Casting The Dreamer: Part One... Protagonists

"If a live-action version of The Dreamer were to start this year, who would you cast?"

Answering this question was bittersweet. I spent hours sifting through images and watching videos of young aspiring actors. I spent days bouncing between options... well... for TWO of the three, that is. After toiling over the trio, I sat back, smiled, then frowned SO HARD! It's ridiculous. I was happy because I finished the task... but in the end, it's for a blog... and not for a real Netflix series or big-budget movie. At first, I was sad that I couldn't meet these three and change their course of their careers with the characters they'd be known as for the rest of their lives. Soon as I got over that, I realized that even if the best-case scenario happened, it would be several years from now. That means these three would be too old to play these roles. Hey... don't ask me why my mind works this way... I don't know either.

Enough of that... on to the actual answer to the question... heh heh...

The first search was for LaTao. This search was fun because of the criteria. I need a girl that can look 13, because the 17-year-old LaTao has a babyface. The actress needs to be short and thin but athletic and not frail. I need to feel that she can be punk and give an attitude. I also need someone with big, amber eyes. In the end, I had several awesome

prospects, but I went with Toryn. She's got the look. She's got the style, being that I've seen her going more goth. She's also got some acting experience. I would hope she'd love to take a break from the roles she's taken to be a badass Mage. I think Toryn can give the attitude needed to bring LaTao to life. Based on her repertoire, I have no

doubt she can handle any of the physically demanding scenes.

Next up I wondered "Who will play Sage?" and damn did that question get answered fast?! With LaTao, I watched several videos and sifted through so many options. Kain was even tougher. But Sage!?!? No contest. Once again I was looking at young actors who aren't yet famous. I want a fresh face for this role. Sage needs to be just above average height, physically fit without looking like he goes to the gym, and have bright blue eyes. He needs to look innocent and sincere with kind eyes.

Within MINUTES of looking... BAM! I got Cade Pittenger's face looking at me. I knew I didn't need to keep looking. Sure, I looked anyway... you know... just to say I did, but nobody else came even close. The kid even has good comedic timing! He's fit enough for fight scenes but average enough to be believably timid. He has the voice, the look, and the talent to be the core of this crew of mine.

Last but not least (and the most difficult) is Kain. For this role, I didn't mind finding someone more famous. It is more important that he fits the mold than with the others. Kain is a 6'4" black man with a handsome face and muscular body. He needs to be able to look strong and commanding. At the same time, he will need to play the role of someone that is a little vain and knows they are sexy. This is why I expanded my search to models with some acting experience. This role is VERY physically demanding, and since Usman's motto in life is

"Go Harder," I think he can handle being put through a demanding 'Movie Superhero Body' diet and routine.

Usman Obe is just an inch shorter and months younger than Kain, but with Cade Pittenger standing at 5'9" and Torn around 5'2", I doubt Obe will need thick shoes to tower over them. The face. The height. The stature. The ambition. The icing on the cake is the fact that he has Nigerian roots, meaning he could give Kain's occasional accent justice.

I think I did a decent job of casting this trio. That being said, I would MUCH rather someone else do the legwork and let me just give the final say. I lucked into the right one for Sage, but the other two... whew... not so easy. I like this crew. I wonder if fans would agree? For those that were my beta readers, besties, or editors, tell me what your thoughts are! Do they look the part? Do you love or hate any of these picks? Is there someone else you'd rather see playing LaTao, Sage, or Kain? Let me know in the comments!