Horizon Zero Dawn film cast could be something very special

As much as I adore Horizon Zero Dawn, I can’t say I’m filled with joy at the prospect of its upcoming film adaptation. Following the cancellation of a planned TV show at Netflix, Guerrilla Games’ Horizon Zero Dawn will now be adapted into a film by Columbia Pictures and PlayStation Productions, the partnership that brought us the likes of Uncharted and Gran Turismo. It’s for that reason that I’m tempering my expectations. You see, I enjoyed both of those aforementioned films but while they offered a couple of hours of light entertainment, they hardly adapted the source material as successfully as projects like Fallout or The Last of Us.

With all of that in mind, I’m cautiously anticipating that the end product, in Horizon Zero Dawn’s case, is likely not something that’ll linger around as an all-time great. But you know what? I don’t mind. If all the film offers is a 180-minute fun-if-forgettable take on this story, I’ll be satisfied. After all, I can always venture back to the game to enjoy this story in all of its glory. A film adaptation is a mere indulgence.

We should really withhold judgement for now though. What I am trusting in, however, is that casting directors will find an Aloy we can all be proud of. The film is in the very early stages of production so no information is yet available on attached cast and creatives. In the meantime, I thought I’d have a stab at suggesting a couple of names for five of the film’s key roles that I think could help secure the film's prosperous fortunes.

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Aloy

Clearly, Aloy is the most important character to cast as she’s our protagonist and our franchise lead, if the film is to go on to spawn sequels. If I was casting the film, I’d want to find a talent on the cusp of major stardom. Think of how Jennifer Laurence was cast into the spotlight in The Hunger Games, or Tom Holland in Spider-Man: Homecoming - two instances of established young talents finally given a breakout blockbuster role. It’s worth noting that Aloy is believed to be in her late teens at the end of Horizon Zero Dawn, so I’m imagining we’ll see an actor in their early 20s cast.

I’m very familiar with the fact that Sadie Sink is a popular fan cast, and I somewhat back it myself. Yes, Sadie bears a physical resemblance to Aloy, but I don’t really find that to be an important factor myself. I think Sadie is a fantastic actor who could bring a lot of depth and tenacity to the role. My only concern is over whether she’s a tad too young-skewing visually.

I personally would love to see Kaitlyn Dever take on the role, although I’m thinking that she’s likely a tad too busy playing Abby in The Last of Us. I’ve been a huge fan of Dever’s ever since I first saw Booksmart so you can imagine my delight when she was cast as Abby, my favourite fictional character. Still, if she could slot it into her diary, Dever would be a great shout for Aloy.

Credit / AMC

As would Alycia Debnam-Carey of Fear The Walking Dead and The 100 fame. Alycia is certainly someone who’s proven that she can hold her own in a post-apocalyptic set project, as she’s done just that in both of those aforementioned TV shows. Fear The Walking Dead had some, let’s say, funky wunky storylines, but I always admired Alycia’s ability to carve out a sense of emotional tangibility amidst all of the melodrama.

The last name I’m going to throw in the hat is somewhat of a wild card, Elle Fanning. I’ll preface this by saying that Elle is one of my favourite actresses, but she is someone that often opts for what I'll describe as ‘softer’ roles, but that’s why I’d like to see her thrown into the shoes of someone like Aloy who has to also navigate some physical trials. I think Elle is more than capable so it could be an exciting match made in heaven.

Rost

Rost’s presence in the story is short-lived, which I hope is not a spoiler to anyone, so if I were a casting director, I’d be looking to nab a renowned, established talent who’d be happy to sign up for this short but impactful role. Rost is selfless, dedicating much of his life to raising Aloy, without being overly sentimental or outwardly emotional.

Credit / Disney+

I’d quite like to see Jude Law take on the role. Admittedly, the actor is fresh in my mind with Skeleton Crew having premiered its season finale this week. Jude is an actor though who’s played both heroes and villains across his career, and I think he’d nail Rost’s quiet stoicism. My other shout in this category would be Christian Bale. There’s something innately warm about Bale’s natural persona and if he brought that to the table, well, we’d be cooking on gas.

Sylens

Sylens is a bit of a chameleon. Ally? Foe? Well, he exists somewhere in the middle. I won’t delve too far into how the story unfolds, but let’s just say that Sylens is someone who’s always keeping Aloy guessing, carving his own path that exists alongside hers. The character was brought to life so wonderfully by the late Lance Reddick in the game and if it were possible, Lance would undoubtedly be my very first casting choice to reprise the role.

Credit / HBO

In his stead, I’d choose Jeffrey Wright to bring Sylens to life. Like Lance, there’s a smoothness to Jeffrey’s voice and that, to me, is one of the most characterising aspects of Sylens. Yes, Aloy is influenced to follow Sylens’ guidance based on what he actually says, but there must be something about Sylens’ learned and wise tone of voice that influences her to think that this is someone worth listening to. Jeffrey Wright’s tone would tick that box perfectly - to the point where I’m not even going to bother with a secondary option.

Erend

Erend’s a trickier one in my mind. Aloy’s companion is compassionate but also somewhat of a wild-spirited ruffian. He’s slightly older than Aloy, but I think in a live-action casting, I wouldn’t have too large of an age gap between the two characters, just to maintain some reliability. My mind is drifting to Kit Harington which is odd because I’ve not actually seen the actor in anything that allows him to let loose. I’ve always watched him in pretty uptight roles but then again, Jon Snow and Erend share an adeptness for combat, so that could be why he’s springing to mind. In interviews, Kit seems like a pretty funny guy so maybe this could be the role to allow him to flex that side of himself.

Credit / HBO

I’m also going to throw Tyler Hoechlin’s name into the hat. Again, this is probably slightly an aged-down casting compared to Erend in the game but hey, the name flew to the forefront of my brain and I shall not deny it this chance to take centre stage. Anyone who's watched Superman & Lois will know that while a force to be reckoned with physically, Hoechlin has a softer side and can handle humour when it’s called for within a script, making him possibly perfect for Erend.

Varl

Let’s round off with Varl, Aloy’s other key companion. Just like Erend, Varl is also handy in combat scenarios but he’s much more emotionally adept, using his strong resolve and strategic insight to guide Aloy and the team. This is another one where I’m only going to offer up one suggestion because, to toot my own horn, I think I’ve nailed it. I was sitting here pondering when it dawned on me, Varl is basically The Acolyte’s Yord Fandar in all but name so why not get actor Charlie Barnett on board?

Credit / Disney+

Just like Varl, Yord was physically skilled whilst exhibiting immense emotional intelligence, so much so that - spoiler incoming - I was devastated when he was killed off halfway through The Acolyte’s season one run. Although that doesn’t really matter anymore given the show’s cancellation. But Yord screamed potential to me. I saw him going on to become a Jedi that fans would really latch onto and Charlie did such a great job bringing him to life so perhaps he could reincarnate as Varl - who I think would actually let him, just a tad, swap some of Yord’s forbearance for some light humour.

Did I hit the mark? Are you screaming at your phone or computer in disagreement? Let’s hope that whoever is eventually cast does us proud.