NOW we can say it: Blackthorne is Harry!

Courtesy of the Sci Fi news wire…

Blackthorne To Play Dresden
SCI FI Channel has cast Paul Blackthorne (24) as Chicago-based wizard and detective Harry Dresden in its upcoming TV movie The Dresden Files. David Carson (Star Trek: Generations) has been tapped to direct the two-hour backdoor pilot, which will commence production in Toronto later this month, with plans for a summer 2006 premiere, the network said. Blackthorne is perhaps best known as the villainous Stephen Saunders on Fox’s 24.
The Dresden Files is based on the best-selling series of novels by Jim Butcher. It is being produced by Lions Gate Television, in association with Nicolas Cage’s Saturn Films. Hans Beimler (Profiler) and Robert Wolfe (The 4400) will serve as executive producers alongside Cage, his Saturn Films partner, Norm Golightly, and Morgan Gendel. Beimler and Wolfe wrote the script.
The Dresden Files centers on Dresden, a private eye with extraordinary abilities. Where others see typical crimes of assault, kidnapping and murder, he sees otherworldly forces at work.

20 thoughts on “NOW we can say it: Blackthorne is Harry!”

  1. WOW! That is good news, kinda still wished that Marsters go tthe part but theres many other parts that he can do. Any other news on who else like Susan, and Bob?

  2. Well, ok. Can’t wait to see how they try to translate Harry onto the small screen. Blackthorne ain’t exactly what I picture when I think of Harry, but I’ll give him a shot. If he can drop the accent and really lay on the smartass aspect of Dresden, it could work.
    And they be REALLY good at casting the supporting cast, esp. Murphy and Michael. Wait and see…

  3. Well, ok. Can’t wait to see how they try to translate Harry onto the small screen. Blackthorne ain’t exactly what I picture when I think of Harry, but I’ll give him a shot. If he can drop the accent and really lay on the smartass aspect of Dresden, it could work.
    And they better be REALLY good at casting the supporting cast, esp. Murphy and Michael. Wait and see…

  4. Blackthorne, physically, is pretty much exactly as I picture Harry. He’s tall (6’5″ or thereabouts), and the hair, jawline, and scruff are (for me) spot-on. Those I know who’ve seen his performances in other things are pretty excited about the casting decision. Optimism, ho!

  5. I for one am pleased. I loved Blackthorne on 24 and have no doubts he has the chops to pull off Harry. Now as long as they don’t cast some bimbo to play Murphy…

  6. I was hoping for James too, but I can totaly see Paul as Harry. Cant wait to see who they pick for the other roles. Gl Paul

  7. Never seen Blackthorne in anything yet, so I’m hoping that he’ll do the character justice.
    But I’m tapping my fingers on who will do the voice of Bob? Who will be Toot (if he’s in it)?

  8. My wife thinks that I should be Harry. But seeing that I’m not an actor, I guess she’s out of luck. I hope this guy does the part well.

  9. Still working on the other parts, Murphy, Susan, Bob, Bianca, the artist formerly known as Toot-toot, Ancient Mai, Morgan, etc, etc. Hopefully we’ll have more announcements next week.

  10. I think he looks great. I can see him as Harry. Anyone know if Thomas is going to be in this?

  11. No, sorry, I still don’t like the idea, that he shoud be Harry. Can’t see him as Harry.
    Seems to me like a cheep copy of the real charakter. But I understand James, unless that I would NEVER give the chance away to go to Toronto and get payed for that.;-)
    Good luck everybody!
    Gine

  12. Well, I hoped Marsters would get the role, but on the other hand Blackthorne looks almost like I picture Harry. Marsters would be better as Thomas, anyway but I can’t imagine he wants to do another vampire character.

  13. I dont understand why they chose a british actor to play Harry. Althought im british myself, i cant see a british actor doing Harry justice. As a huge James Marsters fan, i must also agree he would be better playing thomas.
    To me Harry is typically american, and i dont think a British guy could convey the right attitude. However, i love the books and can’t wait to see this!!

  14. They should get Marsters to voice Bob. He does Bob’s voice flawlessly in the audiobooks.

  16. Cool, I didn’t get to see the other guy up for it but Blackthorne looks precisely how I pictured Harry-plus, I’ve loved the works of his I’ve seen

  17. Well, drat! I really really like James Marsters. I know of him from Buffy, but I would have loved to see him do something else and I really think that he would have been good as Harry, but I’m willing to give Blackthorne a chance. Plus I know James has really been into his own thing lately doing music and other stuff. It’s just that Spike and Harry have a lot of parallels. They always seem to have a smart comment to make and even though Spike was “evil” he really never could help NOT helping out a lady in distress.

  18. I for one am relieved that it isn’t Marsters, much as I appreciate his acting abilities. Blackthorne looks a lot more how I imagined Dresden to look. I also hope that quality actors are chosen for supporting roles and not wooden eye candy. I look forward to seeing the results and pray that this isn’t yet another great series that gets cancelled before it’s natural close. All the best to everyone involved and may a little white magic touch all of your lives.

  19. Wow, talk about overload. I was browsing th shelves in bookstores and found Storm Front last week. I just finished Blood Rites twenty minutes ago and I find out that a TV show is coming out. Rock&Roll!

  20. damn, I am late in the game but I am very happy… ion truth I think he will do Harry justice on the screen… as for a british actor carrying off the attitude – watch House…

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