Studio Ghibli: Fan Casting A Live-Action Howl's Moving Castle
If there's any Ghibli movie that can pull off a dedicated and perfectly delivered live-action adaptation, it's Hayao Miyazaki's 2004 fantasy-romance masterpiece Howl's Moving Castle based on the books by Diana Wynne Jones. The film is about eighteen-year-old Sophie Hatter, who is cursed by the Witch of the Waste to be an old woman after an encounter with the mysterious wizard Howl and how she comes to break hers and others' curses in the midst of a war.
The gorgeously animated Howl's Moving Castle features a memorable and beloved cast of characters that fans have since cherished and iconized. Question is, who is worthy of playing such a magical ensemble?
10 Prince Justin: Trevante Rhodes
Prince Justin doesn't really as much exposure when he finally appears in the film as his true form versus when he was under his curse as the scarecrow 'Turniphead." Other than seeming very gentlemanly and polite, there's not really much else to the pacifist prince who was forced to see the truths behind the war his and other kingdoms had waged. He saves Sophie and the gang a few times, proposes his love for her, and then realizes she's already in love with Howl.
To add dimension to Prince Justin, Trevante Rhodes can add the warmth, depth, humor, and humanity that he's also brought to roles such as Moonlight and Bird Box.
9 Honey Hatter: Kate Winslet
The mother of Sophie Hatter is bright and constantly absorbed in her own affairs. She's quite different from Sophie: loud, boisterous, and prideful, Honey is never seen without accessories by rich garments and lavish clothing. Someone who could playfully bring Honey to life is Kate Winslet, who is a mage when balancing humor and humanity.
There is some definite potential when Honey is in the frame to add naturalistic and self-aware humor while she also can bring a ladylike and confident edge, not turning Honey into a caricature, but someone whose own needs and flaws are realized.
8 King of Ingary: Javier Bardem
The King has a very brief stint in the film in which Howl pretends to be him in order to distract Madame Sullivan. Following Howl's disguise, the real King boasts into the room and laughs at his clone, delighted by the sight of himself, and demands on bringing about more weaponry into the war.
In an adaptation, perhaps the King might have a longer role to play, but it would be a vivacious appearance on behalf of the likes of No Country for Old Men's Javier Bardem to provide a performance as big as the King's personality (and ego). It would be entertaining but also make the point as to how loud the King's presence is as Barden can play both reserved and larger-than-life.
7 Lettie Hatter: Hannah Murray
The supportive and concerned sister of Sophie Hatter, Lettie successfully helps run a busy bakery. Because of her fancy appearance and love of makeup, Lettie receives a lot of attention in contrast to Sophie. She aims to take care of Sophie and encourages her to get out of the old hat shop to find something her own.
Someone who could best portray Lettie's kind, bubbly, yet strong personality is Hannah Murray, known for her roles in Game of Thrones and Skins. Hannah's range of sweetness to assertiveness is a perfect match for Lettie's determination and attention to detail.
6 Markl: Noah Jupe
The young actor Noah Jupe blew away audiences with his performance in Honey Boy, portraying a semi-fictionalized version of a young Shia LaBeouf.
Actors with his caliber of talent are hard to come by, especially at his age. His delivery of humor and intelligence makes for a likable and memorable character, which, if brought to the role of Howl's boy apprentice Markl, would bring out those characteristics as well for the bright young character.
5 Calcifer: Forest Whitaker
Though Billy Crystal's comedically endearing performance of Calcifer is unmatched, it would be interesting to put a spin on the crass and grumpy yet cute fire demon. Calcifer is Howl's demon and helps keep the castle together and moving as he is forced to stay with the wizard due to their cursed bond.
Forest Whitaker is an amazing performer and has lent his talents to voice act in projects such as Where the Wild Things Are and Ernest and Celestine, proving his ability to deliver heart and comedy with his memorably resounding vocals.
4 Madame Suliman: Angela Bassett
The villain Madame Sullivan is a character not to be messed with or underestimated. One of the most powerful witches in the world, Sullivan teaches and commands all the witches and wizards that come into enlistment. She raises magical folk and encourages them to join the royal army, tricking them into sacrificing their humanity for the sake of using them as weapons.
Manipulative and intelligent, only someone with a powerful aura can attempt in delivering Madame Sullivan, in which it has to be Angela Bassett: someone who can achieve being confident, thoughtful, and intimidating all at once. Not to mention, she is just as magical.
3 The Witch of the Waste: Deborah Kara Unger
The Witch of the Waste may be a more difficult one to cast, seeing that the woman is seen in a variety of age ranges, from middle-aged to impossibly old.
Thankfully, there's also technology and high-end prosthetics to ensure her transformations from a selfish and pompous witch into a helpless and expressive old woman are made apparent. Someone who can play on the witch's sense of arrogance and glamour is Deborah Kara Unger, an actress not unfamiliar with the concept of portraying people who are self-obsessed such as in Crash, or people transformed by cruelty and magic, like in Silent Hill.
2 Howl: Aaron Yoo
Another tough call to make is for the casting of Howl. While many men may qualify for the role, not as many have the same enchanting air that Aaron Yoo can bring about.
Howl as a character is full of depth, struggling between being a traumatized child and a guilty, incredibly insecure adult who learns the importance of compassion upon his meeting with Sophie. Aaron Yoo can bring strength and elegance to Howl's character, also giving Yoo a powerful leading role he deserves to be seen in.
1 Sophie Hatter: Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh can do no wrong, perhaps one of the finest actresses of this generation. From her powerhouse performances in Midsommar to Fighting With My Family, to Lady Macbeth, it's a no-brainer she could easily take on the role of Sophie Hatter.
Not only would it be exciting to see such an amazing actress in her role, but it would be quite a different role to see Florence in as well. Sophie, unlike many of the other characters she has portrayed, starts off as rather withdrawn, shy, reserved, and insecure.