Saoirse Ronan set to star in Stephenie Meyer’s The Host!

May 3, 2011 Posted by Lindsay in Stephenie Meyer

Stephenie Meyer’s non-Twilight book The Host has been in development for a while now. But Deadline has just announced that Saoirse Ronan (Atonement, The Lovely Bones) has landed the lead role of Melanie Stryder! From Deadline:

Saoirse Ronan has been set to star inÂ The Host, the screen adaptation of the bestselling novel byÂ Twilight Sagaauthor Stephenie Meyer. Scripted by Andrew Niccol, the film figures to be one of the hot titles when Inferno launches sales at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival next week. Niccol, who was originally set to direct, might resurface as the filmmaker.

Ronan, the Oscar-nominated star ofÂ Atonement, The Lovely Bones and most recently Hanna, will play Melanie Stryder, one of the last humans putting up a fight against an alien species called Souls. These parasites invade human bodies, fuse to each person’s consciousness and systematically erase their personalities. Melanie is captured by the aliens and implanted by a Soul called Wanderer, something of a legend because of all of the “hosts” she has attached to on numerous planets. Wanderer’s goal is to get Melanie to give up the remaining pockets of humans, but instead the alien finds Melanie to be unique in her unwillingness to surrender her consciousness. Wanderer is so overwhelmed by Melanie’s memories and feelings, the alien is driven to reconnect with Melanie’s old life.

Read more here.

What do you guys think of this casting? Have you read The Host? I think Ronan is a GREAT score for the film adaptation.

Slipper

Excited about this. Saoirse Ronan is an excellent choice for the Mel role. She has such range!! She's gonna nail this. All her work has been outstanding, from ICNBYW to Hanna!

Nico Sanchez

OMG! i was hopping so bad that they would make a movie out of the book! i loved the book!
She´s a little bit as i imagine she would be1 she's really pretty. :)

Flipside69

Ronan's the best teen actress out there. She could play these roles with her eyes closed, her hands tied behind her back, eating a burger, and playing scrabble at the same time.

Bdboyd9

she doesn't fit the description of Melanie at all!!!! UGH I hate when film makers stray from the way characters are described :(

Cj Broussard

She looks like I would have imagined Wanderer to look, not Melanie. Melanie I pictured as more of a Jennifer Lopez look. I have read the book three times. Can't wait for the movie and the sequel book.

PrettyLittleVampire

Well done Saoirse!!! Bualadh Bos!!!!! ( < Irish btw. google translate it lol) She's one of Ireland's best exports!!! I think that she'll make a great Melanie!!! Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat Saoirse!!!!!! :P Cant wait to see it when will it be released anyone know? x :D

MissCiara

I know there is a lot of debate over whether or not Saoirse looks strong enough to play Melanie, and I'll be the first to admit that she seems like more of a Pet, but the girl is talented. Her previous work is flawless, so I'm sure Melanie is just one of many strings in her bow. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing her take on the character. If anyon can pull it off, it's her.

Julie

I was thinking the same about that. I imagined that Wanda's new body would have the long blonde hair. You never know what they might do with Saoisrse's hair, face and/or body. The book depicts that she goes through so much in the caves.

Zee3

What's a brilliant actress like Ronan doing with this crap? This is another Twilight!

Claire

I just read the rest of the article - it says they want her to play Melanie and Wanderer.....that makes more sense then.

Claire

i LOVE Saoirse Ronan - she would be perfect as either role.

Bllynn

the guy i would say Alex pettyfyer

Jennifer

She better start fake baking and dying her hair because she doesn't look a thing like Melaine!

Musicgal987

Shes to young looking to be Melanie!! she looks like shes 12.....

Edwards Bride

I loved this book and am excited about who they chose to be Melanie

Kandice

Definitely not who I pictured as Melanie, but regardless, I'll still see the movie..

R3m3dy414

ooo i'm gonna have to pick tht book up again, i did start reading it but get distracted by other books lol

Scarlett_dancer2

omg really this chick while reading this book i pictured some one tan and brown hair not some white gurl

TeamCaius

i reckon itll be good. its easy to make people look older, and with make up and hair dye, she could actually look alot like how i imagined melanie.

Lollabunny22

She's way too young for the part (like 17 or so...) and doesn't look like Mel at all!!! I don't like it - hope it's not true, because I love the book :/
She would be an okay Wanda though...

charliebabesss

I love her and can't wait to see The Host brought to life!

Elizabeth Sanchez

I thought this was going to be wandas body after being removed from Melani. She doesn't look the part of Melanie. The book describes her tan brown hair and describes Wanda as blonde curls with her siler touch in her eyes

Dhannam13_2000

I am sorry, I dont remember the hose being a picture book showing pictures of how "Melanie" looked. When you read a book you use your imagination to think about how the person does look. Sure they talk about how they look however that is why there is hair dye, spray tan, makeup and a gym (to give her that tough appearance) - and acting is what she does as a profession. I am sure she will be perfect for the part.