And Now, For Something Completely Different: My Case For Robert Pattinson As Rand al’Thor

One of my favourite book series is The Wheel Of Time by late author Robert Jordan. It’s a series that had reached 11 (yes, e-l-e-v-e-n) books when Robert Jordan died of amyloidosis, in 2007. Before he died, though, he managed, working literally until his last breath, to lay out the plot (and then some) for the conclusion of the series, which is currently being completed by Brandon Sanderson, a fellow author personally chosen by Robert Jordan’s wife (as well as editor) for this task. There will be three more books. That’s how much material Robert Jordan left.

It’s a great, epic tale, so detailed, so rich in cultures, landscapes, and twists that it gives Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings a good run for its money. Robert Jordan’s passing was indeed a huge loss to the world.
If you like fantasy stories, and you have not yet done so, I recommend that you read this. Here is a link to the official website (beware of spoilers!): Dragonmount

Now, the first book in the series, The Eye Of The World, is apparently going to be made into a film, set for release in 2011, according to IMDB (read: it might never be done). There are no details yet on who will direct it, who will write the screenplay (please let it not be Melissa Rosenberg!), and let alone who will be cast for the main roles, so there’s sheer space for speculation.

That said, I am perfectly aware that it is highly unlikely that Rob will be chosen for this role (because he might be considered as too old, although Rand is in his early twenties, too, and I don’t expect Rob to look that much older next year, or even in a couple of years), or that he will even take into consideration getting involved (as something tells me it will be a very, *very* looooooong time before he gets himself caught in another “franchise”), BUT… a girl can still dream, so here goes.

First of all, here is a physical description of Rand al’Thor:

P. 3 – “An Empty Road” – Book 1, The Eye Of The World

“He was a head taller than his father, taller than anyone else in the district, and had little of Tam in him physically, except perhaps for a breadth of shoulder. Gray eyes and the reddish tinge to his hair came from his mother, so Tam said.”

From Wikipedia

“Rand has grey or blue (interchanging) eyes and a reddish tint to his blonde hair. He is about 6'5" or 6'6" (196-197 cm) (as described by Robert Jordan).”

Tall – check (OK, he is not 6’5”, but he definitely stands out)
Broad shoulders – check (come on, they are good enough, now that he’s buffed up a bit)
Grey/blue eyes – check
Reddish tint in blond hair – check

Rand’s character traits:

P. 9 – “An Empty Road” – Book 1, The Eye Of The World

“Like most Two Rivers folk, Rand had a strong stubborn streak.”

P. 42 – “The Peddler” – Book 1, The Eye Of The World

“At the best of times he was never very nimble with his tongue when talking to any of the village girls…”

Stubbornness – check (being a Taurus, he should be able to play stubborn pretty well… hee!)
Shyness – check (he is shy by nature and anyway, check out his portrayal of Salvador Dalì)

MAJOR SPOILERS!!!!

Development of the character throughout the story (from Wikipedia):

“Rand has changed a great deal from the boy who left Emond's Field two years ago. He has gone from the stubborn boy who refused to accept he was anything more than a simple sheepherder, to an iron-willed man who sometimes seems to have lost all trace of humanity. Having grown up with the belief that men should protect women, he has memorized the name of every woman who has died for him (at one point spending an entire night among the corpses in the aftermath of a major battle, Dumai's Wells, and then reciting the names to his best friend and right-hand man, Lord Perrin Aybara of the Two Rivers) and often berates himself with the list and the associated guilt. Many, of those around him, worry about his sanity; others (most notably the aforementioned Cadsuane and Sorilea) worry about his humanity. Also notable, he has developed claustrophobia due to events in Lord of Chaos, when he was trapped in a box by Aes Sedai sent by Elaida, taken out only to be beaten daily.”

So, it is a complex character with many facets and an endless range of emotions that I am sure Rob would be able to portray brilliantly (think The Bad Mother’s Handbook, Little Ashes, The Haunted Airman in order, as a progression of the character). The parts that I have highlighted are the reasons why I think it would be a character that Rob might like to play, especially when Rand starts swaying dangerously on the brink of insanity.

And if that's not reason enough, have a look at the emotional and expression range displayed in these shots:

Angry

Charming

Irritated

Interested

Baffled

Slightly crazy

Thoughtful

Mildly surprised

Intrigued

Worried

Happy

Exhausted

Mischievous

Ironic

Intense

Disappointed

Frustrated

Resignated

Desperate

Build: tall, lean, and fit

I know it will never happen, but there it is. That’s who I see as Rand al’Thor, when I read the books :).

Images taken from various websites (quite obviously Socialite Life), please contact me so that I can credit you, if it’s not evident… I honestly don’t remember where I got them from (I’m pretty sure Robsessed and Robert Pattinson Australia are among them :) ).