CAST & CHARACTERS
Klaus Woermann - David Bruhl
A German captain in charge of holding the Keep, calls for help when his men start being murdered.
David Bruhl is a actor born in Barcelona, Spain (growing up in Germany) and has featured as leads in many famous films and series such as 'The Alienist' and 'Captain America Civil War'. However, one of David Bruhl's most famous roles was starring as Frederick Zoller in the Quentin Tarantino film 'Inglorious Basterds' set during World War Two as a decorated German soldier. Bruhl's performance echoes many of the aspects of the character of Klaus Woermann. These include his almost deceptive kind attitude towards other people, something which can suddenly change should the situation provide and become an authoritative figure. The performance can also sometimes be uneasy and calculating. These are aspects that work well with the character of Woermann and David Bruhl has become well known for playing believable German characters.
As Woermann is effectively the main character up to a certain point in the story, it is important to have an established actor in the role who audiences immediately recognise and trust, despite the character's affiliation within the Second World War. David Bruhl is also of a similar age to Klaus Woermann.
Erich Kaempffer - Alexander Fehling
An SS Officer who is sent to the Keep to find out what is killing Woermann’s men by any means possible.
Alexander Fehling is a German Actor and writer known for starring in many German film and television productions. His most notable works outside of Germany are starring in 'Homeland' as well as starring alongside David Bruhl in 'Inglorious Basterds' as a German officer. Alexander Fehling shares several physical attributes to the character of Erich Kaempffer including a tall and slim build as well as possessing blonde hair and blue eyes, an example of what would have been considered the 'Arian Race' during World War Two which Kaempffer is proud to conform to.
Fehlinb's experience working with David Bruhl will help to form a better acting chemistry between the two actors. Also both are of a similar age, much like Woermann and Kaempffer, and will be able to better project a rivalry between the two characters. Both actors being predominantly form Germany will also help with authenticity.
Theodore Cuza - Peter Capaldi
A Jewish Professor contracted with a fatal illness who is brought to the Keep in order to help the Nazi’s interpret what the evil power may be.
Peter Capaldi is a Scottish actor best known for the political satire 'In The Loop'. However, the actor has also appeared in science fiction shows, most notably as the titular character in the long running series 'Doctor Who' as well as separate parts in the more mature 'Torchwood'. The character of Theodore Cuza is a dying man who is given a second lease of life by Molasar while being manipulated to do their bidding. Capaldi is of an appropriate age to play an older man, however due to his experience with shows such as 'Doctor Who' and the physical requirements of such as role, Capaldi would be suited to take on the more challenging aspects of the role once the character is given a new lease of life and is required to carry out Molasar's bidding.
Magda Cuza - Emilia Clarke
Daughter of Theodore Cuza. Magda finds herself becoming a central part of the mystery and learns of the Keep’s true intentions.
Emilia Clarke is a British actress known for starring in many high profile film and television roles. Most notable of these is starring as Sarah Connor in 'Terminator Genisys' and as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO's 'Game of Thrones'.
Magda Cuza in the novel is not presented as a particularly strong female character. Despite trying stand stand up for herself, she always finds herself following the will of those around her. This is something that this adaptation should change. Emilia Clarke is typically known for laying strong and independent female characters, so the actress would be a good choice in order to bring a sense of strength to this character.
Clarke's experience when working with science fiction and horror with the use of practical and computer generated effects will also be a valuable asset and ensure that the actress is comfortable performing the role.
Glakken/ The Stranger - David Morrissey
A mysterious figure who has travelled far in order to confront the evil power which has been released within the Keep.
The manifestation of the power which has been released from the Keep.
Also is intended to represent the physical embodiment of the Nazis and their reign of terror during WWII
Molasar (Vioce) - Benedict Cumberbatch
David Morrissey is a British film and television actor known for starring in films such as 'The Reaping' and shows such as 'The Walking Dead'. Morrissey is capable of playing a wide variety of actors. However, one of these includes a foreboding figure. The character of The Governor in 'The Walking Dead' is an imposing figure who seems to be able to blend in with normal human society yet keeps a dark secret and his motives are hidden. These are aspects of the character of Glakken/ The Stranger should possess as he manages not to draw attention to himself but unleashes his full power towards the end of the story.
Morrissey has acted in several physical roles so he possesses the physicality needed for this role in particular. The actor is also very experienced in general, meaning that he will bring a professional attitude to the production
Molasar (Body) - Marnix Van Den Broeke
Marnix Van Den Broeke is a Dutch actor and Stuntman. He is most known for starring in 'Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban', 'The Colour Of Magic' and 'Doctor Who' as various monster and creature characters. This actor will suite the role of Molasar due to his tall physique, enabling the creation of a large and imposing character. The actor is also used to wearing large costumes and working with prosthetics.
Benedict Cumberbatch is a British actor know for working in various film and television productions. Cumberbatch is predominantly known for roles such as Sherlock Holmes in the BBC drama show 'Sherlock' and in films such as the 'The Imitation Game'. However, the actor has also provided voice- acting work in roles such as the 2018 adaptation of 'The Grinch'.
Cumberbatch's voice performance as the dragon 'Smaug' in the 'The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug' has provided the inspiration behind this casting. This performance includes a deep and overpowering presence which suits the character of Molasar as this omnipresent being.