20 April,2017 02:02 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
There is a lot that goes into casting than just looks. Chemistry and likeability amongst the cast members, topping the list
Jessica Chastain in 'The Zookeeper's Wife'
There is a lot that goes into casting than just looks. Chemistry and likeability amongst the cast members, topping the list. And if the lead of the movie, especially when it's Jessica Chastain, recommends an actor she wants to work with, how do you ignore that? And this is exactly what happened while casting the male lead for The Zookeeper's Wife!
When the casting for Jan's character was still under talks, leading lady Jessica recommended director Niki Caro to lookout for Johan Heldenbergh's performance in the award winning 'The Broken Circle Breakdown'.
Chastain remembers, "I was blown away by that film, and thought, 'This is an actor I want to work with!' Johan is dynamic, and can express so much with just a look. He is soulful."
Obviously Johan being a Flemish actor and director, there were reservations but Jessica didn't budge. She dug out a video of him giving a toast in English and slammed it at them saying, "He can speak English. Here you go."
