The Lost Girl of Astor Street: A Fancast

I recently had the pleasure of reading the newly released book The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill. What better way to celebrate than with a fancast of people I think would work for a film adaption?

Lydia has vanished.
Lydia, who’s never broken any rules, except falling in love with the wrong boy. Lydia, who’s been Piper’s best friend since they were children. Lydia, who never even said good-bye.
Convinced the police are looking in all the wrong places, eighteen-year-old Piper Sail begins her own investigation in an attempt to solve the mystery of Lydia’s disappearance. With the reluctant help of a handsome young detective, Piper goes searching for answers in the dark underbelly of 1924 Chicago, determined to find Lydia at any cost.
When Piper discovers those answers might stem from the corruption strangling the city—and quite possibly lead back to the doors of her affluent neighborhood—she must decide how deep she’s willing to dig, how much she should reveal, and if she’s willing to risk her life of privilege for the sake of the truth.
From the glitzy homes of the elite to the mob-run streets of 1920s Chicago, Stephanie Morrill’s jazz-age mystery shows just how far a girl will go to save her friend.

 Piper: Skyler Samuels

For our plucky heroine, Piper Sail, I choose Skyler Samuels. Samuels looks like she could pull off a bob and also pull off the spunky, resourceful heroine that is Piper. She'd have to wear contacts, but I think Samuels is a good choice.

Mariano: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

 

Levitt would do a fine job portraying the young but hardened detective Mariano Cassano. He's also rather swoon-worthy and could pass for Italian. Seems like a fit for the man whose investigation Piper crashes. Levitt also has the talent to portray the depth of Mariano's character.

Walter: Kit Harington

This casting is the one I'm the most iffy on. I had a difficult time trying to find the perfect actor to play Pipper's best guy friend but ultimately decided on Kit Harrington because I think he could pull off younger and I also know he can pull off curly hair and be the sort of buff baseball player/bodyguard of Piper. 

Lydia: Maddie Hasson

Finding a redhead to play the sweet, ladylike victim and best friend of Piper, Lydia, was difficult. I settled with a blond who can dye her hair, Maddie Hasson. I think Hasson can pull off the dainty beauty of Lydia well and provide the tipping point for Piper's entry into being a detective. 

Alana: Karen Gillan

Karen Gillan is a great actress, and I think with her hair just a tad shade of auburn darker, she could be a good fit for Alana, a persistent reporter trying to get Piper's story all the while fraying the nerves of our lead. She may not be perfect, but I think Karen could do good things with this role.

Jeremiah Crane: Aaron Taylor-Johnson

I never would have thought of Aaron-Taylor Johnson as the sharply dressed and mischievous reporter, Jeremiah Crane, until I saw images of him in Anna Karenina. Take away his mustache and we have a winner. Johnson is perfectly capable of meshing both serious and comedic acting and could be the perfect pick for a dashing Jeremiah.

Emma Crane: Willow Shields

It's hard to believe the actress who played Prim in The Hunger Games films is now almost seventeen. I choose her to play the younger sister of Jeremiah and Piper's new friend, Emma.

And there you have it! Just a few of the varied and complex cast of The Lost Girl of Astor Street!

The Lost Girl of Astor Street is set in the 1920s. What's your favorite mob-era story?