As I try to keep my grubby fingers on multiple fandom pulses, a while back I came across this interesting piece of news:
Benedict Cumberbatch is set to play Richard III in the second series of Shakespeare’s History for BBC2.
Ordinarily, one could skim over this little morsel if it wasn’t for the fact that playing the role of Little Richie Plantagenet, Yo! it’s York in the House, has been a dream of Armitage for some time, a goal he has mentioned in countless interviews throughout the years and I am too lazy to link to a single one of them, so you are welcome.
It got me thinking about what it must be like to mold your career at a time when another British actor, especially one younger than you, seems to be thriving, even making it onto Time 100 Most Influential People list.
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the direction in which Richard’s career is heading (seriously, chuffed as chips or rather Chops!) and I like the fact that being an Armitage Admirer Well-wisher still feels like a member of an exclusive club with a well-kept secret of exquisite taste in men, but when you’re vying for the same parts, heading to the same auditions as the likes of Cumberbatch or Hiddleston, when you stand back and watch their notoriety soar, does it smarm a bit?
To what extent do you compare yourself and your opportunities, casting options, accomplishments to others?
Although I would really dislike the notion that RA is pushing for a glitzy Hollywood career and therefore abandoning projects that made me fall for him in the first place, I can’t help but wonder if he ever questions why them and not him.
Some projects that we felt would be perfect for Richard but went to another actor are easier to swallow, like casting Aidan Turner in Poldark, with others having another actor portray Matthew Clairmont in A Discovery of Witches would be much harder to accept (seriously, have you read it? Matthew is perfect for Armitage), but having Cumberbatch play Richard III feels…personal…
Don’t get me wrong, Cumberbatch is huge right now and it makes sense that if the producers would jump at the chance to cash in on that.
I have little doubt he will do a superb job and I will certainly be amongst the swarm of people who know that anything Ben is in is definitely worth checking out as the man does not disappoint.
Then there are those arguments that maybe RA is just a little long in the tooth to play the king who died at 32, that this particular ship may well have sailed.
But a part of me, the one that is blinded by the sense of my very own distorted need for justice, the fan who wants Armitage to make him dreams come true, is disappointed and my little naughty fangirling green-eyed monster is having a field day.
An image of what could have been and, hopefully may still be, after all Frodo did take the ring to Mount Doom against all odds, right?
Oh, and just so you know- had you chosen me Queen of the World like I have requested repeatedly, not only would you have Fridays off from work, but I’d also give Armitage the right of dibs on every single Richard III project.
In other words, if you liked it then you should have put a crown on it…
I don’t know what it’s like where you’re at, but it’s freeze your b*ll*cks cold here, so I’m serving up two Armitage related activities to at least keep the little grey cells warm!
First, here’s a Thorin word-search activity.
And here’s a not very seriousArmitage crossword puzzle:
I know I promised you the results of the RA Silent Auction this weekend, and I’m bursting to wrap things up and share the final tally, but I’m still waiting on a transfer from a winner who has just opened up her Paypal account and banking stuff is making her, me and us wait.
Secondly, my usual posts like Arty Farty Friday and Stereotype Sunday will be suspended for December.
There’s so much happening in the RA world, not to mention my trip to London this Wednesday and Christmas right around the corner, there’s only so much scheduling a blogger can do.
Last but not least, I’m very excited about the Berlin première tomorrow!
I wasn’t too enthralled with the world premiere (sorry LA), and I really hope that we Europeans can muster up some more energy and welcome The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaugwith less of a fizzle and more of a bang.
I’m counting on my RA friends to wave the flag, take plenty of pictures and report back 🙂
Rarely do I read a book and a character jumps out as one that would be perfect for Richard to play.
I’ve often wondered how I would feel about Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and Southhad I read the book first and saw the BBC series second.
Of course I’ll never know, but I’m pretty sure Armitage for Thornton and Daniela Denby-Ashe for Margaret wouldn’t have been my obvious casting choice and yet they worked perfectly in the series.
I’ve heard Armitage Admirer sharing which protagonist they’d like to see Richard portray on screen, but the one that stuck with me was the character of Matthew Clairmont in A Discovery of Witches.
The Debrah Harkess book had been lingering on my Kindle for some time, always “the next book to read after I finish the current one”, I kept overlooking it until a few days ago.
I’m not sure if all the fandom chatter that Armitage is perfect for Clairmont actually swayed my judgment, but holy cow, Armitage is soooo perfect to play the dashing ancient vampire.
For those who have not yet read the book (I’m in the middle of it, so no spoilers please!), you can find the synopsis here, but I’ll focus on why Richard would be perfect for the part.
By the way, the film rights to the book were purchased by Warner Bros., but I haven’t found any details as to what their plans for this project is, nor have I dug up any info regarding the cast, so a girl can dream 🙂
Before my dear readers start complaining that I’d dare wish for Richard to be cast as a vampire, this book is not your run-of-the-mill paranormal juvenile book where girl meets vampire, they fall in love, he wants to kill her stuff.
Professor Matthew Clairmont is an ancient vampire who looks like he’s in his 30s and is gorgeous: very handsome and tall, with wide shoulders and narrow hips, athletic and sturdy.
Did I mention Matthew does yoga?
He’s a scholar, stylishly dressed in expensive garb who drives an expensive old car and is a wine connoisseur.
He’s also ridiculously charming and has the air of a gentleman from a bygone era.
At this point of Matthew’s description I think his similarities to John Thornton are obvious.
And it doesn’t stop there: Clairmont is incredibly protective of the woman he falls madly and dangerously in love with (or, as the book describes, he’s mating her).
He’s enthralled with Diana, very much like Thornton is with Margaret, delighting in her scent and going out of his way to keep her safe, even against his better judgment.
He’s torn between his deep feeling for her, who he is at the very core and the danger his emotions could entail.
His passion for the woman he loves drives him half-mad, especially that it’s the first time he feels so strongly about another being, despite having relationships in the past.
A chunk of what I’ve read so far takes place in the Bodleian library in Oxford and what a lovely setting it is for the plot.
An Armitage aficionado will ask which of Richard’s incarnations best suits Clairmont physically.
The obvious choice would be either season 8 Lucas North or John Mulligan, but in truth I see Matthew just as Richard is now, out and about promoting DOS, with his comfy cardigans and Hugo Boss jumpers, his hair a little longer, a smile fixed on his face.
I can only hope, against all hope, that if/when the casting for A Discovery of Witchesrolls around, Richard Armitage’s name will be included in the mix.
UPDATE:
If you would like to check out why Richard is perfect for the part of Matthew, go to Armitage 4Clairmont.
So I’m not going to lie, I experienced some mild panic when deciding what to do for my final post of FanstRAvaganza4.
I didn’t worry too much at the beginning of the week; I figured that the Gods of Armi-inspiration would visit me in the night and I’d wake with a fab-tastic idea for post 3!
Well, that didn’t happen.
But I did have a Sir Guy dream, which is never a bad thing! ^^
Anyhoo.
I’d scribbled down an idea in the “maybe” column when I’d first started brainstorming for the Armi lovin’ event: “Some kind of fantasy shop…Armitage stuff”
Now, I like “stuff” as much as the next girl. One can never have enough stuff.
But hang on one cotton-milling minute!
What if there was a magical place where you could buy all kinds of Armitage…stuff?!
From stationery to clothing to utterly random accessories?! Everything with his insanely beautiful FACE on it!
I would be in there every day, stocking up on goodies and collecting points on my Armitage loyalty card.
Okay, so there are already a few awesome Armitage related items on the market.
From Guy of Gisbourne action figures to Thorin Oakenshield lego.
Not to mention the amazing Hot Dwarf King mug a muchly amazing Hot Elf King loving friend bought me for Christmas ^_^
(I talk about my Thorin mug a lot, because I love it a lot)
But this shop…
Oh lordy, THIS shop would stock all of the above AND MORE!
So, without further ado, I invite all of you to the unveiling of
This shop is full of all kinds of Armitage delights!
Where would you like to go first?
Perhaps the make-up department?
SIR GUY has just launched his new range of glorious GUYliners!
Buy your GUYliner today!
You too can smoulder and smirk your heart out! And swoon over all the pretty promotional posters! 😉
*
Across from the make-up counter you’ll find all kinds of funky accessories…
All EXCLUSIVE to The Amazing Armi Gift Shop!
May I suggest some adorable JOHN THORNTON NAIL TRANSFERS?!
The handsome cotton mill owner is waiting to adorn your nails!!
*
Over in the kitchen department, you can get your mitts on THIS SPLENDID TOASTER!
It really is fit for a (Hot Dwarf) King!!
It even toasts Thorin’s delicious FACE onto every slice!! YEY!
*
Also available is this limited edition LUCAS NORTH LUNCHBOX AND THERMOS!
Take it to work!
Take it to the park!
Take it to bed! YUM!
*
Perhaps you’re on the lookout for some charming footwear?
Look no further!
Harry is ready & waiting to keep your feet warm with these SNUG SLIPPERS!!
Look at his wee happy face!
How could you possibly resist?
*
Looking for something a bit more dangerous?
Why not trust Sgt. Porter and take home this nifty SWISS “ARMI” KNIFE?! Use it responsibly though, peeps!
*
I hope you’ve enjoyed looking around!
Please visit again soon!
*
There is something for every jolly Armitage Admirer at the AMAZING ARMI GIFT SHOP! It’s just a shame it only exists…
…in my head! -_-
For now!
Teeheehee!!
😉
* What marvellous items would you like to see Armi’s face (and *ahem* other body parts) on?
I’d quite like a pair of Armi scissors…where his glorious legs are the blades.
Mind you, I’d probably be prone to accidents with those in my hands! -_-
*
Well I’ve certainly enjoyed bloggin’ around this week.
Thank you so much for having me, Agzy!!
And thanks to everyonefor welcoming me into the Armitage bloggin’ fold with your lovely, funny and amusing comments! *HIGH-5s all round!*
*
On day 2 I asked you who your fave Armitage character and “go-to” viewage is.
And I told you all about mine. With the aid of some pretty pictures 😉
On day 4 of FanstRAvaganza I’d like to know which of the tall beauty’s nice, not so nice and a lot nicer than some characters you would….
🙂
Now, that charming chap from Leicester has played an array of characters. From tall handsome strangers… Hellooo, Harry Kennedy! To brooding “bad boys”… Sir Guy, throw me upon your steed & run away with me! There’s been topless tough guys… Oh, Sgt. Porter, I do like your…gun!>_> And most magnificent spies…. Well, you know my feelings on THAT MI5 agent… *ahem*
Righteo!
Just to spice things up a bit, and make it more fun. (And because I’m a bit of a meanie! ;P).
I have chosen 9of Armi’s characters and, picking their names out of a hat, (or in this case, my Thorin Oakenshield mug), I have split them into 3 random groups of, er, 3. Consider each 3 in turn.
And tell me
(please) If you absolutely definitely HAD to make a choice
(and let’s pretend you do!)
Who would you…
A). Marry
B). Sleep with
C). Take as your date to a
school reunion?
It’d be marvellous to know your reasons too!
First group of beauties:
Second group of swoon-er-roonies:
Third group of hot potatoes:
*
I know it’s tricky (very tricky!)
But think it through. Mull it over. Make yourself a cuppa and ponder the pros and cons of each option.
*
I had to think long and hard myself. For group one I finally decided I would….
MARRY: Lucas North
I couldn’t NOT marry my favourite spy. Plus I would get to wake up to THAT FACE every morning, stroke his glorious tattoos, and swoon over his legs all the live long day! (You know, when he’s not off spying & stuff!)
SLEEP WITH: Sgt. Porter
He’s just so tough and strong and steaming hot!!
I’d want him to pick me up and throw me on the bed! Yum!
TAKE AS MY DATE TO A SCHOOL REUNION: Thorin Oakenshield
How impressive would it be to bring a Hot Dwarf King from Middle-earth to your school reunion? Everyone would be in awe of him. Plus he’d have much prettier hair than all those bitchy girls you went to school with! Also, he could defend your honour with his sword fighting skills!!
* My choices are of course subject to change. -_-
*
As for groups 2 & 3…
I’ll have to think on it some more and get back to you! ^^
*
Well, I hope you enjoyed my little game!
Can’t wait to hear what you’d “do” with all these Armi-licious characters!
*
P.S. If you have any thoughts on anything else you’d like to – *ahem* – “do” with these characters, or any others I’ve not mentioned, please feel free to share that too!
Perhaps you’d like Ricky Deeming to take you for a ride on his motorbike? 😉
Or maybe you’ve had thoughts about spending time with Monet and his….canvas?! 😉 Don’t be shy: share!
*Guest blogger alert!*
As you may know from the lovely Agzy’s intro yesterday, the awesome Armitage admirer has granted me this exciting (and ever so slightly scary) opportunity to be a guest blogger for this week of Armitage delights! ^_^
So here I am – eeek!
It all came about with a spot of Lucas Northperving *ahem* rambling/general admiration for his beauty – one of my favourite/daily/hourly pastimes…Oh, Lucas!
SO!
What better, for my first post (EVER), to talk about that insanely beautiful spy!?! (I can think of nothing. Except perhaps stroking that beautiful spy. *mind wanders*)
SO! (Take 2) SPOOKSis my “go-to” RA viewage.
It’s what I turn to when I need a bit of a pick-me-up; or when I just *need* to see his FACE!!
(I’m sure you all get those needy pangs!)
I cannot get enough of Lucas and his luscious legs. Boy, do I love his legs! But more about his legs later. (No, really!)
THUS (which is really a fancy “so”)
In the name of FanstRAvaganza4,
I invite you to take a trip down Lucas Memory Lane with me….
I have picked 10 of my fave Lucas moments/attributes/ponderings/
swoon-er-iffic type stuff. One for each letter of his name! Happy days!
If you’ve not yet watched SpooksI should probably add a *SPOILER WARNING*
So (last time, promise!), without further ado,
let’s hop on the hot spy train:
DUE NORTH; LUCAS NORTH
First stop:
L
for
LOOK WHO JUST TURNED UP
I remember seeing the BBC trailers for the new series of Spooks, and getting all excited by his wee FACE!
Oh, the anticipation!!
And then he arrived.
Dear Lucas North was delivered back to Blighty after spending 8 years in a Russian prison. And Mr Armitage had lost over a stone in weight to meet the character’s description.
Oh, the commitment!!
They lifted that hood. He squinted as he adjusted to the light. He staggered over to Harry Pearce in his faded and frayed blue jumper…wee bit of stubble, hair slightly greasy and tousled…looking tired, in need of nourishment and a decent cuppa!
Meanwhile, in my living room, I whimpered and whispered many-a-thank-you the casting people of Spooks… THANK-YOU FOR LUCAS!!
Next stop
U
for
UNDERNEATH HIS CLOTHES
One simply cannot discuss Lucas without mentioning his tattoos!
They are, like his FACE, a work of art! -_-
And they are EVERYWHERE (well, near enough; I’ll bet there are one or two others we are not privy to. ALAS!)
Now, I wouldn’t say I am a huge fan of men with lots of tattoos, indifferent really; but DEAR GOD, I was (still am) in awe of Lucas’s!
I think what I love about them is that they near enough “define” Lucas. They are not random tattoos he decided to get “for a laugh” or when he was drunk; they were all attained during his 8 year imprisonment and were integral to his survival. “Tattooing is part of the culture in there, if you don’t do it, you don’t belong; if you don’t belong…you’re dead.”
Lucas to Harry, as he stood in that bathroom…washing himself…(oh my!)
So, in short: I really (reeeaaally) like Lucas’s tattoos.
Let’s all take a moment now to think about them… YUM!!
Third stop on this journey is
C
for
CHASE ME WITH THOSE FINE LONG LEGS! (Preferably whilst wearing snug-fitting jeans)
Agzy will know I am a lover of Armi’s legs.
They are just so long and lovely…
They come up to *here*when mine only come up to <there>….ya know? -_-
They are damn fine legs!
Lucas does a fair bit of running in the name of MI5, and I fully support it.
Tea has been known to have been spilt when he zooms across the screen, taking big strides as he goes in pursuit of the baddies. Or to get away from them.
Whichever, I just like all the running.
What’s also impressive, is that he can do all this running whilst wearing some rather tight-fitting jeans. They show off those fine legs without actually showing the legs.
Mmmm!
And now, please enjoy a medley of (completely gratuitous) pics of Lucas & his legs.
Scheduled stop No.4 is
A
for
ALL IN THE EYES (AND EYELASHES)
Mr Armitage can say it all with a look.
And a flutter of the eyelashes. And, while we’re at it, a raise of the eyebrows.
(Those beautiful eyes really suit a heavy application of eyeliner too; but er, that’s not necessarily relevant right now… o_o)
There’s so much depth to the character of Lucas.
He’s intelligent and shrewd; enigmatic and complicated.
He’s constantly battling with an inner torment and – shush – secrets!
And those eyes glitter with all his emotions and sensibilites.
I could watch Spookson mute and still comprehend all his heartache.
(But I wouldn’t do that too often because it means I would be deprived of that gorgeous voice…!!)
The eyes: They really do say it all.
Next station is
S
for
SPY LOVE
So the lovely Lucas wasn’t very lucky in the love department.
Okay, Elizabeta was rather sweet.
But then came Sarah. Humm.
Her American accent was my main problem, it was just so awful – as in, so obvious that it was a non-American actress attempting to do an American accent. And failing – that it really ought to have been enough to put Lucas off in my opinion.
(*Holds up hands* I just had to be honest there. I’m sorry! Sort of).
Next up, of course, was moody Meya. Or traitorous madam. Whatever works for you.
Now, what I really would’ve loved to have seen was a wee romance between
Lucas & Ros.
They would have made an interesting and rather sophisticated couple, what with Lucas’s charm and chiseled good looks & Ros’s frosty “bit of a badass” persona.
Shame. I think there was a spark there… ^^
Which leads me nicely to our next calling point…
N
for
NOT TO PUT TOO FINE A POINT ON IT…
…but I think “Pete” would have made a fine fiancé!
Just a shame he was a fictional fiancé, eh?
Still, credit where credit’s due:
“Pete” (AKA Lucas) did send flowers to “Jenny’s” (AKA Ros’s) “workplace”.
He turned up for a “surprise” visit on her “first day”.
His fictional office only being “round the corner” after all.
And he even threw in a few kisses and told her “boss” that he was her fiancé. *SWOON* Okay, all was in the name of the wee undercover op that was being staged, but hey, you gotta love Lucas’s commitment. He really sold it!
And check out how chuffed Ros looks in the bottom right pic. Yes indeedie – she luuurrrves Pete too!
So let’s hear it for Pete!! Woo to the hoo!
(P.S “Pete and Jenny” did look rather cute together! Aww!)
For the seventh stop, I bring you
O
for
ON A SCALE OF HOT TO STEAMING, GUESS HOW MUCH I LIKE LUCAS WHEN HE’S ANGRY…?!
Clue: a bucket of cold water may need to be thrown over me!
Lucas, being a troubled and complicated soul, has a lot of repressed anger inside of him, and when he has the chance to vent some of it – oh boy, he doesn’t hold back!
Now, I wouldn’t want to cross Mr North, but if he wanted to jump into a swimming pool to punch a bad guy out, (perhaps in my honour), then I am not going to stop him.
Jeepers, do I heart that scene!
No messing about – straight in the pool, fully clothed and out to get results.
And the result that I’m not so secretly grateful for is Lucas in tight WET jeans…shaping his thighs and bum very nicely…very nicely indeed!
Job well done, angry Lucas!
On we go now to
R
for
RUSSIA AND SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE OF
My heart skipped a beat the first time Lucas spoke Russian.
First the tattoos, then the Russian – all in his very first episode!
HOLY MOLY!
Okay, so he’s been in a Russian prison for the last 8 years, and his ex-wife is Russian, chances are the hot spy is going to know some of the lingo.
Even so, knowing that Armi learnt to speak Russian for the role… ugh, he is just too perfect!
And not only were we treated to Lucas speaking Russian, we also had Lucas pretending to be Russian…remember that wonderful episode…?
YUMMY-LICIOUS!!
The penultimate stop brings us to
T
for
THAT BLACK VEST TOP
Okay, so Lucas tends to wear a lot of blue clothing.
We know he looks good in blue; the wardrobe department clearly know he looks good in blue. I’m sure the man himself knows blue is a good colour on him.
(Brings out his eyes, innit!)
But there was that out-of-office-hours item of clothing that Lucas seemed to favour; and it made an appearance in all three of his seasons as a spook.
Yes, that fetching black vest top.
Nice tight fit. Showed off the arms. Showed off the tattoos.
Looked good with his dark hair.
I approve of this black vest top.
Oh look, here he is putting it on… *THUD*
(I really should have put those pics in reverse order…Lucas taking clothing off is much more fun. ^^)
Last stop now, kids! And it is of course
H
for
HAD US AT “HELLO HARRY”
One can’t deny that Lucas North’s story wasn’t a bloody emotional one.
He arrived damaged. He’d been tortured. He’d suffered for his country.
No one was sure if he could be trusted.
He had to work hard to prove his worth to Harry & co.
And prove himself he did with his many bold moves, courageous acts, and save the day in his special Lucas way moments.
His journey was chock full of thrills and spills and edge of the seat action.
He ran around, putting those long legs to good use.
He drew us in with his piercing blue eyes and made us want to hold him and love him and all that jazz!
He spoke Russian and had lots of tattoos.
He breathed and blinked and everything.
You wanted him to arrive on your doorstep and say:
“You’re coming with me!”
(I wouldn’t even stop to grab my coat).
He was pretty darn awesome.
And soooo beautiful.
-_-
Okay, so not everyone was a fan of Lucas’s “road to ruin”.
I was pretty heartbroken.
But come on, Armi embraced that “what the fudge?” plot twist and he ACTED HIS GOD DAMN SOCKS OFF!!
At the end of the day, whatever did or didn’t or should have occurred: LUCAS NORTH, know this…
❤ ^_^ ❤
Well, if nothing else, I think I’ve proven that I could ramble on about Lucas Northall day/month/year…
There’s lots of things I love about my favourite spy, but I hope the handful I’ve shared have made you smile 🙂
I’d love to know your fave Lucas moments/scenes etc, so please share them if you so wish! LET’S TALK ABOUT LUCAS! ALL HAIL LUCAS!
I reeeaaally love Lucas -_-
*runs away*
x x x x
*runs back*
One more thing! Now you know that Spooks is my “go-to” TV viewage when in need of an Armi fix, I’m curious to know… What’s YOURS? Are you devoted to Mr Thornton, or is Guy with guyliner your character of choice?
Are you happy with Harry, or are you a fellow Lucas lover? Vote for yours here! (Ya know, if you fancy it… ^_^)
And if your fave isn’t on the list, please tell me all about him in the comments box.
Thanks for reading!! Happy FanstRA4 everybody!! ^_^
I hadn’t intended on taking such a long break from the blog, and I apologise to anyone who was worried about my sudden disappearance.
It started with taking a step away from the promotional madness of The Hobbitwhich I wasn’t enjoying too much.
Then my trip to London came about and so did the countdown to Christmas.
We then went away for the holidays and I’ve only been back for a day.
What amazes me is how life went on here at I Want to be a Pin Up while I was away.
The stats have been going through the roof despite me not posting anything new and it is a tad unnerving that my posts are read beyond our Armitage circle.
There’s a million things (OK, exaggeration…) I want to write about, so I shall have to cut it all up into separate posts.
I can’t wait to share the details of my Hobbity weekend in London, meeting my fellow Armitage Admirers, and the exhibitions I managed to visit while there.
Now that The Hobbitis out around the world, I think it’s time I shared my thoughts on the movie in a painfully honest review.
