2. The Cast
Academy-award winner Geoffrey Rush and BAFTA winner Emily Watson lead the cast. Rush is one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation and his diverse and impressive filmography makes him an inspired choice for the role of Hans Hubermann, Liesel's loving foster father. As Rosa Hubermann, Liesel's strict but caring foster mother, Watson seems equally well-cast. Furthermore, as well as being excellent choices for their respective roles, the star status of Rush and Watson will give the film an added gravitas. The character fans will be most eager to see depicted on the big screen, however, is the eponymous book thief herself. "It was key that we found someone who didn't have to act it so much as just be Liesel," director Brian Percival told USA Today of his search for a young actress to the play the part. Liesel is at the forefront of the action throughout the story and, as Zusak's novel spans several years, the actress playing her must depict Liesel age from a child to a young woman. French-Canadian actress Sophie Nelisse was chosen out of thousands to play the role and has garnered rave reviews from her fellow cast-members and original author Markus Zusak. American actor Ben Schnetzer plays Max and Nico Liersch plays Rudy Steiner, Liesel's best friend. The Book Thief's cast is consequently an interesting mix of acclaimed actors and relative unknowns: this exciting cast is another reason why The Book Thief is a film you should be getting excited about.