Make it a Movie: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
In our Make it a Movie section we play the role of movie producers and map out the movie production. We just finished reading Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (check out Book Club Podcast), and simply put, it is a book that needs it’s own movie. The book is a roller coaster adventure, with action, world building, magic, and has 6 vastly different characters.
Plot: A gang of six young thief’s, criminals, and misfits are tasked with breaking into the impenetrable “Ice Court” and breaking out with an imprisoned scientist. Imagine Ocean’s Eleven, add in elements of The Rock (side note – one of the greatest action movies of all-time), then sprinkle in some magic and some over arching political dynamics and you’ve got Six of Crows. What’s not to like?
Production Notes: Yes, we know there is already a TV show with these characters and it sounds like season 2 will cover much of this story, but I think it’s a movie that would stand on it’s own. Plus, the tv show is aimed at a younger audience, if we had to make a movie, we’d add A-List actors, and make it a lot darker/gritty.
Based on: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Adventure/Heist
Logline: Ocean’s Eleven + The Rock
Proposed Casting for Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
** Note I know the characters in the book are all between 17-19, but that’s not how I read them in the book. The TV show casted all late-20’s actors, I don’t think them being young is really vital to the story. Plus, when making blockbuster movies, the actors themselves are most important, not their age. So I’m casting A-list actors and not worrying about ages. We debated about this as well if you wanted to check out a brief reel.
Kaz Brekker (TV Show: Freddy Carter) – Kaz aka “Dirtyhands” is the leader, mastermind, and grittiest of the crew. Much like the others in the crew his rough upbringing has left him scarred (he walks with a limp and has haphephobia), ruthless and violent. He develops a soft spot for those in his crew especially Inej, but is outwardly cold. I just thought of Jake Gyllenhaal for this part especially his grittier roles like Prisoners, Southpaw, or Nightcrawler. Not sure why I have Jake Gyllenhaal on my mind, but I casted him in the last Make it a Movie as well. All I know is he’s a great actor and one I could believe leading this crew of criminals.
Jesper Fahey (TV Show: Kit Young) – Our personal favorite character, Jesper is happy-go-lucky, sarcastic, and someone that is always down to gamble or get in a gun fight. Gambling debts put Jesper in a hole and gotten him into trouble, but he is a loyal crew member and one that you’d always want by your side. I was picturing Will Smith from his Wild Wild West days for this one. Smith can be both funny and be a realistic action hero.
Matthias Helvar (Calahan Skogman) – A big hulking warrior or drüskelle (Grisha-hunter), Matthias is a bit of a religious nut. It takes him a little time to come around, but eventually he starts becoming one of the crew, and a valuable asset as he knows the layout of the Ice Court they must break into. The whole time I was reading this I was thinking of another big, strong intimidating actor in Jason Momoa. Give him a blonde wig and he’ll have no trouble fitting this role perfectly.
Inej Ghafa (TV Show: Amita Suman) – Known as the “Wraith”, for her abilities to quietly sneak on the rooftops and spy on enemies (thanks to her acrobatic background). Inej is Kaz’s right-hand-woman, and they have a relationship that can best be described as similar to Sam and Diane from Cheers. Much like Kaz, Inej is calculating, emotionless, and at time ruthless. Freida Pinto has a lot of experience with more serious and dramatic roles that this role calls for and I think would make a great fit for Inej.
Nina (TV Show: Danielle Galligan)- A Grisha Heartrender and former soldier, Nina is a voluptuous seductress who was able to turn the cold-hearted Matthias and start a very Romeo & Juliet-esque relationship. Nina like Matthias was raised preparing for war and is probably the most physically gifted of the bunch (as she has Grisha powers). The biggest difference is she has empathy and doesn’t seem nearly as brainwashed. I was just imagining Scarlett Johansson for this role. I think she could nail the flirtyness of Nina, but also is a believable warrior (as she’s shown as Black Widow).
Wylan Van Eck (TV Show: Jack Wolfe) – Wylan fits into more of the misfit category. He grew up wealthy, doesn’t have the criminal skills or experience as the rest of the crew, but quickly finds a way to become a valuable asset to the group. Him and Jesper have a blossoming relationship where Jesper just basically makes fun of him all the time, but it seems to work. For this role we need someone that can come off as a bit nerdy, but could also be a key piece to the group. Nicholas Hoult has played this role several times, and I think would make a lot of sense as Wylan.
Well those are the biggest characters, but there are plenty of side characters to cast. Let us know what you think of who we casted and what roles we’re missing, reach out to us. Or Check out our Podcast episode or Book Club Questions we did on Six of Crows.
