Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves at 30: Ilene Starger on Her Experience as Casting Director

She’s worked on the likes of Sleepy Hollow, School of Rock and Night at the Museum and, as Casting Director for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, it fell on Ilene Starger to assemble the eclectic array of British and American actors...

The process of casting the film was enjoyable and challenging, as one always strives to honour the material. The script was certainly well-written, witty and moving, and one wants to do right by the writer.  To name a couple of actors who were coveted choices from the start, given their brilliance: Alan Rickman and Morgan Freeman. And they said ‘yes’! Christian Slater somehow seemed right as young Will Scarlett.

With any casting project, I begin by reading the script multiple times. The better the writing, the stronger the characters and, as I read, I can envision and hear certain actors in the roles. I then start making lists for each character, and start checking availability with their representatives. Over a period of weeks and months, the lists keep changing; those who are not available are discounted from consideration, and I also keep adding names as I’m continually watching the work of actors, on stage and on screen, and many performances will inspire me. 

I want to acknowledge the work of UK casting colleagues on the film, Noel Davis and Jeremy Zimmermann. Everyone involved brought their creativity, and passion for the project.

The fact that the legend of Robin Hood is so well known probably helped the casting process, in that there was such enthusiasm to tell this story again. These are extremely popular characters; perhaps that’s why the story lives on in literature and in various films. So many people the world over know the legend from early childhood, from books and filmed depictions. Thus, for everyone involved with this film, the challenge was how to stay true to the characters while trying to bring them to life in fresh ways for a new audience.

I don’t believe Die Hard had been released when I began casting Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, but the word was already out that Alan was fantastic in it. It was sort of ironic that, between Die Hard and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Alan was known for playing silky-smooth, darker characters; it’s a testament to his acting brilliance because he was, in real life, a deeply sensitive, kind and generous man. He and I kept in touch over the years, and I would go to see him when he starred in plays or when he directed them. He was always warm, such engaging company, and incredibly smart. I think of him often, and miss him. He inspired, and was extremely generous to, countless actors and others. Thankfully, his work lives on in films.

My favourite memories from making the film were coming up with ideas and talking them through with Kevin Reynolds, the director, who is a lovely person and terrific colleague. We’d worked together before, and it was always enjoyable. And, as I’ve said above, there was the excitement of working with actors who are so gifted. I’ve always loved and admired actors, and being an advocate for them when I work on a project remains a great joy. To try and match up an actor and a role in which he/she/they will shine is thrilling.

It is difficult to believe that it has been thirty years since the film’s release; to be candid, I have not seen the film in a long while! Answering these questions has made me want to see the film again. It’s always rewarding if a film one has worked on brings pleasure to people, or takes them out of their worries for a couple of hours. Every film will have its admirers and its detractors, but for those of us working on them, I’d say the process is the most rewarding aspect. Of course, we hope the finished product will turn out well, and be a success, but often the best memories come from small moments and joys during the ‘making of’, and the friendships one forges which can span decades.