APRIL FOOLS! EXCLUSIVE: Lost Screen test of Adam Driver as Puddleglum for Joe Johnston’s Silver Chair Unearthed! APRIL FOOLS!

Puddleglum

While Greta Gerwig’s new Narnia adaptation appears to be running full steam ahead, many fans know all too well how quickly an adaptation can be delayed, if not outright cancelled. This was certainly the case for Joe Johnston’s adaptation of The Silver Chair back when Walden Media still held the reins for the franchise. Aside from a possible script and changes suggested by Sony to appeal to The Hunger Games crowd, little was known about the film itself.

Today, we are privileged to have heard from Friend of Narnia “Matt-the-Radar-Technician99”,  who revealed that actor Adam Driver, (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Megalopolis, 65) had not only been in talks to play Puddleglum the Marshwiggle, he had been in final stage negotiations, including conducting not only a screen test with Will Poulter, but a series of costume and make-up tests to make sure that the film’s producers nailed the look.

 

“He was really looking forward to some real talk, getting to know some real folks,” Says Matt-the-Radar-Technician 99. “It was going to be interesting.”Driver, an unknown at a time, had emerged as a front runner for Johnston and the producers, ahead of other candidates that included fan favorites Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean), Gary Oldman (The Dark Knight Trilogy), Christopher Eccleston (Dr. Who), the late Alan Rickman (Harry Potter, Galaxy Quest, Die Hard),  surprise dark horse choice Jim Carrey (Sonic The Hedgehog, The Grinch, A Series of Unfortunate Events), and the late Harold Raimis (Ghostbusters).

While I’ll acknowledge my overall opinions on the Star Wars sequel trilogy are mixed at best, Driver did a good job as Kylo Ren, and I have to admit he would have been a great choice for everyone’s favorite Marshwiggle. He has the look, the build, and the perfect voice for the character. Plus, having been an unknown at the time meant that he wouldn’t have had any baggage associated with other roles.

“I heard his Puddleglum was going to be shredded, “said Matt-the-Radar-Technician99. “I heard he was going to have an eight-pack.”

I’m not exactly sure how that would qualify him for the part of the role, but overall, I can concede that Driver would have done a great job as our favorite web-footed wet blanket. I have no doubt he would have worked well opposite Will Poulter’s Eustace, especially as a sort of “straight-man” to his snark. While we will never see this version of the film, it is fun to think about what might have been.

Check out some concept art of Driver as Puddleglum.

 

Click the link bellow to see an exclusive video of his audition tape with Lady of the Green Kirtle front runner Uma Thurman!

 

 

Update: APRIL FOOLS

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