Time Traveler's Wife: The Movie

One of the best books I read last year was the Time Traveler's Wife, so I was very happy to read today that a movie is in the making, and starring no less than Brad Pitt. Here's the quote:

Meanwhile, the Chicago Sun-Times reports Pitt is still set to star in the Plan B-produced flick "The Time Traveler's Wife," which is based on Audrey Niffenegger's best-selling sci-fi novel. The story centers on a librarian suffering from "chrono-displacement disorder," a condition that causes him to jump through time and occasionally end up in his wife's childhood. Man, we hate when that happens. Kate Winslet's name has been tossed around to play the titular spouse.

I have very high hopes that they'll capture the nature of the book, especially the poignant ending.

Update: After reading some of the posts here, I think the best casting suggestion is Christian Bale and Natalie Portman.

Another update: There have been some great casting suggestions on this thread; my new favorite is Adrien Brody and Winona Ryder.

Comments

[AC]

We could only be so lucky to have two such perfect depictions of these fabulous characters. I love this book. and actually needed coaxing to pick it up from another fan of the literature.

[Martin Middelmann]

Just think of the possibilities of the DVD release.

Three versions:

1. Basically follows the structure of the book. Straight Adaptation.

Two re-edited/sequenced versions (ala Godfather Saga)

2. Story is told in a linear fashion from Clare's point of view starting at age 6.

3. Story is told in a linear fashion from Henry's point of view starting at age 5.

Those are three versions I would be willing to watch.

[jamie]

i looove this book. im obsesed. im in love with these characters. i am very disapointed to hear brad pitt in the roll of henry for the movie. i'd rather see nic cage in that roll. and not jennifer aniston as clare please god this story will be butchered. i also hear kate winslet is up for it perhaps that i could live with. how clique is brad pitt though? god hunky type dude irritate me to the core.

[Patye]

I picked up this book yesterday morning, and finished it at 2am last night. I actually hated to come to the end, as if I was saying goodbye to two lovely friends I'd just met and might never see again. Ironic. A prayer: please, let them portray the beautiful intimacy of the story and their love for eachother. Please, find actors who can act. Please, let this become a film festival treasure with an underground cult following, and not a Hollywood monster trampled by teenage girls and corporate cigar smoke. Please, keep this real. Amen.

[Emma Pearce]

This novel is incredible. As soon as I finished reading it I did think that it would be fantastic as a movie, but part of me couldn't bear the thought of it - it seems impossible that such a beautiful, real, intimate relationship could be portrayed with any depth on screen. I would be especially heartbroken if it ends up as a Hollywood blockbuster, as Jamie commented. This book is truly special.

[Anonymousgirl]

This book was truly amazing. I finished reading it last night, and I do not remember the last book I read that literally made me sob. I feel like I lost 2 amazing friends, but they are out there somewhere...and I suppose that's the point of this book. I also thought it would make a fantastic movie, but please - not a Hollywood blockbuster, and god - not Brad Pitt! Maybe someone like John Cusack or Jason Lee in the role of Henry.

[Veruca Salt]

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! I didn't want it to end! Please lets all pray that Brad Pitt does NOT play Henry. Maybe I'm crazy, but what about Adrian Brody? He is more talented than BP...just a thought.

[polyphony]

As much as I agree with your praises and casting concerns – be forewarned - Brad Pitt owns the rights to this. Unless some miracle happens in divorce court where in Jennifer Aniston (who co owns it)and Brad get struck by lightening and pass this off to someone with real talent, another brilliant book is destined to become another unwatchable victim of hollywoodafornication.

sigh.

[polyesterbride]

I agree with not wanting this to become some overblown Hollywood blockbuster; and inevitably, Brad Pitt's starring in the movie would turn it into one; but hasn't anyone seen "12 Monkeys," or "Seven Years in Tibet?" I very much disagree with the comments that Brad Pitt can't act. I'm a HUGE Chuck Palaniuk fan and was highly critical of it being adapted into a movie; but was thrilled with his performance in "Fight Club." Give the guy a chance. Just because he happens to be hot and what people classify as a "typical Hollywood hunk," doesn't mean he can't do justice to this role.

[Jennifer]

Please, oh, please don't let it be Brad. I am so sick of him, I don't think he's even that good looking...and I just can't imagine him as my Henry. I love this book and hated to read the end but couldn't not finish it as quickly as possible! They are like good friends and family to me and I hate to see them leave.... Oh, how I hope that this movie is as perfect as the book.

[Hayfa]

I just finished the book. It did make me cry, it was just such a sweet, beautiful tale, one of the best reads I've had in a while but I just wanted to add:
1. Please not Brad Pitt, he just isn't right for it. What about Christian Bale?
2. Jason Lee is another good suggestion - my other half suggested Keanu Reeves who does look right but I'm not convinced he could pull it off.
3. Kate Winslet sounds good or may be Jennifer Connelly as Clare?

[Mette]

Oh I just wanted to check if what I had heard about filming one of my favourite book were true... Seems it's kindda standing still though.
I just have to agree with a lot of the comments in here, I can not picture Brad in the role of Henry - Henry is simply to dark and hansom in the non-Hollywood sort of way (I mean Brad Pitt with long black hair? noooooo!), I would say something like James Purefoy perhaps, maybe some unknown actor?
And as much as I love Jennifer Aniston as Rachel this is so not her part - please!
Oh hope someone in charge reads these I would hate to see the possibilities of a wonderfull film wrecked....

[Sunny]

While reading, I actually envisioned Brad as Henry - kind of quiet with a dark mood about him spiced with sarcasm and a sense of humor. And I really wanted Jennifer to play the lead. I think she would do well playing Clare, the most patient woman of all kind. I did wonder about the future of Plan B and the production of my favorite book when they unfortunately separated, so I am thrilled to hear it is still on. Thanks Plan B - whoever you choose to cast - for bringing to the big screen two of the most beloved characters in modern literature. Do well.

[Nicole]

Hi All!!

I have been waiting for this book to be a movie but it seems like it is not going to happen.. Does anyone know at all when this is all happening and if it still is since Brad and Jen are no longer together?? Please let me know if anyone has news and updates on this movie!!

[Claudette]

I have been reading about the possibility of their being a possible movie in honor of this magnificent book, although it is an exciting thought...hmmm...Brad Pitt? Kate Winslet however is a good choice for Clare. As for Henry, an unknown actor with maybe dark hair would be nice. I hope that the movie doesn't let me down, I'd hate to see this romance ruined by hollywood. Either way, I have the book to fall back on if the movie fails me. Yes, we would be very lucky if their love for each other is captured onscreen. To whoever is playing them: good luck!!

[Bdrflykiss]

I personally feel that having two unknowns for this movie would be the best choice. It would be sorta nice to discover someone when searching for these roles. The book is beautiful and honestly I think Brad Pitt, Jennifer, Kate are all too old for these roles. They should find someone who is young and could play old for the last years of henry's life. If they do go for already stars...I would love to see Leonardo Dicaprio playing Henry. He's such a great actor....For Clare I could see Reese Witherspoon

[Craig]

It seemed like I was in morning after I finished reading The Time Traveler's Wife the first time. It is sooo moving -- and fun and interesting and mind-boogling too. Now I have read it the second time, and it was just as good. I wait anxiously for the movie, hoping that the makers are true to the book.

[chloe]

i read this book at my mother's suggestion. i think that edward norton would make a good henry, but brad pitt would not be SO bad.

[melody]

Best book I have read in a long time...I also thought it would be an amazing movie, but I hope they follow the story and do it justice. I think I can see someone like Natalie Portman as Clare... but also Kate Winslet I love. I say Christian Bale plays Henry. He's a fab actor, and always seems a bit troubled anyways. There's my 2 cents.

[Sheryl]

Read it last summer and then I made my husband read it...we've been discussing it on and off for a year. My casting picks...please, not Brad Pitt! I kept seeing Orlando Bloom as I read the book. I can sorta see Kianu Reeves! As for Claire, needs to be someone young, sweet, smart, honest, very straightforward and kind - patient. It would be nice if casting directors would find a new fresh talent for this...Portman is too overexposed for this role, Jennifer Anniston - no. And Kate Winslet is too "serious." Have to think on this one...I had a definite picture of Claire when I read it, but it wasn't anyone famous. I'll be glad to see how it turns out.

[Elizabeth]

I just saw Shopgirl and could totally see Claire Danes playing the role of Clare.

I looooved this book. I, too, hope the book isn't butchered. It would be a tough screen play to write, as the book jumps around so much, and is told from different points of view.

[Chelsea]

I am particularly in favor of unknowns for both leads. The two characters have such a strong presence and history in themselves, that I think anyone big just wouldn't do Henry and Clare justice.

I seriously could not, can not, stop crying when I finished the book. Out of everything I hope they don't change the ending to please viewers. I love the ending the best, and though I cried my heart out, I think changing it would be a total crime.

[Mal]

I loved this book, at the end i had tears down my face and then it turned into a whole sobbing fest...Brad pitt would be good as Henry, cant picture Clare though...keira Knightly might be good...

[laura]

i absolutely loved this book, cant wait to see what the movie comes out like, i think the actors should be totally unknown, having big macho actors destroys in true nature of the couple as being ordinary, and trying to live an ordinary life, brad pitt should definately NOT play hnery...maybe gomez..but nobody else...anyone know when the film is due for release, or if its even in progress??

[LH]

This book made such a fantastic read; it was definitely one of the best stories I've read in a long time and I loved every moment. I think a film of it sounds good, and I think the suggestion of Keanu Reaves as Henry might work! Keanu Reaves and Kate Winslet? Can anyone else see it? Whoever they get will have to do an amazing job to make it even half as good as the book.