We all, of course, know there will never be another Errol Flynn. He was just too unique and too impossible to duplicate. But there remains MUCH of his life that could and should be depicted on film. That being true, it could prove very productive to begin searching for someone who could successfully portray him in a major production.
Last night, I had the completely unexpected pleasure of seeing “RUSH”, the new film by Ron Howard. Though I had heard Ron Howard directed the film (which led me to believe it would be of high quality), I had absolutely no idea of what the movie was about, nor whom it starred. As it turned out, the direction was sensational, the subject was terrific, and the star – Chris Hemsworth (who I knew nothing about until after seeing the movie) – he was great. More to the point, though, is the fact that IMO this actor has everything it takes to credibly portray Errol during his peak Hollywood years – and that, as you all know, is saying a lot!! He’s got the looks, the build, apparently the athleticism, the voice, the charm, the humor, the spunk, the verve, and the acting chops, necessary to cover the critical years from ‘Captain Blood’ to ‘Cruise of the Zaca’ and beyond. And, as I also found out after the movie, he’s from Australia, having lived on Phillips Island, not far from Tasmania!
I strongly encourage all to see this great movie, if only to see what you think about this young man’s potential and prospects as the next star to portray Errol?
Also, for the purpose of this tab, please recommend any other contenders for “the next Errol Flynn” – including the Baron’s own grandsons, in case they’re so inclined themselves!!
— Tim
Oh I agree Tim,Chris Hemsworth would be a great choice to portray Errol.Like you said,it goes without saying that there will never be another Errol Flynn,but yes he would certainly be a great choice to play him should another film be made.
Accordimg to somew ladies on FB here`s a sleeper -definitely not a sleeping pill!www.facebook.com…
Ryan Gosling say the FB Girls! Who can argue with them?! … I’ll have to tell my younger son, who looks just like him (and all the girls also love!), though with some Latin coloring. … Heck, maybe I should just get my son some fencing and dialect lessons, and bring him up to Tinseltown!!
A very good friend of my family (the brother of one I mentioned earlier) actually wrote a very successful movie Gosling starred in, so I could maybe help to get something happening there . Frankly, though, I think he may be too reserved, even sometimes too sullen, to play Errol, especially during his Hollywood heyday years. As very good as he is, he wouldn’t be my first choice. But, then again, he could bring with him Justin Timberhead (as Freddie McEvoy?), Christina Aguilar (as Marlene Dietrich?), and Britney Spears (as Tiger Lil or Betty Hansen?). No Mickey Mouse cast would that be. … Besides, didn’t Timberhead have a Mulholland connection, which would help him channel Errol some. Indeed, didn’t he used to think he was Errol for a while – bringing back sexy and all that. Maybe he should play Errol!
[img]http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00786/mickey-mouse_786699i.jpg[/img]
Gee I hope they don’t pick Ryan Gosling.He’s an ok actor & everything but he looks nothing like Errol.Each to their own but I just don’t get all the fuss about Ryan Gosling at all.
Your vote counts for a lot, Lollie! … It sounds like I’m the only one who had never heard of Chris Hemsworth!! I’m seldom impressed by new Hollywood stars, and maybe not since Klein as far as a possible Errol Flynn character. He could also be a great Jame Bond successor. In this movie he plays a real-life, race-car-driving, English-playboy: Hunt, James Hunt.
Here’s a preview:
Thanks Tim,that movie sounds good.I think Chris Hemsworth would be a really nice choice as Errol,I could see him as him. :)
Another actor (who is also coincidentally Australian) who I think could be very good as Errol is Ryan Kwanten.
tinypic.com…
Thanks for that addition to the list, Lollie. I’ve never seen Ryan Kwanten These guys are going to have fight for the role! The more candidates the better!! Playing Errol during his Hollywood years is one of the plum roles of all time.
Oh yes agreed,what a wonderful & fun role it would be for a young actor,to play the very best actor ever! :D
Dear Shiver me- Tim,
when Ridley Scott filmed (or should I rather say “shot”?) the Robin Hood- remake, I thought that Hugh Jackman whould have been the perfect fit for the lead. I still do. An Aussie like Errol, a charmer too, with the physical features matching the acting skills. Yet once you are cast as a superhero (like him and Hemsworth) it makes it difficult for the moviegoer to view them in other roles than the cartoon caracter. While Jackman claws his way back due to his Musical upbringing, Chris Hemsworth may well be “the next big thing”…with hammer attached though…
Good call, shangheinz! Jackman’s an incredibly talented and well-suited candidate. Would have been a better Robin Hood than his good friend and fellow-Aussie Russell Crowe, too. And absolutely magnifique in Les Mis.
But, wait, didn’t he already turn down a big offer to play Flynn?! – Billy Flynn, in the role of Roxy Hart’s lawyer, that is!
Well, if he turns down the role of Errol Leslie Flynn, he can always do the life story of Clint Eastwood (which would involve much less learning of dialogue on his part, I’m sure):
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Hmm, well, as much as I’m a fan of Chris Hemsworth (LOVE him as Thor!), I’m not sure he could portray Errol. But then he’s a good actor, so I guess it’s possible. I really can’t think of a known actor who could play 1930s – 1940s Errol. However, I did hear about Luke Flynn wanting to play Errol in a film based on Beam Ends, or something like that. That would be awesome! :-)
Hope you get a chance to see him in this movie, Rachel. In it he very successfully plays a character with a number of similarities to Errol. I’ve never seen him before – in Thor, or anything else – so I can’t say if he’s improved, or maybe just responded to this role – but I can say he’s one of the few I’ve seen that I think could be a great Flynn during his peak Hollywood years. … And it looks like his sexy wife, Elsa (pictured below) might be right for the role of Tiger ‘Lil – depending on how well she can throw a right cross and bottle of champagne.
Does anyone know why Luke hasn’t filmed Beams End yet? In not too long, if not already, he may be the wrong age to do so.
[img]http://img.vivafm.com.pe.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/chris-hemsworth-elsa-pataky-7.jpg[/img]
Here are a few more previews of the film. Being only teasers, these provide only glimpses of how good Chris Hemsley is in this film – with only some hints of how very witty and good with the ladies he is – character traits/acting skills essential to any portrayal of Errol, of course, as we here all know:
I’ve been thinking for a while that the German actor Barnaby Metschurat would not be such a bad choice…
[img]http://www.monstersandcritics.de/downloads/downloads/articles4/185415/article_images/Barnaby-Metschurat-Lieber-gut-leben-als-viel-haben_image8.jpg[/img]
Excellent, Inga. And welcome back! … Now we have candidates from three continents – Australia, Europe & North American. Three of Errol’s legendary locales!!!
Have never seen Mr. Metschurat, but, based on your having recommending him, I’m sure he must be a very strong contender.
Thanks, Tim, for the welcome. Barnaby is no international superstar, but for me quite a good actor and once I was watching them there was a moment when I felt reminded of EF…
From what I see, Inga, certainly has a strong resume, good facial features, and speaks good English. At 40, he’s more than a generation older than Hemsworth, which, as long as films take to get to the theaters these days, would hurt his chances significantly as far as any portrayal of Flynn’s best years. Plus he seems to be on the slight side these days. All that said, he looks like a very strong actor, with close enough resemblance to be a contender! Good pick!
www.metschurat.de/en/demo_01.html…
Tim, what does it mean “to be on the slight side”?
All I mean by that Inga is that he often appears to be thinly built, whereas Errol, by nature, had more meat on his bones and was renowned for his larger athletic build, strength and muscularity. Not an insurmountable hurdle for him or Hollywood, but a factor to consider certainly.
Here is a clip where the camera clearly likes him and he displays excellent acting chops, but, it looks to me, he’s definitely a smaller man than Errol. He makes his appearance about a minute in.
Thanks for explaining!
I have always believed that trying to cast for truly unique (modern) figures is a hopeless effort. I would never recommend it, as it invariably falls short of the real person and renders the character one-dimensional. This only applies, of course, to figures who have lived since the advent of film, which has given us a clear idea of what they were really like and allows us to make inevitable comparisons. In the arts we have a concept that states the closer you try to get to reality the more you notice the differences. I say leave first-rate Flynn free of second-rate pretenders.
I don’t understand or agree with that philosophy, Robert. Indeed, was not Kevin Kline selected to play Flynn in “The Last of Robin Hood” primarily because he resembled and could closely emulate Errol? Moreover, wasn’t your participation in the project to assure historical accuracy? Do not these facts seem to severely conflct with the contrary concept you’re advocating above?
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No contradiction at all. I didn’t generate the project, I was only asked to advise on it once the project was already under way. Critical difference.
A logical conclusion from the concept you are advocating, Robert, is that Kevin Kline was a “hopeless” choice to play Errol, because his close resemblance to Flynn would “fall short” and lead to a “one-dimensional” character. I strongly disagree with any such conclusion and believe (as I would think most if not all authors here surely do) that Kline’s selection on the basis of his extremely strong resemblance to Flynn was a particularly wise choice, which Greatly enhanced the movie – a belief all reviews appear to unequivocally support. Conversely, I don’t believe that other equally-talented actors, who LESS resembled Flynn, would have given a better performance/made for a better movie.
Similarly, I believe that “the closer you get to reality” (as you put it) with historical accuracy, the less a movie is likely to be criticized for historical differences, not the opposite. Of course, I understand the artistic point you’re trying to make, but don’t think it has any application to the matter of how to select an actor to play Errol Flynn on the silver screen. And I think the choice and performance of Kevin Kline, as well as your good work to keep the movie historically accurate, undermine the argument you’re making here.
Thus, I believe you are mistakenly devaluing both Kevin Kline’s importance to the new film, as well as your own role (as I understand it) to keep the movie historically accurate.
It is for these very reasons that I am so stridently promoting on the US Presidents Blog that Hollywood should be getting its wheels turning for an epic production (and sure-fire box-office smash) on the life of Millard Fillmore, starring Alec Baldwin.
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I stand firmly by my position. Kline was the BEST choice that could be made, certainly, but that’s a relative statement and in no way contradicts my position. In fact, despite Kline’s excellent portrayal, when watching the film I was still very aware of the ways he was NOT like Flynn. Also, the obsessive focus on how much an actor LOOKS like the character is exactly what so often leads to poor characterization in biopics. If given the artistic choice, I would much rather an actor with great talent in conveying the essence of a character but who only mildly resembles the character, than one who is a spitting image but misses the mark of truth in his characterization. As for Presidential portrayals, remember that I said my position did not apply to people who lived before the advent of film where a comparison is possible, so a film about Fillmore is fair game.
The successful choice of Kline weighs heavily AGAINST the concept you’re advocating, Robert, NOT IN FAVOR of it. To say otherwise is obviously incorrect. The fact that Kline strongly resembles Errol HELPS – NOT HURTS, the movie – at least to the overwhelming majority of people in the world, which is the point. Your claim that putting someone that “only mildly resembles” in for Flynn over an equally talented actor who looks like Flynn would be better is obviously wrong. Same goes for all aspects of historical accuracy: close is far better than mildly close – unless you’re fictionalizing the true story. No need or desire here to fictionalize Flynn; his truth can’t be topped by any fiction.
I believe you’re not seeing the forest for the trees. You’re not seeing the obvious, that the successful choice of Kline thoroughly discredits the theory you’re promoting. There were other equally talented actors available who “only mildly resembled” Flynn. They, for that very reason, would NOT have been as good.
And, of course, the suggestion of a Millard Fillmore movie was a joke. You must know that, right? A Millard Fillmore movie would sell even less tickets that a movie about Errol Flynn starring someone who only mildly resembles Errol Flynn.
In any case, the purpose of this tab is to see what actors people think could be good in a future film about Errol. Do you have any nominees?
Here’s a possibility – ready-to-go, right in LA!
www.lookalike.com…
[img]http://www.lookalike.com/lookalikes/images/errol-flynn-ns-b.jpg[/img]
I continue to stand by my position, Tim, which you still haven’t represented accurately. I think things through very clearly and choose my words very carefully. I don’t have the time but if someone else here were interested in checking off the errors and non sequiturs in your reply I more than welcome them. P.S. I got the Fillmore joke.
Please don’t state I’m misrepresenting your position on this, Robert. I have represented them perfectly, both in content and intent. There are no errors or non-sequiturs in what I’ve written, which is the real reason you haven’t identified any.
Let’s review: You came to this tab where all of us were enjoying ourselves discussing actors who could possibly play in potential future films of Flynn. First, you disparaged all our beliefs that the likeness of an actor could be a major factor in any such selection. You claimed such beliefs led to “poor” “characterization” and “biopics”, as if we here cannot make such determinations properly. In fact , you said focus on desiring an actor who looked like Flynn was “obsessive”.
Further fueling this condescension, you claimed that we are wrong to consider likeness as an important factor in a Flynn portrayal, because you, as an “artist”, are guided by an artistic “concept” stating that would be improper and “hopeless”.
Finally, when challenged with how the successful selection of Kevin Kline proves your “artistic concept” wrong, you danced and double-talked around the obvious truth that Kline was 1) a superb choice because of his strong resemblance to Errol, and 2) he disproves the artistic concept you advocate and rely on to be invalid.
Here are three statements you made to us, Robert – all invalidated by the selection of Kline:
“[t]rying to cast for truly unique (modern) figures is a hopeless effort.”
“[I]t invariably falls short of the real person and renders the character one-dimensional.”
“[l]eads to poor characterization in biopics.”
All of these statements have been completely discredited by the acclaimed portrayal of Flynn by Kline.
So, please, if you only want to attack what you erroneously regard our inferior beliefs and methodology, then please just don’t participate in the discussion. On the other hand, if you would like to submit some candidates for future Flynn films, then please do. They would be very welcome. Even if you get as far away from Flynn as suggesting “first-rate” actors like Denzel Washington or Meryl Streep to play his part, that will be better than ridiculing us for preferring someone who more closely resembles Errol. Our evaluations and opinions as to who might play Errol well are just as valuable as your own, especially as long as your tied to the artistic theory you are defending so intransigently.
Since there’s no guarantee you won’t again delete and edit your posts in a thread with me, Tim, I won’t be engaging in this polemic. Sorry.
I have absolutely no idea what you’re using as a dodge and smokescreen this time, Robert, but what is unmistakably clear is that your absurd lecture to us about how its not artistically good to cast someone who looks like Flynn as Flynn in a Flynn movie is nonsense. And that you’re unable to reconcile it with Kline’s performance, which is why you’ve now exited stage left.
Peace, folks, peace!!! I think that at the beginning, Robert was just giving a general opinion… and I think I understand his point that even if you have a complete lookalike of someone, but this person BEHAVES in a completely different way than the “original”, it is better to have someone who speaks and behaves in the “correct” way but is not so very resembling. In either way, I understand that the copy is never as good as the original and disappointment is very likely, which I would agree with.
Saw the new movie “Prisoners” tonight. Another superb production, with Hugh Jackman giving yet another terrific performance, in a role significantly different than most of his work. This guy is some actor. No doubt that, with the right script, he could be a great Flynn. Still in good shape, but would have to sign fast to play Errol at his peak, I think.
That’s not what he said, Inga.. Robert did not say a word about behavior in the beginning. It was completely and deliberately not included as a factor. Only after it was pointed how Kevin Kline’s performance contradicted the “artistic concept” he put forth that we were all wrong to look for someone who resembled Errol, did he start fine-tuning his words.
Conan O’Flynn recommends himself:
[img]https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/5317175808/h0D6E0615/[/img]
UGH!!!
Exactly what I was saying, Inga!
Thank you everybody who enthusiastically participated in this tab’s search for “the next Errol Flynn”. It was great fun while it lasted (until we were told it was hopeless!) I think we came up with some Great candidates!!
I hope to relatively soon have a second music video for Errol. The song is already written and recorded. The video will likely be titled “Sailing/Not The Last of Robin Hood”. It will be on the same channel as my “In Like Flynn/Anniversary of Robin Hood” video:
Fair Winds and Following Seas to All! Vaya con Dios!!
Tim
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We know how difficult it is to replicate Errol Flynn on film in any believable manner. Kline in his youth was about as close to Flynn in looks as it gets at one point. In the movie, Dave, it is like looking at Flynn in his mid forties. I can’t imagine an actor who could play Flynn better than Kline, myself. If you look at Robert Downey, Jr. as Chaplin can you imagine someone else playing the role more believably? Not only does he resemble Chaplin but his physique is similar, and he uses it to great athletic affect. I think most audiences expect biopics to have actors that look as close as possible to the characters they are portraying. Not that good performances have not been done by people that had less going for them as far as matching features. But it is more desirable, in my opinion.
What I don’t like to see, as all of you know, is bickering and arguing between our authors; and nobody enjoys the results. A good disagreement is one thing, but accusations and digs, are not welcome. I far prefer to handle those things off these pages. I have not been closely following the comments on the blog for several reasons but I am sure you all know how I feel about these kinds of exchanges. It seems that as has happened before, and will again, I am sure, we have two very intelligent, keenly sharp wits who are rubbing each other the wrong way; perhaps you two are too much alike in some ways.
Both oversensitive, both brilliant people. Sparks fly over the slightest misstatement or perception. This is not a court of law. You can relax here and make casual statements containing opinions, even errors and expect not to be dragged to the axe – I prefer that if there is going to be some hard feelings that you talk to each other off the pages about it. It is easy to do. You may then speak even more frankly, and get to know each other. Common ground is often found and peace reigns on the EFB. You two, particularly, could compliment each other in many ways if you just communicated with each other privately. Please do that before more blood is shed on the boards. You are both at home here, and belong here. We would be lessened without the presence of either of you. You can share things between yourselves, share material and ideas on the blog to everybody’s benefit. Why are your hands around each other’s throats? This is the kind of crap some of us left behind long ago, and we try to keep it off these pages. We will not delete any of this. It is part of the ongoing process we are making, but not the best of it. That lays ahead …
You are a very wise and generous Man, David DeWitt. I am deeply grateful to you and others for the encouraging comments I have received.
With my goal on the blog having been simply to help provide and generate as much good, productive research, documentation, and focus, on the amazing life, adventures, and legacy, of the great Errol Flynn as I can, I will remain here and do so.
Thank you for your kind words and support, David.
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Oh wow thanks for posting that great clip Tim.Errol looks so happy & relaxed (and incredibly gorgeous) there on the boat.Gosh what a lucky lady that Lili was then. :)
My pleasure, Lollie! Here’s another of Errol enjoying himself.
I don’t know where they found that massage therapist on our left. Maybe Coney Island. … Or maybe he was one of the Flying Monkeys in Oz.
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LOL! Oh I love it! I’ve not seen that before.Thanks again Tim your posts are always fun & informative. :)
P.S. That little man looks like this character from Lord Of The Rings.
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Oh my Gosh, that’s him! Too funny!! You’ve got great eyes and memory, Lollie!!!
Thanks for the kind compliment. Isn’t Errol just wonderful in that clip? I think it shows what a genuinely fun-loving character he really was, and why he was – and still is – so magnetically endearing, appealing, and attractive. to so many – even those who don’t go in for many Hollywood types. He. had such gusto!
Oh well said again Tim,I think you described him perfectly.I think Errol is someone that you just CANNOT not like.He is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ people.There will never be another like him.Truly special. :)
Truly special, indeed, Lollie! Odysseus, with an unparalled sense of humor and flair. Once in a hundred lifetimes. … Heard the ladies liked him, too.
Wow – what a great discussion and ever so interesting in which actor one can see an Errol – but as much as we would like to see Errol incorporated in another actor, more or less bringing him to life again, lets face it – it’s not going to happen as nobody REALLY can copy, impersonate, pretend to be or look like Errol! He was unique, extraordinary, exceptional, distinctive and matchless!
Kevin Klein gave a wonderful performance to portray Errol and credit where credit is due he gave his very best in this most onerous task to be a believable Errol. Most of all we have to be grateful to Kevin Klein to have this wonderful movie of Errol’s last two years and that is worth a lot!
But the real, real Errol he was not – he cannot be – NOBODY can be Errol himself!
We are all individuals, like no thumbprints are alike, we can’t be copied! We are all wonderful human beings, good or bad, but ever so individual!
Unless, we get the cloning perfected – yeah, maybe that could bring Errol back. Any DNA around?
That’s my two cents worth, what are your thoughts?
So true, Tina. There’ll never be another Errol! … But, since his life was so absolutely incredible, there will definitely be another movie about Errol. So, just as we all thought Kevin Kline was the best one to play him previously, who do you think would be best to next play him ?
And, yes, there is definitely is some DNA still around! Unfortunately, it will take much more than DNA too replicate the great Errol Flynn! As I’m sure you’ll agree, he (nor none of us) was bound by his genetic code. He went where no DNA had gone before – or since (regardless of what Charlie Sheen may think!!)
Hello All. I apologize for my sometimes getting some spelling and grammar errors into my post. I write most of my posts on my small-screen cell and often don’t pick up my errors/and sometimes have difficulty editing. So, thanks for your patience with that!
Well said David!! I get a kick out of the fencing matches! LOL! Juices start flowing and creativity is what a writer is all about! I do always cast my ballot for Kevin. I think some of you guys should go over to casting and get a second job, LOL! Love the clips Tim! What I thought was a still was taken from a film. The massage clip I have never seen! Oh yes, forgive me for the !!!!! I love to use them and as for spelling and grammar forgetaboutit! LOL! So edit me!
My dear fellow Flynn fighters,
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even though I participated in the search of possible torchbearers and suggested Hugh Jackman for a good sport, I have to underline that I didn`t do so because he looks anything like him. I think Errol opened the Hollywood gates for the Aussie archetype and the likes of Mel Gibson, Russel Crowe, Guy Pearce etc. owe him a lot. Errol can only be with us in spirit. Isn`t that what this blog is all about? Whenever we come across a vintage item or article of this real life pirate captain, we post it here and celebrate a far from perfect speciman, who lived life to the fullest- and beyond. With that he did inspire a lot of people and continues to do so. On the silver screen though I rather want to see a method actor digging deep and coming up with his take on Errol, than a lookalike merely doubling in like Flynn. Kevin Kline is such a lucky draw with his stunning resemblence and superb acting skills. But even him is not Flynn! And I bet Kline will show this in “The last of Robin Hood”. He will tell this story acting not en-acting which will make viewers aware of things even Errol wasn`t aware while doing them. [img
Excellent insight & analysis, Fellow Flynn Fighter!
For the very reason Errol is so unique & well known, I believe anyone daring to portray him must bear a relatively strong physical resemblance to him – at least after make-up. Without that, I just don’t see the movie selling – much like Daniel Day-Lewis had to resemble Honest Abe. Rod Steiger or Marlon Brando just couldn’t have pulled it off, IMO.
Kevin Kline was indeed a great choice – had/has the physical resemblance and acting chops. I sense he regrets not having played Flynn younger – something he hints at in oneof those TIFF interviews, when he talks about being the “old dude”. … Playing Flynn in his younger days is obviously a much juicier role – with the right script & production, potentially one of the greatest roles in history,
Very well said, Heinz.
!!!!!!! Timerider !!!!!!!
Thanks to David, who – unlike Curtiz – makes sure we all keep the tips of our swords covered!
And here’s a great tribute to Errol, in part suggesting that Johnny Depp would be a good candidate to someday play Flynn:
And here’s a great tribute to Errol, in part suggesting that Johnny Depp would be a good candidate to someday play Flynn – and that Errol could have been the first (and best) James Bond ever: