Your Cast for The Host?

I was a little bored this morning and got to thinking who I would like to see in The Host. Many of these choices are spur of the moment and not based on the look of the character, but the actor's abilities (and taking Saoirse Ronan into account). There were also a few roles I couldn't quite figure out.

Who would you like to see in The Host? I think it's interesting to see the spectrum of actors readers put into the same roles.

Here's What We Know So Far...

From MTV:
Star: In May, we learned "Hanna" actress Saoirse Ronan would assume the dual role of Melanie/Wanderer, an interesting casting choice seeing as Melanie is described as a brunette in her 20s. Though Saoirse certainly isn't the first fair-haired actress to undergo a makeover for a sure-to-be huge literary adaptation...

Melanie/Wanderer is the only role filled to date, so we're dying to know who will play her love interest Jared. When the film was first announced way back in 2009, we cast Chris Pine in the pivotal role, but with producers casting a younger Melanie, we think someone like Steven R. McQueen would be a perfect fit for the part.

Director: The director's chair has seen plenty of back and forth over the past two years. Originally, screenwriter Andrew Niccol was attached to direct his script but backed out to helm the Justin Timberlake-starring "In Time" instead. Susanna White ("Nanny McPhee Returns") took over the reins briefly, but now Andrew is back behind the camera.

Filming date/location: The adaptation is scheduled to begin filming in February 2012 in Louisiana and New Mexico, meaning Andrew has a little more than seven months to round out his cast of scrappy survivors.

The Host's Jared Howe is One of MTV's Most Anticipated Casting Announcements

Character: Jared in "The Host"

Who is he? Kick-ass survivor of an alien invasion, love interest to human/extra-terrestrial Melanie/Wanderer (Saoirse Ronan)

Latest buzz: This film adaptation hasn't been hosting much casting speculation of late, but with a February 2012 filming date (and a March 2013 release date), it's likely news will invade within the next few months. (Sadly, after suggesting Steven R. McQueen for the role yesterday, I realized it would likely conflict with his "Vampire Diaries" schedule. Boo.)

Check out the other nine here.

The Host Gets a Release Date

From Deadline.com

Open Road Films has acquired U.S. distribution rights to “The Host,” the big screen adaptation of Twilight series author Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling novel. As previously announced, “The Host” will be directed by Andrew Niccol (“Gattaca”), who also wrote the screenplay, and will star Saoirse Ronan (“Hanna,” “The Lovely Bones,” “Atonement”). Open Road Films has set a March 29, 2013 release date (Easter weekend) for “The Host.”

Principal photography is scheduled to being in February 2012 in Louisiana and New Mexico, in anticipation of the wide release on March 29, 2013.

Regarding Open Road Films, Stephenie Meyer's stated, "I'm thrilled to be adding another fantastic partner to an already amazing group. Everyone involved has so much passion for the project. It really is a dream team."

“We are privileged to partner with Stephenie Meyer and the rest of the filmmaking team for the release of ‘The Host,” added Tom Ortenberg, CEO of Open Road Films. “Nick Wechsler is a terrific producer and a long time friend and we are honored to be working with Nick and Stephenie - and the wonderful minds of Steve and Paula Mae Schwartz - to bring this epic story of hope to the big screen.”

Producers Nick Wechsler, Steve Schwartz and Paula Mae Schwartz commented, “We are excited about the passion that Tom Ortenberg and Open Road Films has shown for ‘The Host,’ and we think this is a great opportunity to be partnered with AMC and Regal at the beginning of their new joint venture.”

Now that all that is settled, hopefully casting will soon be underway.

Merchandise Available from Hobo Skate Company

UPDATE: It looks like the merchandise is no longer available.

The Hobo Skate Company is the only shop with authorized The Host merchandise. You can check out the items here.

Open Road Acquires U.S. Distribution of 'The Host'

From Deadline.com:

Open Road, the upstart distribution company formed by theater chains AMC and Regal, is making its second big acquisition. Tom Ortenberg's company is acquiring domestic distribution rights to The Host, the Andrew Niccol-directed adaptation of Twilight Saga author Stephenie Meyer's novel. I'm told that the there were at least three other distributors trying to get this and that the deal will be a seven-figure minimum guarantee, a healthy P&A commitment, and gross for participants that include the author.

Stephenie Meyer's Playlist for The Host

Stephenie Meyer, like many authors today, puts together a playlist to compliment her novels. The "soundtrack" for The Host includes songs from Muse, Sting, My Chemical Romance, and more. Below is the complete playlist and samples of the songs.

1. Soul Meets Body — Death Cab for Cutie

2. Papercut — Linkin Park
3. Futurism — Muse
4. I Wasn't Prepared — Eisley
5. Walking After You — Foo Fighters
6. Down In It — Nine Inch Nails
7. Blood — Editors
8. Pts. of Athrty — Linkin Park
9. Fortress Around Your Heart — Sting
10. The Ghost of You — My Chemical Romance

11. Because I Want You — Placebo
12. Stockholm Syndrome — Muse
13. As You Are — Travis
14. Smile Like You Mean It — The Killers
15. Don't Stay — Linkin Park
16. Just Like You — Three Days Grace
17. Consolation Prizes — Phoenix
18. My Name Is Love — Rob Dickinson
19. The Hand That Feeds — Nine Inch Nails
20. My Body is a Cage — Arcade Fire
21. Rescued — Jack's Mannequin
22. Original of the Species — U2
23. The Last Song — All-American Rejects

24. Beautiful Day — U2

What would you like to see on the soundtrack? Do these songs get you into a hosty mood?

Director and Star in Place for The Host

Academy Award nominee Saoirse Ronan has landed the role of Melanie Stryder in the film adaptation of The Host.

Earlier this year it was reported that Emmy nominee Susanna White would helm the film, but Andrew Niccol has since taken over the reins as director/screenwriter.

“Having Andrew at the helm for us is incredibly invigorating as he truly shares Stephenie’s vision on this film,” said Kimberly Fox, Inferno’s President of International Sales.

Source