Dream Cast: Neil Gaiman’s ‘Good Omens’

Over the past two decades, Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s Good Omens has almost been made into a movie several times. Monty Python alum Terry Gilliam tried for years to put the comic fantasy on film, but the infamously unlucky auteur (see the wonderful doc Lost in La Mancha) could never make it happen.

There has been talk lately of a possible TV miniseries, but many of the book’s fans still hold out hope for a feature. But who could bring Good Omens‘s outrageous characters to life?

Take a look at our picks after the jump.

SIMON PEGG & NICK FROST as AZIRAPHALE & CROWLEY

As seen in Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and Paul, the real-life friends have great comic chemistry onscreen. Pegg could absolutely nail the bookish, effete angel while Frost could create a great contrast as the worldly, fun-loving demon. The duo’s connection to Edgar Wright could also come in handy, as the director has already shown his “adapt”ability with the brilliant Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World.

HELENA BONHAM CARTER as AGNES NUTTER

If anyone has earned being typecast as a witch, it’s Helena Bonham Carter, who has played no fewer than three of them in her career. And although Agnes only appears in flashback, her book’s prophecies become important to the plot and, if voiced over, would benefit from Carter’s distinctive articulation.

GEMMA ARTERTON as ANATHEMA DEVICE

The adorable Arterton could perfectly capture the instant likeability of the professional descendant who charms witchfinders and anti-christs alike.

MATTHEW LEWIS as NEWTON PULSIFER

Matthew Lewis shone as the hapless hero Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films, but it’s time he spread his wings and moved on to other characters. Maybe as a supporting but pivotal role in a movie adaptation of a beloved book? Oh, wait…

BILL NIGHY as WITCHFINDER GENERAL SHADWELL

Many accomplished British thespians can pull off grumpy old soldier. But comic genius Nighy can make him lovable.

The FOUR RIDERS:

(Obviously the harbingers of the apocalypse are Americans.)

DAMIAN YOUNG as FAMINE

In addition to being gaunt personified, veteran Young can play smug with the best of them. Just watch as he oozes with slick malice as a senior FBI agent in Kevin Smith’s Red State, and you will be sold on Young as a businessman who can put a price tag on starvation.

BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD as WAR

Self-professed geek Howard is just itching to play a badass role like this. Howard has already shown her villainous side in the Twilight films and her acting chops in everything else. She is also a perfect fit for the fiery-haired description of the embodiment of war.

JIMMI SIMPSON as PESTILENCE/POLLUTION

If you have watched movies or TV with any regularity recently, you probably know Jimmi Simpson’s face. The character actor has been quietly stealing scenes from bigger stars for years. Whether you know him as Mary from Psych or Liam McPoyle from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, you know he is a master at doing a lot with a little, a necessity for the most unassuming horseman.

JON HAMM as the voice of DEATH

He’s already the voice of Mercedes/Benz. This is just one step away from that at most.

As always, that’s just one fan’s opinion. Leave a comment and tell me who you saw in your head!