Today I'm sharing a piece that I wrote for a blog about my dream (or fantasy) cast should The Spies of Shilling Lane be made into a movie. My agent in Hollywood is selling the option right now, so fingers crossed it'll become the next blockbuster.
The Spies of Shilling Lane is about female spies in Second World War London. It combines a thriller with the devastation of London in the Blitz, with British humor and warmth woven throughout. It’s with this in mind that I created my fantasy cast.
Mrs. Braithwaite has to be played by Julie Walters (Donna’s friend Rosie in Mamma Mia, the Weasley’s Mom in Harry Potter). I think she could convey the blend of bombastic yet loveable, the bumbling un-self-consciousness of the middle-aged mom.
Betty Braithwaite, the young, fearless spy, would of course be Emma Watson (Hermione in Harry Potter). She has the perfect blend of astuteness and quiet confidence. She could, in fact, be her!
Betty’s landlord, the timid accountant Mr. Norris, should be played by Ralph Fiennes (Monsieur Gustave H. in The Budapest Hotel, Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series, Justin Quayle in The Constant Gardener). He would be master of the pensive, stilted turns and deep heart.
Good-looking and raffish, Mr. Baxter would be Matt Smith (Prince Philip in The Crown), for his continual smirk and all that intensity packed inside.
Florrie, the pretty and hairbrained roomie of Betty’s, would be played by the striking Lily James (the young Donna in Mamma Mia 2, Lady Rose in Downton Abbey). She combines sweetness and chaos all in one.
For Betty’s other roommate, the beautiful, haughty Cassandra, I see the wonderful Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary in Downton Abbey). Her proud, condescending manner would be perfect for the role.
Please let me know who you think would be perfect for the roles.
I am reading the book now and had to take a little break , isn't it always the case when a book is so good? Take a break to enjoy it better? And I came to your blog and read the article. I really loved and smiled discovering your perfect cast for the different characters. Also, I didn't think Mrs Braithwaite like a Wwii Molly Weasley and thought of a little more stern figure, maybe like Mrs McCarthy, Father's Brown friend. But I might reconsider it. Going back to read now, thank you for writing such wonderful books 🥰
Thiis was lovely to read