I really like the idea of Sean Astin as the cabby. I don't think he's too young for the part. Sean Astin just turned 40 a few days ago, I believe. The only negative part of it, as far as I can see, would be the accusations that Narnia is trying to copy LOTR, which might increase if they got a LOTR actor. But that's of little consequence, IMO.

~Riella

Ooh, Sean Astin is perfect (almost types 'sam', lol!) I would of course know who he was, but I think it's be great if he could do that accent...hmm, requires some thought...

Lu

Oooo, I love the idea of Sean Astin as Frank. Has the face for it and I'm still a sucker for him because of his excellent portrayal of Sam. I also like the Jason Isaacs suggestion. That would definitely give him the opportunity to play a good guy instead of a villain Plus he's a fabulous actor!

I always thought of Frank as short and chubby, and gets red in the face easily when he gets mad. Like this:

I think Sean Astin would be great too!

I think there are two characters they are going to be looking for in Frank: The Cabby, and the King. As a Cabby, Frank might seem middle-aged, chubby, unsure, kind of dumb, and a just plain ordinary Joe. As a King, they'd look for a man who is maybe a little younger, still has a little of that confidence, perhaps handsomer. Suggestions for Frank are going to be all over the map because people can see him as either of the two opposites.

I, for one, would rather see a King. I want him to blend in in London, maybe wear a hat so you don't really see him at first. But I want Frank to come across as strong and brave and calm (like when he went right up to Jadis and tried to reason with her).

And that's really why I don't like Sean Astin for Frank, and a lot of you do; He's a Cabby.

Anyone else know what I mean?

^^ The thing is, the "Cabby" side of him is going to be in the movie for a much longer time than the "King" side of him is.

~Riella

I think Sam (er, I mean Sean! seriously, that's what I typed!!)could pull off the King too, especially if as a cabby he sort of slumps over and then a s a King he pull his shoulders back, gets that kingly glow. I'm for Sean Astin! Plus we get to see someone from LotR again...

*edit* Plus if he gets that Irish sort of accent he had in LotR (only with a much more 'stable' accent, if you get what I mean)...I think that'd be cool for the cabby. In the book it sort of implies he stops stuttering or talks clearer or something, so maybe that would work too; a mumbler, than a strong speaking King.

So, in my opinion: go for it, Sean!!!

Erm... Sean did an ok job in LOTR, but I wasn't blown away. I personally want him to stay far away from Narnia. I'd really rather see a new face. As for age, I think that Frank's younger (late-twenties), just weather-beaten. Helen would be younger, but still he wouldn't be that much older than she. I do NOT see him chubby at all.

EDIT: I want Sean to stay away from Narnia for the same reason I would not want Andy Serkis playing Puddleglum, Elijah Wood playing ... sombody, Ian McKellen playing Uncle Andrew, or Cate Blanchett playing Aunt Ketterly. I just don't think we need any LOTR comparisons. Also I don't think they fit. I still find Sean's acting unimpressive; I still have a hard time sitting through some of the Sam scenes today. IMHO, "Sam" shouldn't be in Narnia.

I basically see the cabby as he was protrayed in the illustrations. C.S. lewis did say the illustrations looked just like the pictures in his head, after all.

Plus, Lucy, I think the cabby had a cockney accent. Not an Irish one. Didn't Sam have a cockney accent too? It didn't sound Irish to me, really.

~Riella

Oh yeah, cockney...I don't really know what Sam had, maybe I was thinking of Scottish- or maybe I'm just all mixed up. Is cockney a sort of higher-class English accent? Or lower class? One or the other, lol!

Lu

^^ It's lower class. Or, at least, it is in books and movies. I couldn't say about real life since I've never been to England.

It seems Sean Astin is a popular choice here. Any other possibilities?

Michael Chiklis
Matt Lucas
Justin Bartha
Stellan Skarsgård
Chad Lindsey
Damian O' Hare
Joel McHale
Giles New
Angus Barnett

Tell me your thoughts on these or others!

~Riella

Joel McHale is hilarious However, I can't picture him as Frank. Would just keep hearing his comments on The Soup! I'm still in the Sean Astin camp, but I'm excited to see who will ultimately be cast

Michael Chiklis looks like the Pacifier!
Matt Lucas looks too old for the part.
Justin Bartha might work...
Stellen Skarsgard looks more like he should be on a FBI tv show!
Chas Lindsey could work, but I like Justin Bartha batter.
Damian O' Hare doesn't look right in my opinion; not 'innocent' looking enough.
Joel McHale looks like Elrond!
Giles New almost looks too boyish...
And, my computer blocked the page on Angus Barnett.

Just my opinions, of course! But I say Justin Bartha is the best of those. Hm...him or Sean Astin? Sean looks more cabby-ish but Justin more kingly...I don't know how well know he is, but it might be better for him than Sean Astin because of LotR...

Lu

Just my opinions, of course! But I say Justin Bartha is the best of those. Hm...him or Sean Astin? Sean looks more cabby-ish but Justin more kingly...I don't know how well know he is, but it might be better for him than Sean Astin because of LotR...

Justin Bartha is fairly well-known. He was the best friend to Nicolas Cage's character on the National treasure movies.

Haha, Joel McHale kinda does look like Elrond in that picture!

~Riella

I don't think Justin Bartha should be Frank, because he young and just not cabby-like.