Change, My Dear

When faced with the option of recasting, some series are faced with another question: actually recast, or introduce a new character? Sitcoms often opt for the latter, with varying results. Everything from The Office, That 70’s Show to Only Fools and Horses and Community has had to deal with cast members leaving for other opportunities, behind-the-scenes drama, or an actor’s death. While the first two of these examples were less than successful, their replacements didn’t quite have the same chemistry as the regulars. The latter two did create some much-loved characters. A key part of the success is that, while they may fill the same role, they do not have to be the same character to do so. For Only Fools and Horses, Grandad and Uncle Albert, both fill the role of an incompetent elder member of the family, but their characters are very different, both in how they are treated and how they act. Jokes that work for one character would not work for the other, and vice versa, which the show embraces.

We already know that Hemsworth is going to be playing the same character. For all intents and purposes, Geralt will be the same. What remains to be seen is whether the show chooses to acknowledge it, and how Hemsworth approaches the role. With all the magic and mutations going on in The Witcher, there are certainly ways the showrunners could acknowledge the change if they wished too. Doctor Who writes the changing of it’s lead actor into the story with regeneration, which has not only allowed the show to carry on for 60 years, but also semi-reboot itself every few years. Every actor puts their own spin on the role, but they all play the same character. The act of regeneration allows for a change in personality, which helps every portrayal be different.

You Look Different

Of course, many famous characters have changed faces. Batman, James Bond, Spider-Man to name a few. There may be similarities between each version of the character, something that Spider-Man: No Way Home explored, but each actor isn’t trying to copy what came before. These are often considered reboots, with each version being disconnected from other versions (although there are exceptions). This allows actors greater freedom, as they do not have to fit their version into an existing world. For example, it’s hard to imagine Daniel Craig’s Bond in Moonraker or Christian Bales’ Batman in Batman & Robin. A challenge that a recast on TV faces is putting a new version of the character in a world established by the previous actor.

One of the more successful recasts is of the title character in Spartacus. After a successful first season, star Andy Whitfield was diagnosed with early-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma, meaning he was unavailable for filming a second season. After a prequel season that featured him less, he gave his blessing for the role to be recast and passed away before the third season aired. Liam McIntyre leads the series for the rest of its run. Upon being cast, he realised he could not simply recreate Whitfield’s performance. As a result, he opted for the “emotional core” of the character. Playing the same character, in the same world, but in his way, rather than an impression of what came before.

This is likely the space Hemsworth’s version of Geralt will occupy. While his relationship with characters like Ciri and Yennifer will not change, we will see some different sides to him. This is one aspect that has been explored in the games. Unlike most games in the genre, Geralt is a character, not a blank slate. However the player can still make choices that can affect the plot, but these are presented in a way that they are still in character for him. Cavill is iconic as Geralt for a reason, but Hemsworth can certainly bring something new to the character.

Also Read: Small Screen To Big Screen: TV Shows That Deserve A Movie

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The Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport recently conducted a study on how British Media is received and how it impacts the perception of Britain in other countries. The key findings of the report are interesting, and good news for British Film and TV.

Influencing Tourisim

One of the findings from the report is that around two-thirds of tourists to the UK are influenced by British media. With a little under 40 million people visiting the UK each year, that’s an impressive amount that come to visit places featured in films and TV. Places like Highclere Castle, the setting for Downtown Abbey and Alnwick Castle, featured in the first two Harry Potter films as part of Hogwarts grounds were popular heritage sites, but have seen increased visitors since their respective film appearances. Harry Potter especially has lots of iconic locations featured throughout the UK across the films. Not to mention the appeal of the studio tour.

High Quality

According to the study, 70% of international audiences regard British film and TV as “high-quality”. While the definition of “quality television” is difficult to pin down, many British shows appear on IMDb’s list of the highest-rated TV shows of all time. The shows listed include dramas like Sherlock, It’s A Sin and Peaky Blinders, documentaries like Planet Earth and sitcoms like Only Fools and Horses and Fleabag. Likewise for films, including the likes of Trainspotting, Snatch 1917, as well as the Harry Potter and James Bond films. No Time To Die, the latest Bond film, became the fourth highest-grossing film of 2021, as well as being nominated for several Oscars.

Investing In Co-Productions

As a result of the findings, £1.32 Million from the UK Global Screen fund will be shared between nine co-productions, in an effort to help increase their range abroad. The nine productions benefitting from the UK Global Screen Fund awards include The Miracle Club, a UK/Ireland official co-production, The Tutor, a UK/Germany official co-production, and Ghastly Ghoul, a UK/Ireland TV animation. The Father a UK/French production was a contender at the 2021 Oscars, with six nominations in total. It won in two categories, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins.

New Branding

Screen UK, a new brand to showcase and celebrate UK talent which will launch as a digital campaign, rolling out internationally over the coming months. Aiming to highlight high-quality UK film, television and video games under a single brand banner, it will help distinguish and promote British content to international audiences. As the campaign has not started yet, there is very little information on what it will entail.

Also Read: What Does Making “Distinctly British” TV Mean?

Your contribution to Big Picture Film Club will allow us to continue to produce content. No matter the amount your contributions are greatly appreciated.

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