Casting Scoop: The Selection

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Here we are again with some new casting news. Last summer I read the enchanting dystopian fairy-tale, The Selection. Written by Kiera Cass, the novel was part ‘Hunger Games,’ part ABC’s The Bachelor and yet, had a much better way of connecting with the reader. It told of a frightening prospect yet did so in a compelling way. Kiera Cass has also stated that she drew inspiration from the Biblical story of Esther which I did not think of while reading yet can see shades of when thinking back. Now, the CW is trying to bring the book to the small screen.

Last year, a pilot was shot that never made to our television screens. With the re-shoot, came new actors and also a new direction with the script. Here is what Kiera Cass and the fansite has reported: Kiera Cass the author of the young adults novels the CW’s “The Selection” pilot is based on has confirmed the CW is taking a completely different direction with ‘The Selection 2.0,’ targeting a mature audience this time around, the cast is significantly older than their characters in the books… and the characters are very different, harder and darker than their book versions.  

This leaves me a bit leery to be honest. But I am willing to still keep an open mind and am excited to see what is to come – especially when the promos start showing up. This still isn’t a done deal as far as I know, however here is the new cast.

CASTING SCOOP: THE SELECTION

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  • Yael Grobglas is set to play the lead, America Singer. I’ll confess that I am not thrilled with her “look” for the character of America. Previously cast was Aimee Teegarden of FNL fame. Surprisingly I think she would have been spectacular. She’s matured in her looks and was rocking the red hair she adopted for the role.

Yael’s leading men are newcomers Lucien Laviscount playing Maxon and Michael Malarkey as Aspen. Maxon was previously to be played by William Mosley (hello!!? How did he get dropped!?) and Ethan Peck as Maxon. Also in the cast is Louise Lombard and Anthony Head (Merlin).

Are you a fan of this book? What is your take on these picks? Share your thoughts.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

18 comments

    1. I would, Tory. It was sweet plus has some great characters. There are some clichés (as with anything) but for this fairy-tale lover, I really enjoyed it. :)

  1. I'm a super fan, as you know. So cool that she actually did draw inspiration from Esther. I had thought that there were similarities when I was reading the book. I was super excited for this TV show. Now not so much :/ Dropping William? How is that EVER justified?? :P And the other casting just isn't that great. But for all I know they will really be able to play their parts well. But I really am disappointed. And about the whole more mature thing too :( The book is pretty clean, I'd hate for that to get messed up in the TV show…I knew it would a little but it sounds like it's all on purpose now :/

    1. You have summed up my thoughts exactly, Sierra.

      How is replacing William justified?! I mean, really!? That somehow seems very wrong. ;) Perhaps if this show is ever brought to the small screen, it will surprise us – as you say, maybe their performances will surprise and take us on a journey that is complimentary to the book. Because well it is quite good. :)

      We'll cross our fingers that CW takes fans by surprise – some of the news is good (like, I wouldn't mind the characters being a bit older because then it lends more realism to the romance, etc.) but if it's going to be more "mature" in other ways… that I won't like.

    2. Hahha, yes! There is always hope, I mean how badly can they wreck and GOOD book. If we ignore the other examples…heheh. I agree with what you've said. Being older can give more realism to the character's relationships. But yeah the other not so much.

    3. There is, Sierra – and we mustn't give up. ;) Hoping if this gets a season pick up, we'll get to see some promotional material soon – which will also offer a better idea of what's to come.

      I think for me, the "big" change that I'd appreciate would be older characters. That would be an advantage in my book. With that would likely come a more "mature" series but that doesn't mean it has to be a "bad" kind of maturity. Everything else? It can stay away.

      BTW: I liked that Kiera drew inspiration from Esther also – that was really neat.

    4. Agree, with everything you've just said :D I definitely want to see some stuff soon, so I can get a "feel" for how the show will be. Is there any sort of deadline for when the show will air?

    5. Seeing the promotional stuff will be fun because that way we'll better be able to judge what is coming. Should be good! :)

      Not that I know of, Sierra. My guess would be that if it is picked up for a series (the first pilot didn't do well and never aired) that it'd air this fall.

    1. I think this has the potential to be very good, Juju. However I am not sure CW will pull it off. But then, I do love Hart of Dixie, so… there is that. ;)

  2. This could be good…this could be bad! I like the fact that they're making the characters "older," – I find the older I get, the more peer-level I like my characters, haha…but darker, mature themes? That could quickly go south in nonredeemable ways. So crossing my fingers and hoping for the best!

    1. Must agree, Kellie: older characters is refreshing. Someday I long for character's who aren't 16, 17 or 18. In a society in which parent's have no clue about what their kids are watching/reading, it'd be nice to meet with character's who are older which then, at least makes their "bad" behavior more "acceptable" because it's not young, unsupervised teens engaging in it. It's those "darker, mature" themes that have me skeptical also, Kellie – I am just not at all sold on that…

  3. I haven't read any dystopian novels other than the "Hunger Games", but from what you've said of "The Selection", I may have to check it out. Love that it subtly points to Esther. Yeah, movie directors always ruin the books. I think they have an agreement amongst themselves or something–to take the author's idea and turn it into their own creation. Never works for the better.

    1. Sometimes I totally "understand" the differences or just don't mind what comes from a cinematic adaptation, Gwendolyn. For example, I read then went and saw Nicholas Sparks Safe Haven. The film transitioned well to screen (possibly his best) and yet, there were differences. However, due to time constraints, I didn't have a problem with them – save for one. From the sounds of it, this TV series seems more like it will have "unnecessary" changes and that is where I draw the line! If this takes a more "mature" theme that will be unpleasant since the book was decently clean. Must be a Hollywood thing to take good material and trash it. :/

      Oh! If you liked 'Huger Games,' they you would probably enjoy 'Selection.' It's (of course) a bit cliché at times but overall… I LOVED it. Me and my fairy-tales. :)

  4. I guess its the other way around.. As I've read its Michael Malarkey as Prince Maxon and Lucien Laviscount as Aspen. Well, I can't wait for the third book either. I am most eager to find out these things: 1. How will America compete to the other selected ones and prove that she is worthy enough to be the crown princess? How will she sort out her feelings toward Maxon and Aspen? 2. What does the Northerners and Southerns are really after? 3. Oh, the competition gets tougher between Maxon and Aspen. How its gonna be?

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