone who is older looking than that.

[Dragon of Heaven]

I think Freddie Highmore would make a good Will

[Soapy]

But he's Harry! I mean Frodo! I mean Charlie!

Actually, I think he'd be perfect if it weren't for Charlie Bucket.

[rats_rox]

I dont think that he would be too bad. But I do agree that Charlie and the Chocolate factory means he isn't perfect.

MbtE.

[DutchCrunch]

This Freddie guy is surely wrong...what's up with that look?
Little Oliver Twist would work, considering he has two years to grow up.
Anyhow, it is very much up to the make up artists and costume designers. They can make a 18 yr old like 14, or a 10 yr old 13. The little dude needs to know how to act though.
Still, I believe they will try to get 16+ actors. It makes it a lot easier production wise.

[Dragon of Heaven]

This Freddie guy is surely wrong...what's up with that look?

I was really going based on acting merits and since the character of Will is based on someone we’ve never seen, who is to say what he looks like.

But I do agree that Charlie and the Chocolate factory means he isn't perfect

If actors got hired based on how well their last film did they would never get work.

[Darragh]

If actors got hired based on how well their last film did they would never get work.

Pauly Shore am cry!

He doesn't agree with you but I do.

[Soapy]

But I do agree that Charlie and the Chocolate factory means he isn't perfect

If actors got hired based on how well their last film did they would never get work.

It's not to do with how good their last film was.

It's because I think we all agree that the kids playing L + W should not have been in high-profile films before. They should be unknowns.