Pillar of HeavenThis story did actually begin in what I know. At 22, I was a night manager at Starbucks dealing with caffeine addled customers and plotting coffee espionage. And, yes, at that age, I was a post grad desperately seeking my first job and failing miserably at finding one. However, I did not encounter telepaths, assassins, and evil bosses. Woe is me.
Waites is actually the surname of my boss at the time but, ironically, he was probably the nicest boss I've ever had. Not one ounce of evil in the man. When I started writing this, I needed a name and then it stuck. Mrs. O'Doole was inspired by my high school Latin teacher who was as poised and well-dressed as her character. The students called her 'The Dragon Lady' because they feared her. So I can just imagine the workers of Waites Inc. running in fear of their lives when Mrs. O'Doole walks in a room. But, true to life, every suit my teacher wore was paired with a matching pair of shoes dyed the exact same color. Man, she had style. |
For characters like Jack and August, they started with kernels of truth and popped into fully grown characters all on their own. I've been following their adventures ever since.
Check out this review on Broadstreet Review. |
THE cast
If I had my way, this is who'd be cast in a movie of Pillar of Heaven.
Kate McGovernPlayed by Ruby Cruz. Ruby has been in a number of things but I saw her in Willow. She's approachable and smart and plays an authentic, young woman trying to figure it all out.
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Edward WaitesI feel like this is a no brainer. Liev Schrieber is such a talented actor but he also brings with him an immediate presence and intensity. That's what someone playing Waites is gonna need.
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Jack CrawfordJack's character is famously youthful and I don't think Logan Lerman has aged in a decade. If this was ten years ago, I'd say Paul Rudd because he's a real life immortal but Logan Lerman would be perfect right now.
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Mrs. O'DooleFirst of all, I'd like to say I want to be Helen Mirren when I grow up. But in terms of casting for the indomitable Mrs. O'Doole, there's no one better.
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August Cohen
I first encountered Colton Haynes in Teen Wolf, where he played a playboy douchebag really well. So I don't think there's much of a leap for him to play August. Plus, he also has an intensity to him that's important for this role.
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Sylvia Brisbois
Also from Teen Wolf, is Arden Cho. She played a goofy, innocent new girl. Since then, she's taken on a bunch of roles and I feel like as she's matured, she would be perfect for the brilliant and beautiful Sylvia.
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BrunoI am only just realizing that I never gave Bruno a last name. To be fair, Jack's last name is never actually said in the story either. But who better to play our heart-of-gold, secret anime fan, nurse-turned-bodyguard Bruno? Dave Bautista of course!
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Mike bazemoreI also feel like this is a no-brainer. Between his sex appeal and his acting chops, Anthony Mackie has already established himself as a heart throb. I also like that he's played a variety of roles including military and comedy. Mike's character will have a more expanded role in The Second Pillar and so this casting needs to reflect that as well.
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