This was a tough topic for me because I don’t tend to imagine celebrities as my characters. Sometimes after the book is done, I will run into someone and think, ‘you are the perfect Minnie.’
Several people have suggested that Sucker for a Hot Rod would make a wonderful movie (Psst! Movie producers!) So I decided to pick the cast for that movie.
Here is the blurb for the book. It is the first book in the Meddlesome Matchmakers’ Series, so several of these characters could have recurring roles.
Bryce Halloway only dates a woman once. No exceptions.
It gives him the reputation of a heart-breaker, but he can handle that as long as it keeps his mother, Dinah, from trying to marry him off. Judi Montgomery and her tempting ponytail finagle their way around official dates with car problems and driving lessons. She worms her way into his heart and entices him to want more from his life.
When health issues causes his father to retire, Bryce inherits the family-owned tractor repair shop. Can Judi’s love and encouragement give him the courage to break tradition and pursue his dreams of owning a custom hot rod shop?
Bryce Halloway
When I was writing Sucker for a Hot Rod, I listened to a lot of Brad Paisley. Eventually I started picturing him as the main character. However, his look isn’t quite right. This morning it dawned on me that the lead actor in one of my favorite shows would be perfect. Handsome, stubborn, and a hard worker. Stephen Amell from Arrow.
Judi Montgomery
Judi is a first year elementary school teacher who is trying to start a new life. I’m reminded of Sandra Bullock in While You Were Sleeping.
Bryce’s parents: Fred and Dinah
I pictured Fred being slightly overweight and a bit grumpy whose philosophy on life is generally his way or the highway. James Garner comes to mind, but I suppose if we are casting the movie now, I need a live actor. Hmm. Perhaps, Tommy Lee Jones.

Dinah is the personification of an overbearing mother-in-law, asking about grandchildren before the couple even had their first date. Margot Kidder who played Lois Lane in Superman (the one with Christopher Reeve – the best one ever!) could tap into her inner intrepid reporter.
Minnie has always been Helen Mirren. Yvonne could be played by
Kathy Bates. Mark, Bryce’s best friend who is the main character is CEOs Don’t Cry, could be played by Hugh Jackman because every movie needs some Hugh Jackman.

I don’t know about any directors except J.J. Abrams and this story isn’t really his style. We’ll just hope whoever makes this into a movie takes these casting suggestions into consideration and let’s me be on set. I’ll try really hard not to go all fangirl on them.
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Helen Mirren and Kathy Bates would be awesome as the main Meddlesome Matchmakers. A young Sandra Bullock is a bit older than I pictured Judi, but if anyone can pull it off, she can. I love your choices for Bryce’s parents. And if Hugh Jackman wanted to be in my movie and there wasn’t a role for him, I’d write one.
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Hugh is so versatile. It’d be quite easy.
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Yes, that story should make a great film.
As far as your actors — Love Helen Mirren. I’ve liked Sandra Bullock in many of her roles, but don’t like her when she’s playing a hard-edged meanie.
I like Hugh Jackman in a lot of his roles.
Tommy Lee Jones is one of my favorites. He’s great at being bad, being good (or has he ever been good?) and at being more good than bad.
Not familiar with the Abrams director by name — which will be a big problem for me on Thursday. I don’t keep track of modern directors’ names.
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He did Alias – another of my favorite shows, Lost, and the most recent Star Wars movie. He’s very good at plot twists and leaving questions unanswered.
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I like plot twists, but I don’t like a lot of loose ends that are never settled
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Tommy Lee Jones would be great. I really like him. I think all the actors you picked would do a wonderful job.
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It is truly unfortunate that the writers almost never get a choice in casting…I mean, who better to choose how their character should be best portrayed?
I love Helen Mirren.She has grown over the years. And although I found Hugh Jackman charming,I was truly impressed with him in “Australia”.
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