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News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media

"Strangers in Paradise" on TV: Showtime, pay attention

For years, Strangers in Paradise fans have speculated about a movie or television series based on the adventures — and love story — of Katchoo and Francine.

I didn't really expect it to happen, mainly because I couldn't imagine a producer who could fully appreciate the genius of Terry Moore's storytelling. But at last weekend's Xena convention, Steven Sears, who produced Xena, announced that he and Moore are working together to bring a live action version of SiP to television. Sounds like a match made in, well, paradise.

Sears and Moore got to know each other after the SiP issue in which Francine and Katchoo appeared as Xena and Gabrielle.

Once Moore finished the comic series — marvelously, I might add — he decided to get in touch with Sears and actively pursue making a TV show. Of course, the writers' strike has to end and they have to find a studio and make a pilot and get the series picked up and other minor details, but I can't help being excited about the prospect. And I can't help imagining who will play Francine and Katchoo.

The character of Katchoo requires a lot from an actress. Kat is at once dangerous and loveable, with a quick temper and a huge heart.

I've always thought Lindsay Lohan would be perfect, but unless Lohan gets her act together, she won't be doing much of anything. In the looks department, Carey Mulligan fits. But I haven't seen her play anyone as rough around the edges as Katchoo.

For now, I'm thinking Evan Rachel Wood.

Francine is more naïve, a Southern girl with curves in all the right places and a tendency to embarrass herself.

I can see Sarah Lancaster as Francie, but she's probably a bit too old. Maybe Mandy Moore could go brunette and plump up a bit.

Of course, Strangers in Paradise is chock full of other characters to cast: David, Casey, Tambi/Bambi, Freddie and many more. As long as Terry stays involved — and he will — I'll probably be happy with anyone. Just as long as Katchoo and Francine live happily ever after.

How about you? Are you happy to see SiP TV? Who is your dream cast?

  • the linster's blog
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  • JK_Singer's picture

    SiP show = YAY!

    I am SO hoping this will actually work out, it would be fantastic! SiP is one of the most beautiful comics I've ever read, and I love it to bits. I have a hard time imagining real actors, but here's my two cents:

    Katchoo; maybe Katee Sackhoff? She definitely has the acting abilities and the attitude. Plus, Katee in anything is awesome really. I think Evan could be a good choice, but she seems a bit, i don't know, something. Young maybe? Or is that just because I still remembers her from Once and again ;) ?

    Francine; (fave character without a doubt) This is difficult.. maybe Lucy Lawless (a bit too old maybe?), cause she can be both goofy and sexy all at the same time. Or Drew Barrymore (I'm getting all my inspiration from AE's hot 100.. sigh, i lack imagination).

    David; Keanu Reeves hehe 

    And all I have to say about Tambi/Bambi is; good luck.

    Well, I can probably do better than this, but that’s just the first that popped into my mind.

    "Even in death Gabrielle, I will never leave you"- Xena

    Sigrid's picture

    I loved SIP

    I agree, I loved the comic stories. I ll have problems watching it with real actors.

    And I agree about tambi/bambi..although I think Cathy de Buono could do it. A very sexy Tambi actually, which is how the character evolves, no?. 

    moony's picture

    SiP

    I used to be an avid reader of this comic but lost interest a while back.  It just seemed to go on too long.  HOWEVER, now that I know Terry finally wrapped it up, I am ever so curious as to how it all ended, so I may have to make a trip to the local comic store to purchase a few TPB's.  Meanwhile, what fabulous news that a live action version may be on the way!  JK, your suggestion of Katee Sackhoff as Katchoo is brilliant!  As for Francine.. why, Jennifer Connelly, of course.  :)

    JK_Singer's picture

    You should definitely start

    You should definitely start reading again - you won't be dissapointed with the ending (that I haven't actually read yet, only know everything about because I can't seem to stay away from spoilers.. silly me.) 

    Haha yeah the more I think about it, the more Katee just seems to be perfect for the role. Lol duh Connelly, of course! Now, why didn't i think of that? Sigh, those two. And together? Awesome!

    "Even in death Gabrielle, I will never leave you"- Xena

    Renee's picture

    who should play them

    Duh..haha it's so obvious when you show the pictures of them!

    Lucy Lawless and Ren O'Connor!!! Man...that would be hot too! 

    ~Renée

    Crimson013's picture

    Mood: Cynical

    Hmmm, well it's great that Moore and Sears would be working on the project but I kinda doubt that they'll be able to find a studio that doesn't want to completely screw it up by suggesting small little changes, like the part of Katchoo will be played by David Spade who happens to identify with lesbians like Francine who's really just a confused little girl waiting for a good man to help cure her of her terrible affliction...and so on and so forth...the end(of everything good and decent in our world).

    But if by some miracle it actually gets off the ground I second the Katee Sackhoff nomination and the Jennifer Connelly sugestion even though we'll never be that lucky...ever. 

    ~kisses are a better fate than wisdom~

    mnml.oner's picture

    ....

    hahaha spade as katchoo, no thanks

    I hope these plans devlop

    I have no idea who would play francine... sarah ramirez was the first to come to mind

    Sigrid's picture

    little changes by the studio



    This is the first that came to my mind, actually. I am quite sure the studio would suggest little changes. Katchoo being a psycho who eventually gets kill (lesbians are often psychos that get kill in the movies, have you noticed?) Fran a confused princess who finds the right path with the help of a blue prince...well...the usual..
    TRIBHUVAN's picture

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    slurpee_jb's picture

    awesome

    I'm psyched eventhough I should know better. Sackhoff as Katchoo would be great! But Jennifer Connelly as Francine? God no, she's way too thin and so dull. I vote for Sara Rue or Sara Ramirez. I swear I don't have a thing for people named Sara, LOL, they just both seem better for the Fran role......
    leishahaha's picture

    soooo kewl

    I haven't finished the series yet - I've only read the first book. I heard somewhere here that Angela Robinson wanted to adapt it or be involved somehow. Is she connected to the project?

    I don't know who should play these girls but definitely NOT Evan Rachel Wood (too young, too delicate) and Mandy Moore (she's too... she just leaves a bad taste in my mouth! lol)

    How about, Piper Perabo as Katchoo? I'd really like Francine to be on the voluptious side, but that's probably impossible for Hollywood. How about Colbie Smulders who played Leigh Ostin on TLW?

    the linster's picture

    Not at the moment

    No word about Robinson, but wouldn't that be awesome?
    leishahaha's picture

    Francine!

    I figured out who would be a perfect Francine:

    Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love, Walk the Line). Purrfect.

    Piper Perabo and Ginnifer Goodwin.

    char's picture

    i love the series!

    u know who would be grand to play katchoo in the tv series? Eliza Dushku (gotta dye her blonde first tho lol) she's got the looks the attitude and the height lol... for francine.. eh.. for tambi here's one suggestion.. Victoria Pratt.. she damn well has the muscles to spare for the role! .. maybe not as tall but the muscles are there haha..of course being a huge lucy and renee fan they would be perfect for the roles but i kinda doubt they'd take it..
    the linster's picture

    Here's the challenge

    All of these suggestions are great. The challenge is that if the TV series starts at some point during the comic series, F&K would be in their 20s. I had a hard time thinking of actresses young enough who could pull off such complex characters.
    TRIBHUVAN's picture

    NO CHANGE PLZ THIS COMMENT

     

    Telecom marketplaces rarely provide a fully interactive environment where buyers can challenge sellers to provide their best price.

    Moreover, buyers with small buying capacity can rarely benefit from discounted prices based on bulk orders, specially in the telecom minute business.

     

    ---------------------


    Buy termination routes from  international VoIP carriers, or sell your A-to-Z VoIP/TDM routes to a large audience.

     

    ---------------------

     

    MINUTETRADERS | Voice Exchange - Buy/Sell Wholesale AZ VoIP Termination Routes-MINUTETRADERS | Voice Exchange - Buy/Sell Wholesale AZ VoIP Termination Routes

     

    ------------------------------

    TRIBHUAN