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Chris Evans Pat
Chris Evans was cast as Pat because he has a youthful personality, but also a mature, manly, and fit physical appearance, much like that of Pat. Evans has the ability to portray this mentally unstable, childlike adult who is fixated on exercising and getting back together with his ex-wife. Pat, the protagonist, is important to the novel because the story, which he narrates, centers around his experiences after being new released from a mental hospital, divorced by the love of his life, and obsessed with silver linings.
“‘Just how many push-ups are you going to do Pat?’ Mom says when I start a second set of one hundred without speaking to her. ‘Nikki likes a man with a developed upper body,’ I say” (3). Pat believes that by getting in shape, he would become a better person, and Nikki will then be willing to get back together with him.
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Milla Jovovich Tiffany
Milla Jovovich was cast as Tiffany because she has a very strong demeanor and a stubborn, icy presence. She has the ability to play someone very independent who can also become immature because of insecurities and guilt due to the death of her husband. She has the same look as Tiffany does in the book; she is tall with dark hair and natural beauty that she covers up by trying too hard. Tiffany is one of the central characters of the novel because she also grows with Pat and aids his realization process. “‘Forget her. She’s gone. Don’t you see that?’” Tiffany gives Pat the harsh truth he needs to recover. “Maybe you will never be able to forgive me, but I wanted you to know I had the best intentions - and I still love you in my own fucked-up way” (279). Tiffany continuously tries to help Pat and make him see the truth, and also learns her own lessons along the way.
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Iqbal Theba Cliff
Iqbal Theba was cast as therapist Cliff Patel because he seems around the right age and temperament for the easy going, laid back therapist. He would do a good job both pretending to counsel Pat and living it up at Eagles games. The character of Cliff plays two roles in the story; he both pulls Pat away from Nikki and encourages Pat’s belief in silver linings. “‘Oh, I see.’ Dr. Patel smiles. ‘I like happy endings too, Pat’” (16). Cliff cares enough about Pat to indulge in his optimism, but doesn’t believe he and Nikki will ever get back together. “‘So you think Tiffany is hot?’ This surprises me, because I did not know therapists were allowed to talk like guys do when they’re buddies, and I wonder if this means that Cliff thinks of me as his buddy now” (64). Cliff is trying as hard as possible to get Pat to go after Tiffany instead of Nikki, because there, there’s more of a chance of a happy ending.
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Michelle Fairley Mom
Michelle Fairley was cast as Pat’s mother because she is older (51) and more mature. Though she can be independent, she is not outspoken and tries to please everyone. Fairley has played mother figures in the past, for example in Game of Thrones, and would be a good fit for this role. Pat’s mom holds the Peoples family together in the book. “‘Your father has been a bear lately, and I’m simply tired of it. So I’m making some demands, and things are going to change a little around here. Both of my men are going to start taking care of themselves a little more. You need to get on with your life, and I’m sick and tired of the way your father treats me’” (141). Pat’s mom goes on “strike” and refuses to do any housework until Pat’s dad and Pat start to become more independent and responsible. Without this action, Pat’s father would continue his animosity towards Pat and disregard the family completely in favor of his addiction to football.
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Stellan Skarsgard Dad
Stellan Skarsgard was cast as Pat’s father because of his ideal age, build and fatherly appearance. Even though Pat’s dad isn’t super caring, appearances can be deceiving, and Skarsgard could act both like he cares and ignore Pat.
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Matt Bomer Jake
Matt Bomer was cast as Jake, Pat’s younger brother, because of his ability to act as a positive, charming and rich jock. His dazzling smile shines brightly as he accompanies Pat through his adventures.
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Colin Donnell Ronnie
Colin Donnell was cast as Ronnie because he looks caring with the best intentions, but is not quite sure of himself or how to handle Pat’s situation. He is a bit younger and quieter, like Ronnie’s character.
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Virginia Williams Veronica
Virginia Williams was cast as Veronica because she can act the way Pat describes her. She’s a classical pretty blonde, and she seems like she’d do a very good job bossing Ronnie (Colin Donnell) around.
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Lamome Morris Danny
Lamome Morris was cast as Danny because of his funny personality. Though he is a natural comedian and television star, he can also be shy and quiet at times.
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Alexis Bledel Caitlin
Alexis Bledel was cast as Caitlin, Jake’s wife, because of her innocent and friendly personality and appearance. She’s so supportive and understanding of Pat and tries to include and make him feel comfortable.
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Tom Welling Scott
Tom Welling was cast as Scott because he has the personality and appearance of an intelligent and hardworking guy who is the responsible one at rowdy tailgating parties, just like his character who is a computer technician who makes websites for family doctors, but still likes to go to Eagles games on the weekends.
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Katie Cassidy Nikki
Katie Cassidy was cast as Nikki because of her sweet and feminine characteristics that Pat easily fell for. However, despite her appearance, she can play someone condescending and whiny who focuses on herself.
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Dominic Iannone Dom
Dominic Iannone was cast as a filler at the diner when Pat and Tiffany go out to eat.
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