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Original poster

Disney Plus doing Jilly Cooper's Rivals

791 replies

countrylifer · 25/08/2022 10:56

This is just the best news. I've been waiting for an adaptation of Rivals since I first fell in love with the bounder Rupert C-B in circa 1997.

But the question is who will play him? I can't think of anyone off the top of my head who can fill those boots - any suggestions?

Disney Plus doing Jilly Cooper's Rivals
OP posts:
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28
noodlezoodle · 21/03/2023 18:43

Looks great, although I'm not sure about David Tennant as Tony - I always pictured him as being a bit stouter and florid. The actress playing Caitlin is exactly as I picture her.

Ozgirl75 · 21/03/2023 18:50

I didn’t picture Tony like that either, but David Tennant is such a good actor that I’m prepared to overlook it!
Danny Dyer is an inspired Freddie Jones.

Laptopneeded · 21/03/2023 18:55

When is it out

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ChessieFL · 21/03/2023 19:00

I’m very pleased that David Tennant is in this although like a pp I didn’t picture Tony like that. I have never heard of Alex Hassell before and having googled he does not look right at all for Rupert.

Spudlet · 21/03/2023 19:22

Ok, liking all of this. Very excited about it! 😊

greywinds · 21/03/2023 19:25

I am holding back on Alex Hassell - it could work, I do agree about RPJ (he’s not too old for me)! but feel RCB is about many things, style, manner and views as much as hair colour etc.

Spitspot99 · 21/03/2023 19:33

He’s definitely got the right haughty sort of look

Disney Plus doing Jilly Cooper's Rivals
Spitspot99 · 21/03/2023 19:40

And Oliver Chris is perfect for James Vereker, exactly as I pictured him

lasciviousoldram · 21/03/2023 19:40

It was always going to be a tough call to cast the "handsomest man in England" but the fact that Jilly C seems pleased with the choice is promising. But of bleach and a red hunt blazer and it will be ok! I am so bloody excited for this. Ive been googling every few weeks to see if IMDB had been updated.

Ozgirl75 · 21/03/2023 19:43

Because I’m a girl from the 1990s, I always picture a James Vereker as Richard Madeley! I think the guy they’ve got playing him here looks great, perfect for the part.

greywinds · 21/03/2023 19:55

Yes AH has that looking down his nose thing alright!

Lucyintheskywithrubies · 21/03/2023 22:28

Oh no I am so disappointed by RCB's actor?! David Tennant - I love him but Tony is meant to be stocky and bull necked isn't he?

Lucyintheskywithrubies · 21/03/2023 22:30

Ok they have got Lizzie right - good choice.

Peridot1 · 22/03/2023 07:25

I think I need to read it again as I can’t remember all of the characters.

I agree I’m not sure on the RCB casting.

Original poster
countrylifer · 22/03/2023 08:02

Eeek I'm so excited all over again! Also not sure on RCB but then if I'm honest I can't think of a single person I would have said would be perfect. I'm not sure I even picture him as anyone in the books, he's just Rupert. This actor is an unknown face to me which is good in a way. Really good cast which bodes well for the adaptation. After the other adaptations done of Riders and TMWMHJ they need to make this a good one!

OP posts:
Sagittariusrising · 22/03/2023 09:24

If we're looking at blonde and posh actors, Id suggest Freddie Fox as RCB. He has the haughty thing down in Slow Horses.

MichelleScarn · 22/03/2023 10:15

Ooh yes @Sagittariusrising or Tom Rhys Harries? Am sure TRH can ride quite well as did so in GoT and Dragonheart. Only 30 so may be too young?

Disney Plus doing Jilly Cooper's Rivals
Notonthestairs · 22/03/2023 10:26

"I can't think of a single person I would have said would be perfect. "

This is the thing. I don't think there is anyone that would have entirely fitted RCB's jacket.
Overall I think they've done an excellent job casting. Tennant can play oily smooth and menacing when he needs to.

burnoutbabe · 22/03/2023 10:44

Rupert Perry Jones I have been watching in silk and I think he'd be great for rcb.

Abs yea tony baddington is supposed to be a bit rough but sexy -sort of a more attractive Phil mitchel lol

I am best off not re-reading the books soon so I can enjoy this as it is

Ozgirl75 · 22/03/2023 11:10

Freddie Fox is a good option actually. Although I think Rupert is about 38 in Rivals as he has to be substantially older than Taggie, who is 18. I’m sure they could have aged down RPJ and he is handsome, blonde and posh. Perfect!

greywinds · 22/03/2023 11:30

It is hard to cast - rivals is going to be hard to do well because it’s so impossibly glamorous and old school. I do love RPJ but he’s too old now, it’ll look sleazy having a bloke in his 50s going after a teen. It’s already skirting it. RPJ is utterly gorgeous but he doesn’t look late 30s. He would’ve been great if this was being made when he was that age!

I can’t think of a perfect actor - maybe Alex Hassell nailed the casting call.

Badger1970 · 22/03/2023 13:22

Hmm this was always going to be a tough cast to get rid, I'm quite liking the look of some of these actors.

What's even better is that radio times claim that producers are starting to work on Taboo season 2.... gasps in excitement. Thanks for the link, that's literally made my day Grin

Badger1970 · 22/03/2023 13:23

get right, that should say Blush

greywinds · 23/03/2023 09:06

I saw that! If only they’d made this 10 years ago!!