Disney Plus doing Jilly Cooper's Rivals

[countrylifer]

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?

Yes. The whole of the main adult cast (Rupert, Declan, Maud, Lizzie, Freddie, James et ) would have been within the early 30s-early 40s range.

OMG!!!! I’m so excited/nervous because I am worried it’ll ruin it for me. I think they should find unknowns to play them.

has just mooted Nikolaj Coster-Waldau for RCB… I like that idea

What about Eddie Redmayne as Billy??

It's been over 20 years since I read the book. But will do before this airs. Are any of the Belevedons in Rivals???

I always imagined Taggie as a very young Kate Middleton (all fresh faced and long limbed). So will be interesting to see who they get.

I’m not sure there is a real life actor good looking enough to be Rupert in the right way. The vision in my head is too perfect 😍

Yes, Rachel Weisz (although far too old now) is how I imagine Taggie, too! And someone eaelier mentioned Daniel Craig (who is married to Rachel Weisz in real life) as a possible RCB - it would be brilliant to have RW and DC as the older versions of Rupert and Taggie!

Marion Coltillard is my Taggie.

I’m still cross with Jilly for Gala!!

Fucking hell.

Yes

Not Eddie Redmayne, he never closes his mouth and he looks gormless!

I always pictured a young Kate Bush as my Taggie - the cloud of hair and huge eyes.

Some of these RCB suggestions are stressing me out. Yes I am a Jilly Cooper fanatic 😂 I’ve read the books about 5 million times and I’ve literally never been able to conjure up a face to the name that does him justice. I genuinely think they would need to find a stunningly attractive unknown that actually fits the description - blonde, tall, long green nose etc. It needs to be someone exceptional. Ideas so far:

taggie - Marion Cotillard if she can do gruff Irish accent
declan - Liam neeson or a younger version
patrick - agree with pp cillian murphy
Cameron - the girl who played Anna in This Life or younger version
maud - agree with pp Helena B-C
Johnny friedlander - has to be Johnny depp!
lizzie V - agree fern britton perfect!

Fern Britton! She’s in her 50s!

Didn’t think of that 😂😂😂😂😂

😁 This is exactly the conversation I have in the pub after some wines.

Exciting!

Young actresses are all either too slim for Lizzie or too chubby. I think she’s attractive. im struggling to imaginary cast her 😆

Fucking Gala. And stupid Rupert.

Oooooh yes i quite like this idea!

Cillian M no good as Declan, not craggy enough...but maybe Patrick, although a bit old perhaps....

Would've loved Liam N as Declan but just too old now - gaaaah

Not hot enough!

😳 yes!!!!!! Inspired. Will do nothing to help my wild crush on him 😍

I've decided I'd like to make everyone in the book 10 years older. It would make my casting much easier!

Why did she do it? Why 😭

@Notonthestairs i agree I think they need to have some artistic licence with the ages of the cast. It’s only right

Also Jodie Comer is not Cameron! She’s Sarah Stratton!

He'd never do it but what about Chris Hemsworth as Rupert? He has the right hair and physique. And I'm sure he could do a posh English accent