I talked about this before on the “Derailed Trains of Thought” podcast, but I thought it’d be fun to talk about now.

While I was in college, Dr. Dennis E. Hensley, my English/writing professor, said one of his writing techniques was “casting” actors for the characters in his stories, as if they were being made into movies. It helped solidify images of the characters in his mind.

Being a nerd and a visual writer, I did the same for Pandora’s Box. I also went a step farther and picked my ideal director. Admittedly, most of these castings are out-of-date. Remember, I wrote most of the novel 8-10 years ago (it just took a while to get it published). Also, don’t let these color how you, True Believers, picture the characters. This is how I visualize them, but you’re entitled to your imaginings.

Director (and possibly screenwriter): James Cameron

If I could persuade him to take a break from making Avatar sequels, I’d love to have James Cameron direct the film. I might even let him write the script, although I would prefer to do that myself (or at least supervise). While I still think Titanic is the most overrated movie ever, I love the rest of his filmography (Terminator 1&2, Aliens, etc.). Cameron is great with special effects, action, story, and strong female leads. All these would be abundant in a film version of the book. Not to mention his name would equal an instant blockbuster.

Jennifer Garner as Pvt. Pandora Brewer

At the time I was writing the novel, Jennifer Garner was at the peek of her popularity. She was the star of the TV show Alias (which I wished I’d watched more often) and was Elektra in 2004’s Daredevil, a role she was perfect for. So, since she was an attractive and talented actress in action heroine roles (which she hasn’t done much of since, sadly), I thought she would be perfect for my book’s heroine. Her characters were tough yet vulnerable; fierce yet feminine. Plus, I even found a photo of her as a redhead! It’s obviously a wig, but she still looks great. (End of fanboy rant).

Liam Neeson as Col. William Brewer

Liam Neeson is one of my favorite actors. He keeps showing up in my favorite films series (Star Wars, Dark Knight Trilogy, Narnia, etc.). He’s a powerhouse of an actor, which is why I’m disappointed he hasn’t won an Oscar. Here’s a guy who could be your dad or your worst enemy. He’s been typecast lately as mentor figures for that reason, I think. I’m a little embarrassed to say “casting” him as William Brewer, Pandora’s father, falls into that, but he’s perfect for the role. He’s tall, has a commanding voice, and a fatherly demeanor. Plus, he has an action star streak in him.

Jude Law as Dante

I wanted a handsome foreigner for Pandora’s boyfriend, and after thinking it over, decided to go with Jude Law. Admittedly, he remains the actor on this list I’m least familiar with, but I still thought he fit the bill. He just needs to fake an Italian accent.

Ewan McGregor as Jason Argos

Like Garner, Ewan McGregor was at the peek of his notoriety at the time of my writing. I selected him for Pandora’s snarky best friend because of his youthful good looks and charm. (You’ll also notice I have several Star Wars actors in this “cast”). He seemed a good counterpoint to Garner’s Pandora.

Michael Ironside as Erebus the Overlord

This guy is the most obscure member of my dream cast. You won’t recognize his name, but you’ll recognize his face and especially his voice, which is why I picked him. Michael Ironside has a deep, almost gravelly voice that he rarely raises. That plus his stony face and expressions makes him terrifying, which is probably why he typically plays villains. The only downside is he’s been in some aweful movies, but I don’t think that’d be a problem.